Jessica & Jason | June 7, 2013

Barring a hurricane or a tropical storm most of the time a little rain doesn’t cause us to have to change venues. This is my 73rd post but only the 3rd highlighting a wedding which occurred somewhere other than the beach. Tropical Storm Andrea brought winds so strong that it actually took out much of the power on Wrightsville Beach about two hours prior to the ceremony start time. We love working with Shell Island Resort for many reasons. Aside from the beautiful venue it is also one of the best places to have a beach wedding in the middle of a tropical storm as it is the only reception site in the area that affords us the opportunity to create a beachfront ceremony indoors. I don’t know how she did it but about 30 minutes before the ceremony began, Meredith Swicegood and here crew were able to get the power restored (even though much of the island was still in the dark) so the ceremony and reception could proceed as planned. About a week after the wedding we received a sweet e-mail from the bride thanking us for a wonderful wedding and vowing to make Wrightsville Beach the couple’s anniversary spot. Hopefully we will be able to help Jessica and Jason celebrate their first year of marriage with a vow renewal on the beach next June.

Location: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach

Martanika & Chris | May 31 2013

Martanika and Chris’s recessional was certainly one of the most fun and memorable of the year. After sharing their first kiss, this bride and groom literally danced their the way down the aisle. Friends and family cheered them on shaking wands tied with ribbon in the bride’s colors. At the top of each wand was a tiny bell which rang with every shake and collectively created a really cool effect. It was certainly one of my favorite send-offs of the year!

Location: Courtyard Marriott, Carolina Beach

Megan & Jack | May 31, 2013

There were so many fun elements about this wedding starting with an exciting truck ride onto the beach to deliver the grandparents. While waiting for the ceremony to begin I also learned that the mother of the bride actually made all the bridesmaid dresses. How cool is that! Jack and his groomsmen kept us entertained by trotting around the beach with the parasols. Meanwhile the co-maid of honors nervously practiced their toast to the couple in the ballroom one last time. Location: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach

Erin & Wayne | May 27, 2013

What a fun family! Usually wedding planning is reserved for the bride and her mother, however at this wedding the bride’s brothers actually took part as well. Erin’s immediate family live in Wilmington, but she and groom reside in PA, so the couple had to enlist the help of her family to check out venues and vendors. Mom Beverly did most of the legwork but Erin’s brothers were more than willing to help out with their sister’s special day. Lance provided the photo for the invitations and fans, and Travis entertained the couple’s 7-month old daughter, Kylie, during the ceremony. In addition, the brothers served as groomsmen and helped coordinate guests to and from the beach via The Wilmington Trolley. My favorite moment of the day was definitely Erin big entrance; it was so sweet to see the guys beaming from ear to ear and tearing up a bit as the bride walked down the aisle.

Location: Access #4, Wrightsville Beach

Laura & Mike | May 18, 2013

News that the reception venue is under construction and a no-show limo may have ruined some brides’ special day, but not Laura’s; she took it in stride. Due to the pier renovation, just days before the wedding, we decided to move the ceremony to Access #36. It actually turned out to be an easy walk as there is a cement path which goes from the restaurant, down a half a block and onto the beach. Guests still parked at the Oceanic, but were directed by two family friends to a tiki torch lined path which lead to the ceremony cite. The missing limo did cause a slight delay; however, fortunately a wedding guest staying at the bride’s hotel was kind enough to step in and chauffeur the ladies to the beach. With the bride’s vehicle in sight, we lined up the wedding party and processional began. From that point on it was smooth sailing; a beautiful bride, a happy groom and some of the best beach wedding weather of the year!
Location: Access #36, Wrightsville Beach