Yes—but evolved. Boardwalk Entertainment began as Boardwalk Photo Booth Company—with one vintage Model 14 and a passion for capturing real moments with real photo booths. Shawn stepped away from DJing for a few years to help Carolyn fine-tune the photo booth business and turn it into a well-oiled machine. As the business grew, clients who had read Shawn's reviews—or remembered him from past weddings—started asking if he still DJ’d. The requests kept coming, and the demand to bring it all together just made sense. So that's exactly what we did, and Boardwalk Entertainment was born. Today, we’ve got a full fleet of vintage and modern booths, plus our DJ and lighting services. The commitment to quality, attention to detail, and personalized service that defined Boardwalk Photo Booth Company remains at the heart of Boardwalk Entertainment. Same energy, same hands-on approach—just more ways to help you throw a great party.

✔ Experienced & Reliable: With decades of industry expertise, Shawn, Carolyn, and the entire Boardwalk Entertainment team ensure every event runs seamlessly. ✔ More Than Just a DJ: Services like photo booth rentals and uplighting can be booked individually or bundled for a complete experience. ✔ Highest-Rated Photo Booths: Over the past 15 years, Boardwalk has earned more 5-star reviews on The Knot and WeddingWire than any other photo booth company in Virginia—and that’s something we’re truly grateful for. Our custom-built booths have become a favorite across Hampton Roads, offering a one-of-a-kind experience and photo quality that speaks for itself. Every shot is crisp, vibrant, and professionally lit—so guests leave with keepsakes they’ll actually want to keep. ✔ Tailored to You: No two events are the same! We work closely with clients to bring their unique vision to life. Proudly serving the Hampton Roads community, and beyond, Boardwalk Entertainment is committed to making every event a truly special occasion—whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private party.

Shawn isn’t just a DJ—he’s a bit of a crowd whisperer, blending professionalism with an easygoing energy that keeps the dance floor moving. With over three decades in the industry and the latest sound & lighting equipment, he’s become a trusted name known for smooth emceeing, sharp music instincts, and a talent for reading the room. His music library spans every genre, allowing him to craft a playlist that fits the moment and the people in it. But what really sets Shawn apart is his attention to detail—he takes the time to understand the vibe you’re going for and makes sure it feels just right from start to finish. Whether it’s a wedding, reunion, corporate event, or private party, DJ Shawn Cox brings experience, polish, and a genuine touch that ties the whole night together. ​

It’s not uncommon to see DJs in Hampton Roads offering some sort of “photo booth” add-on these days—but most are using basic iPad setups, often without prints, no host, and worse—inadequate lighting. It’s an upsell, not a specialty. Boardwalk was built different. When Shawn stepped away from DJing back in 2010, he and Carolyn focused on building a photo booth company from the ground up—designing custom booths, selecting professional-grade gear, dialing in the lighting, and personally training a small team to deliver the kind of experience clients and guests actually remember. A few years (and ten photo booths) later, Shawn returned to the mix at the request of our clients—bringing decades of DJ experience to a photo booth business that was already running at full speed. It wasn’t just about offering more—it was about providing the best of both worlds. This isn’t just some package deal. It’s two services we’ve spent years perfecting—designed to work together and delivered with consistency, attention to detail, and style. That’s what sets Boardwalk Entertainment apart. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it.

No one does vintage photo booths like Boardwalk Entertainment. Our exclusive fleet of iconic Original Model 14 booths aren't just stylish; they’re the real deal. With rich wood grain exteriors, velvet curtains, and a classic charm you won’t find anywhere else, these booths deliver the authentic, high-end vintage experience—with a digital twist. Meticulously maintained and built to last, our Original Model 14 photo booths have been stealing the show and capturing unforgettable moments in Hampton Roads since 2010. When it comes to photo booths, nothing beats the timeless style of a classic.

Ringo & Pixie, our open-style photo booths, are a fantastic addition to any event and offer a fresh, modern take on the photo booth experience. While our vintage enclosed booths bring classic charm, the open booths offer a different kind of energy—perfect for capturing larger group shots and letting guests enjoy the action as it happens. The open booth delivers exceptional lighting and seamless digital sharing, allowing guests to take home printed photo strips while instantly downloading their images to keep the memories alive. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary setup or just want to fit more friends in the frame, our open-style booths bring the perfect blend of style, flexibility, fun, and unmatched photo quality!

Both our vintage enclosed booths and modern open-style booths offer an incredible photo booth experience—it just depends on the vibe you’re going for! Our vintage-style enclosed booths bring a classic, nostalgic feel with their rich wood grain exteriors and velvet curtains, offering a more private and intimate photo-taking experience. Our open-style photo booths provide a sleek, modern twist, allowing for larger group photos and letting guests see the fun. Either style features excellent studio lighting and seamless digital sharing, so guests can take home their printed photo strips and instantly download their pictures as well. No matter which style you choose, you’re guaranteed high-quality photos, an effortless experience, and plenty of fun. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of an enclosed booth or the larger available space of an open booth, you can’t go wrong!

