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.