Lindsey + Jonathan got married one year ago TODAY on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Their ceremony was at the Inlet Watch Yacht Club near Carolina Beach on their family friend's boat! The boat was a real beauty but not as beautiful as our stunning bride! The reception followed at Bluewater Waterfront Grill on Wrightsville Beach. Lindsey + Jonathan have a love for the ocean and fishing and their day truly captures that love.

There were 100 chairs set up for guest seating in the lawn in front of the boat slip at the marina.  As guests arrived, they would grab a bottle of water in a wheelbarrow and grab a program from a large conch shell. A white runner guided guests down to the chairs with another white runner leading the bridal party to the boat. Lindsey walked down the aisle with her father to the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", played by their guitarist, Forrest Tabor. Since Lindsey + Jonathan have a love for the nautical lifestyle, they incorporated a knot tying ritual into the ceremony. 

Following the ceremony, guests headed to Bluewater for cocktail hour. The bridal party took photos and rode the boat to Bluewater for the reception! This was such a cool way to travel and enter into the reception. The photos from this trip were perfect too, thanks to Chris Lang Photography! The guest tables were set with white linens, navy and white runners, navy napkins with a koozie, floating key chain and gold chargers. There were knot table numbers and each table either had a large gold lantern with a few bud vases or a clear glass centerpiece with giant palms and birds of paradise leaves. When the bridal party and family were done with photos, Active DJ introduced Lindsey + Jonathan as husband and wife for the first time! Lindsey's parents then gave the welcome and it was time to eat! Bluewater catered a delicious buffet dinner and the maid of honor and best man gave toasts! After toasts, it was time for the cake cutting. They had a beautiful three-tier cake & cupcakes from One Belle Bakery. The bottom tier was navy and white striped, the middle tier had white ruffles and the top tier was white with a gold stripe at the bottom. The cake topper was two blue swordfish kissing! This made for the perfect fisherman's dream! The cake cutting led into the first dance and parent dances. After this, the dance floor was open to everyone and didn't clear all night!! 

CONGRATS Lindsey + Jonathan!! Happy Anniversary!! We are so glad you found your perfect fish from the sea!
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Favorite Wedding Moment: 

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Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Inlet Watch Yacht Club
Reception Venue: Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Ceremony Music: Forrest Tabor
Reception Music: Active DJ
Caterer: Bluewater Restaurant
Photography: Chris Lang
Rentals: L&L Tent Rentals
Flowers: Fiore Fine Flowers
Cake: One Belle Bakery
Officiant: Donna Brown 
Hair + Makeup: Seagrass Salon
Transportation: Platinum Limo and Event Shuttle Service 
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​125

Katie + Waylon tied the knot on the gorgeous beach of Emerald Isle, NC almost one year ago today on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The sun was shining, the ocean was crystal blue, and love was in the air. Their reception was held at the Southern Breeze beach house with their closest friends and family members. 

When having a destination wedding, one of the greatest joys is that the family can all be in the same house getting ready. When we arrived that morning, the women were in the living room drinking coffee, sharing laughs and reminiscing on memories. We headed outside and began set up! The ceremony was set with padded white chairs with purple bows tied on the back. There were mason jar flower arrangements hanging on each chair of the aisle. They had a four-post bamboo arbor with white fabric and beautiful flowers from Fiore Fine Flowers cascading on both sides. They chose not to use any ceremony music and to walk down the aisle to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Katie's father, Gary, escorted her down the aisle. They had a simple and sweet ceremony officiated by Rev. Paula Bradley. 

Following the ceremony, guests walked up the boardwalk through the gazebo, to the reception outside the beach house! The reception was so incredibly beautiful and bright. There were round tables for guest seating set with white linens, orange napkins, full place settings with a wooden slab in the center, topped with a purple bud vase, a tiny silver lantern, and a beautiful floral centerpiece. Their sweetheart table had a purple linen, 2 lanterns and Katie's bouquet. There were edison lights zig zagged across the reception space illuminating the night. One of the coolest things about their wedding was their DIY bar! We usually don't recommend this but they had a really nice way of doing it for this intimate crowd. They had a stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and even a signature drink - Waylon's Wacky Lemonade! They had an app on their iPad that you could make any drink you want. There was even an option to do a roulette if you didn't know what you wanted to drink or you wanted to make your friend a fun cocktail! To keep the guests' stomachs satisfied during cocktail hour, Crabs Claw set up a large display of hors d'oeuvres including a cheese platter, a fruit platter, crab dips, grilled pitas, blackened shrimp skewers, meatballs and more!

