One of the first venues we ever worked in Wilmington was Saint Thomas Preservation Hall so we've always had a special kinda love for this historic event space. Emily + Matt tied the knot on Friday, January 6, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with their reception at Saint Thomas. We were hired for full service planning and design, spending countless hours planning all of the details of their big day. We were almost as excited as Emily and Matt that the day was finally here. The girls spent the morning getting ready at Hotel Riverwalk, while the guys primped at the Courtyard Marriott. Once everyone was dressed and looking fabulous, Emily + Matt did a first look at the City Club of Wilmington. We've said it before and we'll say it again- we love first looks. It gives you so much more time to spend with your soon-to-be spouse and allows you to be part of cocktail hour, if you so choose. After the first look and photos with the bridal party, they went to St. Mary's for the ceremony. A trolley was arranged to take them there in style.

Since the ceremony was right after the holidays, the church was decorated with Christmas trees, poinsettias and festive wreaths. Design Perfection created pew markers with white hydrangeas and mixed greenery. Sara Bryant played the harp as guests walked in. Emily + Matt were surrounded by 160 of their closest friends and family members as they said "I Do" with the notorious Father Bob.

Once the ceremony was over, everyone was directed to Saint Thomas Preservation Hall for the reception. They were wined and dined by A Thyme Savor with an open bar, passed chicken and waffles (one of my favs), pulled pork martinis and tomato soup dippers with pimento grilled cheese. The Winter wedding color scheme was white, navy, dusty blue and silver. The guests tables were set with white linens, navy napkins, s'mores favor boxes, an array of candles and completed with white flower centerpieces with hydrangeas, stock and tulips. The bridal party tables had the same design but we reused the bridesmaids bouquets! The sweetheart table had a sparkly silver linen that was absolutely gorgeous! There were cocktail tables around the dance floor with dusty blue linens for guests to set their drinks on when dancing.

Emily + Matt got introduced as Mr. + Mrs. Stone, along with their bridal party by DJ Eric of Atlantic Premier Entertainment. After, Emily's parents gave a welcome and invited everyone to go through the dinner stations! Following dinner, Emily + Matt kicked off dancing with their first dance to "Marry Me". They danced among the candle light and had an incredible end to their night with sparklers!

CONGRATS Emily + Matt! We hope you have had an incredible first year of marriage! We look forward to hearing about many more! 

Click on images below to enlarge. 

Barefoot Films

Favorite Wedding Moment: 
The party favors - s'mores kits! We've seen a lot of different types of party favors, often left to be disposed at the end of the night. But not these s'more kits. Not only were they delicious - but they were adorable at each place setting!

Vendors
First Look Location: City Club of Wilmington
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary's Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Saint Thomas Preservation Hall 
Ceremony Music: Pianist Sara Bryant
Reception Music: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Caterer: Thyme Savor Catering
Photography: Morgan Caddell
Videography: Barefoot Films 
Lighting: Wilmington Uplighting 
Rentals: L&L Party Rentals
Flowers: Design Perfection
Cake: Imaginary Cakes 
Officiant: Father Bob 
Hair: Mercy's Hair Design
Makeup: Natawsha
Full Service Planning + Design: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: 160

Dana + Dave got married at the historic Brooklyn Arts Center located in downtown Wilmington on Saturday, January 6, 2017. We worked closely with Dana + Dave for over a year to make sure that all of their details came together perfectly with our full service planning and design package. We instantly bonded over our love for music, food and festivals. So, we did a music festival themed wedding - #schroederwedfest! From a live band to a Rolling Stones photo booth, we thought of it all! 

The Midatlantic Band played as guests arrived to the ceremony. Their sweet sounds of bluegrass and folky Americana was exactly what we were looking for! Dana made lace tambourines to place on each seat for guests to later shake as the bride and groom exited the ceremony. An array of candles lined the aisle and the altar. Have we said we LOVE candles before and lots of them? We used the reception flower centerpieces, designed by Eco Chic Blossoms, at every other chair down the aisle. We used them on each guest table for the reception so this was a great way to save costs. Design Perfection draped the center window to create the perfect place to tie the knot inside Brooklyn Arts Center. Everything was set up and it was time for the "I Dos". When Dave saw Dana walk in (to "January Wedding" by The Avett Brothers, of course), he immediately got teary eyed. A picture is worth a thousand words of this tender moment! The love in the room was incomparable. 

