Knot Too Shabby Events - Wilmington, NC Event Planning, Design & Wedding Management
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Kathy & Mandy's WEDDING celebration - 4.29.23

3/1/2025

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Melissa here - I want to talk about a special couple that is very near and dear to my heart. A couple that has forever impacted my team and I to strive towards this much love and devotion in all of our relationships. Let me introduce you to Kathy and Mandy - my wannabe adopted mothers.
couple standing together outdoors in front of the water knot too shabby events
brides standing together smiling on deck in front of the water outdoor wilmington nc wedding
We began working with Kathy and Mandy back in August of 2022. They choose our full planning and design service because they were hosting a tented event on a private lot that was going to take a lot of planning and logistics to pull off. We managed all of their vendors, including transportation for all guests and even flooring that covered the entire event lawn. We also assisted them in planning a morning-after brunch at their beautiful home on Bald Eagle Lane here in Wilmington. I knew from the get-go that this couple was special and I couldn't wait to be a part of this planning journey with them. These two ladies were together for 20 years before they hired us for the big celebration that led to folks traveling from all over the world to be there on their special weekend.
bright floral arrangements in front of wooden card box outdoor cocktail hour
we make a grape bunch wine inspired floral seating chart with floral drapings and gold picture frames
outdoor tented wedding reception with large bright floral hanging installation with edison light bulbs and white drapery set in front the water
colorful bright floral display on private deck in front of the water knot too shabby events outdoor wedding
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vibrant multi-color hanging floral installation in outdoor wedding reception wilmington nc
beachy brown tables with bright orange floral bouquets in front of white draped curtains under tent outdoor wilmington nc wedding
cute brown and white dog with hot pink bow tie
we make a grape bunch floral wall display with seating chart
In addition to exchanging countless emails, our team did a few site visits, which often led to hour long conversations over tea and coffee, so we got to know Kathy and Mandy on a more personal level. We began to understand what got them to where they are today and how their relationship always persevered through various job changes and different cities they lived in over their 20 years together. While Kathy is originally from the United States, Mandy is from England. Not only were they trying to plan a wedding celebration in their now home of Wilmington, NC, but they also had to coordinate dates, times, flights, hotel stays, sleeping arrangements, and many other things for all of the friends and family flying in from out-of-state or out of the country. 
brides smiling holding paper with vows written on them surrounded by guests underneath a large tree strung with lights
brides standing together on deck scattered with flower petals reading vows to each other in front of the water
wedding guests standing together and smiling in front of large tree strung with lights and a red carpet sprinkled with flower petals
bright yellow orange and pink floral bouquets in white vases on table with small glass votive candles and bunches of grapes
tented wedding cocktail hour and reception location with large vibrant floral hanging installation and green plants behind the light brown wooden stage set up
tan and cream lounge set with white orange and green accent pillows in front of the water outdoor wedding in wilmington nc
Cute tan and white dog with dark blue bowtie and blue collar
vibrant floral centerpiece on wedding reception table featuring sea foam napkins, candle votives and gold silverwear
custom signature cocktail picture in gold frame sitting on bar in front of candle votives and bar items
Let me tell you, the emotion of every single guest at this celebration brought me and my team to tears. You could honestly feel the love in the air. When Kathy and Mandy exchanged vows, there was not a dry eye in sight and it was truly the perfect moment. All of the hours of planning, along with any stress or worries, completely evaporated as the couple professed their love for each other.  
colorful flower arrangement on table with custom seating chart table indicator wine inspired
detail table setting flatlay with gold silverware and sea foam nakpins and glass candle votives featuring a bright floral center piece
outdoor tented wedding reception table detail picture with bright floral blooms and sea foam napkins and gold silver wear knot too shabby events
Brides standing with wedding guests outdoors in front of tent and underneath large tree strung with lights and a red carpet with petals in the middle
tented outdoor wedding with twinkling lights and all wedding guests seated facing the stage smiling
brides dancing on the dance floor in front of band under large colorful floral hanging installation and string twinkle lights
bride raising beer in celebration on the dance floor with smiling wedding guests under tent
brides and wedding guests standing together in a circle with their arms outstretched towards one another under tent with strings of lights
brides running through guests with their arms raised in a bridge as an exit tunnel under tent with string lights
Once tears were dried and bellies filled, that's when the party kicked into high gear. I have never experienced the joy, happiness, and sense of togetherness that this group of family and friends brought together. It was and will always be a special memory that I hold close. Strangers came together to make long-lasting connections and moments all brought to them by two people who are very much loved and in love. It was a beautiful and spectacular day that I think my team and I will carry forever. 
Picture
Lightbloom Photography
​ps. They trusted Melissa to drive them home on their golf cart. See why this was a brave move by reading the full story 2 blog posts back!
Vendors:
Full Event Planning + Design: Knot Too Shabby Events
Venue: Private Location in Wilmington
Photographer: Lightbloom Photography
Florist: Designs by Dillon
Band: The Finns (Sam Hill Entertainment)
Table, Chair + Linen Rentals: Party Suppliers
Tent + Flooring Rentals: Perfect Touch Rentals
Speciality Rentals: Martha My Dear
Speciality Rentals: DP etc.
Plant Rentals: 
Coastal Plant Rentals (business now closed)
Lighting: 
High Performance Lighting
Caterer: Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop
Dessert: Nye's Ice Cream
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Amy Kennison​
Transportation: Coastal Event Shuttle and Car Services
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Best Moments Of 2022

