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eddings W on the Beach • Oceanside & Westside Rooms • Westside Courtyard • Swimming Pool • Clean, cozy, comfortable rooms with cable TV, refrigerators & microwaves
252 • 441 • 4116 • kellysobxcatering.com
Walking distance to Jennette’s Pier!
Wedding Receptions • Celebrations • Off-site Rehearsal Dinners
ON YOURWedding Day CAPTURE THE SPIRIT & ROMANCE OF THIS MAGICAL COAST The Flagship of Catering Excellence on the Outer Banks for 72Years
• Oceanfront Efficiencies The Fleet
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• Walking Distance To Jennette’s Pier • Chef Inspired Custom Menus • Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners
In the center of it all: Elizabethan Gardens NC Aquarium in Manteo NC Aquarium at Jennette’s Pier NC Lighthouses Nags Head Golf Links Pirate’s Cove Marina Historic Downtown Manteo
Venue Cuisine • Service All-Inclusive Pricing pamlicojacks.com | 252.441.2637 | doug@pamlicojacks.com | Soundfront • Nags Head • MP 15.5
• Distinctive Catering Your Place or Ours • AAA Three Diamond Award
252.441.7309
Be sure to call Owens’ Restaurant for catering options.
owensrestaurant.com
Affordable Rates • Families welcome 800.440.4386 • 252.441.6361
owensmotel.com
Oceanfront • 7115 S Virginia Dare Trail • Nags Head, NC 27959
owensrestaurant.com Find accommodations for your guests right on the oceanfront at Owens’ Motel • owensmotel.com 7114 S. Virginia Dare Trail • Nags Head, NC 2 7959 • MP 16.5
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A Family That Stays Together...
2018 WEDDING GUIDE TO THE OUTER BANKS
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PUBLISHER Mary Ann Williams, Gene Williams Three Dog Ink, LLC 111 East Baltic Street • Nags Head, NC 27959 Phone: 252.261.6490 • Fax: 252.261.5476 Email: info@threedogink.com outerbanksweddingguide.com
EDITOR Michelle Wagner
ART DIRECTOR Sue Colao
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Groat
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Marie Walker, Andi Hopkins
SOCIAL MEDIA Jane Fiedler
DISTRIBUTION Jason Adams
CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Armstrong, Susan Selig Classen, Meaghan Beasley, Catherine Kozak, Kelsey Quartuccio, LIllian Stevens, Tara Turner, Michelle Wagner
PHOTOGRAPHY Julie Dreelin, Five Fiish Photography, Flutterby Bakery, GingerSnaps Photography, Honey Suckle Events, Hope Taylor Photography, Olivia Leigh Photography, Lori Douglas Photography, Matt Lusk Photography, Neil GT Photography, neonpoodle.com, Outer Banks Productions, Pullen Weddings, Sarah D’Ambra Photography, Sarah Keenan Creative, Shutterstock, travelersjoy.com, Stacy Bauer Photography, Van & Louis Photography
...enjoys your wedding together! Weddings are all about friends and family and the chance to bring everyone together doesn’t happen very often. Having the people closest to your heart stay at the same place makes perfect sense...and who doesn’t love to stay at the beach! Our 86 room hotel offers a luxurious honeymoon suite, large newly renovated guest rooms, a picture perfect gazebo, indoor/outdoor salt water pools and a whirlpool spa. Shutters on the Banks is the ideal, central, Outer Banks location to host your guests and enjoy the first night of the rest of your lives together.
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
Three Dog Ink welcomes comments and suggestions about errors that warrant correction. E-mail your corrections to editor@threedogink.com. The Wedding Guide to the Outer Banks is an annual publication of Three Dog Ink which maintains sole reproduction rights to any and all contents, editorials and advertisements. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and does not guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be nor is assumed. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the advertisers in this publication. Reproduction of any material from this publication is strictly forbidden without permission from the publisher.
To reserve a block of rooms to keep your friends and family together, please call 800.848.3728 or email wedding@shuttersonthebanks.com
WWW.SHUTTERSONTHEBANKS.COM
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inside 6 10 11 12 16 20 22 24 26 38 42 46 50 52 56 70 72 74 80 82 84 102
Making it Official
The Honey Pot Trend Create the Perfect Wedding Hashtag The Perfect Cake Hiring a Wedding Planner Be Ready: Wedding Day Setbacks A Doggone Good Wedding Day Beauty Tips for Brides Capture the Moments 2018 Wedding Trends The Soundtrack of Your Big Day Say It With Flowers Bridal Boutique Sand & Sea, You & Me Catering to Your Dreams Bar Basics Food Truck Culture A Groom’s Guide to Wedding Planning Grooms Sport Their Style Celebrate with Children Venues: A Wedding in Paradise Real Wedding – Michele McKenna & Kevin Stellato
104 Real Wedding –
Keaten Frey & Luke Davis
106 Real Wedding –
Remy Biase & Eli Thompson
108 Real Wedding –
Christina Reis & Aaron Nadeaus Nadeau
JULIE DREELIN
110 Registry of Wedding Professionals
on the cover
We would like to congratulate our beautiful cover couple, Keaten Frey and Luke Davis. See their real wedding on pages 104-105. (Photo courtesy Lori Douglas Photography)
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MAKING IT
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WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?
Official
Marriage License Requirements for
Outer Banks Weddings
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BY SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
t is only a small piece of paper that makes a marriage legal, but there are big implications for not getting the paperwork completed correctly. Did you know that couples getting married on the Outer Banks may fall under the jurisdiction of three different North Carolina counties? Read ahead to make sure all of your paperwork is in order well before your big day. Following are some frequently asked questions for getting a marriage license in Dare, Currituck, and Hyde counties.
For Currituck County (Note that the Currituck County office is located on the mainland and is approximately 13 miles south of the Virginia state line; there are no marriage license services available in its satellite office in Corolla) • A valid government picture ID that includes your date of birth. • Social security numbers and the dates of previous marriages or divorces, but official documentation is not required of either.
For Hyde County (Swan Quarter office) • A valid government picture ID that includes your dates of birth. • Social security card or any other official paperwork with your social security number listed, such as a W2 form or old pay stub. • If previously married, you must provide the month and year of your last divorce(s). There is no waiting period. • If under age 18, consult the website or Register of Deeds office directly, prior to going.
WHO NEEDS TO GO TO THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE? Both of you must appear in person to apply for a North Carolina wedding license.
WHEN SHOULD WE GET THE LICENSE? There is no waiting period, so you may use the license from the moment it is issued. However, marriage licenses are valid for only 60 days after they are issued. Your application will be invalid if you apply after your ceremony has taken place.
SARAH KEENAN CREATIVE
DO WE NEED AN APPOINTMENT AT CURRITUCK, HYDE, OR DARE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE?
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
No appointment is necessary. The Currituck office is located on the mainland portion of Currituck County and issues marriage licenses from 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. The Dare County Register of Deeds office is open weekdays from 8:30 am – 5 pm, but applicants should arrive no later than 4:30 pm. If you are in a hurry, it is wise to avoid Dare County’s busiest days and times, which are any weekdays between noon and 2 pm and on Mondays. The Hyde County Register of Deeds in Swan Quarter (on the mainland) is open weekdays, 8 am - 5 pm, but applicants should arrive no later than 4 pm.
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
WHERE DO WE GET A LICENSE? You can get your license in any county in the state of North Carolina, and you may use that license to get married anywhere in the state. However, while any county in the state can grant you a marriage license to be used for your beach wedding on the Outer Banks, be aware that each office may differ in their document requirements. If you are obtaining your marriage license from local offices, here is what you need to know about all three counties: A dedicated page on Dare County’s website will allow couples to fill out and submit their marriage application before they ever visit the county office. Expect to spend about 30 minutes for the online process, but completing the application online will speed up the process when you arrive in person. Hyde and Currituck counties’ pages provide downloadable forms and worksheets, which means that couples can arrive prepared at those county offices.
For Dare County (Manteo office) • A valid government picture ID that includes your dates of birth. • Social security card or any other official paperwork with your social security number listed, such as a W2 form or old pay stub. • Divorce decree with judge’s signature if your divorce was less than a year ago. If your divorce was more than a year ago, you just need to be able to list the date of the divorce on your application. • If either of you are under 21, you will need a certified birth certificate. Those under age 18 will need more affidavits and should consult the website or Register of Deeds office directly, prior to going.
OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
FIVE FISH PHOTOGRAPHY
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ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
After the Wedding?
Marriage certificates are not automatically mailed out to newly married couples; they have to be requested after the wedding ceremony. To get a certified copy, download the request form from your county’s website and follow those mailing instructions. Each copy will cost $10.
darenc.com/deeds/marriage.asp Dare County Justice Center 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive • Manteo, NC 252-475-5970
Currituck County
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
co.currituck.nc.us/Register-of-Deeds.cfm Currituck Judicial Center 2801 Caratoke Hwy., Suite 300 • Currituck, NC 252-232-3297
The fee for a marriage license is $60 in all three local counties. Dare County accepts cash, checks, money orders or credit cards (with a 2% surcharge); Currituck accepts cash, money order, or personal check. Hyde accepts cash only. JULIE DREELIN
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING? There must be two witnesses to any ceremony - whether it is civil or religious. One job of your minister, magistrate, or officiant is to sign your marriage license and return it to the county office in which you were married within 10 days after the marriage ceremony. ♥
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
TheOuterBanksOfficiant.com
Capture The Magic – Rev. Rande Banks
Are you planning tents, chairs, and an arbor?
Casual Contemporary Traditional Pet Friendly Elopement Pkgs. Vow Renewals
252.473.0551
RandeBanks@TheOuterBanksOfficiant.com
The national seashores, public beaches, and lighthouses each have different regulations regarding outdoor ceremonies. Read up on their websites when planning a toes-in-the-sand sort of wedding. Contact the town in which your ceremony will be held regarding any additional permits or restrictions at one of the following phone numbers: Corolla................................ 252-453-8555 Duck ................................... 252-255-1234 Southern Shores .............. 252-261-2394 Kitty Hawk ........................ 252-261-3552 Kill Devil Hills .................... 252-449-5300 Nags Head ......................... 252-441-5508 Manteo ............................... 252-473-2133 Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area ............ 252-473-2111 (includes Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses)
Hyde County / Ocracoke Island hyderod.net Hyde County Government Center 30 Oyster Creek Rd. • Swan Quarter, NC 252-926-4182
♥
Rev. Barbara Mulford The Heart of the Couple should be the Heart of the Ceremony.
Dare County
DO WE NEED A PHYSICAL OR A BLOOD TEST? No.
OFFICIANT
A non-denominational minister who performs personalized wedding ceremonies that celebrate the heart of the couple.
Where to get your license: A list of local Register of Deeds offices:
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
♥ WEDDING
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Also available, Competitive Pricing for Elopement & Vow Renewal Ceremonies.
myobxofficiant.com ♥ 252.202.5424
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The Gift of Experiences:
Wedding Hashtags
Navigating the Honey Pot Trend
Finding Your Perfectly Unique Presence
BY KELSEY QUARTUCCIO TRAVELERSJOY.COM
D
PHOTO KATIEDID PHOTOGRAPHY
o you already own decorative hand towels, fancy party dishware, and comfortable linens? Are you looking for another way to guide generous wedding guests in their gift giving? If so, you may consider doing a “honey pot” when planning your wedding. Honey pots are an increasingly prevalent registry option that allows guests to chip in to honeymoon experiences like meals, lodging, and activities. Several trends have contributed to the honey pot’s recent growth in popularity over the traditional registry. On average, couples are getting married later in life, and often cohabitate and build a home together well before their wedding date. The necessities are usually acquired during this period, negating the need for a registry. Millennials and younger generations are also putting a heavier premium on experiences and travel instead of tangible possessions, especially as living spaces shrink in size. Furthermore, many couples are now either partially or fully funding their weddings, leaving less room in the budget that would have gone toward the honeymoon. While this is a registry alternative that younger and less-traditional guests are often enthusiastic about, it is important to recognize others may prefer to give material gifts. Only you and your partner will be able to judge how traditional your guest list is. To accommodate both sides of the aisle, etiquette experts recommend creating a hybrid-registry that includes a honey pot and normal registry. Should you decide to make the honey pot commitment, be gracious and tactful when letting guests know about
REV.
MAKING YOUR WEDDING
Authentic, Fun
AND
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Totally You!
BOWMAN
Wedding Officiant
jay@revjay.com 252.216.6676
it. Emphasize on your wedding site or through invites that the presence of friends and family on your big day is enough of a gift, but if they would like to contribute to your new life together, a small cash gift would go toward your honey pot. The cash or check gift is a common route for many, but often guests prefer to give gift cards so they know their money will be put to a specific use. Gift cards to airlines or hotel brands serve the same purpose. Creating a physical registry with a travel theme also allows guests who prefer to give tangible gifts the option to do so, and still sets you and your partner up for a better honeymoon experience. After all, most of us could use new luggage.
The honey pot is one of the fastest-growing niches in the wedding industry. With dozens of registry sites to sift through, it’s important to research which option is best for you. To avoid parties feeling that the honey pot is nothing more than a tacky, roundabout way for a “cash-grab,” and to ensure gift-givers don’t think they donated money to some arbitrary corner of your utilities bills, be creative in how you thank them. For instance, turn a photo of the specific honey pot-funded meal, activity or adventure into a postcard, instead of using regular thank-you cards. When posting photos on social media of your romantic meal spread, be sure to tag and thank the person responsible. The honey pot is one of the fastest-growing niches in the wedding industry. With dozens of registry sites to sift through, it’s important to research which option is best for you. Most will take a percentage of gifts given (Honeyfund, the most popular honey pot platform, takes 2.8% of gifts made through its site). For those navigating moral nuances, some sites, such as MyRegistry.com, allow couples to pick a charity to receive a percentage of the gifts, while the rest is gone into the honey pot. If executed correctly, the right honey pot can make your friends and family feel like they contributed to once-in-a-lifetime experiences for you and your partner – and save you cabinet space from that second blender you don’t really need. ♥
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A favorite part of every wedding has to be the photos; sometimes, a cherished picture may not come from your professional photographer, but a candid shot by a guest on their cell phone. And, of course, everyone loves to share those moments. ###################################
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T
hese days you can document the entire process of your wedding from engagement to honeymoon on social media and share every step along the way. But how do friends and family find your photos and let you know about theirs? Hashtags, that’s how! Nearly 52 million people upload photos to Instagram every day, all of them searchable with a unique hashtag. At the start of your wedding planning journey, it’s important to come up with a hashtag that will be easily remembered and stand out from the crowd. If your creative thinking juices are getting all tapped out on choosing your theme and colors, dreaming up the wedding hashtag to end all wedding hashtags is probably toward the bottom of your lengthy to-do. It doesn’t have to be hard and, once you get started, will probably be fun!
Use these tips to help create your unique wedding hashtag today: 1. Use a Wedding Hashtag Generator – Just do a quick search for Wedding Hashtag Generator and oodles will pop up for you to choose from. Enter your names, wedding date, location, etc. and a hashtag will present itself for you. Simple, effective, and you’re out the door to meet with wedding planners. 2. Use Your Names – If the Generator left you feeling a little generic, then turn to your fabulous spouse-to-be and use your names to come up with your hashtags. You could go simple with first and last names, use your crazy nicknames (which no one will forget), or combine your names with the wedding date. ie. – #BrookeAndTad1118 #BeezNMegGettingHitched #SmithWedding 3. Getting Punny with It – For those of you who love to turn your hashtags into unforgettable monikers, this is your time to shine. While challenging, a pun hashtag will make people laugh and will most likely not be forgotten. ie. – #NoMooreFishInTheSea #WeAretheBeezKnees #WhereTheHitchensAt
BY MEAGHAN BEASLEY
4. Draw On Your Relationship or Wedding – Maybe you met in high school or on a backpacking trip through Europe, maybe you have a fabulous theme for your wedding or you’re getting wed in a far-off locale, anything about your coupledom or big day could be a great hashtag. ie. – #FromPromDateToLifeMate #SueandBillOBXWed #HeSwipedRight #AsYouWish 5. Make it Yours, Not Theirs – You’ve decided on The One, but before you tell the world about your hashtag, do a quick search to make sure it isn’t already in use. If it was used a couple of times to tag a photo of a plant or someone’s cat, you’re probably safe. But much more than that, and you and friends may find yourselves looking at someone else’s wedding photos. No fun there! 6. Readability – Watch for flow and ease of typing when you invent your hashtag. #carlaanddavid is harder to type than #davidandcarla. Also, use capitals to make your hashtag easier to read. 7. Let People Know – Getting the word out about your hashtag can be as simple as using it on your engagement photos. But if you really want to get the word out, use it everywhere: save the dates, invitations, on signage at your shower and engagement parties, at the guest book table, as a photo booth prop, on the tables at the reception, the list of possibilities is endless. And be patient if you have to explain what a hashtag is to Grandma and Grandpa; once they know, they’ll probably want to join in as much as possible. Coming up with your signature wedding hashtag can be a significant and helpful way to document your wedding, not to mention help others to know how to share their photos with you. As your marriage progresses, your hashtag can be used to mark your anniversaries or other marriage milestones with throwback photos. Remember, this is one of the fun parts of wedding planning, so enjoy it! ♥
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BY KIMBERLY ARMSTRONG
JULIE DREELIN
Cake tasting. Those two words might very well be the two most beautiful words in the English language. No wait. Maybe it’s buttercream frosting. Let’s face it, there are not going to be too many times in your life when you can while away an afternoon sampling wedding cake, guilt-free. With all the sometimes-grueling decisions you are faced with when planning a wedding, choosing your cake is hands down the most fun! Consider the following topics and tips to help you navigate the sweet path to your personal confection perfection.
Budget Do you have an idea of how much of your wedding budget you would like to appropriate for the cake? What is the number of guests expected at the reception? Most bakers price wedding cakes by the slice, which could vary from $1.50 a slice all the way up to $15 or more a slice. Generally, three tiers will serve 50 to 100, and you’ll likely need five layers for 200 or more guests. Just keep in mind that all bakers are different and may have different pricing policies. Naturally, the more complicated the cake, the costlier it will be. Labor-intensive details such as fondant icing, flourishes of sugar-paste flowers, an abundance of piping, and elaborate shapes, will result in a higher price. For cost-cutting measures, you could serve your guests “half-servings.” Or you could order a smaller version of your dream cake to have on display and to use for the cutting-of-the-cake photos. Then for the guests, you could have sheet cakes made with the same ingredients and frosting as your display cake. The sheet cakes could be “hidden” in the kitchen and sliced up by the catering staff. Another option would be a “deconstructed” wedding cake. Instead of the timeconsuming process of stacking multiple cakes into a tower structure, the cakes are displayed as individual mini-cakes. Bear in mind that not everyone will eat cake. They may have overdone it on the yummy crab dip or they can’t be lured from the dance floor where they’re basking in enthusiastic applause for their impressive moves. It’s important to have decided on a budget before meeting with the baker. You don’t want to slip into a sugar coma and lose your ability to think sensibly.