After the ceremony, guests were invited to cocktail hour in The Annex. While guests were wined and dined by Middle of the Island, we were busy flipping the ceremony space into the reception. The tables were set with burgundy linens, gorgeous mercury vase floral centerpieces, scattered music sheets and candles. The bridal party sat on the stage with big balloons strategically placed behind them. We tied Mr. & Mrs. balloons behind Dana + Dave's chairs. The room was not only beautiful but so were the people who filled the space. After dinner, Active DJ hit the party lights and we danced the night away. We had such a wonderful time enjoying this winter wedding with some of our favorite tunes and one of our favorite couples. Congratulations Dana + Dave! We loved getting to work with you and look forward to our forever friendship!
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Favorite Wedding Moment: 
People who know me well know I love The Avett Brothers and John Mayer. So, I was extremely excited when Dana + Dave told me that they were going to have their guests sing "Swept Away" by The Avett Brothers with their wedding band after they exchanged their vows during the ceremony. The programs had the lyrics of the song on the back and everyone in the room sang one of our favorite songs. It made me so happy and made me love this couple even more!

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Vendors
Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center
Ceremony Music: The Midatlantic Band
Reception Music: Active DJ Entertainment
Caterer: Middle of the Island
Photography: Erin L. Taylor Photography
Videographer: MOD Wedding Films
Lighting: Wilmington Uplighting
Rentals: L&L Tent & Party Rentals
Flowers: Eco Chic Blossoms
Cake: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge
Officiant: Skip Corbett of A Beach Wedding Minister
Photo Booth Rental: Soapbox Photo Booth
Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon
Transportation: Port City Bike Taxi
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​​125

Happy Valentine's Love Birds!

In honor of this love holiday (although you should love hard all the time), we've got the last wedding of 2016 to share with you -- FINALLY! We spent the day with an amazing couple, Amy + Jay, at Wrightsville Manor on November 20, 2016! Amy spent the morning getting ready with her mother and bffs in the bridal suite at Wrightsville Manor. Amy + Jay were bursting with excitement all day. She had that true bridal glow! They chose not to do a first look so the excitement was intensified as it drew closer to the ceremony. The couple tied the knot in front of the romantic fireplace with three large floral arrangements and an array of candles atop the mantle. The aisles were lined with rose petals, gold lanterns and gorgeous candles. The ceremony was set with mahogany chiavari chairs, included by the venue, in a semi circle formation. We love this type of seating because it offers an unique and intimate view from each seat. During the ceremony, Amy gave Jay's daughter a precious gift. It was such a sweet moment of welcoming her into their new family and the whole room smiled.

Following the ceremony, guests went outside for cocktail hour. There was a bar on the patio with cocktail tables placed around for guests to mingle. While guests were being wined and dined, we flipped the inside and set up the reception. Out came tables, linens, centerpieces and place settings. It's amazing what can happen in one room in one hour with a team of great vendors! Middle of the Island set up a gorgeous cheese and fruit display. The lounge furniture was set for guests to sit and relax. We set the picture frame seating chart outside during cocktail hour so guests could find their seats before going back inside to the reception. (This reduces the time it takes to get guests seated after cocktail hour.) 

After cocktail hour, we gave Amy + Jay a sneak peek at the reception space! They were in awe at how gorgeous everything came together. The tables were set with blush linens, lanterns, mercury vase centerpieces and a pretty place setting. Once they viewed the room, we invited everyone else inside for introductions. They were introduced as husband and wife before going into their first dance. Amy's brother-in-law then gave a welcome and shared a blessing. Next, Middle of the Island opened up the buffet and it was time to chow! Toasts were given by members of their bridal party during dinner, followed by Amy + Jay giving a toast to their guests to thank them for coming. They cut their delicious three-tier cake from Savory Layers Cake before it was time to do some dancing. Amy shared a dance with her stepdad and Jay shared a dance with his daughter. This was another sweet and heartfelt moment to be a part of! This Then, they kicked off open dancing and everyone boogied down, excited for the newlyweds!