1/31/2023

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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 
bride approaching groom in navy blue for first look outdoors
bride and groom in navy blue suit laughing after the first look
bride and groom embracing outdoors
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
bride smiling and looking to the side holding large white and blush pink floral bouquet
close up of bridal bouquet featuring large white and blush pink blooms
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
bride and bridesmaids in floral pajamas standing outdoors in front of a diy floral wall
bride standing outdoors in front of floral diy wall with champagne bottle raised
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
bride in elegant white gown smiling looking over her shoulder towards bridesmaids in dark green dresses
bridesmaids standing together smiling and holding their hands over their mouths for bride first look
bride holding her dress and twirling in front of her bridesmaids who are smiling and clapping
bride dancing and holding on to her dress in front of bridesmaids who are smiling and clapping in dark green dresses
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
simple elegant white outdoor carport ceremony space
white orange and blush floral arrangement behind white benches for outdoor wedding ceremony
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
bride and groom sharing their first dance under twinkle lights surrounded by wedding guests in indoor rustic venue
bride and groom dipping on dance floor during first dance with guests smiling and clapping in the background
bride and groom smiling and high five-ing on the dance floor surrounded by friends and family
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
dark green velvet chairs and white and brown farmhouse head table decorated with greenery and votive candles for wedding reception
details on wedding reception head table dinner table with light wooden plates and white napkins and gold silver wear
pink orange and blush flower displays on warm wooden table with orange napkins and gold silverware knot too shabby events
wilmington wedding interior reception decorations with pops of orange, dark wooden chairs and accents, green floral hanging display and edison lightbulbs
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
white three tiered wedding cake with intricate sugar flowers in front of white draping and twinkle lights wilmington wedding
detail image of white three tiered wedding cake with intricate sugar flowers and leaves
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
man in traditional kilt playing bagpipe outdoors knot too shabby events
man in traditional kilt attire playing bagpipe indoors in front of smiling guests
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
black and white photograph of smiling bride and groom exiting wedding through a sparkler send off
black and white photograph of bride and groom with their hands raised exiting wedding through sparkler send off with guests smiling
Erin L Taylor Photography
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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wedding SHENANIGANS...happy 2 year anniversary Morgan + Timmie!

9/20/2022

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Picture
Kenzi Creates Co.
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.
bride standing outdoors in front of arbor in the middle in ceremony chairs holding her dress and bouquet with one hand
bride standing outdoors holding her dress with one hand and her bouquet in the other in front of dark wooden arbor knot too shabby events
bride in long sleeve silky wedding dress standing with dark green floral bouquet smiling and twirling outdoors in the middle of the aisle
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. 
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Kenzi Creates Co.
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.
Picture
Kenzi Creates Co.
One of Morgan’s important details of her vision included a collection of vintage rugs that were scattered down the aisle for the ceremony.
rustic dark brown arbor with greenery outdoors in front of wooden fence in front of mountains knot too shabby
tented wedding reception with guests scattered about outdoors in front of dark green woods and lake
rustic outdoor wedding tables draped with white linens in front of lake and camping tents nearby
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.
detail photograph of dark green floral wrap arrangement with white and yellow blooms knot too shabby events
knot too shabby events wedding planner driving golf cart with bride and groom on the back
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. 
Picture
Kenzi Creates Co.
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)!! ​​
brown picnic tables decorated with golden lantern votives in between trees in front of white tent and string lights decorated with greenery in front of a lake
wedding guests smiling and laughing standing behind green shrubbery
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. ​
bride and groom holding hands outdoors standing on gravel road surrounded by dark green forest trees
bride and groom smiling in canoe paddling out in a lake with dark green forest scenery
bride and groom standing together smiling and embracing with one arm in front of dark green lush shrubbery with orange flowers and mountains in the background
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! ​
Picture
Kenzi Creates Co.
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


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