Design What is your vision for your cake? Before your bakery consultation, think about what you like and explore your options. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, do you dare
FIVE FISH PHOTOGRAPHY
Cake
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
The Perfect
OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
JULIE DREELIN
LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
JULIE DREELIN
OUTERBANKSWEDDINGGUIDE.COM
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
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check out the gazillion cake photos on Pinterest and risk wedding cake photo overload? Some brides have an overlying theme for their wedding and choose to have the cake design follow suit. You may wish to coordinate with the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Or choose to complement the venue or environment. It’s no surprise that beach-themed cakes are popular on the Outer Banks! If your ceremony will take place in a garden you might choose to decorate the cake with real seasonal flowers. Hydrangeas in blue, pink, lavender, or white are particularly lovely and large - two or three will provide maximum impact. Also, look to the bridesmaids’ bouquets for inspiration. A traditional cake is round. Square cakes are unique and provide lots of surface area for creativity. A square cake will generally feed more guests because it can easily be cut into uniform pieces. Oval shaped cakes are on the rise. Does anyone fancy a threedimensional cake?
2018 WEDDING GUIDE TO THE OUTER BANKS
Cake Trends
Bakers continue to dazzle with their artistry. Note these trends for 2018, including some popular carryovers from 2017.
• Metallic Icing If you are drawn to glitz and glamour, you will take a shine to this cake. An entire tier wrapped in gold or silver or a bit of both will wow your guests. Want to tone it down a bit? Sprinkle a little gold and silver “dust” here and there. Or go with intricately woven threads resembling embroidery. It’s all edible, of course, but may cause vivid dreams of unicorns.
• Drip Cakes Don’t be put off by the uninspiring name of this cake. The effect is eye-catching. These cakes are either partially or completely frosted with icing “dripping” from the top tier over the sides. The icing could be anything from melted white chocolate or caramel to a rich chocolate ganache.
• Naked Cakes Is there a law against cakes being naked in public? Rather than the frosting being the star of the show, the focus is on the delicious cake itself. It is often filled or layered with something decadent like buttercream or lemon curd. They are adored for their rustic, unfinished look. Not completely without ornamentation, powdered sugar, fresh fruit or flowers can be added to distract from their nakedness.
• Marble Fondant Cakes The method for this creation is reminiscent of childhood afternoons spent with Play-Dough. Ropes of fondant are rolled, twisted, bent, and squished until they take on the appearance of sheets of marble. Cake sheathed in this fondant takes on a stone-like appearance. Simplistic yet stunning.
• Hand-Painted Cakes Turn your cake into a piece of art by choosing an image to be painted on the cake. Bold and bright flowers, butterflies, the scene of a favorite place, a heartfelt message for your beloved. It’s your blank canvas.
• White White wedding cakes are timeless. Embellishments such as cascades of real or sugar flowers, pearls, a brocade or ruffled finish, or piping in an ivory shade or a pale pastel will add to its understated opulence. Choosing a different shape such as round, square, oval, etc., for each tier will add interest.
• Lace Your wedding is the epitome of a romantic event so why not have an equally romantic cake? Draw from the lovely lace of your wedding gown or veil to create a sugary applique that mimics the real thing. You’ll fall in love all over again.
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Choose a Reputable Bakery
pleasers and are less expensive than exotic flavors. You may wish to choose the flavor based on a special memory such as the carrot cake your grandmother used to make or the raspberry cake with white chocolate frosting the two of you shared on a special date. Coconut, mocha, banana walnut, red velvet. If you can’t reach an agreement on the flavor, you could choose assorted flavors for each layer, providing they’re complementary of each other. If you simply cannot decide on just one cake, then how about lots of different cakes? Guests will love the variety.
Allow enough time to choose your wedding cake – about 3 to 4 months. Begin your search online. Check out the websites of local bakers and prepare to be amazed as you view the marvelous creations of the talented bakers here on the Outer Banks. Their cakes rival anything you would find in a large city. Read customer feedback and reviews. Perhaps you’ve attended a friend’s wedding recently and found the cake served at that event to be delectable. Make an inquiry to determine the responsible baker. Also, check with your caterer as they might provide wedding cakes. When you find a baker whom you feel will meet your needs, arrange a meeting for a cake consultation. Share some of the details of your wedding, especially the reception venue, and let them know what you envision for the cake. Take along color charts, fabric swatches, photos, etc., to better convey your ideas. If you’re still not sure what you want, ask the baker for suggestions. If you feel the baker and her staff are receptive and appear to be eager and willing to please, you may have found the ideal baker. On the other hand, if they don’t take time with you or you feel rushed and they avoid answering your questions, you will want to continue searching. Please do not wait until the last minute! Your choices will be limited if you do. A wedding cake is a work of art and the baker will need plenty of time to devote to your custom creation.
Flavors Find inspiration in the flavors of the season. A summer wedding could feature a strawberry shortcake. Marrying in the fall? Consider a pumpkin or spice flavored cake. Standard flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and lemon are still crowd-
SWEET-E-PIES of the outer banks
You are no longer limited to the plastic molded wedding couple who has dutifully kept vigil atop many a wedding cake. Now, there are modern and personalized options available, such as a couple that looks just like the two of you, with matching hair color and striking a variety of casual poses. Using a special heirloom such as your parents’ cake topper adds a touch of sentimentality. A simple spray of flowers, a meaningful quote, or monogram are popular as well. No pressure, though. You can always go topless!
Dietary Restrictions Determine whether you want to offer gluten-free or vegan alternative cakes to accommodate any family members or guests with food restrictions or special diets.
Delivery
Taste Test When you go to the tasting, resist allowing too many tagalongs. The more people accompanying you, the harder it is to agree on a design and taste. You may want to limit it to you and the groom. It could serve as a nice relaxing outing for the two of you and a welcome break from all the frenetic planning. Don’t settle for a cake that looks better than it tastes. Make sure you’re happy with the taste of the cake as well as the frosting. You should avoid choosing something too unusual as the guests might be turned off by an unrecognizable flavor. You will likely pay a substantial amount for the cake so at least make it an enjoyable experience for everyone and avoid oodles of leftover cake.
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Cake Topper OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
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MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
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The cost of the cake may or may not include the delivery fee. This is not an appropriate time to try to save money by having a family or friend pick up the cake. Cake delivery and setup can be quite a complicated affair. It is best left to the professionals. In most cases, they have a specially equipped cooled van to use for delivery. Some of the more elaborate cakes are often assembled after delivery. Ensure that there is a reserved place of honor and a stand for the cake and that the baker or delivery person is aware of its location – you certainly don’t want to move the cake once it’s been assembled. Is the room temperature cool enough to accommodate the cake being on display for a few hours? Whipped cream, meringue, and buttercream do not fare well in excessive heat. If you’re using a wedding planner, make sure she coordinates with the bakery to finalize a plan.
CONFECTIONS NEXT TO PERFECTION
sweet-e-pies.net robin@sweet-e-pies.net
252.480.2372
Skip the Cake What if you’re not a cake person? There’s no shame in that! There is no wedding law that says you must have a cake. There are plenty of alternatives for satisfying your guests’ sugar cravings. Swap the cake for whole pies or mini pies in a variety of flavors. A tower of pastel-colored macarons makes an elegant statement on a dessert table. Cupcakes are still riding the wave of popularity. Popsicles and ice cream sandwiches lend a retro flare and assorted donuts arranged in whimsical displays are enjoying time in the dessert limelight. Rest assured, whatever confection you ultimately choose, it will be the perfect sweet ending for your day of celebration. And the perfect sweet beginning for your new life together. ♥
gluten free dairy free • vegan
outerbanksglutenfreebaker.com • 252.619.2332
Some Couples Hire a |
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Wedding Planner…
Save Your Priorities
BY SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
Meghan says, “With a wedding on a beach, I was worried that the ‘first look’ that people got of me was going to be when I was walking across the street to get to the beach or while the photographer was taking some outdoor shots before the ceremony.” Her wedding planner worked with the trolley driver and photographer to figure out a solution. Instead of using the most direct parking area, “the driver found a side lot to pull up and drop me off where no one would see me until my formal entrance. So the important thing is that the planner knows what’s important to you,” says Meghan.
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Save Money
...Others Wish They Had
Many associate hiring a wedding planner with having a big budget affair, but planners go with budget-conscious brides, too. The average cost of a U.S. wedding in 2016 was $35,329 and more than 50 percent of all couples end up spending more than what they budgeted. And it’s not just the bride’s parents who are footing the bill anymore. Surveys of recently married couples reveal that the bride’s family covered 43 percent of wedding costs; the marrying couple contributed another 43 percent; the groom’s parents paid for 12 percent; and the last 2 percent came from friends and family members. A planner living in the community of a destination wedding can be more accurate with estimating true costs and can anticipate the unexpected costs that are likely to occur. While a wedding planner’s fees can seem like yet another line item on an already long list of expenses, a good planner will, in fact, help the couple stick to their budget, plan for the unexpected expenses, and even may pass along discounts from vendors to make the wedding tab smaller in the long run.
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
e had everything planned,” says Meghan. “We were driving from New Jersey on a Thursday and getting our marriage license in Currituck County on our way down. On Saturday, I decided to give the license to our wedding planner for safekeeping until the ceremony in a few days. That’s when I realized the wrong Social Security number was written on all the paperwork!” Mind you this was a July wedding when summer traffic is at its worst. The Currituck County offices on the mainland were more than two hours away from their Corolla wedding site. The geographical reality of trying to make it back to the office was just the sort of problem a wedding planner solves. The day before the wedding found the bride and bridesmaids getting their manicures and spray-on tans as planned, while a wedding planner was taking care of the hassles. The following are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy by bringing in the planning pros:
Save Your Family
In Meghan’s case, her mother was confused about the “destination wedding” concept. “Mom was concerned about the distance. The no church thing.” But our planner did such a good job setting the stage for a beach wedding that now, even my toughest critics have not stopped talking about our wedding.”
Also, with so many egos to bruise along the way, sometimes it helps to have a neutral party who doesn’t bring ego and expectation to the wedding, just expertise and experience. Your planners will happily take the heat for not making the distant grandniece the flower girl. Even if you assign your planner a dozen tasks, you won’t worry that they’ve been asked to line up for an important family photo at exactly the same time. Something else to consider, if either of you is a second-timer down the aisle, is the fact that blended families often need creative handling. An experienced wedding planner is masterful at seating charts and finding perfect roles for each family member.
Save Time
Imagine that over the course of the next year, you and your partner are starting a new career that you are not trained to do (and never plan to do again). Planning a destination wedding can feel like telecommuting for a part-time job from many miles away. If both of you are already working full-time jobs, there may not be enough time to meet wedding deadlines that many vendors need. In Meghan’s case, the only vendors she met in person on the Outer Banks were her photographer and officiant. The wedding planner helped her navigate the hiring of others using phone calls and Skype.
The hotel Meghan booked left their largest hall empty in case it rained and was needed. The wedding planner and florist were ready to move the dance floor, lighting, and décor indoors if necessary. “For me, I didn’t want people to get smooshed” if it rained and the wedding was moved inside at the last minute.”
Save Your Vacation
A bride who is planning her own wedding can easily slip into the role of a travel agent and reservationist for every guest, in addition to writing vows, selecting music and other details. With a wedding planner, the couple is able to enjoy their beach wedding instead of working out logistics with caterers, photographers and guests. You will have time and energy reserved to enjoy everyone who has traveled to celebrate your special day with you. A wedding planner who lives on the Outer Banks can handle all aspects of your destination wedding, allowing you to sail away on your honeymoon stress-free.
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
Save Your Sanity
How to Interview a Wedding Planner In addition to the obvious requests for cost estimates and customer referrals, here are a few tailored questions to ask to help you find a planner who is well-versed in Outer Banks weddings.
How do you plan around wedding season and Saturday check-in dates? Peak wedding season on the Outer Banks is not summertime. There are two peak wedding seasons, which are spring and fall. During these “shoulder” months, rates are low, summer traffic has thinned and the weather leans toward the spectacular. Also, with Saturday check-ins at many rental homes, couples frequently do not plan to tie the knot on a Saturday. Couples should also expect pricing fluctuations reflected by peak wedding dates, weekend hours, and four-wheel drive access expenses.
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How to Customize a Wedding Planner for Any Budget...
What have you done in a previous emergency situation that saved the day? Not only might you discover quirks about your Outer Banks venue, but you may also find out what another couple did when they ran into difficulties.
What was the most unusual wedding request you’ve ever had? You’ll find out how flexible your planner is and if your tastes match.
How many weddings will you be managing on any given weekend? How much of the work will your assistant(s) perform? While your planner may have an entire team of assistants, their performance at your event may be taxed by too many emergencies. Also, you may have shopped around and finally found a planner with whom you click, only to find out that they delegate much of the work to less experienced assistants. You will want to meet or interview anyone who will be making major decisions on your behalf.
How do you prefer to communicate with your clients? A planner who is well-versed in e-mails, text and social media is well suited for the distance planning involved with destination weddings.
How involved are you with the rest of our wedding party? Find out now if family members can call your planner directly with their questions or if you will be charged for extra contacts.
A wedding planner’s expertise does come at a cost, but there are different levels of service that will make it a custom fit: LEVEL 1: The Wedding Consultant
Let’s say you want a realistic budget tailored to everything you need to get married on the Outer Banks, but you plan to negotiate with vendors and do much of the planning yourself. When a couple needs help with just a few aspects of the event, they may hire a planner at an hourly rate to act as a consultant. A wedding consultant will help you come up with a timeline of what needs to be accomplished and a blueprint for each wedding event. The couple will do much of the work while asking for some ‘a la carte’ assistance from the planner.
LEVEL 2: The Day-of Planner
A bride who is hands-on about planning every facet of her own wedding may opt for a day-of wedding planner. A day-of planner, as the name implies, is there for the entire wedding day to ensure that the actual ceremony happens without any hitches so the couple can enjoy a stress-free day. Somewhat of a misnomer, however, a day-of planner also tends to put in plenty of hours prior to the wedding day. When you consider how much they will be held accountable for, it makes sense that a day-of contract typically includes assisting at the rehearsal, making phone calls to vendors, and some in-person meetings in the weeks prior to the ceremony.
LEVEL 3: The Full-Service Planner
This level of assistance is what most people envision when they hear the term wedding planner. A full-service planner, perhaps with the help of several assistants, will toil hundreds of hours on your behalf for many months leading up to the big day. Services typically include budget preparation (and adherence), negotiating vendor contracts, tracking RSVPs, guest accommodation coordination, wedding party gifts, rehearsal coordination, and countless scheduled check-ins with the marrying couple. Some full-service planners will charge a percentage of your overall wedding cost, while others will charge a flat fee. Your full-service planner will always have a ‘Plan B’ in case of emergencies, mishaps, and inclement weather. ♥
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❋ Tables and Chairs
BY KIMBERLY ARMSTRONG
SHUTTERSTOCK
For the ceremony and the reception, it is suggested to allow extra time for set up of tables and chairs and it is recommended to accomplish the task early. A planner advises, “When using a space that requires you to rent reception tables and chairs, and you decide to set them up yourself, or better yet have your planner do it for you, always allow extra time.” Tables not being set up ahead of time will delay all other vendors, making it difficult for them to properly execute their jobs. It is also suggested that if you order your own linens, or if they arrive in packaging, steam them the week or day before the wedding. Wrinkled tablecloths will distract from your lovely tablescapes.
BE READY:
Wedding Day Setbacks Y
ou’ve spent months thinking about and planning every excruciating detail of your wedding. You’ve succeeded in artfully incorporating hundreds of starfish into your décor in some unexpected ways. You cajoled your bridesmaids into helping with assembling and wrapping 350 wedding favors. You even have your honeymoon bag packed for your getaway. What could possibly happen to spoil your dream of the perfect wedding? Well . . . read on for a list of potential setbacks and some topics to consider.
❋ Weather
There’s a sweet children’s book that tells the story of a little girl walking along in the rain carrying an umbrella. As she splashes through the puddles, various animals join her under the umbrella and as they do, the umbrella grows wider and wider to accommodate everyone. A magic umbrella would be nice to have at the ready if you’re planning an outdoor wedding. Sadly though, magic umbrellas do not exist. Not even on Amazon! Forget about the omen that claims rain on your wedding day means good luck. Or that rain symbolizes the tears of all the bride’s and groom’s ex-boyfriends/girlfriends. Such platitudes will not comfort the bride while her dream wedding is in jeopardy of literally being washed away. You can control a lot of things about your wedding, but the weather is not one of them. That is why one local wedding planner duo says, “Fall in love with your Plan B for inclement weather. It is crucial that you talk through your exact vision for Plan B with your planner, and that you are 100% happy with how your wedding will flow if the weather doesn’t cooperate.” Another planner echoes that advice. “Weather is always a worry for a bride and groom. Plan B is like an insurance policy, if you have one, you rarely need to use it! If you don’t.... you know the rest!” What exactly comprises a Plan B? Can the festivities be moved to an indoor facility? How about renting a tent? You’ll need to reserve both well in advance so that they are available the day of. Once the Monday of your wedding week arrives, you should have an accurate weather forecast for your wedding day. Determine how you’ll carry out the alternate plan. Involve your planner and other wedding party members to assist in the logistics of relocating and of notifying all wedding professionals and guests. It may also require making changes to the processional and recessional. Another local wedding planner is a firm believer in purchasing event cancellation insurance. “You don’t want a family emergency or weather event to add to the stress of losing all of the money you have spent for your day,” she says. The way you react to unfavorable weather will influence the way the guests react. Try not to fret. Remember, rainstorms are often followed by lovely rainbows.
❋ Park and Ride
“Event Home weddings are so popular on the Outer Banks, but they tend to lack parking,” says one local planner. “Be sure to hire a transportation service, such as a shuttle or trolley, and include the schedule for pick-ups and drop off in a welcome bag, or welcome letter for your guests. Also, be sure to let your guests know a few cab company numbers as well as the fact that we now have Über & Lyft on the Outer Banks.” While it’s important to provide ample transportation for your guests, ensuring you have a separate car for the bridal party is essential. That is particularly true in the summer, when traffic can derail a wedding day timeline. This is especially important if you are planning to have your hair and make-up done at a salon, get ready at a hotel or rental home, get married on the beach, and then proceed to the reception at a different venue. You will need to factor in travel time. It is always better to have extra time than not enough! A planner shared the story of how one couple had planned to depart the wedding festivities by boat but with the strong wind forecast for the afternoon it was not feasible. Just two hours before the ceremony was to begin, she arranged to have a classic car delivered for their getaway!
❋ Late to the Party
It’s inevitable that someone in the wedding party will be running behind. Try not to let it ruffle your feathers and don’t take it personally. Ask a member of the bridal party to contact them and determine their arrival time.
Any wedding planner worth their salt would never report for duty without their supply of safety pins. Many of the planners hail the lowly safety pin as a quick fix for missing buttons, broken dress straps, zipper malfunctions, torn dress hem, etc. One planner puts her sewing kit through the paces. “I’ve sewn bustles, straps, purses, jackets, tablecloths - you name it,” she says. It’s great if you and your bridesmaids can enjoy a little pre-wedding celebration. But what if a splash of red wine lands on your pristine white dress? Two words: Wine Away. It’s a product guaranteed to remove red wine stains. Unlike the magic umbrella, it is available on Amazon.
