Georgia Aquarium Wedding - Shockley Wedding

On June 27, 2009 there was a new featured exhibit at the world’s largest aquarium. Atlanta Falcon and former University of Georgia quarterback, DJ Shockley portrayed his undying commitment and love to the former Portia Phillips.

After meeting in high school, DJ and Portia knew early on that they were destined to be together forever. He continued to throw touchdowns playing as the key quarterback for University of Georgia and she continued to pursue her education and passion for working with disabled children. ‘Twas the night before Christmas at Centennial Olympic Park, DJ completed a pass for a touchdown that would change his life for the better, he asked Portia Phillips to marry him.

The excitement of sharing a new life together meant the planning had to begin immediately. To bring their dream to life, the couple chose the elite services of Kenisha White, President of The Genesis Concept. Kenisha White helped bring together their vision, needs and wants by leading them to The Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world, for the largest event of their lives.

The GA Aquarium provided first class service from the beginning to the end. The atmosphere of the venue gave an exotic feel and tropical flair for the evening. The ceremony began promptly at 6:30 pm, before 350 guests ranging from professional athletes such as Matt Ryan, DeAngelo Hall, Quentin Moses and Thomas Davis to Georgia Bulldogs coaches Mark Richt and Rodney Gardner; and many more professionals, family and friends.

An ecstatic bride, Portia wore a Lazarro, pearl white, a-line style dress covered in Swarvoski crystals with her bridesmaids standing with her dressed in orchid and silver. The guys lined the stage wearing classic black tuxedos. Overjoyed to be newlywed Mr. & Mrs. DJ Shockley the couple recessed to continue the celebration with family and friends at the reception.

Celebrity photographer, Korey Akinbami and videographers of Visual Statements Photography & Video were on site to cover this event of the year. The ballroom was set and ready to receive the guests, although many were not aware that they would be partying with the fish of the GA Aquarium. The guests were further astounded by the beautiful room designed with silver linen, orchid lighting, manzanita trees with hanging crystals, arrangements filled with orchids and roses, a huge dance floor in front of the Beluga tank and the highlight of the evening, the photo booth provided by WOW Photo.

After being served an array of appetizers and hors d’ oeuvres during the pre-reception cocktail, guests were presented with buffet stations of both Southern and New Orleans cuisine by Wolf Gang Puck Catering. The stations included Georgia baby shrimp with apple wood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese grits, slow braised short ribs, grilled asparagus, Cajun seafood pasta, blackened salmon, classic jambalaya, and Caesar salad.

With such fun and spirited personalities, the couple immediately got the party started by dancing to the tune of ‘Always’, played by Atlanta’s own V103, DJ Cowboy. And of course it would not have been a party without paying tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Villa Serena Outdoor Country Wedding Reception Site

Darren Benbow met Lisa Brown after high school graduation, at a gathering of their friends in Long Island, New York. Immediately, Darren knew that there was something about Lisa that he had to get to know, so they exchanged phone numbers. Shortly after they started to date, Lisa moved from New York to North Carolina with her family to attend college. In many cases, a drastic move such as theirs would have lead to a bitter end; however, this was not the case. The move actually strengthened the couple’s relationship and lead to the fairytale ending most people only dream of.

Five years later, life started leading them in two different directions. Lisa made a move to Maryland, and Darren was still in New York pursuing a career in music, as a Motown Records recording artist. A big argument between the couple led Lisa to write a letter to Darren, which he never responded to. A few years passed and Darren moved to Atlanta and a desire to reconnect with Lisa was overdue. With a common name, such as Lisa Brown, his search proved to be harder than he ever could have imagined. He spent money on Classmates.com, US Search, and People Finder, but the results led to nothing. After years of profile searches, reckless emails, and chance meetings with her old friends, it seemed the search was leading to a dead end.

One day, Darren received an anonymous email in his MySpace inbox from a girl who claimed he dated her sister years ago. Forgetting she had a younger sister, he continued to correspond with the girl until realizing it was Lisa’s younger sister. She went on to tell him that Lisa had relocated to Atlanta as well, and lived 20 minutes from where he was.

Darren and Lisa reconnected the same night they spoke, and it seemed as though they picked up exactly where they left off. He always said that if he found her again, he would never let her go. Believe it or not, two years later they were married at Villa Serena.

Villa Serena is a stately Italianate mansion secluded in a magnificent 100 acre wooded estate overlooking pristine Black Shoals Lake. This European style stucco and stone villa, surrounded by multi-tiered terraces and lovely landscaped grounds, offers an exceptional location for hosting any important event. The manor house, a private residence, with its center courtyard, is the perfect venue for elegant candlelight weddings, lovely outdoor country weddings, ceremonies and receptions, luncheons, theme or holiday parties and corporate events, large or small. Numerous sites, with both lakeside and garden views, provide exquisite backdrops for your memorable occasion. Of the many wedding sites and locations all over Georgia, Villa Serena is the perfect site for an elegant outdoor country wedding, ceremony, and reception.

Villa Serena, known for its personal touch and refined ambiance, is guaranteed to surprise and delight both you and your guests. From exceptional cuisine to elaborate decor, the staff's personal touch will customize each event to the client's particular preferences. Located in the Greater Metro Atlanta, Georgia area; Villa Serena is convenient to many Georgia cities and counties. Some of these include: Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbia, Conyers, Covington, Duluth, Gainesville, Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Loganville, Madison, Metro Atlanta, Monroe, Snellville, Social Circle, Stone Mountain, and Clark, Clayton, Dekalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Newton, Morgan, and Rockdale County. Conveniently located between Atlanta and Athens with easy access to Interstate 20 and GA highway 78, it is the perfect private location only minutes away from these metro areas. Welcoming not only area residents but also national and international visitors, the estate offers a unique and prestigious setting for your next memorable event. Villa Serena assures its clients that all who select this venue will surely "Celebrate the Moment and Cherish the Memory!"