Christine & Brian | June 29, 2014

For many modern day puppy parents furry friends are more than just pets, they are integral members of the family. Therefore it’s no suprise that more and more couples are customizing their wedding parties to include family, friends, and four legged companions.

In the past five years we have seen a fair number of classy canines walk down the asile, but Miss Yuengling tops my list of all time favorite pooches. Outfitted in a hot pink tutu synched with a blue satin bow she trotted down the aisle like a perfect lady pausing only briefly to sniff a few familiar friends. Yes, Yuengling was definitely the second most talked about gal of the day.

The best part about this wedding was surely its fun and whimsical vibe. The ceremony was full of fun one of a kind moments.  Groomsmen entered in cool funky matching sunglasses to the chill sounds of vocalist/guitarist David Hervey.  The couples first kiss, accompanied by a conch horn salute, certainly made a statement for all to hear.

Location: Carolina Beach

Chelsea & Aaron | June 26, 2014

“What happens if it rains?” is by far the most frequently asked question we receive, however believe it or not rain is rarely an issue.  Yes showers are a frequent occurrence, especially in spring and early summer but they rarely last long and it’s pretty easy to work around them.  Typically if a bride can be a bit flexible on her start time she can get married on the beach in North Carolina.  

The morning of Chelsea and Aaron’s wedding the weather forcast was less than ideal with a 90% chance of rain and scattered showers all afternoon.  Fortunately the bride and groom were pretty laid back and we had a retired air traffic controller on the guest list who added some expert advice about the speed and direction of the storm.  As luck would have it we got a break at the exact time the ceremony was set to begin.  Even with a longer than normal ceremony and 100 guests to seat we made it through the whole ceremony without a drop!

Location: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach

Jessica & Derick | June 26, 2014

Choosing that all important first dance song should be one of the easiest decisions of the wedding planning process, but with so many great options it can be hard to decide. A quick search of “perfect first dance songs” on Google yields more than 37 million results. Clearly this topic has brides-to-be buzzing.

From the classic and romantic to contemporary and cool, there are literally thousands of options, so best start thinking about this early. Also, keep in mind this is one wedding decision the groom will most likely want input so be open to compromise. Consider songs that remind you of a special event, lyrics that describe your relationship or a beat that allows you to flaunt some fancy foot work. Remember choosing a first dance should be fun, so relax, have a glass of wine with your sweety and let the search begin!

Jessica and Derrick’s first dance was certainly memorable and tops my list of most magical moments of the day. Immediately following the bubble send-off the officiate directed guests to circle the bride and groom as the couple shared their very first dance as husband and wife. Their pick, I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz. This poignant ballad about a long-lasting relationship with an unforgettable melody is sure to stand the test of time. Good choice guys!

Location: Access #43, Wrightsville Beach

Rachel & Lee | June 20, 2014

Selecting a escort for the mother of the bride (MOB) is an important but frequently forgotten detail of the ceremony planning process. My first piece of advice for brides-to-be is to ask mom for input. More often than not she has a special man in mind. For those MOBs that don’t, consider preparing a list of suitable options including brothers, brother-in-laws, uncles, and cousins. Groomsmen are another likely choice especially if you decide to have the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter separately. The chosen groomsman can take his place in line immediately after seating the MOB saving an extra trip down the aisle. In the case of divorced parents a stepfather or serious significant other may be a good option.

Occasionally the father of the bride will be recruited for double duty, escorting his wife and then his daughter.  Although this is not something I usually recommend it actually worked quite well at this wedding.  After accompanying his wife down the aisle, father of the bride, Lewis, slipped out the side and hustled back to the dunes to meet his daughter while the bridal party processed down the aisle. Because the walk was quite lengthy we decided to send the bridal party down the aisle single file and space them a bit further than usual. We also had Rachel meet her father at the dunes rather than in the hotel. Lewis’ timing couldn’t have been better. He rounded the dune just in time to bid farewell to the maid of honor and share a few moments with his daughter before the bride’s processional began.

Location: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach

Hannah & Josh | June 14, 2014

Father’s Day weekend was bitter sweet for Doug, as he gave his first of two daughters away. Doug was a proud papa indeed. I could see the joy in his face and love in his heart as he stood arm and arm with his beautiful Hannah waiting for Cannon and D to begin.

For self proclaimed daddy’s girls the wedding day is filled with sentimental moments between brides and their dads. From the walk down aisle and welcome toast, to the father-daughter dance and tearful goodbye I never tire of witnessing these sweet expressions of love. Yet another reason I love this business!

Sentmental turned to silly as guest were presented with mini beach balls and instructed to “lightly toss” them at the couple. I have to admit I was a bit nervous when some of the guys starting warming their pitching arms in preparation to “pelt” the couple mercilessly. Fortunately these balls were not designed for speed or accuracy and I’m happy to report the couple made it down the aisle unscathed. Not only did they make great pictures but the mini beach balls also provided an endless supply of entertainment for the kids during the post ceremony photos.

Location: Oceanic Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach