This January, Knot Too Shabby Events celebrating 9 wonderful (and sometimes stressful) years of business! We cannot thank our amazing clients, employees, and vendors enough for their support in helping us with all of our fun-filled and beautiful events. When we started this venture in 2014, we never imagined we would be where we are today with almost 300 weddings under our belt. 2022 added 29 new weddings of that 300. Here is a look back at some of our best moments from 2022. Best First Look: Amanda + Aaron Talk about the sweetest moment between our bride and groom at their first look. Aaron isn’t the only one who was crying at the time…guilty as charged. Best Bouquet: Shannon + Mitch Flowers are individually styled to the client and their vision. All of the different bouquets and flowers we had this year were stunning. But Shannon’s bouquet really rose above as one of the biggest bouquets for the year and it was magnificent. Best DIY Project: Kendalyn + Reed To be a fly on this wall would be absolute heaven. Kendalyn and her family built this wall specifically for her wedding and check out how great it looks! We don’t often encourage DIY projects but when they turn out this great, we celebrate the outcome. We’re not the only ones who loved this white shiplap wall. You can now find this available for rent at Martha My Dear! Best Bridesmaid Reveal: Jess + Ben Believe me when we say that we can still hear the chant “Jess in a dress!” from all of these bridesmaids who were clapping and laughing as Jess jumped for joy in her wedding dress. Hands down one of our favorite memories. Best Plan B: Carlie + Tyler Amidst a fierce thunderstorm, everything about this day was outside. Beach ceremony, cocktail hour by the pool, and reception under the carport. Thankfully we are always prepared with a Plan B and look at how gorgeous it turned out to be! Best First Dance: Marissa + Tom Tear jerker is the only way to describe this first dance. Marissa + Tom had it choreographed and it was magical! Best Tablescapes/Head Table: Bri + Jeff, Tricia + Stew We had multiple tablescapes and head tables that were wonderful this year and honestly we could have picked them all! But a couple that stood out to us were Bri + Jeff’s and Tricia + Stew’s head tables. Both unique and beautiful in their own way. Something about them just catches our eye! Best Cake: Kendalyn + Reed Literally dripping in sugar, this wedding cake by B.Markova Cake’s traveled all the way from Portsmouth, Virginia and is 100% edible and we do mean: every. single. flower. Best Dressed Guest: Shayna + Andrew Not only was this special guest wearing full regalia, but he did also actually play the bagpipes as Shayna walked down the aisle and throughout the night. This was such a unique experience and definitely a moment to remember! Uncle Karl even played the bagpipes as the couple did their send off at the end of the night. We couldn’t get enough! Best Hype Crew: Madison + Tanner When we say this crowd really loved this couple, we mean it! It’s always amazing when the couple is not only hype but so are their friends. Can't wait to see what 2023 has in store! Cheers to year 10!
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Morgan and Timmie’s Virginia wedding was like Cool Kid Summer Camp that also had adult beverages. Not only was this wedding memorable for our team because it was our first out-of-state wedding (and one of our favorite couples), Morgan and Timmie’s wedding will ALWAYS live in infamy because it included an event that not many people know about…… 9/18/2020 is the day that Melissa and I crashed a golf cart into cocktail hour. Morgan Robertson, founder, editor, and creative director of ModMotion, used to live in Wilmington, NC. As one of our favorite videographers, we worked with her often before she moved back to Richmond, VA. When it came time for her wedding, our team was the one she wanted to coordinate their day, even when it included the extra costs to bring our team in from out-of-state. She knew she wanted the level of attention to detail and professionalism that Melissa and our Knot Too Shabby team brings to the table. Morgan and Timmie had envisioned a unique and personable wedding experience for their guests. It was set with a BEAUTIFUL backdrop of the rolling hills of Crozet, Virginia at MontfairResortFarm. Every detail was accounted for including personalized camping mugs, an opportunity to canoe around the lake, smores around a fire, an origami crane photo booth, lanterns hung from the trees, buried booze for tradition, and one dope bride and groom. We were ecstatic to be a part. One of Morgan’s important details of her vision included a collection of vintage rugs that were scattered down the aisle for the ceremony. But being the KTSE resourceful-detail-istas that we are, wanted to re-use the rugs during cocktail hour and the reception. While the ceremony was on a bucolic hillside, the reception was about a ½ mile down by the lake and lodge. We had a large tent/dance floor set up lakeside and then utilized a blanket of sky and stars for the firepit and lounge. We couldn’t carry the rugs that far, So Melissa and I decide to roll up the rugs and bring them down in the golf cart. While we were at it, we cut down the large floral arrangements attached to the arbor – we can put those somewhere pretty too! Melissa is in the driver's seat, the rugs are rolled up in the passenger seat, and I am standing on the back of the cart, holding the giant floral arrangements in place across the back seat. The weather couldn’t have been better that day, but we had recently gotten a lot of rain so everything was a little… soft. We take the back way around to access the waterfront and Melissa tactfully drives the cart between the tent and the water – about a 6-foot-wide space. Well as we turn the golf cart to head toward the fire pit area, the golf cart starts to roll backward into the lake, shifting all the contents in the golf cart. Melissa hits the gas to save us from rolling into the lake. All of a sudden, the cart careens out of control toward cocktail hour (and guests)!! It probably happened in two seconds, but time slowed down as I watched our lives (and careers) flash before our eyes. Guests are jumping