Amanda + Drew's Brooklyn Arts Center Garden Dream

Amanda + Drew said "I do" one year ago today on September 2, 2016 at Brooklyn Arts Center in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. However, we had one uninvited guest - a tropical storm. Have no fear though, we had an amazing plan B for a reception-style ceremony.

Amanda spent the morning getting pampered with her ladies. They started by getting their hair done at Harbour Club Day Spa and then transitioned to the Brooklyn Arts Center bridal manse for makeup with Amy Kennison. While Amanda and her ladies were getting ready, we set up the church! We were able to still have a few rows of cross back chairs on each side of the aisle for immediate family while the remaining guests sat in their chairs at farm tables facing the stage. The church was filled with different types of greenery and floral blooms in bud vases. There were burlap-wrapped plants lining the stairs and aisle. A large wooden cross was centered on the stage decorated with loose greenery, white roses, and white hydrangeas. Raindrops tapped the windows, Edison lights hung from above from Wilmington Uplighting, and the lush greenery set a romantic and calming mood.

As guests entered the church, candles were lit, tables were set, Active DJ had great music playing, the Knot Too Shabby Events team was greeting guests and the groomsmen were ushering guests. Once all of the guests arrived, we started the processional. Amanda + Drew were like something out of a story book. Even though they had shared a beautiful first look before the ceremony, his face light up when he saw Amanda walk down the aisle. Her stunning dress and gorgeous curly locks had everyone speechless as she walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed Middle of the Island's cheese and fruit display and sipped on beer, wine, and champagne from the bar. Nine Thirty Creative used the balcony to take photos of Amanda + Drew. The rainy backdrop did not disappoint! Once cocktail hour ended, Drew gave a welcome/thank you to all of their guests. Middle of the Island then opened the buffet for the wedding party and guests. After dinner, toasts were given and dancing began. Amanda + Drew kicked off dancing with their first dance to "The Shape of Us" by Ian Britt. Amanda shared a dance with her father and then Drew and his mother joined in half way through the song! Following parent dances, they shared a good luck dance with their guests and continued to dance the night away! 

Happy One Year Anniversary Amanda + Drew! We wish you many, many more years of celebrations! Hope you have a rain-free anniversary but maybe a little rain wouldn't be so bad after all!
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Click on images below to enlarge. 

Favorite Wedding Moment:
Seeing Amanda for the first time the morning of the wedding day once she realized she wouldn't be able to have the ceremony outside like she once hoped. She was disappointed but she wasn't going to let this ruin her spirit. She was calm and relaxed over the whole thing. I listened to her concerns and assured her that everything was going to work out and made it my mission to give her and Drew the best wedding day possible. And that we did, so it was a great moment! Sometimes, we have to have tough conversations with our clients and my heart hurt for her but I knew we had a great backup plan.

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Vendors
Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center
Music: Active DJ
Caterer: Middle of the Island
Photography: Nine Thirty Creative
Lighting: Wilmington Uplighting
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Flowers: Eco Chic Blossoms
Cake: Whole Foods
Officiant: Kevin Martin
Hair: Harbour Club Day Spa
Makeup: Amy Kennison
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​100