Some love stories just fit. The kind where you can’t imagine one person without the other. That’s exactly how it is with Sam and Shawn. After years together, raising their two children, Amelia and Christian (who have basically been best friends since they first met), it was finally time to make it official. And they couldn’t have picked a better setting than Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach, DE—a waterfront venue that gave them the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and an intimate, FUN celebration.

The Morning: Matching Tees for Unique Getting Ready Outfits

The day started with Sam and her bridesmaids getting ready onsite at Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach, a spot that made the morning feel both relaxed and special. Sam’s mom had everyone pick their favorite wedding-themed TV shows ahead of time. Then? She surprised them with getting ready t-shirts. The perfect way to kick off the day!

Once Sam got into her dress, she did a fun reveal with her girls…cue happy tears and all the excitement! Meanwhile, Shawn and his crew were just across the street, hanging out at their rented Airbnb. (Pro tip: Lighthouse Cove Event Center is the perfect spot for a destination-style wedding without the long travel. Everything is within walking distance—so getting from the Airbnb to the venue was as simple as crossing the street. One of my favorite photos Katie (my second) took from the day!) While Shawn got ready for the first look, his groomsmen kept things fun, hanging out at the onsite bar until it was go-time.

The Ceremony: Ocean Views & a Sentimental Walk Down the Aisle

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that fully embraces the beauty of Dewey Beach, Lighthouse Cove Event Center delivers. The ceremony was set against the backdrop of the ocean, with a unique setup that made the moment feel even more cinematic. Instead of walking down the aisle in pairs, each bridesmaid stood at the top of the steps, watching as the next one made her way down, building anticipation until it was finally time for Sam to enter.

When she and her mom appeared at the top of the stairs, looking down at the ceremony below, you could hear the collective gasp from guests. A breathtaking moment in every sense of the word. And in true stylish form, Sam’s cousin Alexis (my awesome sister-in-law!) officiated the ceremony wearing a chic pink suit, because why not make a statement?

The Reception: Pink Skies & an Intentional Surprise

After their gorgeous beach ceremony, it was time to celebrate! Guests moved into the cozy, beachside reception space, where fire pits and Adirondack chairs offered the perfect spot to sit back, sip a drink, and listen to the waves crashing against the shore.

But the real magic happened when Sam and Shawn snuck away during golden hour for sunset portraits. The sky did us a solid and painted itself in deep purples and soft blues. Exactly what you can only dream for at a beach wedding!

And then came the moment that had everyone in tears, (me included!) During the mother-son dance, Shawn’s son, Christian, surprised his grandmother by singing to her. An emotional performance that left no dry eyes in the room. It was one of those this is why we celebrate love kind of moments.

 

Lighthouse Cove Event Center was the perfect setting for Sam and Shawn’s wedding day. A mix of relaxed beachside elegance and deeply personal moments that made their day unforgettable. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a true getaway but still has all the comforts of an intimate venue, this is the place to be!