❋ Missing Rings
The best man forgot to bring the wedding rings. What was he thinking? Obviously, he was not thinking about his duty as keeper of the rings. If this happens, try to borrow rings from someone else. At least you’ll have something to put on during the vows, and after the ceremony, you can simply return them. Try to hold off on scolding the best man until later.
❋ Unpredictable Children Enough said.
❋ Power Outage
Ensure that all the generators, inverters, and other backup sources are operating properly and ready to be used. Electrical outages can happen, particularly if the venue is not designed to handle a heavy load. You may even consider hiring a technician to remain on the property throughout the duration of the event to troubleshoot any problems that arise. Unless you have a wedding planner like the one who relates that she has rerouted electrical wiring like a pro!
Planners issued a gentle reminder that, “Although everyone loves you and wants your wedding to go well, they do want to get paid. They’re not working for free! Get final payments sorted out ahead of time. If you owe anyone money, or plan to tip any of your vendors, have payments ready to go and labeled in envelopes so you can hand it over to your planner the morning of. Last thing you should have to think about on your wedding day is cost!”
❋ Wedding Planners
Unexpected things happen. And just the thought of what could happen creates stress. That’s why hiring a wedding planner is beneficial. You need someone who will quietly and calmly take care of mishaps, in some cases before anyone even notices. As one local wedding planner put it, “Planning a destination wedding can have its challenges. Local wedding planners have extensive knowledge of local venues, caterers, photographers, cake bakers, florists and other wedding vendors. Out-of-town couples find utilizing a planner essential since they are not familiar with the area and which vendors are best suited for their style and budget. Planners can also advise couples on the best time of year for a beach wedding, how to save money on venue rentals, and the permits they may need to obtain for a beach ceremony.”
❋ The Big Day
Even if something does go wrong, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re surrounded by all the people you love most in the world. They are there to help you, support you, and celebrate with you. Behold the smiles on their faces. Listen to the music and laughter. You just married the love of your life! Perfect. ♥
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❋ Lost Things
When you finally find yourself in your “getting-ready room” with all your bridesmaids, things may tend to get a little crazy. There’s a good chance something will be misplaced, even if only for a moment. It is best to keep rings, marriage license, and other jewelry in a secure place to avoid this mishap. You may wish to entrust these items to your planner for safekeeping.
❋ The Dress
The wedding gown could be delivered late, it might be too tight or too loose, it could tear while the bride is slipping it on, the zipper could refuse to work, someone might step on the train, etc. What to do?
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❋ Payments
SIMPLE DAY COASTAL SHOTS
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GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
O
ur pets play an important role in your life and what better way to honor them than to have them participate in the big day? Wedding websites and magazines abound with fun, thoughtful and unique ways to make your special pet a part of the celebration. But before you get carried away hand making that silk top hat bedecked with the same flowers featured in your bouquet, it’s worth your time to consider some special needs and accommodations that must be made for a successful and flawless pet-friendly wedding on the Outer Banks.
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BY MEAGHAN BEASLEY
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Plan Ahead You know your pet better than anyone – they’re your furry child. Don’t throw them into the wedding weekend without a little prep work. You’re going to be busy, so make sure you have one or two guests assigned to look after your pet so your munchkin gets properly walked and fed, medications are administered, and a bed is properly set up while you’re getting ready. And just like every bride needs lots of water on the big day, so does her pet. A beach wedding can get hot!
Accommodations
Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Before you book your venue, rental house, or hotel, check to see if the beaches and walking paths near your venue are pet friendly. Vacation rental companies have their searchable databases for pet-friendly homes. Most pet homes allow for one or two adult dogs with an additional pet fee that can typically range from $95-$200. Fees and cleaning costs will vary depending on the rental company, the number of pets and each particular homeowner, so it is best to research before finalizing your rental; some companies charge no fee, so it pays to look around. When it comes to your reception, consider holding it at your rental house or under a tent at a pet-friendly beach. Most Outer Banks restaurants and public venues will only allow service animals.
Make sure to inform your wedding party and guests that a pet will be present as some attendants may have allergies to consider. Also, think about your pet’s health at your ceremony – many plants and flowers are toxic if eaten, and hot sand can burn the pads of an animal’s feet. Consider assigning someone to pet sit your little buddy to ensure they stay clear of catering staff, food tables, and the dance floor. As the night wears on or the music gets louder, your pet sitter should have the house keys to allow your pet an escape. And just like you want your photographer to get candid shots of your family and friends, remind them to capture a few images of your pet joining in the fun.
A Role to Play You love your pet enough to want them to be a part of your wedding, so give them the role they were meant to play. If your animal is calm and can join the ceremony, allow them to walk down the aisle dressed in a bow-tie or with a garland of flowers, have them sit where guests arrive with a sign welcoming them, or allow your pet to be the ring-bearer. Own a high-energy pet? Perhaps you can have them join you in pre- or post-ceremony photos or at the reception when everyone’s cutting loose. For an absentee pet, remember them by featuring their photo on the invitation or in a place of honor at the reception.
Leash Laws Every town and private venue on the Outer Banks will have their own pet policy. When holding a wedding in a public park, a privately-owned venue or any commercially-owned business, you must check with that entity before planning your ceremony. One thing to remember no matter where your ceremony takes place - clean up after your pet! Bring waste bags with you and dispose of them properly.
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A partial list of local animal control laws: In Corolla, dogs are allowed year round on the beach and at the Whalehead Club’s Heritage Park but must be on a leash. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout Duck, including the municipal boardwalk, Duck Trail, the Duck Town Park and on the beach. For a Southern Shores wedding, please keep your pet on a leash at all times and remember that from May 15 through September 15, dogs are are only permitted on Southern Shores beaches from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. On Kitty Hawk beaches, dogs must be on a 6-foot leash from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through the day after Labor Day. From 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. dogs may be on a 12foot lead. The rest of the year, however, Fido may run on the beaches in Kitty Hawk leash free as long as they stay within 30 feet of their owner and return when called. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times in the town of Kill Devil Hills and are not permitted on the beach from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. between May 1 and September 30. Pets are welcome at any Nags Head beaches and parks any time as long as they are on a 10-foot leash. On Hatteras Island beaches (including Rodanthe, Waves, Avon and Salvo), with the exception of some designated swim beaches, dogs are allows provided they are on a 6-foot leash. ♥
LOCAL VETS Animal Hospital of Nags Head, Nags Head ................. 252.441.8611 Botzman Mobile Veterinary Services ............................ 252.305.9068 Coastal Animal Hospital, Kitty Hawk ............................ 252.261.3960 Gallery Row Animal Hospital, Nags Head .................... 252.715.5300 Martin’s Point Veterinary Hospital, Southern Shores ..... 252.261.2250 Outer Banks Veterinary Hospital, Kitty Hawk ............... 252.715.1407 Right at Home Mobile Veterinary Services .................... 252.202.8460 Roanoke Island Animal Clinic, Manteo ........................ 252.473.3117
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Brides
BEAUTY TIPS FOR
• Don’t fret over a chipped nail on your wedding day. It’s not the end of the world and in the end, will be the last thing you remember from your wedding day. • To get your nails in tiptop shape before your wedding day, apply cuticle oil every night to nourish your nails.
A Sun-Kissed Bride
F
LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Makeover
BY MICHELLE WAGNER
Beauty experts will tell brides that the best thing to do when it comes to make up on your wedding day is to take the time for one, or a few, trial runs before the big day. Brides will be happy to discover that many make-up artists offer these as part of your wedding day package. But even if you are doing your own make up, you’ll want to experiment in order to find what looks and feels the best. To get an idea of how your make up will look with your dress, experts suggest wearing a white t-shirt during the trial. And of course, it’s always good to consider how your make up will look in wedding day photographs. Remember to ask your make-up artist for the right shades of lipstick and eye shadow so you can apply touch ups during the wedding day. And remember, eyebrow shaping should always be done a few days before the wedding so they won’t end up looking red and irritated. And don’t forget the common sense steps you can take the months leading up to your big day, such as treating yourself to regular facials and drinking plenty of water for fresh-looking skin. Foods high in vitamin A, B6 and C all lend to healthy skin. Think watermelon, grapefruit and broccoli, just to name a few!
FIVE FISH PHOTOGRAPHY
Nails Matter!
SARAH KEENAN CREATIVE
Hair Basics
The choices are endless when it comes to hairstyles and finding that perfect hairstyle for your wedding day can take some time. Find one that reflects your personal style and most importantly, have fun as you narrow down your search. Once you have, it’s time for a trial run. It’s important to schedule a trial run with your stylist four to six weeks out. When you go, be sure to bring pictures of the styles you love and be open minded and willing to experiment. It’s also a great idea to bring a photo of you in your wedding dress, or at the very least a swab of fabric. And don’t forget your headpiece during your trial run. Your stylist will need it!
Quick Tips: • Trim and highlight or color your hair two weeks before your wedding. • Always consider the neckline of your dress when choosing a hairstyle. • If you plan to wear an updo, it’s best to wash and blow dry your hair the day before your wedding day. • On the day-of your styling, wear a button-front shirt or a robe so you don’t have to pull it over your head when putting on your wedding dress.
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• Go easy on the blush. It’s your wedding day, so you will likely spend the day looking more flushed than usual. Apply sparingly. • Go waterproof. That goes for everything from your foundation to your mascara. There will be at least a few tears of joy. • Go oil-free. If you are having an outdoor wedding, or even if your wedding is during a warmer time of year, use oil-free products and keep blotting sheets on hand. • Go gloss free – that is if you are having a wedding outside. You don’t want that sticky gloss to end up being a magnet for your hair.
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With all the other details you have to worry about, you may overlook your nails. Don’t! Think of all those eyes on the ring that has just been placed on your finger, or the photographs of you signing your marriage certificate. The polish you choose is important and it’s worth remembering that certain shades look better on certain skin tones. So, just like your hairdo, or make up and your dress, your nails deserve attention, too. It’s important to have several trial runs when it comes to choosing the perfect nail polish. Consider avoiding bright colors, not only because they stand out a little too much during those intimate moments of your wedding day, but they also don’t turn out well in photographs. Neutral colors and simple designs when it comes to nails are sure to add beauty and elegance on your wedding day. Gel manicures and pedicures are trending these days as well because the polish doesn’t chip, even after your wedding day is over. Don’t wait until the day of to see how you like gel manicures. These should be done at least a day before your wedding, perhaps two.
Quick Tips:
You know that you will always take your partner’s breath away regardless of how long you’ve been together – but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look your very best as you take those first steps down the aisle. Luckily, there are simple things that you can do leading up to that moment that involve a lot more than just finding the dress of your dreams.
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Quick Tips:
rom hairstyles and makeup to manicures and tan lines, brides have a lot to consider before their wedding day arrives. But with careful planning, not to mention being aware of a few bridal beauty dos and don’ts, you can rest assured that when the time comes, you will look stunning from head to toe.
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Yes, you are at the beach and you have a few days to have some fun in the sun before your wedding. You want to enjoy the sun, surf and sand like everyone else. After all, that’s why you chose the Outer Banks, right? But be wary. The sun’s rays, even when it’s not summertime, can burn, especially in our beach environment, and it’s no fun dealing with a sunburn (and strap lines) on your wedding day. If you do find yourself a little too sun kissed before your big day, don’t fret too much. There are some things you can do to soothe the burn, or at least make it less noticeable as you walk down the aisle.
Quick Tips: • Use aloe.This plant-based gel acts to soothe redness and burns, creating a cooling sensation. • Consult and trust your makeup artist. They can add color to white areas, blending them with the sunburned spots. • Prevention is key. Wear SPF 30 and reapply often.The sun’s reflection off the water and sand make you more susceptible to sunburn while trying to relax on the beach the days before your wedding. With these simple tips, and many others you are sure to find while surfing the web, you can put all your worries behind and enjoy your blissful day! ♥
Eden Day Spa & Salon
established 1996
~ Expert Hair Styling for Men & Women
~ Makeup Application
~ Spa Treatments, European Facials & Microdermabrasion
~ Massage Therapy ~ Pedicures and Manicures
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COROLLA | 817 Ocean Trail, Suite C ~ Monteray Plaza ~ Corolla, NC 252.453.0712 ~ 252.453.0714 Fax ~ AVEDA Concepts Salon & Spa CURRITUCK | 2870 Caratoke Hwy. 158 ~ Currituck, NC ~ 252.232.1306
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Capture
MOments CHOOSING THE PERFECT
PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR BIG DAY BY MICHELLE WAGNER
JULIE DREELIN
YOU DON’T TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH, YOU make IT.
f course you’ll have beautiful
memories of your wedding day,
- Ansel Adams
but you also want stunning photo-
graphs that will evoke those happy memories every time you take out
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FIVE FISH PHOTOGRAPHY
the wedding album. The photographs will bring your beautiful story
to life again and again – not just for you, but also for your children and
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NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
grandchildren.
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There’s a lot for the bride and groom to consider when it comes to choosing the right photographer and videographer to capture all those precious moments that make up your wedding day – from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance. Doing your homework when it comes to wedding day photography is an investment you’ll thank yourself for every time you pull out those albums. Fortunately, the Outer Banks has a wide assortment of talented and dedicated photography professionals to choose from. A quick flip through this magazine is a testament to that. The biggest challenge for couples is sifting through this talented pool of artists to select one that is right for you, your style and your wedding venue. There is a lot to keep in mind, but breaking it down and following this guide can help you in deciding which photographer and videographer will be the perfect match for you on your wedding day.
WANT
SARAH D’AMBRA PHOTOGRAPHY
Before you decide on anything, it helps to determine what style you are looking for when it comes to photographing your wedding day. Consider the important shots you want taken on your special day, write them down and then do some research. There are a number of popular styles of wedding photography out there, so read the list below to get started. Remember to ask around for recommendations, check out websites, blogs and ask to see samples of work. Be sure to set up meetings and talk to photographers about their forte and comfort zone regarding style or combination of styles and, of course, consider the popular trends in photography as we’ve detailed below.
Portraits
If you are looking for traditional portraits, seek out a photographer who specializes in them. A portrait photographer will arrange for shots of the wedding couple, family, friends and the wedding party. Photographers may shoot portraits in the studio or in more creative locales such as the sand dunes, on the beach, or beside piers.
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JULIE DREELIN
SARAH D’AMBRA PHOTOGRAPHY
LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT
bold. moment driven. authentic wedding photojournalism & creative portraiture
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Documentary or Photojournalistic
This type of photography specializes in candid or spontaneous photographs as opposed to posed portraits. If you are looking for photos that capture the moment and tell a story, this may be the style for you. With documentary photography, you will see fewer photos of people who are lined up and smiling into the camera. These photographers will capture more fluid and spontaneous images of the entire event, and in the end, you will have your wedding story in photos.
Artistic
This style allows the photographers to put their own creative touch into the photographic process. Photographers can make photos appear dramatic, old fashioned, or soft and dreamy. They can choose which part of the composition to blur, sending the focus to artistic imagery and actions. Think elegant photos of the wedding dress, last minute shots as the bride gets ready and candid moments with the bridesmaids. Some photographers opt to shoot both digitally and with film so that they have wider latitude in choosing styles and effects. GINGER SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
If you want journalistic or artistic photography plus portraiture, check to make sure your photographer is willing to do different styles. Some don’t. One way to get a good sense of a photographer’s style is to look through his or her portfolio. You want your family to savor these memories for generations, so be sure to communicate your desires to the photographer.
PRINTS
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
There is a lot more that goes into hiring a photographer than what shots he or she will take on the wedding day. If you follow some simple guidelines, you can make the hiring process easier and lessen the possibility of undesirable surprises. During the interview, be sure to ask the photographer what packages are available and whether you can customize a package based on your preferences. The photographer should also let you know what album designs are offered and whether he or she will help create an album. Policies on features such as retouching and color adjustment are also important details to hammer out before a contract is signed.
JULIE DREELIN
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
PACKAGES, PROOFS, PRIVACY,
It is important to get answers such as whether the proofs will be retouched or if that happens only after the photos are selected. You should know before you hire a photographer whether there is an additional cost for retouching. Find out how many images you will get back and whether they will be high-resolution or low-resolution. Inquire if you will be able to reprint photos or if the photographer retains the rights to the images and negatives. The cost of the package and what services are covered is essential information. Ask about reprints, mini-albums, wall portraits, printing on canvas, frames, and which of those items are considered add-ons. And don’t ever be pressured to commit to a package on the spot. Know the timeline for when you will receive the proofs and inquire about whether you will be able to view them online or if you will get them on a CD. Check what the ordering process is and how long it will take to receive your photos or album. It typically takes two to three weeks to get your wedding images back. Often, completed print orders can be provided within eight to ten weeks. It’s a good idea to ask whether the photographer will give you the negatives or digital images and if there is a fee involved.
JULIE DREELIN
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They need to know important details such as how many people are in the wedding party, the lighting at the venue, whether there will be dancing, who your attendants are, and how long you anticipate each phase of your wedding to last. These questions show they are invested, sensitive to detail, and interested in getting the best shots. If they are not asking, it may be time to consider interviewing another photographer.
Another consideration in this age of social media is privacy. Some photographers will post wedding albums online so that your wedding guests can order their own prints, and as a way to show off their professional portfolio to future clients. If you are concerned about privacy, find out ahead of time who will be given passwords to your photo collection, how long they will be posted, and who determines which photos to post. Always insist on a written contract, know how much of a deposit is required, and inquire about possible payment plans if need be. Other need-to-know information includes the photographer’s refund/cancellation policy and whether they have liability insurance. A contract should include details of what services will be provided at what price, conflict resolution terms, overtime policies, etc. It is definitely time to walk away from the photographer who says that he or she doesn’t use contracts.
A Vintage Touch: Black & White
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A good MATCH
You may be surprised to hear this, but the truth is that your photographer has to be someone you genuinely like. Remember, this person is going to be a significant part of your wedding day. If you find the photographer you are interviewing to be inflexible, pushy, abrasive, or just plain annoying, those sentiments will come across in the photos that are taken. Weddings can be stressful enough, so you need to hold onto all the joy that comes with the big day. One tip: Imagine that your photographer is one of the guests at your wedding and be sure this person is someone you would be happy to have attending. A warning flag should go up if you are asking all the questions and the photographer is not asking you anything. Photographers should be interested in how you want your wedding day to go.
Take away color, and you are left to completely focus on emotions, people and composition. Black and white photography will never be out of style. In fact, couples love it and enjoy mixing it in with color shots. Any color photo can be changed to black and white - or just portions of the photo can be colorized to make just the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière pop out in a sea of gray, for example. Your photographer is the right person to ask if the image works well monochromatically or if it’s better in color. You can view it with just a click, thanks to digital photography. So if you are looking for drama, a vintage photo feel, or simply love the look, consider tried and true, black and white photos.
