Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

Our Wedding!

Ceremony

Reception & Dancing

Our Wedding

“Would you ever consider moving down here?” he asked. She replied, “I will if you make me fall in love with you.” Flashback to 1992 Walking in on the first day of class, John saw his friend Kim and headed to sit near her. “This is Sharlyn” she said. It was at that moment that, after 2.5 years sharing many mutual friends and likely almost meeting, that Sharlyn and John finally did meet. It was their final semester at JMU. Over the next 4 months a friendship grew. And in those last few weeks, particularly after spring break, every Friday they would go to happy hour together with friends. A romance didn’t happen but they had definitely noticed each other. Fast forward to the present It took a long time for the friendship to turn into dating but date we have. We have shared many days on the beach and have camped frequently in the mountains with no less than 3 different tents - John loves his gear. Our traveling adventures have included carriage rides in Charleston, South Carolina, a trip to the New River Gorge Bridge where we enjoyed rock climbing, rappelling and white water rafting, and kayaking down the James River both at the Upper James River Trail and through the heart of downtown Richmond. We took a memorable trip to London in which we saw the Tower of London, Stonehenge, Westminster Cathedral and the Imperial War Museum (but didn’t see Windsor Palace much to Ruth’s chagrin). We have paddleboarded, visited Canada arriving in a seaplane, and even paraglided, soaring higher with our parachutes than the seaplane flew. We have looked out on the world from the top of the Space Needle in Seattle and looked up to the surface from under the ground in Grand Caverns. It wasn’t all glamorous travel and adventure. Among all the fun were endless drives back and forth between Richmond and Virginia Beach (weekly for 3 years) such that our cars probably still know the way. We completed 4 moves for Sharlyn and 1 for John. Whether it was the highlights or more monotonous details, we shared many laughs and supported each other throughout it all. We have both grown so much and learned that with “our person” life can be fun no matter what. It has been an oft repeated refrain that we had to wait so long to find each other but we are always amazed that while it took a while for this to happen, it was worth the wait. We are delighted to share our story and day with you.

Who Would Have Thought? 

Our Story

Photos

Sharlyn's older daughter, Delaney, has a huge heart and especially loves animals.  She’s been known to add to the family’s menagerie with a policy of ask for forgiveness not permission.   She lives in Annapolis with her boyfriend Stephen and dogs Mack and Lenny.

Delaney Rollins

Camryn has just graduated from JMU.  She is now pursuing her Masters of Education degree and will be a “Double Duke.”  Having learned firsthand from her Mom, she has already perfected her “teacher look.” She looks forward to teaching English and sharing life with her longtime beau Tyler.

Camryn Rollins

Michael and John have been very close since they were little boys and can have entire conversations citing obscure movie quotes.  They once drove across Texas without talking to each other.  Michael and his wife Tracie live in Issaquah, Washington.  They enjoy boating, traveling, and family time with their daughter Siena, a student at Whitman College.

Michael Kinsley

Brian, also known as B-Wells or Chateau, is a long-time friend of John's.  They have shared many ski trips, concerts, beach days and other adventures over the years.  Brian was with John when the lifeguards had to “rescue” him when he was too far off shore.  He lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife Dorine and dog Winnie.

Brian Wells

Wedding Party

Hotels are listed first, followed by restaurants.As a resort city, there are numerous hotels to select from. In an effort to help, we were able to secure a group rate at 3 hotels. The Delta is right on the beach and closest to the venue.The other hotels are further away and not on the beach. Both are at difference price points and will require a longer drive yet are kinder on the wallet. As it is the peak of summer and tourist season, we were not able to get any block pricing at the Oceanfront area hotels. A final note is the Travelodge by Wyndham at 2968 Shore Drive. This is very close to the venue and 1 block from the beach. Yet it is old, not in the best of shape and gets 3.1 stars. We throw it out only if you’re willing to take your chances on your room to save some money (relative to the Delta) yet still be close to the venue and beach. Call us if you have any questions at all about these.

HOTEL and RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

A newer hotel, ranked #5 in Virginia Beach, this hotel is in the Town Center area. There is free parking, an indoor pool and a fitness center. There is great shopping and restaurants nearby.To book your room select your arrival &amp; departure date then click find rooms to proceed.&nbsp;If you prefer to book over the phone, please call 800-233-1234.&nbsp;This group discount has 2-night minimum stay requirement.&nbsp;The group rate includes breakfast. It is 7.7 miles away from the venue. The cut off date is June 6, 2025.

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center

This hotel has 4 google stars. It is approximately .8 miles from the venue. It is located right on the beach (Chesapeake Bay). Parking is $20 per night. It was recently renovated. Pricey because it is summer, it is a nice property and very convenient to the venue, restaurants and the beach is right outside. The cut off date for this rate is June 13, 2025. 

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

This hotel is not near the beach. We selected it because it is a good value and located at the VB Town Center. It has 4 Google stars and is 8.6 miles from the venue. It is a business style hotel. There is no minimum number of nights that you must book. There is free parking and has many shops and restaurants close by. This is the only hotel that is pet friendly - please consult with them directly for their policies. Booking Link: &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hil.tn/xz7748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hil.tn/xz7748</a>Room block code is 91H.Central Reservations:&nbsp;&nbsp;877-782-9444, mention group code 91H.If anyone needs to arrive before July 11 or past July 13, 2025 please have contact the sales department at 757-448-2101 to make your reservation, as it will not be available through the link&nbsp;or through the Central Reservations number since those nights are not contracted. The group rate will be honored through the reservation deadline for 2 days before/after July 11th-13th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cut off date to reserve a room with the group rate is June 11, 2025.

Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center

We selected this property for being the best value. While it is not near the venue (about 10 miles away) or beach, it is right off the interstate, easy to get to, and getting to the venue is very straightforward.  It has 4 Google stars, free parking, an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.  The group rate expires June 11, 2025.

Springhill Suites Norfolk Virginia Beach

If you’d like to enjoy your drink or meal while watching an endless parade of pleasure boats, and who wouldn’t, this is a spot to check out.

The Back Deck

Close to The Back Deck, Chick’s takes the waterfront concept and adds in a much bigger venue, an oversized bar and a “scene.” At night you can rub elbows with SEALS, young sailors, young people carousing, the “middle aged not quite ready to stay home on a Friday night” and pretty much everyone else. The food is solid, the drinks come with a great view and if you want to remember why you don’t go out anymore, enjoy a night out at Chicks. You’ll have a blast.

Chick’s Oyster Bar

When the restaurant is at a strip mall and the outside fire pits overlook a parking lot, you know there must be something special about the place to be a recommendation. Hot Tuna has been a local favorite forever and at some of our guests started their marriage in the bar (ask around to find out who).

Hot Tuna

One of our favorite restaurants, this billiards and pizza place has great burgers and outside seating. If there’s a game you want to see, come here- it’s also a full on sports bar.

Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse - Shore Drive

Sometimes a dive bar with a reputation for people dancing on the bar overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It is still a dive bar but with a great view and a legendary reputation. It is worth checking out.

Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant

&nbsp;They have outside seating including glider tables which are just fun. Don’t let the small parking lot and need to valet keep you from checking it out.

Rudee's Restaurant and Cabana Bar

Want an Orange Crush? Come to Waterman’s and watch the bartender manually press one orange at a time to make your cocktail. This is arguably where this drink became the iconic VB cocktail. Both a visitors’ and locals’ favorite, it overlooks the beach and upstairs is The Attic, quite a night spot

Waterman's Surfside Grille

&nbsp;In the heart of the resort area, this is more a bar that serves food than a restaurant. It is a dive bar and a good one at that. Check out the fish tacos as John has done numerous times over the years.

Baja Cantina

&nbsp;Do you want to eat among a crowded mix of tourists and locals, overlooking the boardwalk and munching on bar food? Then this is your spot.

Calypso Bar & Grill

Brunch!If you don’t mind a little wait, you’ll find that brunch here is a real treat.

Doc Taylor's Restaurant

With locations off Shore Drive and near the Oceanfront, you’re close to this perfect place to enjoy a relaxing brunch.

Bay Local Eatery

Travel

Virginia Beach has a variety of beaches. There are 3 main areas: * The Resort Area: 1st Street - 42nd Street: These beaches are more crowded as they are in front of the hotels. The water is the Atlantic Ocean so sometimes it can be rough. There are lifeguards here. This is where the Boardwalk is located. * The North End: 42nd Street - 89th Street: These beaches are where locals go to enjoy the ocean. Less crowded & very wide, it can be a rougher but also has more options for enjoying the waves. There are no lifeguards except at 57th street. * The Bay (aka Chic’s Beach): The beaches off Shore Drive are known for a lack of waves which could be good or bad depending on your preference. There are no lifeguards here.

The Beach

If you’re into World War 2 era and vintage aviation this treat is worth the drive.  There are numerous planes on static display and the museum is thoughtfully arranged.  Check this out if you’re into aviation or military history.

Military Aviation Museum

A Kinsley family favorite, this legendary mini-golf venue is a lot of fun.  It’s a little cliche but we challenge you to play 18 holes and tell us you didn’t have fun.

Jungle Golf

A pair of lighthouses, including the first federally funded lighthouse in the US, this is located not far from the so-called First Landing of English settlers in 1607.   If you’re into history, this hidden gem is right off the beach at the North End.

Cape Henry Lighthouses

If you want a little adventure, you can enjoy going just offshore on a kayak tour and hopefully see dolphins up close.  Even if you don’t, seeing the Beach from the water is a new perspective and a lot of fun.  John has done this and can personally say it is a 5 star experience.

Dolphin Tours And Kayaking Right Off The Beach

Things to Do

Registry

Q + A

We are so excited to have you join our special day and your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for. At our "mature age" we have been blessed and fortunate to not have to create a household. If you still feel inclined to give us a gift, we are creating a registry to give you some ideas and guidance. Our honeymoon will be a fun adventure as we travel throughout Italy. We will have the opportunity to see many amazing places and any contribution would be appreciated. Similarly we have some ideas to make our home more cozy (can you say new backsplash?) so Lowe's gift cards would be great.

Here is a link to our Amazon registry. As we understand it, for some of the pricier items, you can make a contribution and don’t have to “buy all of it.” Honestly I’m not sure how that works. https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/Sharlynandjohn However, please understand we truly mean it when we say we only want you to share in our day. After waiting so long to find each other and connect, nothing else could match the privilege of sharing this moment with you.

Sharlyn & John

Sharlyn & John

Photos