Congratulations to Amy + Jay. We wish your family so much love and happiness and we're so excited for the new addition! :)
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
During the ceremony, Amy + Jay asked Jay's daughter to join them at the altar and receive a special gift to remind her that she will always be daddy's little girl and now she's Amy's little girl too. #tearshed
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Vendors
Venue: ​Wrightsville Manor
Music: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Caterer: Middle of the Island
Photography: Distinctive Images 
Rentals: L&L
Mantle Flowers: A Friend's Flowers
Bridal Party Flowers + Centerpieces: DIY
Cake: Savory Layers Cakery
Officiant: Jared Coe - Port City Community Church
Hair: Laura Smith
Makeup: Tyler Kent Salon
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​130

Rachel + Neal tied the knot overlooking the Cape Fear River downtown at the Coastline Convention Center on November 12, 2016. The sun was nearly set and the mood was just right. The couple was surrounded by their closest friends and family in their hometown of Wilmington. What more could we ask for?! They wed under a gorgeous four-post white arbor with a chandelier hanging in the middle from Martha My Dear Rentals. One of our favorite "looks" for ceremonies is mixing chairs and benches! Rachel is great friends with Martha of Martha My Dear Rentals. Martha was kind enough to gift her with any and all of their specialty rentals, including the white-washed chairs and wooden benches! We placed little lanterns with flowers at every other row. Bubbles were placed on each seat for guests to blow as the bride and groom exited the ceremony.

But let's back up a little - Rachel + Neal did a first look before the ceremony, which y'all know we love. They were able to enjoy some moments of privacy on their wedding day before all of the shenanigans began. After the first look, they took all of their bridal party photos. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour outside on the river view terrace, where we had a cute bar cart set up, along with some cocktail tables! Thyme Savor passed yummy appetizers, including grilled cheese and tomato basil soup shooters! Guests lounged on some couches with fluffy pillows and much enjoyed cigars along the river walk. Cocktail hour wouldn't be complete without corn hole too!

The reception was absolutely gorgeous inside. The tables were set with navy linens, mint napkins, a lanterns on top of a wooden slab surrounded by greenery, mercury vases with tea light candles, DIY table numbers and a cute frame with their hashtags. The escort card table was so cute too! They had keys for everyone (that doubled as bottle openers) with a little piece of paper attached with their name and table number. Once everyone found their seats, Rachel + Neal were introduced as husband and wife! They went into their first dance, followed by the parent dances. Thyme Savor provided a delicious buffet for guests to fill their tummies. Not only did Rachel + Neal have a delicious cake from Creative Cake Designs by Tammy Hodge, but they also had a dessert bar from One Belle Bakery that did not last long! Key lime tarts, raspberry tarts, mini cupcakes and apple pops were the hot commodities of the evening. If the yummy treats weren't enough, AM Coffee Distributor made espressos, cappuccinos, and other coffee creations to keep the guests dancing all night. We danced and danced until it was time for their send off. They rode off in style with Port City Bike Taxi!

Congrats Rachel + Neal. We hope that every day is filled with love and laughter! See you soon at one of our sunday funday adventures downtown! XOXO

Favorite Wedding Moment: 
This favorite moment is a bit nontraditional but we're still laughing out loud, even a year later. There was a bar mitzvah taking place on their wedding day on the other side of the venue with about 300 guests and 100 kids running around unsupervised. It was only a matter of time before one of the kids pulled the fire alarm. So outside we went for about 30 minutes while the fire department came and scoped out the building. The couple could have freaked out and make a big deal about it but all of the guests enjoyed the fresh air, even on a chilly November evening. We made sure to keep the bride and groom's glass full with their favorite craft beer and all was well. This was a test for us and them and everyone passed. Unexpected things happen but it's how you handle them that matters. Rachel + Neal care more about their love and marriage than a silly kid being a kid! 

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Vendors
Venue: Coastline Convention Center
Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Guitarist Joe Morgan
Reception Music: DJ Brian Hood
Caterer: A Thyme Savor 
Photography: indigosilver
Lighting: High Performance
Rentals: Party Suppliers 
Vintage Rentals: Martha My Dear 
Coffee: AM Coffee Distributor
Flowers: A Friend's Flowers
Cake: Creative Cake Design by Tammy Hodge
Dessert Bar: One Belle Bakery
Officiant: Andy Phillips
Hair + Makeup: Jamie Warzel
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​115

Trish + Oliver wed under the old oak tree at Wrightsville Manor on November 5, 2016. Trish + Oliver are such a beautiful couple, inside and out. From our first meeting with them, we knew their day was going to be absolutely stunning because of how great they are as individuals and together. Their wedding was the perfect mix of fresh greenery with gold and burgundy accents. One of the best things about Trish's wedding is that she gave absolute design control to Blossom Bay Design and they absolutely knocked it out of the park. 