Absolutely! Our photo booths are all about instant digital fun. Whether you’re stepping into one of our classic Original Model 14 vintage-style booths or posing with our sleek Ring Light open-style booths, sharing your photos is quick and effortless. Guests can instantly email their pictures, making it easy to upload and share on Facebook, Instagram, and beyond. And the best part? Our digital sharing system works outside the booth, so the next guests can jump right in and keep the party going—no delays, just nonstop fun!

Yes! Our photo booths give guests the option to print in color or black & white before each session. If you have a preference, we can also program the booth to print only one style for a consistent look. Additional fun options like sepia and pencil sketch are available, but color and black & white remain the most popular choices for timeless, high-quality prints.

Absolutely! Our Boardwalk Scrapbook Guest Book Service is included free with every wedding booking. We provide a beautifully crafted scrapbook, and our team assists guests in adding their photo strips and personal messages—some heartfelt, some hilarious (depending on how the night unfolds). It’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with memories you’ll love flipping through for years to come!

We believe everyone should get in on the fun! Our photo booths print two copies of each photo strip by default—one for your guests to keep and one for your scrapbook (if included). If guests want extra copies, we’re happy to print them for free on the spot. And with instant digital sharing, they can also download and share their photos right away!

We certainly do! Every photo booth rental includes a premium prop trunk at NO CHARGE—because the best photos deserve the best props! We source many of our high-quality props from the same supplier that provides props for Universal Studios and Walt Disney theme parks, ensuring a top-tier experience for your guests. From quirky hats and oversized glasses to themed accessories, our collection adds a touch of personality and creativity to every photo booth session. Whether guests go for something classic, silly, or completely outrageous, they’ll have a blast striking a pose!

Absolutely! Every event is unique, and your photo strips should be too. Our in-house graphic design team creates a custom logo for FREE, designed to perfectly match your event theme, wedding style, or company branding. Whether you’re envisioning something elegant and timeless, bold and modern, or completely one-of-a-kind, we tailor every detail to reflect your vision. Prefer something simple? We've got you covered! We also offer a selection of beautifully designed templates to choose from, so you can pick a style you love without overthinking it. Whether fully custom or effortlessly stylish, your photo strips will look amazing either way!

Of course! Every photo booth booking is run by a trusted Boardwalk Entertainment host. We’ve built our team with people we personally know and trust to bring great energy and top-notch service, ensuring everything runs smoothly and your guests have an amazing time!

Absolutely! After your event, every photo strip, individual image, and video GIF is uploaded to a password-protected online gallery, giving you and your guests FREE access to high-resolution downloads—because great memories should be safe, accessible, and yours to keep forever. No watermarks, no hidden fees, just crisp, clear photos ready to be shared. Click here to check out all of our past events...yours could be next!

Yes! If the party is still going strong and you’re not ready for the fun to end, overtime can be arranged directly with your Boardwalk Entertainment host during the event. We’re happy to keep the good times rolling so you and your guests can make even more memories!

Great question! Every vendor you hire should be fully insured, and we’re glad you asked. Boardwalk Entertainment carries a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy, giving you peace of mind that you’re working with a professional, reputable company. Our certificate of liability is available upon request—just let us know, and we’ll be happy to provide it!

We bring the fun to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Cape Charles, and even the Outer Banks—all with no travel fees. Got a destination beyond that? No problem! Our amazing reviews and unique services often lead us to venues far, far away. We’ll happily go the extra mile, with only reasonable fees to cover lodging and travel expenses. If the party’s calling, we’re there! Check out this Insta post from one of our weddings at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA—one of the main filming locations for the movie Dirty Dancing!

We are consumers ourselves, and believe great service should come standard—not as an extra charge. That’s why our pricing is clear and upfront, with free perks that many others charge for or can't offer at all. No surprises. No hidden fees. Just incredible value from start to finish!

Our DJ and photo booth pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all because every event is unique! Costs vary based on factors like date, venue, and specific needs, and we’re all about providing the best experience with clear, upfront pricing. No hidden fees, no unnecessary extras—just a custom quote built around what matters most to you. Want numbers? Click the "Contact Us" tab in the menu bar up there, send over the details, and we’ll get back to you with pricing right away!

Locking in your event is a breeze! Just hit the red button below, drop us your event details, and we’ll send over pricing and info tailored just for you. Ready to make it official? A signed agreement and non-refundable retainer are all it takes to secure your date. Plus, we keep payments easy—Venmo, Zelle, and all major credit cards accepted.