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MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
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WHAT ABOUT A VIDEOGRAPHER
Small Booth = Instant Photo Fun
Photo booths at weddings provide not only entertainment for your wedding guests but they also create an instant keepsake for them to take home. In addition to the photos that your guests will keep, today’s photo booths will automatically capture all of the day’s shots on a single DVD for the wedding couple to see and share later. Photo booth mementos make excellent gifts and are sure to be some of your favorite, unscripted sights from the wedding.
The Right Angle: Take Advantage of Where You Are
Don’t forget all the reasons you picked the Outer Banks as your venue in the first place – the majestic ocean, romantic beaches and beautiful sunrises and sunsets! With this in mind, it is important to discuss details with your photographer about making the most of the natural environment on your wedding day. Remember that here on the Outer Banks, the sun rises over the ocean and sets on the sound. Time your wedding day and photographs accordingly if you are interested in sun-related shots. Ask about high and low tide on your wedding day and how that will affect your photos. Inquire about backup plans if the weather thwarts your desire for glorious outdoor photos.
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Drone Photos
Drones are everywhere and weddings aren’t any exception. Drones are perfect at providing aerial views of your wedding venue as well as hard to get vantage points of your wedding ceremony. Just think - an overhead shot of your processional, the dance floor, the toast...the possibilities are truly endless.
A photographer at your wedding is really a nobrainer. But the videographer can be just as important. After all, photos can’t capture the sounds, movements, and all of the emotions that go into your wedding day. Videos can immortalize every word of your vows, every music note during the reception, and every smile during the toast. The most recent trend in videography is highdefinition. In addition, new technology will allow you to add vintage-style scenes to your video. For example, a Super 8 effect, which gives the video a grainy feel, can allow you to enhance some classic shots. A videographer can improve color, contrast and volume after the film has been shot. Typically an amateur shooting a home video does not have the ability to meet all the challenges of videotaping a wedding. A bonus in hiring a professional videographer is that they have filmed dozens of weddings and can anticipate the crucial moments of the day. They also have the audio equipment to meet challenges in our unique environment, such as capturing the vows with the ocean roaring in the background or lighting contrasts between bright beaches and shaded piers. When it comes to documenting your special day so you can return to it years from now through photographs, the most important thing to remember is to go with the professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions and be sure your personalities match. Be assertive and don’t settle for a style you don’t want. Remember it’s your special day. You make the decisions.
FIVE FISH PHOTOGRAPHY
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Intimate shots of the happy couple are very popular these days. A boudoir approach says: for your eyes only. Imagine tasteful forms shot through sheer curtains with available light – clad in delicate nightwear. An embrace, private kiss, or cozy couple in a soft bedroom chair can be romantic and make an awesome wedding gift to each other.
GINGER SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Just for You
?
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s’s
BEFORE
PHOTO BOOTH
HIRE : A CHECKLIST
While it’s best to hire your photographer at least six months before the big day, you shouldn’t do so without careful consideration. Be sure the photographer meets your vision and needs. Once you have established that the photographer has your wedding date open and is willing to shoot the style you are looking for, schedule a meeting and be sure to ask these questions: LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
How long have you been a professional photographer, and how many weddings have you shot? Have you photographed weddings at the site where our event is being held? Will you be the actual photographer, or do you utilize assistants?
sarahkeenancreative.com | 252.715.1076
How do you describe your working style? How will you be dressed? What type of equipment do you use?
“Capturing the moment forever...” Since 2005
Do you shoot digitally, with film, or both? MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you photograph in both color and black and white? What backup equipment do you bring with you to weddings?
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If a videographer is being hired, ask if the photographer has ever worked with them on another job and how they recommend coordinating their efforts. Ask to see the photographer’s portfolio – including photographs from all events at a wedding. Ask for references. (Contact three or four couples who have hired the photographer and had weddings similar in size and style to yours.) ♥
Scan our QR code a free copy of our OBX wedding handbook which retails for $30.00! Our OBX wedding handbook is the greatest source for OBX wedding information ever created!
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Wedding Dresses 〉〉
For the Bridesmaids
〈〈
Trends may come and go, but they play an important role when you are planning your wedding day. Whether you decide to go with the latest trend, or stick to your own style, trends can spark those creative juices. They can also serve as a guide as you decide what’s right for you when it comes to everything from picking out your perfect wedding dress to what kind of food you serve at your wedding and how you decorate for your special day. Here’s a guide to finding the hottest trends on the wedding scene this year. A few of them may be just what you’re looking for.
JULIE DREELIN
Wedding
Trends
There are plenty of popular looks for the bridesmaids this year, all equally exciting. One shoulder dresses, elegant velvet and short minidresses and skirts are showing up among the bridal party, as are sequin pantsuits. For a winter wedding, jewel-toned bridesmaid dresses are a perfect choice for the season.
NEONPPDLE.COM
There are exciting new trends on the table this wedding season, from donut boards to pretzel bars (help the happy couple tie the knot). One of the biggest trends to take over the wedding day mealtime is mini pairings of food and drinks. We’re talking mini tacos and a small shot of margarita, or a mini craft beer paired with a tiny BBQ slider. Bite size anything is “in” when it comes to menu items at a wedding. From mini lobster rolls to bacon cheeseburger meatballs and mini pies, couples are embracing the mini foods. And when it comes to lighter fare, salads in mason jars are gaining popularity, which make a stunning display and a great appetizer for guests.
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Groovin’ Grooms 〉〉
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Hair Happenings
〈〈
If you want that jaw dropping, wow effect when your guests walk into the reception, consider a high drama theme that is sure to leave them impressed. Everything from columns, water fountains and high centerpieces can achieve the perfect dramatic effect. Copper is still a mainstay on the wedding scene and can be incorporated into the décor to add elegance and charm. And when it comes to lighting, Edison bulbs offer a soft and romantic touch to your special day, as can hanging florals, which infuse romance and beauty into the room. Or go in the other direction with neon signage, which continues to be popular among couples as they plan their weddings. Finally, macramé and crystals are perfect for those couples who want to add a bohemian touch. OLIVIA LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
You’ll see a lot of grooms sporting black bowties or, really, any type of tie this year because they are definitely back in style these days. From floral prints and stripes to bright and bold colors, checks and rustic, ties definitely made it back onto the wedding scene. But it’s not all about black. Royal Blue and light blue tones are also making their way in, with grooms sporting the eye-popping color in their attire – from jackets to full suits. But it’s more than just solids they are going with. Checks and plaids are popular as well. If you are looking for an old-school, distinguished look, velvet is showing up again, either by way of full-fabric suits or simply touches of velvet.
When it comes to bridal dresses, there are so many styles and looks to choose from, and every year a new trend emerges, or an old one resurfaces. This year, expect to see feathers back in fashion, whether they cover the entire dress or are added as a subtle but elegant touch. Another emerging trend for 2018 are capes and caplets, from chic to royal, brides are loving these additions to the wedding dress scene. If a sophisticated look is what you are after, consider the growing trend of black accents. Think black bows, embroidery, sashes and belts. A splash of black adds an edgy touch of sophistication to any wedding dress. Extreme sleeves (think 1980s-style flouncy sleeves) are also making their way back into the bridal fashion scene. And finally, you’ll be seeing a lot of side cut outs while shopping for the dress of your dreams. They come in a variety of shapes to offer everything from an elegant, subtle touch to a sophisticated and eyecatching statement.
〈〈 Fabulous Food
〈〈 Decorating to a T
BY MICHELLE WAGNER
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STYLEMEPRETTY.COM/STACY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY
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From graceful and elegant braids to hats and crowns, brides are walking down the aisle this year with a variety of hairstyles this year. French braids are particularly popular this year and are being woven into all types of hairstyles. Along with the twisted elegance is another hair-do that is making its way into the top 10 – the half-up and half-down style, which is perfect for any season. Brides are also topping off their hairstyles with wedding hats to create that vintage and bohemian look. Another style brides are opting for are either flower crowns or delicate chain crowns. With floral headpieces, brides can go for a variety of looks to match their personal style, whether it is a more ethereal vibe or a more romantic, laid-back feel. Chain crowns add that glitz that some brides are after.
〈〈 Handfastening Ceremonies
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There are many ways to tie the knot and this Celtic unity ritual is growing in popularity. Usually taking place after the ring exchange, the ceremony involves the bride and groom taking each other’s hands and then, a cord or ribbon is wrapped around their hands symbolizing the joining of their lives. After a moment of silence, the ribbon is undone.
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Whatever your wedding theme is, nothing accents it quite like flowers. This year’s brides are falling head over heels for deep and bold hues along with native-inspired greenery. Couples are turning to greenery for everything from garlands to wreaths and backdrops. Dahlias are another must-have bloom, especially during late summer and fall. With their big blooms and wide variety of colors, they are a favorite among many brides. Also popular are woodland assortments that incorporate everything from lavender to pinecones in arrangements – offering a rustic and romantic feel to your wedding day. Cascading bouquets, reminiscent of the 80s, are back on the wedding scene. Trailing foliage, ferns and longstemmed orchards with ribbons woven throughout are perfect for these types of bouquets.
Stop Motion Videos
〈〈
Say it With Flowers 〉〉 This style of videography uses a sequence of images that are strung together in rapid succession to create a lovely video that illustrates your entire wedding day from start to finish. These videos are typically short, but are ones you’ll love to show family and friends without bogging them down with lengthy videos of your special day.
CAMP COCKTAIL/HONEYSUCKLE EVENTS GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Many happy couples are opting to use mobile bar services during the reception. It’s an easy, fun way to ensure quick and easy access to all your guests’ favorite drinks. These bars can add a vintage flair to your celebration and can provide a selection of drinks. Mobile bars can fit in with nearly any wedding theme and add a bit of fun and convenience to your day! ♥
〈〈 SHUTTERSTOCK
Of course, musical entertainment and receptions go hand in hand. But there are plenty of other ways to keep your guests mingling and having fun. More and more couples are filling the reception space with oversized favorites like Jenga and Connect 4 – and guests are loving it! Other favorites showing up when it’s time to party are bocce ball and horseshoes. If you are adventurous, a few rounds of karaoke may even be in order.
Accessorize
Bridal parties are accessorizing these days with everything from nontraditional jewelry to chokers, pearls and feathers. They are also getting creative with floral headbands of every style. To top it off, brides are choosing shoes that make a statement. From comfortable to glamorous and glitzy, what they choose to put on their feet is taking on a whole new meaning this year.
MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT
MODWEDDING.COMI/VAN & LOUIS PHOTOGRAPHY
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When it comes to wedding cakes, there is always something baking when it comes to fun trends. While buttercream frosting – with is homespun rustic look and delicious taste – never seems to go out of style, there are a lot of options out there. Ruffled cakes offer an airy and frilly feel to your wedding cake. Geode cakes can add a touch of sugary, sparkling beauty, and if you’re looking to wow your guests consider a mesmerizing mirrorglazed cake. For those who prefer a more contemporary reception setting, geometric cakes are also showing up on the cake table more and more these days – featuring everything from squares to stripes and triangles. Finally, the sugary look of roses is also back in style. Rosette cakes offer elegance and beauty – and of course are just delicious!
BIANCA’S READINGS
Ultra Violet is a “blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. This mystical and contemplative color, PANTONE 18-3838, is symbolic with artistic expression as well as spiritual reflection and meditation. “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” Eiseman said. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultraviolet.
〈〈
FLUTTERBY BAKERY
〈〈 Delightful Desserts
Color of the Year
〈〈
Let the Games Begin!
〈〈
Drinks on the Go
BRIDESDOTCOM/KATIEPRITCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY
TEA LEAF R EADINGS TAROT CARDS H OROSCOPE R EADINGS LIFE COACHING G UIDING YOU W HERE YOU NEED TO B E
IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS, AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES
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the JULIE DREELIN
of Your Big Day GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CATHERINE KOZAK
L
ong after the honeymoon pictures are stored away, brides and grooms will remember the songs that played at their wedding. The same music, heard later, can evoke the joy of the ceremony, remind the couple of their first dance, or bring back memories of a precious family moment. Music is uniquely human, and our most personal and universal expression. And getting married is the most joyous occasion where music can express a couple’s intertwined love to the world.
Wedding music is the heart and soul of the celebration, and the repertoire deserves thoughtful and careful preparation. Selected songs must be carefully orchestrated to fit the mood of each part of the wedding: whether playing in the background, flowing seamlessly between the ceremony and the cocktail hour, or pumping up the dancers. From the recessional to the last dance, music is the soundtrack of your important day. Whether you hire one entertainer to provide the music from beginning to end, or a combination of a string quartet, DJ, and live band, you will have different musical approaches to consider to keep the right tone and energy during different parts of the wedding.
Ceremony Music
Most weddings follow a basic music script for the ceremonial part of the wedding, give or take some personal touches. Typically, music is played at selective times during the marriage ceremony and then as the newly joined couple begins their wedding march. Imagine: Your guests start arriving to the site you’ve chosen for your ceremony. As they’re being seated, music floats among the whispers and soft laughter of the friends and family who are being seated in joyful anticipation of the marriage ceremony. As the wedding party makes their entrance, the music becomes more distinctive, drawing the audience’s attention. Then with a dramatic change in the music, all eyes move to the bride who is making her grand entrance. Music helps amplify the emotion of the ceremony, but it also serves as a guide.
Is It Live…or DJ? Classically trained musicians are generally more expensive because of their high level of skill and education. The chosen pieces can require new arrangements and of course, many rehearsals. Although the musicians may be on the scene for a brief period, there is much time spent in preparation prior to the wedding day.
SARAH D’AMBRA PHOTOGRAPHY
Live bands may be easier on the budget – though they can be just as skilled as the classical players. They may have a particular style of music – say, Dixieland jazz or Top 40 - or they may play a wide variety of genres. While their list isn’t always as far-reaching as that of a DJ, live bands usually are willing to attempt familiar songs on the spot. Typically a bandleader will ask the couple to choose songs from a set list, and the band picks from them during the reception. Professional DJs each have their own programming style that defines what songs they play at what time they feel is appropriate. Thanks to digital music, most have a nearly limitless selection of music at their fingertips. A good DJ is familiar with a wide range of wedding event music, and fits the songs to the mood. They are often able to showcase the musical tastes of the bride and groom as well as play reliable crowdpleasers that will get guests out on the dance floor. Some DJs also act as a Master of Ceremony and provide their own brand of entertainment. Be sure you ask about a DJ’s style to make sure it’s a good fit. Also inquire if they are up on the latest releases or have older favorites in their mix, if that’s your taste.
Outdoors or Inside? The big variable is the venue: beach, backyard, or church? Despite the challenges, an outdoor Outer Banks wedding is often a dream come true. Couples choosing to marry here generally pick the casual beach wedding over a church setting. Depending on the setting, weather can be a huge factor in the quality of the music. Reed and stringed instruments, for instance, do not fare well in extreme temperatures or salt air. Vocals or instrumental music may be drowned out by noisy winds. Electrical equipment can
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
Music is uniquely human, and our most personal and universal expression.
be shorted out by rain or, heaven forbid, lightning. Even with nice weather, acoustics can be difficult to control outside. It is important to have a backup plan in the event of bad weather. Local couples or those looking for church weddings may choose from many houses of worship of different denominations here on the Outer Banks. If the couple chooses a church wedding, they may have the option of hiring the in-house organist or using pre-recorded music. Wherever the venue, some couples like to provide their own music selections for the DJ from their MP3 player or iPod.
Reception Music Cocktail Hour As the wedding transitions from the solemnity of the ceremony, music for the first hour or so at the reception venue should be upbeat but non-intrusive, fostering conversation and setting the mood for a party. Often the cocktail music will be focused on jazz standards, but pop music also can work well. There is a growing trend of couples choosing more pop-rock songs over traditional music, as well as instrumental versions of songs from groups such as The Piano Guys. Many times the musicians, DJ, or live band hired for the reception can also play during the cocktail hour. Some live bands will have their keyboard player, guitar player, and vocalist play “unplugged” or acoustic music for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour. They reunite with the rest of the band and rev it up later for dancing. If the band
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An Entertainment Checklist:
is adaptable, it can provide a nice transition that guests will enjoy, and it may be more affordable than hiring different musicians for different parts of the wedding. Similarly, classically trained musicians hired for the ceremony (which can include trumpet, cello, violin, viola, vocals, flute, and/or guitar) can also play livelier music, usually jazz, during the cocktail hour.
What Musicians & DJs Want the Bride and Groom to Know… • Not all song requests may be appropriate for the crowd or the mood. Respect the expertise of the professionals you have hired. • A “do not play” list can be restrictive. • It is not always possible to perform outside on the beach, especially in high wind and rain. Always have a backup plan in place for outdoor weddings. • Even if you are willing to pay for overtime, the venue may not allow it. Check ahead of time if you have the option to keep the party going. • Happy guests make a great party, so always keep them in mind when choosing the music. • Trust the professionalism of the musicians or DJ in reading the crowd. • The more trained/experienced the musician, the more he or she is worth. • A phone or in-person consultation is much better than email in helping the entertainer get to know your taste and meet your expectations.
First Dances
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
Here is where the fun really steps up, and the couple can relax and join in the festivities without having to worry. If you want a festive wedding, it pays to hire a great band or DJ, who often serve as the glue for the party. Experienced bandleaders and DJs know to keep tabs on all the reception’s players – the caterer, the photographer, the family and the guests – to keep things rolling the way they should. Real pros know how to read the crowd and adapt the music accordingly. Ideally the music should inspire people to dance, both slow and fast, and adapt when the younger folks out-number the older folks later on in the party. A last song chosen by the couple is a nice way to close a great gala and leave the guests with wonderful memories.
You may be changing both your venue and your music if you have planned an after-party. By switching locations, you can arrange to gather at a club where there is live music or request reserve seating. You can also hire a DJ to be ready and waiting at a new location. If you opt to stay put, couples often change the music to suit the late night crowd. From the first note to the last dance, music has the magical ability to loosen up guests, introduce favorite songs and sentiments, and rhythmically seal your union.
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
After Party
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NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
Full Swing!
Live music performers: • Can you accompany vocalists?
What the Bride and Groom Should Ask…
• What are your equipment, power, and space requirements? Have you played at this venue before?
Musicians & DJs:
• Do you have a set list from which you work? Will you provide a copy?
• What is your musical specialty, background and experience?
• Are you willing to learn special songs that are not on your set list? Is there an additional fee?
• Do you charge by the hour or the event?
GINGERSNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Typically, the couple selects the songs for the “first” dances. A bandleader or DJ often can help the couple pick out the song that fits their relationship. Recent trends are leaning towards contemporary favorites such as “All of Me” by John Legend, “Everything” by Michael Buble and “Make you Feel My Love” by Adele. Of course, there are still the standard favorites like “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and “My Girl” by the Temptations. If it is a live band, the band makes sure they all learn the chosen songs before the date. Many musicians also are very willing, usually for an additional fee, to arrange a new song provided by the bride.
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• Do you have references?
For outdoor weddings:
DJs:
• What is your policy in bad weather?
• Do you offer additional entertainment beyond playing music?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• What is your policy on playing overtime? Is there an additional fee?