The ceremony altar was a white free-standing mantle from Relic Vintage Rentals, adorned by a greenery garland swag. Wrightsville Manor's green urns had two large floral pieces that were used at the back of the aisle and re-positioned on the bar for the reception. Once everything was set up, we were ready for the ceremony and ready to see Trish walk down the aisle. Oliver's reaction when he first saw Trish was priceless. Following the ceremony, guests went to the main lawn for cocktail hour. Relic set up two lounge areas, where they showcased some of their favorite pieces. This was one of Relic's first weddings at Wrightsville Manor since curating their company so it was nice seeing a large combination of everything they have in stock. The food was just as good as everything looked. Thyme Savor served grilled cheese paired with warm soup, shrimp + grits and bruschetta for cocktail hour, while the venue provided the open bar.  

Once the bridal party and family finished photos with Kate Supa, guests were invited inside for the reception. Everyone was blown away when they walked in from seeing a jaw dropping greenery chandelier in the center of the room with gorgeous blooms and lights, complete with thin garland swags stretching across the entire room! A year later, this is still one of my favorite weddings with one of the prettiest designs.

We used a mix of round and rectangular tables, set with floral centerpieces or greenery runners, gold candle votives and full place settings including gold rimmed plates. Once guests found their seats, DJ Professionals introduced Trish + Oliver for the first time! They went straight into their first dance, followed by the father daughter dance and the mother son dance. Oliver's father gave the welcome and then Thyme Savor opened the buffet! Following dinner, we had toasts and then the cake cutting! They had a delicious two-tier white cake with the most amazing red peony on top! The cake was display on an old vintage Singer sewing machine covered with lace. Every detail of this day was perfectly planned and Trish + Oliver had an amazing night with all of their closest loved ones. DJ Professionals turned the music up and the lights down low so everyone could danced the night away! 

CONGRATS Trish + Oliver! May every day be as incredible as your wedding day! 
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
Trish had no idea what the ceremony or reception design was going to be until the day of the wedding. She knew what linens and rentals she ordered and gave a few ideas to the florist but that was it. It was a bold move but totally worth it. Blossom Bay Design went above and beyond and not only surprised Trish, but they also surprised me. I was in the loop with what was going on, of course, but it was bigger and better than I thought it would be. My favorite moment was watching Trish walk into the reception for the first time once everything was set up and ready. She spent the morning quarantined to her bridal suite and it was worth the wait as she was so shocked and happy with how beautiful everything was. Much deserved for Trish because she was an amazing bride and is an amazing person! 
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Vendors
Venue: Wrightsville Manor 
Ceremony Music: Justin Hoke
Reception Music: DJ Professionals 
Caterer: Thyme Savor
Photography: Kate Supa
Videography: Light Cannon Films
Lighting: Illuminating Events
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Vintage Rentals: Relic Vintage Rentals
Flowers: Blossom Bay Botanicals
Cake: Imaginary Cakes
Officiant: Nick Arbia
Hair: Blush Haus of Beaute
Makeup: Amy Kennison
Dress: Hayley Paige
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​160

Erin + Josh are two of our close friends and we were so ecstatic to be a part of their big day! Erin is also one of Wilmington's top wedding photographers so it's no wonder why her wedding to Josh was so stunning. Erin has such great style so we knew from the beginning that this wedding would be better than we could even dream of. Erin + Josh tied the knot on Friday, November 4, 2016 at The Atrium located in Downtown Wilmington. Erin spent the morning with her ladies getting ready at Belle Vue and Josh spent the morning at the Hilton Riverside, then making their way to New Anthem Brewery for beers and pictures! Once the champagne bottles were empty and hair and makeup was complete by Tyler Kent Salon, Erin headed to The Atrium.

The backdrop of the ceremony at The Atrium is gorgeous with greenery and vines growing on the walls. Erin + Josh added a typography flag with lyrics from their first dance song hanging at the altar. Their were wooden benches set for guests seating. Erin's cousins handed out programs and encouraged guests to take a picture for their polaroid guestbook as they walked in. The entrance was draped by Salt Harbor Designs. On each sides of the entrance, there were two wine barrels with golden bear heads (one of my favorite details) and lush floral arrangements. Their welcome sign read "Can I Get A Witness". Each guest was given a wand with ribbon to wave after the ceremony as Erin + Josh walked down the aisle as husband and wife. 

