Mariah + Ben Wine + Dine Wedding Celebration - 9.12.15

Mariah + Ben married at the New Hanover County Courthouse in August 2015 in a surprise elopement with only their closest loved ones. The day was celebrated with a few friends and family members finished with a lunch in downtown Wilmington. They didn't make a huge fuss about the wedding day. It was low-key and casual - just what they wanted. They did, however, want to have a big party for their guests to celebrate the marriage at The Balcony on Dock on September 12, 2015. The newlyweds rejoiced in their marriage with their friends and family while enjoying the live band, Gipsy Danger, and a catered buffet dinner from Yosake.

Knot Too Shabby Events was hired for partial planning coordination to help our friends commemorate their special day. Mariah + Ben both had clear ideas of what they envisioned for the wedding reception. They chose the colors slate blue, cranberry and light pink. The round tables were covered with a slate blue linen, burlap runner, and pink napkins with koozies on top. The wine theme reception was easy to develop, especially since the couple has a lot of wine drinking friends to save bottles for them. Then it was time for Ben to get crafty as he cut off the bottom of the wine bottles to create a romantic wine candle centerpiece.

Dakota Hersey shot the wedding reception for the newlyweds. Mariah + Ben chose to do a first look with Dakota at the whimsical Fragrance Garden at Greenfield Lake. The bridal party and family met them there to get all of the formal photos taken care of before the reception. It was great working with Dakota and we're more than impressed with the images she produced, especially since this was her first wedding to photograph. Check out the blog she wrote about the big day here! 
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Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge went above and beyond for Mariah + Ben's wedding reception. It might help that Mariah works for Tammy but Tammy wanted to surprise Mariah with lots of sweet treats, including an adorable naked cake, cake pops, cookies, chocolate pudding cups, cheesecake, and macaroons from Shuga Shak.  

After stuffed bellies, we danced the night away with Gipsy Danger! Some of our favorite elements from the wedding were the dog treat party favors for all those dog lovers, the specialty coffee bar, custom guestbook drawn by a dear friend from their wedding day, and a fun photo booth from DJ Wilmington. Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Blevins! We wouldn't have wanted to spend this lovely Saturday in September any other way! 
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WeddingWire Reviews:
From Mariah -
"Melissa was the most helpful from day one. Anytime we had a panic attack or a simple question, she was there to smooth it out. Our wedding was beautiful and its all thanks to Melissa!"
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From Mariah's father, Neil - 
​"Melissa is a true professional who works with her clients from the initial meeting through and including the reception. There is literally no obstacle she can't overcome for her clients and she speaks in terms that are totally comprehensible to her clients. She possesses all of the key attributes of a planner: strategic planning, detail oriented, contingency plans at the ready and superior communication skills. I highly recommend Knot Too Shabby Events if you are interested in planning an upcoming wedding."
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Click images below to enlarge.

Favorite Wedding Moment:
Mariah + Ben were more to me than just clients. They are also friends. Mariah works with Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge and Ben works with Brick Street Cinema so I've known the two personally and professionally for a few years. I was thrilled when they asked me to help plan their special day. The day seemed less stressful and more fun knowing I was making their day wonderful! Our planning meetings usually consisted of wine tastings at Fortunate Glass in Downtown Wilmington. I enjoyed the whole process of planning their wedding. I can't pick just one moment BUT if I must, I'd say it was watching Ben dance his booty off and having a blast with all of their loved ones towards the end of the evening! 
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Vendors
Venue: The Balcony on Dock
Music: Gipsy Danger Band 
Caterer: Yosake
Photography: Dakota Hersey Photography
Lighting: AV People
Rentals: ETC Party Rentals
Photo Booth: DJ Wilmington
Videography: Brick Street Cinema
Flowers: Groom's sister
Cake + Desserts: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge 
Hair  + Makeup: Ulta
Partial Planning Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: 90 people