Kathy & Mandy's WEDDING celebration - 4.29.23

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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