Mode Around the Globe: Shannon McMullen
@shannonmcmu
Photography by Jorden Keith @jordenkeith
Location: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
www.montereyplazahotel.com
@montereyplaza
Tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your personal brand in three words?
Whimsical, creative, bookworm.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love photography! I’m a romantic at heart, so I especially love photographing people’s love stories.
What’s your ultimate main-character moment?
Planning my wedding has made me feel like the main character who’s found her happy ending. I love every aspect of being a bride and planning my dream wedding.
What’s one thing you never travel without?
I never travel without my kindle! I like traveling light and I read a lot of books so I always need my kindle on vacay.
What does your perfect getaway look like?
My perfect getaway is a balance of adventure and relaxation. I can’t sit still for too long on vacation or I’ll get antsy, but I also can’t spend the entire trip running around a city or I’ll get burnt out.
Are you more of a meticulously planned itinerary girl or “let’s see where the day takes us” girl?
I’m definitely a laid-back planner. I love doing plenty of research beforehand and making a list of restaurants, activities, and places I’d like to see, but once I’m actually there, I like to go with the flow and do whatever I’m in the mood for that day.
What’s your go-to travel outfit when you want to look effortlessly chic?
My go-to vacation outfit is usually a sundress from House of CB. I always feel feminine and confident in their dresses.
What’s something you’re currently learning, working on, or trying to get better at?
I’m working on improving my photography since it’s become a big passion of mine.
What’s one destination at the very top of your travel bucket list?
I’ve been dying to take a summer trip to the English countryside so I can have a Pride & Prejudice moment!
If you could spend a day living someone else’s life, whose would it be?
An astronaut in outer space.
What is one piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your life?
I used to read a lot of self-help books, and one piece of advice that stuck with me was to be mindful of how you speak about yourself. The idea was that our words have energy, so we should choose them carefully. Ever since then, I’ve tried to stop talking down to myself or saying things like “I’m always late” or “I’m bad at this.” I’d rather choose to believe that I can grow and become the person I want to be.
What’s one quality you admire most in the people you surround yourself with?
I have a small circle of close friends, and I really admire how kind-hearted they are. We lift each other up and go the extra mile for one another and I feel very lucky to have friendships where everyone wants to see each other succeed.
What’s your ultimate comfort activity after a long day?
Curling up with a good book and a glass of wine.
What’s one thing that instantly puts you in a good mood?
Anything fall-related! An apple pie, a pumpkin spice candle, a crisp autumn day, or an episode of Gilmore Girls can instantly put me in a good mood. Anything that makes life feel a little more cozy and magical.
What does “feeling your best” look like for you right now?
I can say with 100% confidence that I feel my best at this very moment. I feel so fulfilled with my love life and friendships and I’m really excited with where my career is heading.
What’s a personal mantra or motto you’re currently living by?
“I’m a lucky girl.” It sounds so simple but it really works.
What’s one thing you hope people feel when they see the content you create?
Lately, I’ve made it a point to create more dreamy, whimsical content that feels like me. I hope it inspires people to embrace the things that make them unique.
If your life had a soundtrack right now, what song would be playing?
The song “Amas Veritas” from the Practical Magic soundtrack because I’m in my autumn era right now.
What do you have coming up that you’re really excited about?
Soon I’ll be visiting my wedding venue to taste test rehearsal dinner options, as well as the wedding cake. I’m a big foodie so I’ll be going in with a big appetite and high expectations.
What was your favorite part of your stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
It was actually my birthday during my stay, so it felt so special to celebrate somewhere so beautiful and magical. One of my favorite moments was the massage at the spa because I came out feeling completely relaxed and pampered.