• Do you offer discounted rates on weekdays or off-season dates?
• Are you open to taking requests from the wedding party and/or from guests?
• How far in advance do you need to be booked? ♥
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Say It With
Flowers
BY LILLIAN STEVENS
F
inding the perfect inspiration for wedding flowers can and should be fun, but choosing and coordinating your stems can be a bit overwhelming. There are some easy-to-follow guidelines that are sure to keep you smiling through the process. As your plans evolve, ask yourself these questions:
• Are you decorating a chapel and reception hall? • Is your ceremony going to be on the beach, on uneven sand and dune lines? • Will there be a chuppah, arbor, or canopy that needs to be constructed as well as
decorated?
• Are you suiting out the entire bridal party with bouquets, corsages, or boutonnières?
Flowy, cascading bouquets are ever popular, as are garlands for arbors, canopies or other structures. The vintage country trend remains popular, but nature is taking front and center stage. Brides are embracing their love of the great outdoors and its calming beauty through flowers that are both stylish and ecofriendly. Incorporating green foliage and plants is a good way to add texture to your flower arrangements, and great for adding fullness to any flower centerpiece. Beautiful colors, interesting textures, and unique shapes – greenery, alone or accented with a few blooms – can create exquisite arrangements with major impact.
GINGER SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
JULIE DREELIN
Lush leaves, for example, might serve as a rich base to play up the colorful petals in arrangements of ranunculus, anemones, chocolate cosmos, lotus pods, and viburnum berries. Ivy accents are fun and dramatic, too. Picture a vivid display of purple and fuchsia clematis with small puffs of scabiosa and tiny, delicate jasmine mixed with tendrils of grape ivy and clematis leaves. For hanging arrangements, cascading greenery and lush hydrangea imitate a romantic overflowing fountain, but with added whimsy. Some palettes will be incredibly vibrant as brides boldly include their favorite colors in whimsical bouquets. While thumbing through bridal magazines, though, don’t be tempted to make selections solely based on how flowers look on the page. Remember, flower colors are rarely exact and often look different in person than they did in a magazine. Let a professional florist help you understand the undertones of different varieties; for example, red ranunculus has orange undertones that stand out when paired with cool colors. If you’re on a limited budget, consider going monochromatic for a bigger impact. A monochromatic color scheme looks incredibly organized and really gives your ceremony and reception a pop of color that is sure to wow even in the smallest amounts. Another way to save is by mixing live flowers with other natural elements. Perhaps your reception tables could have decorated vases filled with small seashells and driftwood alongside candle pillars. When you interview potential florists, show them a photograph of your wedding attire and perhaps a swatch of fabric for the bridesmaids’ dresses, along with any pictures from magazines that have captured your imagination.
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In Living COLOR
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Your florist will guide your selections so that the flowers you choose will be in season when the big day rolls around. He or she will be more than happy to work with you to convert your vision into a stunning and affordable reality. But be open-minded. Let’s say you have your heart set on white tulips for a July wedding or red peonies in August – be flexible when your florist tells you that the flowers you love simply are not in season then. There are many flowers available year-round, like roses, hydrangeas, carnations, callas, and orchids, just to name a few. Whether you are following new trends or staying true to tradition, use the months ahead to attend wedding shows, do some online research and interview florists. Have fun planning the flowers that will set the tone for your personal, special day.
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You want your wedding flowers to be beautiful – and so will your florist. Here are a few tips for making that happen.
Know Your Budget The very first thing to discuss with your florist is going to be the budget. A good florist won’t try to upsell beyond what you can afford – they truly want to work with you to create your vision within the limits of your pocketbook. If you are on a tight budget, focus on your bouquet and make your attendants’ arrangements smaller and simpler – and therefore less expensive. Mismatched bridesmaid bouquets are an emerging trend, allowing for a little individuality with their bouquets. A fun idea is to have each bridesmaid carry a single flower that represents what is in the larger bridal bouquet.
Pick one thing you love – a certain color, a special photo, a swatch of antique lace, or a cherished brooch that belonged to your great-grandmother – to give you and your florist a starting point.
When you have that initial meeting with a florist, enjoy yourself! You want your florist to be as excited as you are about finding the perfect flower arrangements for your wedding day.
Break Tradition There’s no need to limit yourself to roses and calla lilies. Some brides are incorporating jewels and even paper arrangements – whatever speaks to your wedding and your vision. You don’t have to limit your containers to clear glass vases either. If it will hold water, it can hold your flowers. Are you both fishing aficionados? Fill tackle boxes with flowers to show off your personality and perhaps symbolize how you met.
JULIE DREELIN
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Find a Florist You Really Love
Personalize Your Bouquet
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Incorporate something special into your wedding bouquet (and do not restrict yourself to flowers). For instance, if you met on a train, you could tie a small train charm into your bouquet to symbolize where you met and fell in love. Where wedding flowers are concerned, it can be hard to know where to begin. Your florist will have ideas about design and color, but don’t be shy about asking other vendors, photographers, banquet managers, hair stylists and wedding gown salespeople about weddings they have seen with memorable flowers. ♥
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Find Your Inspiration
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Florals • Lighting • Design
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LARGEST SELECTION OF
LINGERIE, LOTIONS, NOVELTIES, GIFTS & MORE ON THE OUTER BANKS
Every detail matters when it comes to your wedding day... from the earrings you choose to that dream wedding dress. Whatever detail you decide upon, savor those special moments as you pour over the details of your wedding attire. Whether you fall in love with that perfect necklace, or finally find those elegant shoes you’ve been searching for, take it all in. Don’t rush these moments. Nothing should be overlooked as you create that style that perfectly embodies you and the happiness you radiate. So take your time and enjoy every detail of the process. You’ll revel in the beautiful results!
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FOR EVERY OCCASION
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Getting Hitched on the Outer Banks?
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FOLLOW US
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IER OUTER B EM A R P
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Sea,
You & Me I
magine yourself looking around at the sun, the sand, and the sea. To your right and left, there are family and friends. In front of you, you can see your future. Yes you guessed right, it is your wedding day! The day that you have dreamed of your whole life is here, and you have chosen to tie the knot on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. These beautiful barrier islands give you an assortment of diverse options for setting the stage on your wedding day. Your choices can range from a fanciful ceremony held at a historic landmark, to a more simple occasion allowing the complete natural beauty to decorate your special day. Let’s face it folks, it doesn’t get any more scenic than the stunning, picturesque Outer Banks. When planning your wedding day, there are a few questions you should begin asking yourself. What does your budget look like? How many guests will you invite? Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outside?
What will the theme and decorations look like? After deciding on some of these major elements, what once seemed like a jigsaw puzzle will soon piece together and the end result will finally be in focus. Try to fully envision exactly what you wish your day to look like. No matter your preference,
LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE DREELIN
Tuck Away with Tents Weather can be unpredictable on the Outer Banks (think rain, wind, and sand), so deciding to use a tent for your outdoor ceremony and/or reception is ideal. Aside from using a tent for the obvious practical reasons, there are a few different options that you can choose from. The most popular styles include frame tents and pole tents. There are tents with clear tops that allow for a natural light setting, and there are all-white tents that give off a more elegant appearance. Be sure that your tent comes with enclosure options, so that you are prepared for Mother Nature. Depending on the size of your wedding and number of guests, you may want to consider using a large tent for the ceremony and then a number of smaller tents to enclose the seating areas, dance floor, walkways, etc. This can allow for a more spacious and comfortable venue for your guests to freely move around. Tables and chairs are another major factor when planning the environment inside the tent. The style of party you are wanting to host is key and will help you to decide exactly what the seating will look like. If you are going low key, arranging bar stations and stools to look more like a “cocktail party” can be unique. If you are going with a seated or buffet dinner, you will need the exact number of tables and chairs to accommodate each one of your guests. No matter which type of tent you choose, the many different styles of decorating it are endless. Greenery, string lights, floral garlands, and sheer fabrics are just a few of the many options you have to make your wedding tent shine and sparkle. After all, the tent is the one main feature that will house your entire wedding and will hold all of the day’s memories inside its walls. Beaches of the Outer Banks have become a very popular choice in destination weddings. With that being said, each town and its beaches come with different rules and regulations. Some areas may require you to purchase a permit if you are looking to get married on the beach. Be sure to do your research, or hire a wedding planner to sort out all of the logistics for you. Just remember, you can’t exactly pick your weather but you can be prepared for it!
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whether it be elegant or effortless, the Outer Banks is capable of ultimately making it whatever you wish it to be. An Outer Banks wedding is a momentous and meaningful event for everyone involved. Your guests will love the cozy small-town feel, and you will love the fact that your most cherished day was celebrated on an island of paradise. When planning an outdoor event, you will want to decide on what type of structural equipment to have. Mother Nature could have very different plans than you do for your special day, so be sure to have a backup plan that covers your entire day, from start to finish. Tents, gazebos, and canopies are just a few of the many rental options. The Outer Banks has some amazing wedding rental companies that can help you work out any concerns regarding weather that you may have. Having a backup plan (think ‘Plan B’!) is crucial especially if any part of your day will be spent outdoors.
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Sand
BY TARA TURNER
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Decorating Your Day With a background as spectacular as the deep blue Atlantic, there really isn’t a need to go overboard with your decorations. Allow the natural side to play a major role in the theme of your big day. Having a beach wedding can allow for an effortless, yet elegant look. Take for example, an arbor or arch. Either can provide a great centerpiece or focal point for your ceremony. You can decorate it any way you choose- flowers, fabrics, shells, sea glass, etc. Maybe even consider building your very own arbor or arch out of driftwood from the sea. Allowing the sunset and some candles to light your surroundings can be another simple approach if you are having an evening ceremony. Just be sure to place the candles inside of hurricane globes to keep them from blowing out in the wind. How you choose to use chairs can also be a way of adding some ‘glam’ to your decorations. Dress up chairs by adding covers or embellishments to all or just specific seats. Consider adding wooden signs to the back of the bride and groom’s chairs that read just that- “bride” and “groom”. Add some fabric drapes or floral strings to other chairs to add a bit of flare throughout your setting. And don’t forget that the ocean has a wide variety of beautiful decorations to offer, from seashells and sea glass to driftwood, starfish, and sand pebbles. Have fun with your decorating, but also allow nature’s essentials to come into play to highlight your setting.
Using different lighting styles to illuminate your wedding is quite the trend these days. Lighting has vastly evolved from the days where you simply needed to brighten up a reception building and to setup the dance floor lighting. Fast forward to the present day, brides are using lighting to set the mood and create a very specific ambiance, while showing off the wedding theme. Using creative lighting approaches can also aid and benefit your photographer to get those perfect, romantic shots. Lighting options are endless; consider using string lights, floating lanterns, chandeliers, bistro lights, hanging candles, and luminaries. You could even use Edison lights to outline and radiate the bride and groom’s pathway. Another seemingly new trend is to decorate your venue with oversized light-up block letters. You can use these to either spell out certain phrases that describe the bride and groom, or as a joint monogram for the newly married couple. This trend could be fun with thinking of cute sayings such as, “I Do” or “Mr & Mrs”. However you choose to light up your wedding tent, keep your theme in mind, and allow your creativity to flow and enhance your surroundings. As you are making all of your wedding day decisions, keep in mind that informality is key. Beach weddings tend to be laidback affairs so think natural, flowy, casual, and simple! Amidst all of the planning, organizing, and decision making, try to keep that end result in clear focus. The day that you exchange vows with the love of your life will surely be unforgettable and meaningful. The backdrop for your special day is of course crucial, and nothing quite compares to a romantic seaside wedding. After all, your wedding day is a new beginning, and you will be overwhelmingly satisfied and grateful that you chose to start your “happily ever after” right here on the charming Outer Banks of North Carolina. In fact, you’ll be happier than a seagull with a french fry! ♥
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
Event rentals for your perfect occasion.
NEIL GT PHOTOGRAPHY
Meet at the Altar Having a structure that resembles an altar can be a very important, personal, and meaningful component to some couples. The altar is the epitome of what the wedding is all about and why it is occurring in the first place. It is the exact physical location where you will become husband and wife, and that spot will forever be ingrained into your minds and onto your hearts. It holds very deep and powerful spiritual meanings for some. No matter how you choose to decorate your altar, keep in mind all the while of its great significance, and the beginning of a journey that it represents.
(866) 490-3535 2017-18 Wedding Guide Ad_8x4.5.indd 1
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To Your
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THE FRESHEST FOOD ON THE OUTER BANKS!
Extraordinary Experience Elegant
Presentation
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Exceptional
VOTED 2015 & 2016 BEST CATERING
Customized Menus • •
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• •
Ceremony & Reception Site On-site Events with Panoramic Views of Roanoke Sound Off-site Catering for Weddings & All Occasions (including 4WD areas) Unique Cakes & Desserts
252.441.5405
catering@lonecedarcafe.com
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ONLY THE BEST
FOR YOUR BEST DAY
D I N E I N • TA K E O U T • C AT E R I N G
252.261.0224 SteamersOBX.com 1 Ocean Boulevard • Southern Shores Southern Shores Crossing Shopping Center
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Presenting exceptional food for every occasion... The Outer Banks’ premier resource for your wedding and special event catering. Whether you are planning a wedding, a company picnic, private party or personal chef services, a special event requires special attention. Every menu is individually designed, elegantly presented and professionally served. Our staff of qualified coordinators and professional chefs will make sure your event runs smoothly from start to finish. We’ll guide you through the planning process and customize a menu that is perfect for your event. Rehearsals & Meetings | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Events
Book Today! 252.480.6677 | CaptainGeorges.com
KILL DEVIL HILLS AT MP 8.5 ON THE BYPASS OUTER BANKS | VIRGINIA BEACH | WILLIAMSBURG | MYRTLE BEACH
Call or email our Catering Team at 252.261.3171 • events@blackpelicancatering.com
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Sugar Creek
❧ 2 Waterfront Gazebos ❧ Ceremony Site ❧ Reception Site
Restaurant Wedding Venue & Catering
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❧ Rehearsal Dinners ❧ Off-site Catering ❧ Award-winning Waterfront View
252 .441.4963 • sugarcreekcatering.com
7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail • Nags Head, NC • info@sugarcreekcatering.com
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The Perfect Location for Your Special Event Our Private Room is a special location for your rehearsal dinner, brunch or intimate wedding reception. For larger events, the main dining room or the entire restaurant are available. Or, for more casual settings or meet and greets, our front deck and bar would be the perfect location.
❈ Custom menus ❈ Friendly, experienced staff ❈ Great specialty drinks & wine list
grillroomobx.com Contact Meghann Pauls • 252.453.4336 meghann@grillroomobx.com • meghann.pauls@yahoo.com TimBuck II in Corolla
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authentic • simple • delicious REHEARSAL DINNERS GINGER SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
• RECEPTIONS • WELCOME DINNERS
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Tempt any Palate
“Your service, food and level of professionalism have been wonderful, thank you!! You helped to make my daughter’s wedding relaxing and enjoyable.” ~Sue Schneider
Wine & Beer Bistro
• Platters • Cheese Boards • Dessert Trays • Sandwiches
Beef Brisket
Ribs
Chicken
★ Featured in New York Times Travel & Bob Garner’s NC BBQ Show ★
Full Service Catering
• Delivery & Set-up • Whole Hog Catering
OUTER BANKS BARBEQUE... AT ITS VERY BEST
Daily Wine Tastings Private Wine Tastings
www.highcottonbbq.com
bacchuswineandcheese.com • 252.453.4333 891 Albacore Street • Corolla, NC • Monterey Plaza
252.255.2275
• MP 2 Beach Road • Kitty Hawk • Across from the Hilton Garden Inn
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Picking Up
the Tab:
Cocktail Hour and Signature Drinks Some couples choose to limit the cocktail hour to 45 minutes rather than the entire reception. Wedding experts estimate that most of the drinks at a wedding are consumed in the first two hours, so limiting the cocktail hour is one way to trim your budget. Also, couples often find that guests switch to wine with dinner, leaving the more expensive mixed drinks behind. Always consider using bar brands instead of top shelf liquor and don’t rule out batch cocktails such as punch to cut down on costs. If you have a large number of beer drinkers on your guest list, consider the cheaper option of kegs rather than bottles. Kegs can be hidden discreetly behind the bar.
TIP: If you are serving cocktails, plan your menu based on the season. Having a winter wedding? Manhattans and martinis
Bar Basics
are a must. Serve up Shandies and Pimm’s Cups in the summer or gin and tonics for spring weddings. If your guest list is small enough, you could survey your friends and family to find out what their favorite drinks are and offer a small selection of those.
for Your Wedding Reception BY MICHELLE WAGNER
Follow the Rules
DIY Bar
P
lanning your wedding reception can be stressful, especially when you start checking off your “to do list” and see the impact it can have on your wallet. From decorations and menu items to entertainment and party favors, the cost of planning the wedding reception of your dreams can literally leave your head spinning. But sticking to a budget, coupled with careful planning, can ensure that you can have the reception you want without breaking the bank. Deciding on how you will handle the bar tab is one of the biggest decisions you may make during the planning process. That’s because it not only has a significant impact on your wallet, but it also impacts your guests. There are several options to consider when choosing the right bar offerings for your wedding. But rest assured there are creative ways to approach it that will leave you and your guests happy during what is sure to be the best party of your life. While your guests may love an open bar, it can cost couples an average of $2,800, or $16.50 per guest, according to recent statistics. For many, that’s just not financially feasible. If it fits your budget, then cheers! If not, consider some of these alternatives. And don’t forget that online alcohol calculators and wedding planners can help when it comes to estimating how many bottles you’ll need to purchase so you cut down on unnecessary expenses. Whatever option you go with, paying careful attention to the bar tab can ensure that your reception will go off without a hitch and will be an event to remember for years to come.
If you are going with a Do-It-Yourself bar, the general rule of thumb for every 100 guests is: five to six cases of beer, three and a half cases of white wine, two cases of red wine and a case and a half of champagne. As for liquors, consider one liter of bourbon, whiskey, and tequila; six liters of vodka and two liters of scotch and rum. Of course, don’t forget the mixers as well. The benefit of a DIY bar, such as a brunch-time Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, is that you can buy the ingredients in bulk – which obviously saves on the bill.
Cash Bar
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The Best Bar for Your Budget
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Open Bar
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An open bar is a very generous offering but can end up being quite costly. Be prepared. It allows guests to order any drink available and as many as they want. While it may be popular among guests and caterers, one shortcoming is that it promotes a lot of waste as guests sample drinks they normally would not order – or they lose track of the drinks they have knowing that they can just order another one. With an open bar, there is no telling what the tab will be when the reception ends, so if you are comfortable with that, let the party begin and the drinks flow. But keep in mind that an open bar can easily account for 10 to 20 percent of your reception expense. One way to still have an open bar but save on expense is to offer a set selection of drinks – such as just wine and beer. Or you can consider offering only one signature mixed drink. Couples also have the option of setting time limits on when the bar is open, which can go a long way in helping you stay within your budget. Hiring waiters to bring drinks around or limiting serving times around a specific cocktail hour before dinner can also help to keep the budget manageable.