out of the way. There’s shouting and commotion. And the golf cart slams into two MASSIVE wooden picnic tables. Now, ask any member of our team how heavy these things were (shout out to Jared!!) because we had to move them, and LUCKILY we had put two end-to-end, so the golf cart wedged under a picnic table and wasn’t forceful enough to move two. I had jumped off the back as we were flying toward the crowd and Melissa has jumped out shouting, “IT WON’T STOP!! IT WON’T STOP!!!” What we didn’t realize as we zoomed away from almost rolling into the lake is that the rugs had wedged themselves against the gas pedal!! A couple of wonderful guests jumped in to help, and as we all pulled backward on the golf cart – tires still spinning midair – we were able to unwedge the rugs from the gas pedal. We returned the picnic tables to their place, stomped back in the turfs of unearthed grass, took a moment to assure the rattled flower girl that everything was okay and no one was hurt, and then all had a decent laugh about it – guests and all. The saddest part is that Morgan and Timmy were off taking their pictures with their photo/video team so none of it was caught on camera; In fact, they were forming their own camp story as they witnessed the video team’s canoe capsize, but that’s another story for another day. We were so grateful that this fateful accident happened with a couple that KNEW us and is also in the biz and knows mistakes DO happen – every wedding, behind every great vendor team. But one of the most memorable things that I witnessed was Melissa’s resiliency and her ability to shake off such a frazzling event because, well, the show must go on! You’ll notice that WE rarely use the word perfect to describe a wedding day because well, they rarely ever are. But the hours and hours of pre-planning, experience, and ability to keep calm in the chaos is what helps the inevitable mishaps, at best, never even come to anyone’s attention or, at worst, turn in to laughable camp stories. What happens at Cool Kid Summer Camp doesn’t always stay at Cool Kid Summer Camp, but it sure makes for a hilarious story to tell around the next campfire. Happy Anniversary, Morgan and Timmie! Vendors:
Venue: Montfair Resort Farm Photography: Kenzi Creates Co. Videography: MOD Motion Reception DJ: America Wedding Entertainer Ceremony Musician: J.P.P. Jazz Ensemble Rentals: Virginia Tent Rental Rug Rentals: Amy Marie Events Cart Rentals: Valley View Golf Carts Cake: Debby Robertson Caterer: Lunch.Supper Ice Cream Truck: Wonderment Bakeshop & Creamery Florist: Moondance Florals Brides Hair: Susan Chesson Hair + Makeup Artist: Beauty by Krista Rose Officiant: Kathryn Kirk Dress Shop: Lovely Bride NYC Dress Designer: Prea James Editor’s Note: Back in February (before all of this COVID-19 craziness), we asked our Spring intern to write a blog about our team to show off our new headshots from Erin. We hope this peek into who we are as a team shows you now, more than ever, why it is so important to hire a professional event planning team. We are here to help any and all couples affected by COVID-19 – just ask. We’re here to guide you through this process with expertise, agility, and attention to detail, whether it be during a pandemic or *knot! Want to know what kind of people make up the Knot Too Shabby team? My name is Kiera Stephan, and I am the current intern for Knot Too Shabby! At the beginning of this year, I was super excited about what my internship with KTSE held in store for me, but I really did not know what I had gotten myself into. Needless to say, it only took my first team meeting on that Wednesday night to realize that these people are not only team members, but a family. The amount of laughter and genuine conversation that took place during the briefing for the upcoming wedding that weekend made me feel like I had found the perfect group to learn from. The Knot Too Shabby team is a genuine and warm family that I am grateful to be a part of, and I want everyone else to get to know them like I have! Below are a series of short interviews that I did with each member to show a side to them that you may not get to see at first glance! Melissa Burton (aka the Meticulous One): Owner + Principle Event Planner What is your favorite flower and/or favorite dessert? "Sooo many but I'd have to say banana pudding, key lime pie and any kind of cheesecake. Does cheese count as dessert?" What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington? "Anything with a view and a glass of wine. I really love the sunset cruise with Wilmington Water Tours and then a nice dinner with lots of small plates at Dram + Morsel. Top it off with a walk down the River walk and then call it a good night." What is something funny about you? "I literally spill coffee on myself every day. I either overfill the cup or forget where my mouth is. You'd think I'd learn after years and years of daily coffee but it's still a thing and I can admit it." Why do you love being the owner of Knot Too Shabby Event? "Working with all different types of people and seeing how love brings everyone together. Of course there is family drama at times, but at the end of the day, everyone is there to support the couple during their most important day. Seeing it all come to fruition on the day of when the couple sees the reception for the first time is my favorite part. #receptionreveal" Kiera's First Impression: When I first met Melissa, I could tell that she had so much passion for KTSE and believed in everything that it offered. She is always looking for ways to grow and challenge her business so that she can provide clients with the absolute best experience. During the semester, she would ask me for my opinion on something because she loves seeing what other people's opinions are so that she can stay current with social trends. Melissa is one of the most encouraging and supportive people I have met, and I am so lucky to have her as a role model in this field! Katelyn Mattox (aka the People Person): Lead Event Planner What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you? "I love doing crafty things with paper and vinyl. I am a total extrovert and get my energy from those around me! I love to people-watch. I am also the Program Director for a local non-profit, NourishNC, that feeds over 1,200 kids every weekend and school breaks." What is your favorite flower and/or favorite dessert? "I am a sucker for lilies but I really love anemones." What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington? "I love to walk around the beautiful Airlie gardens!" Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why? "I love Kristen Bell for how real she is and she is super witty (which I like to consider myself as also)!" Why do you love working with KTSE? "I've long recognized that event planning is the perfect culmination of all of my skill sets. Attention to detail, organization, social work, service industry, craftiness, and a good eye for design all meet at event planning, so I was so proud to become a part of the KTSE team, who is a killer addition to any wedding day. I love anticipating people's needs, solving problems, and connecting people to resources, so it's the perfect company for me!" Kiera's First Impression: My first impression of Katelyn was how personable she was. Seconds into a conversation and you can tell that she genuinely cares about what you are talking about. If you ever need anything, she will always be the one to step up and help, and learning that she the Program Director for the nonprofit, NourishNC, only supports this. As an intern, I also appreciated how she would give me tasks to do but also tell me how to do them and why KTSE has them done this way. Katelyn is super approachable and very relatable! Kayla Tharrington (aka the Blonde Plant Guru): Lead Event Assistant What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you? "Quirky, hard working, and a positive energy! Why you ask? Well, if you see me at work, you can't miss me and I will make sure of it!" What is your favorite flower and/or dessert? "Toffee roses and dusty blush peonies." What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington? "Early beach day midweek, no tourists, just a good read and my man. Followed up by a beer or a coffee milkshake from SUNday's." Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why? "My role model is my mom. Favorite celebrity alive is Blake Lively and favorite celebrity dead is Janis Joplin (RIP). All of these ladies are extremely free-spirited and love their lives for exactly what it is. They laugh A LOT and have fun while also working their booties off." Why do you love working with KTSE? "I love love love working with people and giving them the southern hospitality that I know best! I love to see the faces of all who we marry on the days of their wedding and to help be a part of something so special. I will ensure that you will feel calm, cool, and maybe not fully collected, but I will try my hardest!" Kiera's First Impression: When I first met Kayla, she was like a huge ball of energy, and regardless of the kind of day you had been having, some of that positive energy would always pass over to you. At the first staff meeting she was so welcoming, but at the same time was focused at the task at hand. Her attention to detail and the questions she asked regarding the upcoming wedding details showed that she truly cares about creating the perfect moment. She is also a super calming presence for the bride and bridal party on the big day! Sher Goheen (aka the Extrovert) : Event Assistant What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you? "I am positive, outgoing, and helpful!" What is your favorite flower and/or dessert? "I love ranunculus." What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington? "I love going to the beach and trying new foods!" Who is your role model or favorite celebrity and why? "My mother! She is a strong and creative woman who always sees the possible side in every situation." Why do you love working with KTSE? "I love working with KTSE because every wedding in a unique experience and the staff is like one big family." Kiera's First Impression When I first met Sher she was very inclusive and took the time to give me some tips on working my first wedding! Being a student at UNCW as well, was comforting to me because she was also balancing crazy course loads and extracurriculars while pursuing a career that she wanted. She is super determined and always eager to help. Jared Allbright (aka the Optimist): Event Assistant What are 3 personality traits that stand out about you? "I am outgoing, honest, and sincere. I try to look at the bright side of things! The consummate optimist! Love friends, parties, games (video and trivia). I am a self-proclaimed nerd!" What is your favorite flower and/or dessert? "I LOVE desserts! Tiramisu, creme brulee, fruit parfait, pies, puddings, cake, ice cream. Can you eat flowers?" What is your favorite thing to do in Wilmington? "I like meeting new friends and enjoying the social southern friendly charm that is all over ILM!" Who is your role model or favorite celebrity? "I really look up to NPH. He is an amazing queer role-model, family man, great husband, and father." Why do you love working with KTSE? "The PEOPLE! Not only the amazing crew (and they are the best!), but the clients we work so closely with make it very special." Kiera's First Impression: My first impression of Jared was his infectious smile. He radiated confidence and positivity without effort and always looked for an opportunity to make others laugh. He loves to give out hugs when greeting or saying goodbye. He is very customer-oriented in everything that he does, so much so that he will usually do something without having to think twice about it. Jared does so much behind the scenes to help the day go on without a single hitch! Vendors Venue: Bakery 105 Lounge + Farm Table: White Birch Rentals Place Settings: Party Suppliers & Rentals Photographer: Erin L. Taylor Photography Plants: The Blonde Plant Guru Melissa's Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon A HUGE thank you to all of our vendors for helping us create these beautiful headshots! We are so thankful that you were able to help showcase how special and genuine this team is!
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Authora place for bridal tips, wedding highlights, and other fun stuff, written by Melissa of Knot Too Shabby Events |