When Katie + Waylon were finished with sunset pictures, Katie's dad got on the balcony and introduced them for the first time as husband and wife!! As if everyone hadn't already eaten enough, dinner was served! After dinner, Katie + Waylon cut their beautiful 2 tier cake from Sugarloaf Island Bakery. Everyone was so excited for all of the desserts. They had banana pudding shooters, s'mores shooters, and 6 dozen cookies! The kids were happy with desserts, the adults were happy with their fun drinks, and everyone got to celebrate Katie + Waylon all night! 

Congrats Katie + Waylon! We hope every day is full of love, comfort, and enjoyment! Happy Anniversary! 

Our Favorite Wedding Moment: 
Watching Katie's dad introduce Katie + Waylon from the balcony of the 2nd floor. He had so much enthusiasm while doing it and his love shined through! It was so sweet and so special!

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Vendors
Venue: Southern Breeze House Emerald Isle
Caterer: Crabs Claw Caribbean Restaurant
Photography: Bella Rose Photography
Rentals: Island Essentials
Flowers: Fiore Fine Flowers
Cake: Sugarloaf Island Bakery
Officiant: Rev. Paula Bradley 
Hair: Wild Olive Salon
Makeup: Makeup By Christina
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​25

Chelley + Brice Davis tied the knot at the Wilmington Convention Center, located downtown along the Cape Fear River on Saturday, September 17, 2016. That means today is their one year anniversary so happy anniversary Chelley + Brice! The ceremony took place on the bright green lawn overlooking the River. The reception was held inside the Wilmington Convention Center in the elegant Grand Ballroom. The early ceremony was at 1:00pm, with the reception immediately following until 6:30pm. 

Their ceremony was set up with a white pergola, white resin chairs, white flower petals down both sides of the aisle, and even petals in the shape of a D for Davis. Each aisle chair had a small wreath of greenery with a single white rose from Surf City Florist. Carolina Classical Artists played cello + violin as guests entered the ceremony site. They played "Canon in D" as Chelley walked down the aisle. The birds were chirping, the wind was light, and their ceremony was very simple and sweet!

Following the ceremony, guests went into the Convention Center for the reception. Their color palette was navy, white, gold, and champagne. The tables were set with glass cylinder vases with dark blue orchids with an LED light to make it glow, surrounded by greenery, white hydgraneas and baby's breath. Each place setting has a gold charger, navy pocket fold napkin with a personalized Mr. & Mrs. magnet on it! It was especially beautiful with blue ceiling lights from the venue. After cocktail hour, Chelley + Brice were introduced right into their first dance!  Wilmington Convention Center provided a plated meal for all of the guests. We're still dreaming of the stuffed chicken with risotto! Later, champagne was poured and passed for a few words of appreciation from the couple! Chelley + Brice gave a "Thank You" toast to all of their friends and family. Then, it was time to cut their scrumptious three-tier white cake with fresh strawberries from Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge! After the traditions were done, Chelley danced with her girls for a few hours. The reception ended but the day wasn't over for Chelley and Brice. Their photographer, Chronicles Photography, went with them to Kure Beach for sunset photos! The outcome was stunning (see the last photo below).

Congrats Chelley + Brice and happy anniversary! We hope your first year of marriage was as magical as your wedding day!
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
We all know weddings can be stressful, especially when you have parents that are no longer together but both want to be there to support your big day. That was the case with Chelley's parents. Although they are no longer married, they put all differences aside to really be there for their daughter. My favorite moment was watching her parents share a dance together. It wasn't forced...just in the moment. It was nice to see the respect they still had for one another and how happy they were to see their beautiful daughter on her wedding day. 
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Vendors
Venue: Wilmington Convention Center
Ceremony Music: Carolina Classical Artists
Reception Music: Absolute Best DJ
Caterer: Wilmington Convention Center
Photography: Chronicles Photography
Rentals: L&L Tent & Party Rentals
Flowers: Surf City Florist
Cake: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge 
Officiant: Pastor Joseph L. Barnes
Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon 
Transportation: Azalea Limo
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​70

Barbara + Brian got married one year ago on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the new and fabulous Annex. Although the Annex had been open for events for less than a month, this was our second event there. To give a little backstory on the history of the building, The Annex was built in 1910 as a school house so there are a lot of charming details still embraced today with original hardwood floors and antique windows. There was no doubt in Barbara and Brian's mind that this would be the perfect venue for their big day, even before it was complete with renovations. Barbara + Brian envisioned a fun wedding that their guests could drink and dance the night away and they got just that! Their ceremony took place upstairs on the stage (it was originally the school auditorium!). Cocktail hour was held downstairs with Atlantic Premier Entertainment playing music and Milner's Cafe + Catering passing appetizers. The ceremony space was then flipped and the reception was back upstairs. 

Barbara + Brian had a romantic and vintage-style wedding. Their colors were marsala, blush, navy blue, and white. Beautiful Flowers by June created a greenery backdrop on the stage where Barbara + Brian got married. Flower petals were sprinkled down the aisle. Brian + his groomsmen greeted and ushered guests as they arrived. The processional began with the officiant, grandparents, parents and the wedding party walking in to "Canon in D." Barbara walked down the aisle with her mother to "A Thousand Years". Their ceremony was sweet and simple. Once Barbara + Brian were pronounced husband and wife, they headed on the trolley to take pictures with their wedding party and The Story Creative of Theo Milo. 

Guests headed down to cocktail hour, where we had a mix of cocktail tables and small round tables with seating. One of our favorite details was the greenery sash on the light pink cocktail table linen.  While guests were being wined and dined at cocktail hour, we were upstairs turning the ceremony area into the reception space. There were a mix of rectangular and round tables. Tables were set with gold chiavari chairs, burgundy linens, and ivory napkins. The centerpieces were compiled of ivory flower petals, pillar candles, candle votives, and the bridesmaids bouquets were reused on some of the tables.

​When guests came upstairs for the reception, they were in awe that it was the same room. Once guests found their seats, Atlantic Premier Entertainment introduced the wedding party with Barbara + Brian as husband and wife for the first time! After introductions, Barbara + Brian went into their first dance to "Love Is A Verb." For anyone who knows me, you know I'm obsessed with John Mayer so this made me very, very happy! Their first dance was followed by the mother son dance and the father daughter dance. Brian's father, Chris, then gave a welcome and a blessing. After, Milner's opened the buffet for guests to indulge in a delicious display of food. Once guests finished eating, the Maid of Honor and Best Man gave toasts. Barbara and Brian then cut their delicious naked cake from Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge. Guests began tearing up the dance floor and partied all night long! I've seen a lot of good dance parties but this one was pretty epic. The night ended with a lot of failed attempts of  groomsmen trying to catch groomsmen for the classic "Dirty Dancing" lift with "Time of My Life". We finished with a beautiful sparkler send off! 

Congrats Barbara + Brian! We hope you had an amazing anniversary last week. We wish you a life full of laughter, fun, happiness and endless dance parties!
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
Watching the groomsmen trying to do the epic "Dirty Dancing" lift with each other during the last song. 
Disclaimer: Do not try this at home. No one was hurt during this dance.
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Vendors
Venue: The Annex
Music: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Caterer: Milner's Cafe and Catering 
Photography: The Story Creative of Theo Milo 
Rentals: L&L Tent and Rentals
Flowers: Beautiful Flowers by June
Cake: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge
Officiant: David Holt
Hair + Makeup: Laura Mangin 
Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​​90

You put a lot of thought into your wedding and all the little details that make it special. Those bouquets, centerpieces, and invitations didn't choose themselves!
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Naturally, you want to preserve that thoughtfulness in photographs, so let's take a look at a few of the details we want to make sure to capture, and a few ideas on how to do it.

This is a work of art, and it deserves to be remembered. We can get a shot of the cake itself, as well as a close-up of your hands as you cut it as the slice is halfway removed. This way, we get a moment (cake cutting) along with the subject (the cake) and a little bonus detail (the inside of the cake, which is nice especially if it's got some colored frosting layers in there).

Too bad they get hidden under your dress all day! Let's bring them to light in a photo or two. We can stage them on their own in a pretty setting, or we can get them (along with the groom's) while they're on your feet, maybe during a jump or a kick, or dangling off the end of a bench.

This is especially fun if you and the groom have chosen matching sneakers or cowboy and cowgirl boots, but it's equally important if you're wearing shoes that were a gift from your mother, or if you just really, really love your shoes and are wondering when you're going to get to wear them again. Can't blame you.

We can stage them alone or with the bouquets, the invitations, or on your hands. ​

Every couple has special details in the wedding that are unique to them. Whether it's hats, favors, cocktails, or a feline ring-bearer (please, somebody do this), be sure to draw my attention to it and we'll put it down in digital history.
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As we photograph the details, there's something important here we need to keep in mind:
Years from now, you're not going to spend a lot of time looking at those detail photos. The photos that will matter the most are the ones of the people you love. The flowers, the invitations, the decor--all of these things are fun and they're part of what makes your day special, but the truth is you could have made any number of choices regarding those details and still have had the best day imaginable. 

The most important details are your guests. If a few of them weren't there, the entire day would be most definitely different. When we're talking about wedding details, let's not forget the smiles, the hugs, the knowing glances, and the love that come together to make your wedding day the most beautiful day of your life. ​

Jeff + Lori are not only fellow wedding vendors in the Wilmington community but they are great friends. Together, they own indigosilver studio and The Shoot Space. Being wedding vendors and wanting wedding vendors and friends (friendors) to attend, a weekend wedding was out of the question so they tied the knot on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Jeff + Lori chose The Annex of Brooklyn Arts Center, located in Downtown Wilmington. The ceremony took place in the courtyard beside Brooklyn Arts Center and The Annex. The reception took place inside The Annex with cocktail hour downstairs and the reception upstairs in the old auditorium.  Their theme was modern, vintage, romantic = "modage". 

The day began with mimosas and muffins at the Sunset Flat bridal suite. Tyler Kent Salon, who was also the maid of honor, pampered the ladies, making sure everyone looked perfect. Once everyone was dressed and ready, Jeff + Lori headed to the courtyard for their first look, shot by William Innes Photography. Shortly after, it was time for the ceremony to begin! The ceremony faced the fence with beautiful iron gates decorated with greenery. Atlantic Premier Entertainment played music as guests entered and found their spot on a bench. The first aisle had chairs for reserved family seating. On the reserved aisles, there were shepherds hooks holding glass spheres with arrangements in them.  There were flower petals down the aisle in a beautifully woven pattern. For anyone who knows Jeff, you know he's a complete goofball. He walked in with his best man with his hands raised high and a huge smile on his face. But, as Lori was walking down the aisle, he was serious and emotional. It was sweet to see this side of him too. Jeff's daughters, Mari Katherine and Emma, were Lori's bridesmaids and looked amazing in shimmery gold dresses. Rev. Skip Corbett was the officiant for their ceremony. They chose to do the "rose" ceremony, which is a special addition to Rev. Skip's ceremony package. There were many laughs and many tears from close friends and family members. 

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cheese & fruit display appetizer, along with shrimp & grits. The bar served beer and wine, along with two signature cocktails, Malibu Stacy & Moscow Mules! Since Jeff + Lori did a first look, they were able to spend cocktail hour with their guests! Later, guests headed upstairs for the reception. Tables were set with blush linens, dark brown chargers, white scalloped dinner and salad plates, candle votives and gold table numbers. The centerpieces were in carnival glass vessels, adding a lot of color to the tables. They had an incredible "P" ice sculpture on display created by Ice Man Ski.

Jeff + Lori's introduction was perfect! They danced their way in while being cheered on by all of their friends and family members. They went straight into their first dance to "Magic" by Coldplay. Jeff + Lori then welcomed everyone and thanked them for being such a large part of their lives. Middle of the Island set up a southern buffet with pulled pork, fried chicken, a baked potato bar, sweet potato hash, mac n cheese and more! As you can imagine, everyone ate their southern hearts out. Once Jeff + Lori finished eating, they headed out for sunset photos. Upon their return, Tyler, Fernando, and a few of their close friends gave toasts. Jeff + Lori are such a hilarious duo - we all knew their cake cutting would be interesting. They smashed cake in each others faces at the exact same time and their photographer got the perfect shot! After the cake cutting, it was time for open dancing! Jeff + Lori love a good dance party so they danced with their guests until they shut The Annex down! They left in an old car from Bluewater Transport.  What a way to end the night!

These two just celebrating their first wedding anniversary so congratulations! We are excited to be there with you through many, many more years! 
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
​Watching Jeff execute the worm on the dance floor perfectly! 
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Vendors
Venue: The Annex 
Bridal Suite: Sunset Flat
Music: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Caterer: Middle of the Island
Photography: William Innes 
Lighting: Wilmington Uplighting
Rentals: L&L Rentals
Flowers: J. Cody Design
Cake: Imaginary Cakes
Officiant: Rev. Skip Corbett
Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon
Ice Sculpture: Ice Man Ski
Transportation: Bluewater Transport
Dance Lessons: Babs McDance
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: 80

Hannah + Jeff are a hilarious, outgoing, fun and loving couple! They never ceased to make us laugh and we were so thankful we got to work with them for their big day one year ago (yesterday). Hannah spent the morning getting pampered with her ladies by Anna Lee and Amy Kennison at the gorgeous Belle Vue in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. Once everyone was dressed and ready, they headed across the Cape Fear River to tie the knot on the USS North Carolina Battleship on Sunday, September 4, 2016. The sun was shining and the breeze from the water was magical. 

The ceremony took place in front of the plane on the fantail of the boat. The ship includes the white chairs for ceremony seating and we added large and small lanterns at every other aisle. We hung mason jars with hydrangeas on every other chair on the aisle too. When guests arrived, they were greeted by the handsome groomsmen and encouraged to sign the wooden pallet guestbook. They had handkerchiefs in a vintage suit case for all of the guests to take for their happy tears. Dockside Strings played music as guests entered. The ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with lots of little laughs. MOD Wedding Films was able to get drone shots of the wedding and a beautiful wedding video you can see below! 

Following their ceremony, guests headed to the reception at Bakery 105, also located in the beautiful downtown Wilmington. Cocktail hour was outside in the courtyard. There were cocktail tables with beige linens for guests to set their food and drinks on. The escort table was set by the entrance doors for guests to find their table assignment once they moved inside. The reception space was set with round tables with khaki linens. The mismatched centerpieces were done by the mother of the bride with bird cages, vintage books, clocks and flowers in milk vases. Each table had three silver candle votives and glittery silver table numbers. Their sweet heart table had J+H marquee letters, champagne glasses and a beautiful pink rose centerpiece. 

After Hannah + Jeff took photos with their wedding party, Platinum Limo dropped them off at Bakery 105. Absolute Best DJ was then ready for introductions. Hannah + Jeff were introduced for the first time as husband and wife and everyone went wild! After introductions, Hannah + Jeff had their first dance. They started off their dance with "Into the Mystic" and about half way through, they switched to a High School Musical III song. Everyone laughed and cheered, but no one was surprised with these two! Hannah then shared a dance with her father and Jeff shared a dance with his mother. Bakery 105 put together a delicious buffet. Following dinner, Hannah's maid of honor (and sister) and Jeff's best man gave toasts. Since Hannah + Jeff were such a fun and goofy couple, you can bet their toasts were nothing short of that. After everyone had wiped their tears from laughter, Hannah + Jeff cut their gorgeous three-tier cake from Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge! It was now time for open dancing - their favorite part! The dance floor was full of people dancing and signing to the music. The photo booth was open and the party was on! They had dance offs for almost two hours. We still aren't sure who won the dance off. It was a fun and happy night for all! 

Congrats Hannah + Jeff! We hope you had an amazing 1 year anniversary! We have no doubt your first year (and every year to come) was full of jokes, happy days, and sarcastic comments. We love you!! 
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Favorite Wedding Moment: 
Their first dance - it was goofy and fun, a true reflection of their relationship. Often, couples take their first dance so serious that they forget to enjoy it and have fun. Hannah and Jeff danced around the room like no one was watching and it was refreshing to see! 

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Vendors
Getting Ready Location: Belle Vue
Ceremony Venue: USS North Carolina Battleship
Reception Venue: Bakery 105
Ceremony Music: Dockside Strings
​Reception Music + Photobooth: Absolute Best DJ 
Photographer: Nate Eckman
Caterer: Bakery 105
Videography: MOD Wedding Films
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Vintage Rentals: Martha My Dear Rentals
Bouquets: Beautiful Flowers by June 
Reception Centerpieces: DIY - Mother of the Bride
Cake: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge
Officiant: Penelope Morningstar 
Hair: Anna Lee from Destination Beautiful
Makeup: Amy Kennison 
Transportation: Platinum Limousine
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​80