Erin had modern acrylic signage everywhere, such as the guestbook sign - "Shake it like a polaroid picture". Next to the guestbook table was the incredible bar! DP etc provided a dark brown bar decorated with greenery garland. They had beer flight pallets for their guests to try various home brews! They had a white typography flag with all 5 beer names (crafted just for them by their neighbors). What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Nothing. Middle of the Island passed giant pretzels for guests to nibble on during cocktail hour. The seating chart table was jaw dropping. Each person had their names written on a piece of agate. There were gold geometric vases filled with different types of beautiful rocks and crystals with a candle votive in the middle of the vase. The guest tables were farm tables set with acrylic clear chiavari chairs, agate slice table numbers, greenery garland, gold honeycomb votives and coasters at each place setting that could be put over drinks when guests were on the dance floor. We could go on and on about all of the beautiful details of their big day but just spare us and check out the photos below!

Once guests grabbed their drinks and found their tables, they mingled until introductions. Erin + Josh were introduced to "Queen Bitch" by David Bowie... #couplegoals. They went straight into their first dance followed by the mother son and father daughter dances. Josh then gave a welcome and it was time for dinner! Middle of the Island provided their traditional southern buffet. Following dinner, toasts were given! Erin's brother gave the most touching toast - the whole room was in tears (happy and heartfelt). Nye's Ice Cream cart arrived to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth! They handed out delicious ice cream sandwiches while guests danced their hearts out with Atlantic Premier Entertainment. Erin put so much thought and detail into her wedding and it absolutely paid off! Their wedding represented them so well. The night was flawless and we are so happy for the two of them! CONGRATS ERIN + JOSH! We love you!! 

Side Note: You can also find Erin & Josh's big day featured in the latest issue of Focus on the Coast Weddings! Pick one up around town or flip to page 69 here!

Favorite Wedding Moment:
Watching Erin + Josh's fur baby Oscar get carried out to "Atomic Dog" when it was his bed time. The star of the show had to go home eventually and we were all sad to see him go! He had the cutest floral collar and we are so happy he was able to be a part of their wedding! I don't think Erin would have tied the knot without him! 
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Vendors
Bridal Suite: Belle Vue
Wedding Venue: The Atrium
Music: Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Caterer: Middle of the Island
Photography: Brett + Jessica
Lighting: High Performance Lighting 
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Bar: DP etc.
Draping: Salt Harbor Designs
Bridal Party Flowers + Wine Barrel Arrangements: Eco Chic Blossoms
Greenery Garland: Wholesaler
Dessert: Nye's Ice Cream 
Officiant: Andy, friend of Groom
Hair + Makeup: Tyler Kent
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​​115

Nicole + Ben were married in front of the dreamy fireplace at Wrightsville Manor on October 29, 2016. Nicole spent the morning getting pampered with her girls by Seagrass Salon + Amy Kennison in the bridal suite at Wrightsville Manor. Their day was simple, elegant, and very romantic. 

When guests arrived, the mantle was adorned with greenery, twinkle lights, and a gold framed mirror! There were lanterns and small floral arrangements placed down the aisle on every other row. We later used the aisle decorations as reception table centerpieces. This is a great way to keep decor cost down! Nicole's bridesmaids wore mixed match dresses in shades of magenta and dusty rose. After the ceremony, guests went outside for cocktail hour. There were four 3-foot rounds for guest seating and 4 cocktail tables for guests to lay their drinks and apps on. Wrightsville Manor's lounge was placed around the lawn for guests to relax. They had small stationed appetizers from David's Deli. 

Once the photographer was finished with the bridal portraits and we completed the room flip, guests were invited back inside for the reception. Everyone was blown away when they came inside, like it was a brand new room. We used a mix of round and rectangular tables. They were set with tan linens, brown chargers, white scalloped plates and ivory napkins with a gold leaf ring. The centerpieces were hydrangea and baby's breath in mason jars next to black lanterns. Nicole's gorgeous bridal portrait was on an easel next to the bar.

Once guests found their tables, Nicole + Ben were introduced as husband and wife! They went into their first dance. After the first dance, David's Deli opened the buffet! Once everyone finished eating, the Maid of Honor, Best Man, and Mother of the Bride gave toasts. Guests shared their laughs and tears before hitting the dance floor for the rest of the night! 
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Favorite Wedding Moment:
Watching Nicole walk down the aisle with her dad and grandfather. This always warms my heart seeing two special men walk down one very special lady on the biggest day of her life!
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Vendors
Venue: Wrightsville Manor
Music: Active DJ
Caterer: David's Deli
Photography: Christy + Derick Piner
Rentals: L&L Tent Rentals
Flowers: Whole Foods
Cake: Whole Foods
Officiant: Will Poole
Hair: Seagrass Salon
Makeup: Amy Kennison
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: ​150