TIP: Don’t serve drinks in large glasses. Smaller portions usually mean less consumption. As a general rule, people tend to count the number of trips they make to the bar, not the ounces consumed. So with smaller glassware, your guests will be happy while you save on your bar bill.
One option to consider is a cash bar, which is a less popular choice for guests but can save the wedding couple a lot of money. While it’s not typically good etiquette to have a strictly cash bar, sometimes there just isn’t a choice.
Professional caterers and restaurants hosting weddings need to have a permit to sell and/or serve alcohol at your wedding, but it is up to you to make sure that part of the process has been legally covered. Some reception sites require that you purchase your own permit to serve alcohol at their venue; other venues will automatically take care of the permit and pass that expense on to you. If you are providing your own alcohol and purchasing large quantities at an ABC store, the ABC store will issue a purchase/transportation permit at no charge that allows you to purchase and transport the larger amounts of liquor from the store to your site. To acquire a permit or obtain more information, call the state ABC Commission at 919.779.0700.
Liability Insurance? If you are concerned about guests having too much to drink and getting into an accident, consider adding a liquor liability endorsement to your wedding insurance policy. You can also arrange for safe transportation back home by providing a fleet of cabs, a limousine service, or a shuttle like OBX Wedding Trolley, “Stella.” There is a lot to consider when developing a plan for the bar at your wedding reception. Careful planning and consideration of your wants and your guests is the key to making this part of the party a piece of cake when your wedding reception begins. ♥
A traveling caravan bar!
TIP: Start the party early. By simply switching your wedding and reception to earlier in the day, you can reduce alcohol consumption and spending greatly. Brunch weddings are becoming more popular, not only for the menu variety but also because they allow you to serve less expensive cocktails.
Bring Your Own One way to pare down your bar bill is to find a venue where catering and alcohol are not bundled in with your contract so you can provide your own alcohol or use an outside source. This arrangement will give you the opportunity to offer your guests favorite local beverages from the Outer Banks’ many unique breweries and wineries. Many of these places offer discounts when buying in bulk, so be sure to shop around.
Skip the Bar Of course, if your families do not drink alcohol, there is the option of skipping the bar altogether. Regardless of how you decide to serve alcohol, fun, nonalcoholic drinks should be available for the under-21 crowd, designated drivers, and other guests who do not drink.
As seen in Our State and Imbibe magazines!
Camp Cocktail brings vintage elegance to your celebration!
campcocktailevents.com • 252.339.7189
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FOOD TRUCK F
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Ride aboard our romantic wedding trolley,
“Stella” DANIEL PULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
ood truck weddings are growing in popularity and for obvious reasons! Food trucks are the perfect way to offer some absolutely delicious food in a perfectly fun way. These trucks roll up sporting a variety of styles, and offer everything from mouthwatering pizza to the freshest seafood on the beach. They also add an element of adventure and uniqueness to your special day!
Cosmo’s Pizzeria Our mobile, wood-fired pizza oven is perfect for your guest welcome party, wedding, or any gathering. Our Catering Manager, Lauren, will work with you to customize your menu and personalize your event – we love getting creative! Email catering@cosmospizzeria.com. See ad pg. 67
KEELER & DENSON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Custom wedding packages available! COURTNEY HATHAWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Mulligan’s Beach Catering Mulligan’s Beach Catering has the original food truck on the Outer Banks. For almost 10 years, Mulligan’s has been driving up to events and cooking locally-sourced fish, produce, and meats right on site for groups of 10 to 200. From wedding receptions at Pirate’s Cove Marina to the Whalehead Club, rehearsal dinners at event cottages, farewell brunches, or late night taco truck events, we have cooked customized meals to fit every occasion. See ad pg. 45
Up to 45 passengers Dependable, always on time Professional, courteous drivers Service from Hatteras to Corolla Door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation Stress-free wedding vehicle for the entire wedding party
Exclusive Outer BanksWedding Trolley
TROLLEY
obxtrolley.com
•
252.202.4429 • info@obxtrolley.com
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e d i u G s ’ m o o r G A ing Planning d d e W to
MATT LUSK PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MICHELLE WAGNER
The Game Plan It may serve grooms well to first consider what aspect of the wedding they would like to have the most influence on. Then it’s time to pick a relaxed atmosphere for the two of you to sit down and begin mapping out the months that will end with your special day. It’s helpful to create an outline - minute by minute - of the wedding day and what you need to do to make it happen. Enlist your groomsmen and other trustworthy family members and friends to help along the way and on the day of the event. Be sure the list includes everything from choosing your wedding
bands to giving the best man the rings. Include the deadline you need for tasks to be accomplished as well as any source material such as phone numbers and addresses. A important contribution grooms could make in the process is helping to do a little research on vendors, not to mention attending vendor meetings with your partner. One more thing -- consider writing your own vows as a way to personalize your day and reflect on your new life together. It would be a perfect way to share some quiet moments as your wedding day draws close.
Traditional Expenses of the Groom
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Wedding planning can leave some grooms feeling a bit unsure of what their role may be as the big day approaches. From color schemes, menus and wedding invitations to flowers, bouquets and guest lists, it can quickly become overwhelming for even the most well meaning and helpful groom.
ut rest assured, there is plenty for grooms to do that will be very much appreciated by an overwhelmed partner. In the process of planning, grooms will be happy to learn that they have a say in what their special day becomes – and that it can even be a little fun. Many couples find that splitting up tasks from the beginning is the best way to tackle a “to do” list. A checklist and setting simple deadlines can also help and often sets the stage for a smooth and productive planning period. This way both bride and groom know what the expectations are and can work as a team every step of the way. A groom’s responsibilities can vary. Traditionally, his duties have included some of the reception arrangements, mapping out the transportation logistics, selecting gifts for his groomsmen, and planning the honeymoon and bachelor party. But these duties are definitely not set in stone. Couples these days are sharing tasks in whatever way works best for them. Of course, some tasks may be better suited for the groom and some for the bride, depending on their strengths and personalities. So take the time to consider each of your likes and dislikes and where you think you are best suited to pitch in. Remember, just because you may not be so enthusiastic about labeling invitations, looking at flowers or choosing party favors, these are tasks that must be done and doing them together can make it more manageable and definitely more fun. And don’t forget, it will strengthen your relationship and get your marriage off to a good start!
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Just because there are “traditional” responsibilities of the groom and his family, it does not mean it is what you and your partner will decide on. More and more couples are sharing the expenses of the wedding and honeymoon. But if you are going the traditional route, grooms typically pick up the tab for the entire rehearsal event including the dinner, invitations, decorations and entertainment. The groom also traditionally pays for the marriage license, the bride’s rings, the officiant’s fee, gifts for his attendants, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers, as well as the bride’s bouquet.
May I Have This (First) Dance? What could be more romantic than suggesting to your fiancé that you take a dance class together? It will help you prepare for your wedding day when all eyes will be on the two of you during that first song. You can play a role in choosing the song for the first dance and other songs the band or DJ will be playing.
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• Choose from an assortment of beef, turkey, and wild game jerky in both traditional and smoked styles. • Great for groomsmen (and bridesmaids) gifts, hotel guest gift bags, rehearsal or reception party favors.
GREAT LOCATION FOR A BACHELOR PARTY STOP
When the Big Day Arrives There is a lot to remember on the morning of your wedding day, and it can feel overwhelming. Here is a list of potential last-minute concerns or day-of questions that frequently pop up: • Will your best man have the rings? • Is the honeymoon luggage easily accessible? Do you have a change of clothes accessible for your getaway? • Will your best man return your rental suit for you? • Do you have the notes for your toast or speech? • How will you keep track of car keys and/or house keys on your wedding day?
can show your bride-to-be that you appreciate everything she is doing to make your wedding day perfect. Leave a love note inside her purse, pick a wildflower and place it on her windshield, fix her a special dinner or have take-out ready on a particularly busy day. It is also important to be familiar with who will be attending the wedding from her side of the family. You can flip through a family album together or share fun stories about relatives to help connect names and faces.
MP 4.5 on the Bypass
OBXJerky.com • 252.715.5800
3809 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Outer Banks, NC
61 Sportfishing Boat ’
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• Most guests know not to bring wedding gifts to the actual ceremony, but inevitably, a few will show up. Assign someone who will be in charge of transporting them to a desired location. • Gather passports, credit cards, and other necessary documentation for your honeymoon and keep in one place. • Determine who will have the checks or cash to pay the musicians, photographers, drivers, and any other professionals who need to be paid at the end of the event? Make sure you arrive at the ceremony site at least a half hour before the service begins. Give the best man the payment envelopes so he can take charge of paying everyone after the service. Use this time to go over any special seating arrangements with your ushers and double check that you have the marriage license for the officiant and your witnesses to sign after the ceremony.
Support Your Partner doghousesportfishing.com
252.473.8078 • 252.475.8079 • Wanchese, NC
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• Customized gift baskets available.
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Wedding planning can be stressful, but it can also be fun and be a great way to bring the two of you even closer together. There are plenty of ways you
Play a Little: It’s the Outer Banks The Outer Banks has something for every groom, no matter where his interests lie. The coast teems with adventures in fishing, surfing, hang gliding, golfing, kayak tours,
and more. In between your wedding festivities, make sure you take time to explore our remarkable environment. Head up to Corolla and experience a one-of-a-kind wild horse safari adventure. Tour packages allow you to choose from a guided off-road excursion to see the wild Spanish mustangs or a self-guided tour in a rented four-wheel drive vehicle. If the waves call to you, sign up for personalized lessons with one of the many experienced Outer Banks surfers or stand-up paddle boarders. Or explore the sound in a kayak or from a kite board. If you’re already in the know, rent a board and ride the wind and waves on your own. The island is full of rental companies and instructors. The Outer Banks is a year-round fisherman’s haven. There is fishing, fishing, and
ESCAPE • Family fun for all ages at affordable prices • Bachelor and Bachelorette parties • Why pay beach prices? Worth driving 1 extra mile
Find Clues, Decipher Codes, and Find Keys to Unlock Your Room’s Mysteries
Multiple rooms to choose from. Check us out at:
8845 Caratoke Hwy • Harbinger, NC Harbinger Center, Suite #10
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Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
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Crystal Dawn
Rehearsal D inners
Country Girl
Accommodates Non-Fishing Offers Offshore & Parties of 100 Comfortably, Gulf Stream Charters or a Charter of 50 Fishing Guests for up to 27 Anglers www.crystaldawnheadboat.com • www.countrygirlcharters.com
252.473.5577 Spor t Fishing Year Round
At Pirate’s Cove Marina off the Manteo Causeway
more fishing. Book a charter boat to experience inshore and offshore angling with your buddies, or head out to the beach or one of many fishing piers with your rod in hand. You can rent what you need on site if you haven’t packed any gear. Piers generally offer food and beverages to enhance the experience. Be sure to inquire about fishing permits at your local tackle shops or visit ncwilidlife,org for more details. Touring the majestic lighthouses of the Outer Banks is a great way to explore history and take in an incredible view. From Corolla to Ocracoke, coastal beacons provide great stopovers, climbing adventures, and photo possibilities. No matter what your preference, you and your guests are bound to find the Outer Banks a memorable place of adventure, natural beauty, and fun. Don’t forget to take your camera – waterproof if needed – to savor your memories for years to come!
Transportation Transportation should never be a last-minute decision and it involves more than just renting a car or limo. There are many details to work out and the party can’t start until everyone has arrived. Be sure transportation details are hammered out well before the big day arrives. Consider using transportation for these events: • Wedding showers • Bachelor(ette) parties • Airport shuttle for out-of-town guests • Rehearsal dinner • Honeymoon getaway • Group guest activities
Planes, Trolleys & Automobiles Traditionally, the groom is responsible for taking care of all facets of transportation: everything from picking guests up at the airport and hiring the wedding day trolley or limo, to making sure guests have maps and designated driver alternatives. Do your research; make reservations when necessary and have a handy list of transportation companies on hand, just in case. Always remember to consider potential traffic congestion, particularly during the tourist season and busy weekends during the shoulder months. For example, if you need
to get you or your guests from Nags Head to Duck for a Saturday morning ceremony in the summer, you will need to be sure you allow plenty of extra time due to traffic congestion. There are many ways to get the bride and groom to and from the wedding events in absolute style. From a stretch SUV to an old-fashioned trolley, options exist to suit your style and needs. Keep safety and efficiency in mind as you also consider how to cart your guests to and fro!
Designated Drivers The biggest reason to consider wedding transportation for your guests is the obvious: drinking and driving. You want your guests to have fun at your reception, but you also want them to arrive at their destinations safely. The legal blood-alcohol limit in North Carolina is .08. That’s just one or two drinks for most people. Plus, out-of-town guests are probably not familiar with directions to wedding venues. Another reason to transport your guests is that parking at rental homes on the Outer Banks is very limited. A typical formula for non-event homes is one parking space per bedroom in the home. Also, parking on the grass can be a costly violation at most homes because of damage to underground septic systems. By providing transportation for guests, you can rest assured that everyone will get to the church (or beach) on time. Remember this tip: Do not wait until the last minute to book wedding transportation. It could cause unnecessary stress and result in confusion and last-minute details to be forgotten. You also need to factor the cost of transportation into your overall wedding budget. When booking your wedding wheels – the earlier the better!
Things to Keep in Mind • Research the vehicle that will be assigned to your event and check on how often it is cleaned: A twenty-year-old limo without proper upkeep may not be the luxurious getaway car that you are envisioning. • Always book for longer than you think: It is a good idea to add 20 to 30 extra minutes to each trip to allow for late arrivals and traffic delays. • Always book in person: You can do your research online and talk with companies over the phone, but take the time to make your final booking in person so that you can inspect the vehicle. • Pay attention to the contract: Read the contract thoroughly before you sign. Double check the date, hours, and pick-up locations. Make sure the company is insured, and research its cancellation and refund policies. • Have a family member or friend call the driver 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time to make sure your ride is on the way. So whatever the groom’s strong suit happens to be, there’s always a place for the groom when it comes to wedding planning. Your partner will thank you and the two of you can truly make it the wedding of your dreams! ♼
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FLORIST & FORMALS UNIQUE ARRANGEMENTS TUXEDO RENTAL
: The Big Day Grooms Sport Their Style OUTERBANKSPRODUCTIONS.COM
It may seem that there isn’t much grooms have control of when it comes to their wedding day, but there is at least one thing…what they choose to wear when it’s time to walk down the aisle. LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
JIMSFORMALWEAR.COM
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252.255.0039 • brookstheo@ymail.com • 1208 S. Croatan Hwy • Kill Devil Hills, NC
BY MICHELLE WAGNER
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hen it comes to suits and ties, trends come and go, but a groom’s style is his own. And what better way to show it than on that special day. Whether you lean toward the more casual look or are after a more classy style, here are a few trends that have surfaced on the wedding scene that may speak to you as you prepare for one of the most important days of your life.
Turn up the Tweed If you are having a wedding during the winter, tweed just may be the perfect touch for that rustic or vintage wedding. Now in slimmer fits and more modern cuts, many grooms are opting for the fabric for its warm vibe. But if tweed isn’t your thing, more and more grooms are looking for that sleek look that brighter hues offer – such as burgundy, purple and blue. And don’t ditch the traditional three-piece look just yet. There are plenty of men opting for this style as well in 2018.
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Time for the Tie What you wear around your neck on the big day can say a lot about your style. And today’s groom has plenty of choices, from the bowtie, necktie or no tie. If you go the tie route, be creative and choose one that says you. From floral designs and stripes, to checks and bold colorful designs, it adds the perfect touch to any groom’s attire. Ties not your style? Classy, creative bowties are also making their way back onto the wedding scene. And don’t rule out the traditional neckties, which come in a variety of style and colors depending on the occasion and of course, your own personal style.
Say it with Socks Want to make a statement on your wedding day? A man’s socks (and shoes) can say a lot about him and his own personal style. Get creative about your socks – by either choosing colorful ones, patterned or even polka dot. Have a favorite super hero or sports team? Show it with your socks! And as for the shoes, remember anything goes depending on what look you are after. From the more traditional wingtip shoes to cowboy boots – let you feet do some of the talking on your wedding day. Suspenders are also back in style and can help grooms combine playful with elegance. Consider matching your suspenders with the accessories of the bride, or perhaps with her shoes or bouquet. And when it comes to choosing, there are thousands of styles in an array of fabrics so you’re bound to find one that fits your personality perfectly.
Resort Apparel for Men
Tuxedo Rentals & Casual Wedding Attire
Don’t forget the Cufflinks Grooms are sporting cufflinks these days not only to coordinate with their bride’s ring or dress, but also to share a touch of their personality. From elegant options like gemstones or diamond-studded, or to show off a hobby or even an alma mater, cufflinks are just another way for the grooms to share a piece of their personality on the wedding day. Many are also considering adding a splash of color with pocket squares, lapels and buttonholes. There’s no doubt grooms have plenty of ways to express themselves on their wedding day. But whatever you decide on, it’s your unique opportunity to show the world your personal style on one of the most important days of your life! ♥
untuckedobx.com • 252.715.2553
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Good wedding photographers work hard to capture a child being natural – and not fidgety – in photographs. One local photographer says, “I have to worry about getting the shots of the kids as quickly as I can, ideally right after the ceremony.” He continues, “We plan to do kids first, because they don’t last.” When the ceremony is at the beach, it can make the photographer’s job even tougher as children tend to be especially distracted by the waves, birds, and open spaces. Consider using the beach as part of your prop, and photograph all the children in wedding attire putting the finishing touches on a sand castle together. When it comes to a second marriage, other needs and relationships come into play when deciding how to include children in the ceremony. Some officiants will let the children of a newly blended family sign the marriage license as a gesture. However, it’s hard to always anticipate how a child will react. Before giving children any significant roles in the ceremony, it is important to be sensitive to how they are handling the news of their parent getting re-married. One unexpected outburst occurred when a groom’s son was asked for his “I do” during a part of the ceremony. “But you’re not my mother,” was his response picked up during the videographer’s filming of the vows. Whether it’s fun or formal roles, involving sons, daughters, nieces and nephews from both sides of the family can help them feel part of the newly extended family. Involve them in different tasks to assist at the ceremony and reception. A few rewarding jobs for children include handing out programs, assisting with the guest book, and seating guests. One creative couple appointed their youngest family members as junior photographers after the professional was finished taking her posed photographs. The bride and groom were delighted to find out later that they ended up with a few more spontaneous shots of their guests having fun at the reception – and from very different angles! Local ministers and officiants can help you avoid the flower girl/ring bearer cliché while adding children to the blended family with sensitivity. One symbolic way to include the entire family is to expand the traditional unity candle ceremony. Instead of having only bride and groom taper candles on the altar, additional taper candles are provided to represent each child in the family. At the point where the bride and groom light the central, unity pillar with their single tapers, the children join in and all participants are lighting the same pillar with their own flame. You can also consider a unique beach version of the candle ceremony: the sand ceremony, in which each person has a vessel containing a colored sand they chose; they each take a turn to pour their sand into a single vessel as a symbolic uniting of the entire family. Again, not all children want to take part in their parents’ wedding ceremony; sensitivity dictates how much or how little they are asked to participate. But sometimes, the reality is that younger children will often have more fun if a professional is hired to plan post-ceremony children’s activities that will focus on their own enjoyment. By not expecting the junior bridesmaid or ring bearer to have to put on their best behavior for the entire wedding event, you will ensure more relaxed fun for all guests. ♥
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The Outer Banks Offers A Wide Array of Beautiful Venues
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any couples love the idea of a sound side wedding under cotton candy skies at sunset or an ocean side wedding at high noon. But consider the lure of a ceremony at the beautiful Currituck Heritage Park and other historic and natural settings along the Outer Banks. There are dozens of picture perfect venues to say “I do.” Whatever site you ultimately choose, one thing is for certain – when it comes to a picture perfect wedding, you are bound to find it here on the Outer Banks.
SITES Churches By the Sea
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There are plenty of choices on the Outer Banks if you are looking for a place of worship to exchange your wedding vows. From large, spacious churches with reception halls to quaint seaside chapels, couples can take their pick. Remember that many churches require couples to use the inhouse minister or priest and may require certificates of pre-marital counseling. Additional requirements may also apply for visiting couples, so be sure to contact the church directly and keep the lines of communication open during the planning process.
BY MICHELLE WAGNER
Tip – Be sure to contact the church for requirements and reservations well in advance. They book up quickly!
It is no surprise that the Outer Banks is a top destination for couples who travel from all over the East Coast and Midwest to tie the knot on these beautiful barrier islands. After all, the Outer Banks isn’t just about beautiful and pristine beaches. It’s home to dozens of amazing venues that make the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony or reception. Unsurpassed coastline, romantic sunsets and venues such as lighthouses, gardens and state parks, these islands are literally full of possibilities when it comes to finding the perfect setting to exchange vows. Take your pick.
The Beach
There is no doubt that the ocean provides the perfect backdrop for a stunning, romantic wedding ceremony. Soft sand, lapping waves, and beautiful sunsets are just a few reasons why couples are lured to the edge of the sea on their special day. If you and your significant other are beach lovers and are looking to tie the knot along our shores, know that local towns and counties have jurisdiction over their beaches and access areas. Be sure to check and follow town, county, or National Park Service regulations.
Tip – Check out obxbeachaccess.com for details on all local beaches. Also, parking for guests and vendors during a beach wedding can be tricky, so it deserves some careful thought. Rental cottages have parking spaces that are based on the number of bedrooms in a cottage. It may be worth hiring a trolley or van to shuttle guests to and from your ceremony.
Soundside Ceremonies
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Miles and miles of sound beaches also make a beautiful backdrop for an Outer Banks wedding and if planned right, will surely come with some stunning sunsets. You’ll discover many, many spots along the sounds of the Outer Banks that are arguably the most romantic and serene venues on the island.
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Make History Here.
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WHALEHEAD IN HISTOR IC COROLL A
IN T H E H E A R T O F H I S TO RI C C O RO L L A PA RK • 1100 C LUB ROA D, C O RO L L A , N C 27927
FOR MORE INFORMAT ION OR BOOKING: 252.453.9040 • W W W.WHAL EHE ADWEDDING.COM
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COROLLA, NC
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Under the Sea, Under a Beacon, or On the Green
BEACH WEDDINGS RECEPTIONS REHEARSAL DINNERS BRIDAL BRUNCHES HONEYMOON PACKAGES
866.457.1190 | WWW.THEPINEISLANDLODGE.COM
Just because you get married on the Outer Banks, doesn’t mean you have to exchange vows by the water. Local attractions and historical sites offer more than just entertainment for tourists. Many happy couples are choosing to host their weddings and receptions alongside the very lighthouses or overlooking the same sites where they first fell in love. The clubhouses and dance floors at an oceanfront pier or golf course are especially popular venues, and their buildings offer that back-up plan “in case of rain.” Ceremonies that are immersed in the beauty of yacht clubs, marinas, and maritime forests, or among an aquarium’s fish tanks, have the added advantage of having a builtin theme and décor. You can also inspire your photographer’s creativity with a boating theme; on the Outer Banks, we have everything from deep-sea fishing boats to a replica of a 16thcentury English ship available for wedding ceremonies and events.
Tip - There is a $100 fee to host ceremonies within the National Park Service property. Please keep in mind that receptions are not permitted on these properties and regulations apply. If you wish to apply for a wedding permit, go to www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/wedding-permits.htm for more information, or call 252.473.2111
Let The Pine Island Lodge be your premier wedding venue!
The Comforts of Home: Renting an Event House
If the idea of sharing your special day in a gorgeous event home appeals to you, the Outer Banks has an abundance to offer – from Corolla to Ocracoke. These oceanfront homes are built and designed specifically with weddings and receptions in mind. Many feature large decks, spacious gathering areas, gazebos, and wooden walkways that meander over the dunes to the beach. Receptions can easily be held next to your private pool or indoors. Industrial-sized kitchens and large gathering areas both inside and outside make event homes a hit with caterers. Game rooms, wet bars and other features enhance the wedding experience. Occupancy limitations apply, so be sure to check with property management companies.
OCEANFRONT VENUE Up to 250 Wedding Guests
searanchresort.com 252.441.7126 • 800.334.4737 Oceanfront • MP 7
1731 N. VA Dare Trail • Kill Devil Hills, NC events@searanchresort.com
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Spacious 28 bedroom home with over 19,000 sq. ft. of interior heated space and 16,000 sq. ft. of decking with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This home features a bridal suite, interior event space, catering kitchen, elevator, outdoor bar and much more!
Matt Lusk Photography
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Carolina Charm
& Stunning Views OCEANFRONT & SOUNDFRONT
VENUES
ACCOMMODATIONS When it comes to accommodations for your guests and wedding party, it can be challenging to do so from out of town – but it’s not insurmountable. Real estate agencies and vendors on the Outer Banks are always ready to offer their help and answer questions. Whether you are taking on the task of finding a place for your guests to stay or just hoping to guide them, it’s a good idea to consider having everyone stay close together. Choose from neighboring rental homes, or hotels, motels and inns. Consider making reservations close to the reception site. Give rental managers and hotel managers an idea of how many guests you expect so they can strive to meet your personal and geographic needs.
EVENT HOMES Weddings | Rehearsals | Ceremonies Receptions | Accommodations | Vacations
Rental Homes
Rental homes are a great choice if you are getting married on the beach. Couples can rent several homes close together for family and friends. Many larger homes have 12 or more bedrooms, dual kitchens and can accommodate multi-family groups
Tip – Consider hiring a personal chef or caterer for the reception and to possibly cook meals while you are in your beach house.
Hotels, Motels, Inns
COLEMAN SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
From Corolla to Ocracoke, the Outer Banks is home to many superb hotels, quaint inns, cottage courts and beachfront motels. These accommodations are perfect for guests who may not be staying an entire week. Many couples block off rooms at a nearby hotel, motel, or inn in anticipation of the number of guests they will invite. Many hotel rooms have features like kitchenettes, pools, exercise rooms, and spa services. The options in this area are endless and are sure to leave your guests feeling right at home on the Outer Banks. There’s no doubt that the Outer Banks offers some of the most beautiful landscape imaginable. Soak it all in as you choose the perfect venue in which to say “I do.” Relax and enjoy all the beach has to offer while you plan the details of your wedding on the beautiful Outer Banks.
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252.564.9225
On-site Coordination & CATERING Indoor & Outdoor EVENT SPACES
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A day unlike any other...a location to match. twiddy.com/weddings (800) 489-4339
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Wild Horse Estates
The following RECEPTION SITES and wedding party ACCOMMODATIONS are listed in geographical order, from north to south.
The Wild Horse event home has 23 bedrooms and is privately located on 20 acres of undeveloped oceanfront land in Carova. Complete with an event hall and 11,000 square feet of decking, the Wild Horse has panoramic views and breathtaking horizons. This home is truly the ideal setting for a wedding! See ad pg. 97
Venues & Accommodations CarolinaDesigns.com/weddings
Sun Realty Representing the largest selection of homes from Carova to Hatteras Island, Sun Realty offers luxury estates, cozy beach cottages, and condos. Our six offices can show you a variety of properties perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, guest housing, or honeymoons. See ad pg. 100
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Situated on 39 acres with unrivaled waterfront views, Whalehead radiates European elegance, Southern charm, and local, natural beauty. Nestled among large live oaks and lush lawns, this enchanting 1920s home is truly a magical setting for your special day. An ideal destination for events of all sizes. See ad pg. 86 & 87
Banks, NC Outer Choose from over 60 premier event homes from Corolla to South Nags Head, many in unforgettable waterfront locations.
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The Inn at Corolla Light
Pine Island Lodge
The Blue Point
Carolina Designs Realty
The Inn at Corolla Light specializes in pampering your wedding guests. The Inn features 42 unique rooms and suites, many with fireplaces and whirlpools. Most rooms are available with king-size beds. All rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and flat screen TVs. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning. See ad pg. 96
Pine Island Lodge can accommodate up to 300 wedding guests and sleeps 80 people. With an airport directly across the street, keyless entry, a caretaker on call 24/7, plenty of overflow parking, a detached bridal suite, and tons of amenities, this state-of-the-art home is perfect for your destination wedding. See ad pg. 89
The Blue Point enjoys a one-of-a-kind waterfront perch. The back BAR is a beautiful space to host a casual rehearsal dinner or small reception, or seated dinners in our private room. Request information at thebluepoint.com. See ad pg. 98
Carolina Designs Realty provides event homes and guest accommodations (3-23 bedroom properties) from Corolla to South Nags Head. Many homes include private pools, rec rooms with bars, walkways to the beach, and dunetop decks and gazebos overlooking the Atlantic. See ad pg. 93
Twiddy & Company Realtors Currituck Club Nestled between the ocean and sound, the clubhouse overlooks a prestigious Rees Jones golf course. Select either indoor or outdoor spaces to host your wedding ceremony, reception, and other special events. The venue offers onsite catering and event coordination as well as a soundfront ceremony site. See ad pg. 90
Sanderling Resort
Sunset Grille
Enjoy the elegance of this beautiful 13-acre, ocean-to-sound location as the perfect setting for your wedding day. Choose from a variety of ceremony and reception locations while working with a dedicated on-site planner. Be pampered at the full-service spa featuring a salon, nail care and body treatments. See ad inside back cover
Not only a vacationer’s destination, but the perfect location for your wedding, reception, or special event. Enjoy panoramic sound views, spectacular sunsets, three Tiki bars, and coastal cuisine reminiscent of the Keys and Caribbean as you celebrate your special occasion. See ad pg. 112
BeautifulWaterfront Venue
Rehearsal Dinners & Bridal Brunches Overlooking the Docks at Pirate’s Cove Marina 282.473.1955 • 2000 Sailfish Drive • Manteo, NC bluewatergrillobx.com • bluewatergrillandtiki@gmail.com
Twiddy & Company offers extraordinary vacation rental homes for your Outer Banks event. Each has been carefully designed and appointed to host every aspect of your celebration. Whether you dream of exchanging vows waterside with a backdrop of sunlight reflecting off the sea or prefer the relaxed elegance of a poolside soiree, our homes become the perfect venue for your rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. See ad pg. 91
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TRIO Wine, Beer and Cheese
The Sea Ranch Resort
Nags Head Golf Links
Trio is the perfect upscale casual setting for your event. From rehearsal dinners to private tastings, welcome to beach gatherings to bridal luncheons, our outstanding selection of fine wines, craft beer, artisan cheeses and inventive cuisine will make your event one to remember. See ad pg. 101
Let your new life together begin at our full-service, classic beach resort. We offer on-site catering with an array of menus to please you and your guests. Here, oceanside ceremonies are just steps away from our event room! We focus on great guest service, delicious food, and traditional Outer Banks charm. See ad pg. 88
Nags Head Golf Links is a full-service, soundfront wedding and reception venue that features spectacular sunsets and can accommodate up to 175 guests with both tented and clubhouse wedding options. See ad pg. 90
Pamlico Jack’s Soundfront Restaurant & Bar Mako’s Beach Grille and Bar
The Quality Inn Carolina Oceanfront True love can outlast the sands of time and we certainly hope that is true but our beautiful oceanfront backyard would not be the same without you. See ad pg. 100
Mako’s Beach Grille and Bar provides a great setting for rehearsal dinners and other events. Centrally located, they can accommodate intimate parties of 24 to 70 in their private rooms, or larger groups can reserve their entire restaurant in the off-season, which will accommodate 240 guests. They offer buffets or plated dinners, custom made for your event, tastes, and budget. See ad pg. 99
Shutters on the Banks Bring family and friends together! Our 86-room hotel offers a luxurious honeymoon suite, large newly renovated guest rooms, a picture perfect gazebo, indoor/outdoor salt water pools and a whirlpool spa. Shutters on the Banks is the ideal, central, Outer Banks location to host your guests and enjoy the first night of the rest of your lives together. See ad pg. 3
T
he Inn at Corolla Light offers you and your guests a truly memorable experience. We specialize in pampering your wedding guests with 42 unique rooms & suites, many with fireplaces & whirlpools. All rooms have refrigerators & microwaves, with a sumptuous complimentary breakfast served every morning. Located on the Currituck Sound in the award winning Corolla Light Resort, all amenities of the Resort are available to guests of the Inn.
The
nn I Corolla Light
252.453.3340 • 800.215.0772 252.453.6947 fax • innatcorolla.com
Reservations@innatcorolla.com 1066 Ocean Trail • Corolla, NC
Natural beauty combined with delicious island cuisine make Pamlico Jack’s the perfect place to celebrate your special day. You are sure to be charmed by its authentic Outer Banks feel as you delight in the breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Roanoke Sound from Pamlico Jack’s spacious and elegant dining room or open-air soundfront deck. It’s no wonder Pamlico Jack’s is a favorite when it comes to Outer Banks wedding venues. See ad inside front cover
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Village Beach Club The Village Beach Club is an oceanfront wedding and reception venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests. This Nags Head venue with indoor and outdoor spaces overlooks the dunes and breathtaking horizon plus offers a large poolside deck where your guests can mingle. See ad pg. 90
Owens’ Motel Locally-owned Owens’ Motel is an intimate spot for a Nags Head beach ceremony. On the oceanfront across from Owens’ Restaurant and just a short distance from Jennette’s Pier, our motel affords your guests clean, comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and fine dining. See ad pg. 1
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Jennette’s Pier
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
Walk down the aisle overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Jennette’s Pier. The pier also offers a private reception area with a covered outdoor deck. Spacious enough for 175 guests, Jennette’s Pier is a spectacular backdrop for weddings, rehearsal dinners and much more! See ad pg. 99
Overlooking the marina at Pirate’s Cove, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar offers not only spectacular views, but fantastic, affordable food and exceptional service. Let us design your rehearsal dinner menu and we’ll treat you and your guests to an unforgettable experience. See ad pg. 94
The Pavilion at Pirates Cove The 13,000-square-foot Pavilion is perfect for weddings, receptions, and other special events. Enjoy beautiful views of the Roanoke Sound in a marina setting. On-site rental homes and condominiums are available. See ad pg. 92
Avenue Grille and Events Avenue’s panoramic waterfront views are a magnificent backdrop for your reception or rehearsal dinner. Located in downtown Manteo and overlooking both the Queen Elizabeth II and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, our modern interior complements every bride’s decor. We accommodate parties small and large up to 160. See ad pg. 100 ♥
Eat, Drink & Be Married! All the best in local dining while you’re enjoying the Outer Banks!
OuterBanksRestaurantGuide.com
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find the best
Premier
Waterfront
Venue
CHRISTINA BARNUM PHOTOGRAPHY
Brunches • Lunches Rehearsal Dinners Wedding Receptions
Full Service Catering
Beach for your
OuterBanks Wedding
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TOWN RULES
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REGULATIONS
When planning your wedding, be sure to do your research when it comes to regulations and required permits within the municipality you plan to tie the knot. Here’s a listing to help you get started on other town-specific regulations. Town of Duck • 252.255.1234
There are no public parking lots or public accesses for the beaches in Duck. The Town of Duck requires that any gathering of 50 or more people register with the town’s Department of Community Development at least 30 days before the event. Rehearsal dinners, brunches, and post-wedding parties also fall under this requirement. Registration forms are available on the town’s website.
Town of Southern Shores • 252.261.2394 It is recommended that the bride and groom shuttle in guests from other locations as there is no public parking available in Southern Shores. Couples can apply for an encroachment parking agreement if they think they may have parking overflow at a rental home. An event permit is required to erect tents or canopies, but there is no fee. Also fires are not allowed on the beach.
Town of Kitty Hawk • 252.261.3552
252.473.4800 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 5 in Manteo
AvenueEventsOBX.com
A $50 outdoor gathering permit is required for groups of 50 or more. If you are planning to set up a tent that is more than 200 square feet, there is an additional fee of $25 for fire inspection.
obxbeachaccess.com
Town of Kill Devil Hills • 252.449.5300 You may set up chairs and decorations, but no tents or canopies are allowed on the beach. To erect a tent or canopy at your rental home, you must obtain a building permit, but there is no fee.
Town of Nags Head • 252.441.5508 The number of chairs allowed on the beach is 40. Tents and canopies are allowed only on private property, and if they exceed 400 square feet, they require an inspection.
Town of Manteo • 252.473.4111
REPRESENTING
A downloadable wedding reservation form is on the town of Manteo’s website and is required to confirm the availability of a time slot for your waterfront wedding.
Event Homes & Accommodations
Currituck County • 252.453.8555
Enjoy our beautiful oceanfront property where your feet are just minutes from the sand. Our 118 guest rooms are waiting for you, your family, & friends to come join you on your special day. We are located in the heart of it all, convenient to area restaurants, attractions, & wedding venues.
SunRealtyNC.com
Ask about our unique cheese “cakes”
Tents on private property that are more than 400 square feet require a permit and tents or canopies over 200 square feet may require an inspection by the fire marshal. Weddings with more than 100 guests may need a mass gathering permit.
the Best Selection for Parties of All Sizes from Corolla to Hatteras
1 888 853 7757
Planning a Special Event?
401 N. Virginia Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252.480.2600 • Milepost 8
Cape Hatteras National Seashore / Ocracoke 252.473.2111 If you are planning to get married on in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore area, you must obtain a permit and pay a $100 fee. While couples are bound to discover solitude and beauty on these beaches, they will need to plan a wedding at a beach access that has enough parking for guests. Also, wedding décor such as flowers, garlands, gazebos, rice, and birdseed are prohibited in the national park. While no formal seating is allowed for a gathering, exceptions are allowed to accommodate elderly or handicapped visitors.
Our Mezzanine is the Perfect Setting for Parties up to 50 Guests Rehearsal Dinners
•
Welcome the the Beach Gatherings
•
Bridal Showers
We also Host Smaller Gatherings
Private Tastings With thousands of wines and hundreds of beers, TRiO is the place to stock up for events at your location!
•
Bachelorette Parties
•
Bridal Luncheons
triowinebeercheese.com • 252.261.0277 3708 N. Croatan Hwy • Kitty Hawk, NC • events@obxtrio.com
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Start at the Beginning…
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McKenna - Stellato
“The Sanderling Resort is already so beautiful, I didn’t really need to decorate it,” says Michele. “I would call ours a ‘Classy Beach’ wedding. But I didn’t have buckets everywhere! Our wedding was about the natural beauty of North Carolina and the Outer Banks.” Bridesmaids selected their own dresses around beige, blush, and neutral colors. Groomsmen wore khaki.
A Vote for the Outer Banks
A family member with a home in Corolla coaxed the couple to consider the Outer Banks. Michele explains, “We are both from Italian families. Here in New Jersey, a lot of weddings are over-the-top, big, formal affairs. We eat huge amounts of appetizers and then there’s a sit-down meal, too! Kevin and I really wanted something less traditional and smaller. We wanted beachy and relaxed. We wanted something drive-able because there are lots of kids, so places like Aruba were out.” Out of the 64 people in attendance, Michele estimates that 40 had never been to OBX.
Planners Unite
The couple’s first trip to the Outer Banks was 16 months before the wedding. They used that trip to interview and hire their photographer and officiant in person but hired the rest of their vendors from a distance. Michele works in Corporate PR for an IT company in a job that sometimes includes event planning. It meant that a destination wedding was right up her alley. “With a destination wedding, there’s a lot of communications involved. I had timelines, agendas, directions; everything was ready,” says Michele. “The Sanderling Resort provided the planner and that was a saving grace. It was somebody I could geek out with [on event planning].”
Toddler in the aisle? Not a problem!
Not many brides have the courage to ask a three-year-old to be in the wedding, but Michele had four three-year-olds participating. Two were flower girls and two were ring bearers. The tots were expected to navigate long sets of stairs for the ceremony onto an observation deck. In the end, all went smoothly, and their participation proved to be some of good humor and comic relief of the day.
Which Shore?
Naturally fair skinned, Michele wanted to be tan for her Tuesday wedding. “I know it’s so ‘Jersey’ of me to want to be tan. I drove all the way down from Corolla to the salon in Saturday traffic and had a spray tan two days before the wedding - from someone I had never gone to before... a huge risk, I know!” In the end, she was pleased with the natural glow that showed up on her day and in photos.
Something Borrowed
A favorite oceanfront bar in New Jersey was the inspiration for some fun celebration at the Stellato’s Outer Banks reception. The New Jersey nightclub’s signature tradition is a foghorn that sounds off periodically throughout the night and cues the bartenders to throw napkins in the air like confetti. Michele says, “We threw napkins a few times throughout the night at our wedding to pay homage to [the bar] and as a way to bring our Jersey culture with us.”
What’s in a Name?
The mid-July Stellato wedding was during peak summer season. With guests scattered from Corolla to Kill Devil Hills, planning transportation was essential for timely and safe arrivals at multiple events. The couple booked blocks of time with the OBX Trolley affectionately called ‘Stella’ by its owner. “Since the OBX Trolley is named Stella and our last name is Stellato, I jokingly asked if we could add a “to” to Stella and turn her into ‘Stellato’ for the day. Gene did this for us, and it came out great. It was so cool and unique. You could tell they’ve done this a million times and worked out all the arrangements, but they didn’t make me feel like that. Everyone treated me so well.”
Michele McKenna & Kevin Stellato July 18, 2017 INTERVIEW BY SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN SUBMITTED BY DANIEL PULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ceremony/Reception: Sanderling Resort | Planner: Davis Walker Photographer: Daniel Pullen Photography Officiant: Reverend Jay Bowman | Catering: Sanderling Resort Cake: Just Desserts | Flowers: Sugar Snap Events Hair & Makeup: Glimmer | Spray Tan: Artistic Elegance DJ: Coastal DJ & Videos | Transportation: OBX Trolley
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Frey - Davis
When Luke met Keaten “Luke and I met our freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill. The first time I saw Luke was in the Dean E. Smith Center. He was on the UNC basketball team, and I was in the nosebleed seats. That same weekend a mutual friend introduced us, and we immediately hit it off. As Luke would put it, I just wanted better seats for the basketball games. Good seats aside, we quickly became inseparable, and dated all four years of college.”
A Soundside Proposal “I was living at home on the Outer Banks and Luke came to visit for my birthday. On this particular evening, we had plans to take our dog Betty to the sound and watch the sunset. We were just about to leave when it started raining. Of course at the time, I had no idea that he was planning to propose, so I shrugged and suggested we go another time. He insisted that we wait out the rain and continue on to the sound. Just as the sun was about to set, he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. I was so excited that I threw my arms around him and of course I said YES! A few moments later, my family came down to the sound, champagne in hand and ready to celebrate. I think it’s safe to say that was the best birthday present I could ever ask for.”
Choosing an Outer Banks Wedding “There were really only two options for us- Chapel Hill where we met and enjoyed four of the best years of our life together or the Outer Banks, the beautiful place where I was born and raised. Being a beach girl, it didn’t take much thought to come to the conclusion that the Outer Banks was the place for us. I knew that I wanted a September or October wedding, so we started planning for fall of 2017. We finally chose our wedding day, and went with First Colony Inn. We fell in love with the quaintness of it all there. I loved that it was such an old building and it reminded me of the old Nags Head style beach cottages that I grew up around. The First Colony Inn was unique because we were able to have everyone together in the same place, and no one had to worry about driving from ceremony to the reception, and back to the hotel. On top of that, when you book your wedding at The First Colony Inn, you are able to use the grounds for the entire weekend.
Destination DIY “We loved the idea of being crafty and incorporating a lot of DIY things into the wedding. Fortunately for us, my Mom had some very creative and talented friends that agreed to help us on our venture. We fell in love with the idea of using mismatched vintage plates and vases, so we set out collecting china from thrift stores and borrowing some from friends. In my opinion, that’s what made the tables so elegant and unique.
Some Future Foresight “While social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are very useful to help you decide what you do and don’t want for your wedding, don’t let them consume you. Try to remember to focus on the most important aspect of the wedding- you get to marry the love of your life! Your guests don’t care about the small details that will keep you up at night; they are there to celebrate the two of you, and to have a good time.”
Interview by Tina Turner Keaten Frey & Luke Davis September 30, 2017 Ceremony/Reception: The First Colony Inn Accommodations: The First Colony Inn Coordinator: Milly Ward Officiant: Liberty Christian Rentals: Metro Rentals Catering: Tom Thumb Cookouts Cake: Zen Pops Photographer: Lori Douglas Photography Flowers: Bells & Whistles Hair & Makeup: Salty Hair Salon Tent Decorator: Indehouse Designs Entertainment: Outer Banks Music Masters
Keaten Frey
& Luke Davis
September 30, 2017 INTERVIEW BY TARA TURNER SUBMITTED BY LORI DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Ceremony/Reception: The First Colony Inn | Coordinator: Milly Ward Photographer: Lori Douglas Photography Accommodations: The First Colony Inn | Catering: Tom Thumb Cookouts | Cake: Zen Pops | Flowers: Bells & Whistles | Rentals: Metro Rentals Tent Decorator: Indehouse Designs | Officiant: Liberty Christian Hair & Makeup: Salty Hair Salon Entertainment: Outer Banks Music Masters
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Biase - Thompson
The Fairy-Tale Summer Romance Turned Engagement
“Eli and I met June of 2013, after his dad hired me as an intern for the summer at Koru Village and Spa in Avon. We were engaged by December 2015. The night of the proposal, Eli took me out for a date at our favorite sunset spot by the water. While we sat on a blanket in the sand, we ‘bumped into’ a photographer we knew and she asked to snap a few photos of us to test the lighting. After a few silly shots, Eli said he wanted to ‘try something crazy’ and just got down on one knee! We celebrated with champagne and engagement photos during the most breathtaking sunset!”
A Wedding Photographer Switches Roles
“What surprised me the most going into the wedding day as a bride, rather than the photographer, was that I fully expected timeline changes, confusion, and a very long day ... but the last thing I expected was feeling like everything flew by in a blink of an eye. As a photographer, wedding days are long and you see everything behind the scenes. As a bride, I felt like I walked down the aisle and the next thing I knew, I was saying goodbye to the guests. I was definitely surprised at how fast the day flew by and how much I don’t even remember because there was so much going on!”
North Meets South Style
“Having seen so many different weddings through working at the Beach Klub and being a photographer, we wanted to try something totally different than any of the other beach weddings. We wanted florals on top of florals, greenery, pops of color, and a design that we have never seen at the venue before. We wanted it to be a mixture of our personalities and backgrounds, so we made it a North and South theme given our family backgrounds from New York to the OBX. Plus, since Eli is a musician and I fell in love with him while he played his guitar to me every night of our first summer together, the band at the reception invited him up on stage to play and sing me a song.”
The Confessions
“The funniest part of our wedding was the ‘confession booth’ that Eli came up with! Being a Catholic and having a Catholic ceremony, we thought it would be funny to have a private room with a GoPro set up for guests to walk in and out of throughout the reception. Rather than having a videographer capture the reception, we wanted the GoPro to catch all the ‘confessions’ throughout the night - the funny moments and silly stories! We ended up with some seriously hilarious videos!”
A Local Bride’s Unique Advice
“My advice specifically to an OBX bride is to start your wedding day by waking up early to watch the sunrise by the water in peace and quiet. Give that time to yourself to reflect, to listen to the waves crashing, to watch the sun rise and sparkle over the water, and to watch the colors in the sky change, because that is you and your husband’s wedding day OBX sky. Doing this put my mind at ease and set the tone for how the rest of the day would go... stress-free and beautiful in every way. In that moment alone, I felt an enormous amount of peace and thankfulness come over me, and I will forever remember those sunrays shining down on me that morning. When you start your day like that, you know everything is going to be perfect.”
Remy Biase
& Eli Thompson
June 10, 2017 INTERVIEW BY KELSEY QUARTUCCIO SUBMITTED BY THE PROPER SETTING
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Seas | Reception: Koru Village Beach Klub Planner: The Proper Setting | Photographer: Hope Taylor Photography Officiant: Father Pat, Our Lady of the Seas Catering: Steamers; Late night Pizza: Cosmo’s Pizzeria | Cake: Just Desserts Rentals: Ocean Atlantic Rentals | Transportation: Hatteras Island Transportation Florist/Decor: Bells & Whistles | Hair & Makeup: Bombshells Studio
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Reis - Nadeau
The Pull of the OBX
“Aaron and I met in NJ. We are both massage therapists and we met in massage school. We actually came down to the Outer Banks for a couple months [after our first date] to visit Aaron’s friends who lived in Corolla. Aaron worked in Corolla the previous summer, so he pretty much knew everyone in town. I fell in love with the Outer Banks, as we all have, the minute I got here. Aaron and I hit a crossroads in our massage therapy careers a few months later. He turned to me one day and said, ‘There aren’t many massage places in Corolla - we should move down there and open up one.’”
Local Vibes, Out-of-Town Size
“The fall has the best sunsets in my opinion and we wanted to get married with that as our backdrop. Wanting an event home, we absolutely fell in love with the Pine Island Lodge. Since both of our families are from out of town, we knew we needed a home that would provide accommodations and a reception space. We had breakfast delivered to the house [the day of the wedding as well as the next day], as well as alcohol provided for the week. When having a large group of people during the off-season on the Outer Banks, providing breakfast was greatly appreciated by both our families and friends. Also, the beauty of having the house for the week is that you can spread out the decorating so you get it done little by little.”
A Fiery Twist
“Our house in Southern Shores caught fire on November 2, 2016, a beautiful 70-degree day. Aaron said, ‘Let’s go out on the boat since it’s so nice out.’ We took the dogs and our fishing poles and went fishing at the Wright Memorial Bridge. At about 4:30, we start heading back and I could see smoke coming from the tree line of Southern Shores. I noticed that our neighbors we are close with had called our cell phones and I told Aaron that it’s definitely our house. Well, needless to say, by the time we got back, our street was lined with fire trucks and our house was completely engulfed in flames. We had all of our decor, liquor and Aaron’s suit [for the wedding] in the house - except my wedding dress luckily!”
OBX Pulls Together
“Aaron and I have always helped anyone in need and to be the person in need was difficult. The outpouring of love and support from our community was astounding. People who we didn’t know or hadn’t met came by and gave hugs and were there for us. Our friends let us stay in their rentals until we could get back on our feet. We had so much clothes donated and we still wear most of it to this day.”
A Little Improvisation
“Our wedding was only two weeks [after the fire] and having to start over after a year’s worth of planning while trying to find somewhere to live, dealing with insurance and fire investigation interviews felt impossible. My sister Jen, who is the most kind-hearted person I know, stepped up and called and emailed everyone - almost everyone resent everything, no questions asked. Without the generosity of Ashley Earnhardt from Southern Hospitality, Renee Landry, Outer Banks Tuxedos and Lucy’s Alterations [all of whom chipped in to help as a result of the fire], we wouldn’t have had a wedding remotely as beautiful as the one we had! We were able to not sweat the small stuff - the baker for our wedding cake was out of town, so we ended up going to Harris Teeter and ordered cupcakes and had a small 8-inch cake to cut into for the reception. It worked and looked beautiful!”
Christina Reis
& Aaron Nadeau
November 18, 2016 INTERVIEW BY KELSEY QUARTUCCIO SUBMITTED BY THE SARAH KEENAN CREATIVE
Location & Accommodations: Pine Island Lodge | Attire: Sottero & Midgley Photography: Sarah Keenan Creative Beauty & Spa: Lovie’s Salon | Catering: Metropolis Rentals: Ocean Atlantic Rentals | Officient: Brian Collier Music: Andy Begina (Ceremony); DJ Face (Reception)
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Accommodations and Venues
OBX Tuxedo Rentals See ad on page 81
Currituck BBQ Company See ad on page 64
Julie Dreelin’s Beach Productions See ad on page 33
Sinsational Desires See ad on page 51
High Cotton See ad on page 69
Lori Douglas Photography See ad on page 37
The Black Stallion See ad on page 95
Untucked, Resort Apparel For Men See ad on page 81
Kelly’s Outer Banks Catering Company See ad on inside front cover
Matt Lusk Wedding Photography See ad on page 31
The Blue Point See ad on page 98
Activities
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room See ad on page 66
Neil GT Photography See ad on page 31
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar See ad on page 94
Bianca’s Readings See Ad on page 41
Outer Banks Productions See ad on page 37
Carolina Designs Realty See ad on page 93
Crystal Dawn/ Country Girl Charters See ad on page 78
Mulligan’s Grille Beach Catering See ad on page 5
Avenue Grille & Events See ad on page 100
registry
OF WEDDING PROFESSIONALS
The Currituck Club See ad on page 90 The Inn at Corolla Light See ad on page 96 Jennette’s Pier See ad on page 99 Mako’s Beach Grille & Bar See ad on page 99 Nags Head Golf Links See ad on page 90 Owens’ Motel See ad on page 1 The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina See ad on page 92 Pine Island Lodge See ad on page 89 Quality Inn Carolina Oceanfront See Ad on page 100
The Currituck Club See ad on page 90 Doghouse Sportfishing Outer Banks See ad on page 76
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center See ad on page 79
The Embellishers See ad on page 49
Sugar Creek Catering See ad on page 65
Will You Escape The OBX See Ad on page 77
Proper Settings See ad on page 19
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar See ad on page 112
Sarah Keenan Creative See ad on page 19
Beauty & Pampering
Food Trucks
Eden Day Spa & Salon See ad on page 25
Cosmo’s Pizza See ad on page 72
Simple Day See ad on page 21
Cakes and Confections
Mulligan’s Grille Beach Catering See ad on page 72
Outer Banks Gluten Free Baker See ad on page 15
The Embellishers See ad on page 49 Holiday House Weddings & Events See ad on page 49
Gifts Beef Jerky Outlet See Ad in page 76
Music SoulOne See ad on page 45
Officiants
Outer Banks Florist See ad on page 81
Barbara Mulford See ad on page 9
Food & Beverage
Twiddy & Company Realtors See ad on page 91
I Do OBX Weddings See ad on page 9
Bacchus Wine & Beer Bistro See ad on page 68
Village Beach Club in Nags Head See ad on page 90
Rev. Rande Banks See ad on page 8
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe See ad on page 59
Rev. Jay Bowman See ad on page 10
Whalehead in Historic Corolla See ad on pages 86-87
Black Pelican Catering Company See ad on page 63
Photography
Wild Horse Coastal Estate See ad on page 97
Camp Cocktail See ad on page 71
Apparel
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant See ad on page 62
By The Sea Wedding Boutique See ad on page 51 Last Minute Alterations See ad on page 51
Planners
Steamers Catering See ad on page 60
Florals & Decorations
Trio Beer, Wine, & Cheese See Ad on page 101
Sarah Keenan Creative See ad on page 29
Nags Head Golf Links See ad on page 90
Sea Ranch Resort See ad on page 88
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar See ad on page 112
Pamlico Jack’s Waterfront Restaurant See ad on inside front cover
Sarah D’Ambra Photography See ad on page 35
Coastyle Weddings & Events See ad on page 19
Sweet-e-Pies See ad on page 15
Sun Realty See ad on page 100
Owen’s Restaurant See ad on page 1
Pigman’s Bar-B-Que See ad on page 61
Sanderling Resort See ad on inside back cover
Shutters on the Banks See ad on page 3
SARAH D’AMBRA PHOTOGRAPHY
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Cosmo’s Pizza See ad on page 67
GINGER SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events See ad on page 21
Rentals I Do OBX Chairs See ad on page 54 Metro Rental See ad on page 55 Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals See ad on back cover
Resources OBX Beach Access See ad on page 100
Transportation OBX Trolley See ad on page 73
10 Fish Photo Booth See ad on page 37 Daniel Pullen Photography See ad on page 29 Five Fish Photography See ad on page 33 GingerSnaps Photography See ad on page 35 SARAH KEENAN CREATIVE
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Premier Soundfront Venue
Ask about our ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
available year round for weddings of 15 – 60 guests
Your Day Your Way ❤
Casual, intimate affairs to sophisticated, formal weddings • Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions • Bridal Luncheons/Brunch • Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties • Rehearsal Dinners
Photographer: Matt Lusk
• On-site Event Coordinator
FishbonesSunsetGrille.com • 252.261.3901 •1264 Duck Road • Duck, NC
WEDDINGS AT SANDERLING! When planning a wedding for 15 – 200 guests at Sanderling, everything you desire is near at hand. Along with luxurious accommodations, a pampering spa and salon, picturesque ceremony and reception venues, a professional planner and catering team set an idyllic stage for your memorable event. Sanderling defines what is truly real in life. A simple connection to family and friends and the beauty that abounds for your special day in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949 Phone 888.328.1486 weddings@sanderling-resort.com www.sanderling-resort.com l
l
l
If you dream it, we rent it. Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals 2001 South Croatan Highway OARevent.com
Milepost 9.75
252.441.7272
Kill Devil Hills
888.627.3836