Friday, December 20, 2013

North Carolina Nuptials

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of Keepsake Memories

Self-proclaimed beach bums, Joey and Brittany, couldn’t imagine having their wedding in any other setting than the beach. Childhood memories, for both Brittany and Joey, spending their summers at Atlantic Beach made a destination wedding in North Carolina an obvious choice. Not to mention, Atlantic Beach was the very beach Joey popped the question!

With friends and family 100% on board and absolutely thrilled to spend time with the couple for their destination wedding, Joey and Brittany began planning their magical day. Although the process was consuming, Brittany explains it was well worth it. “We made quite a few trips down to Atlantic Beach to meet with vendors, but I really trusted our wedding planners to take care of everything and I let them handle the big picture,” recalls the bride.

While the wedding planners were busy at work, Brittany focused on the small details that made her wedding special. The Thursday before the wedding, the couple hosted a “Father of the Bride” night to honor Brittany’s dad. Growing up, Brittany’s dad used to take her and her sister to a hole in the wall called The Royal James Café where he taught them to play pool. Brittany hosted the special night here, in a setting where so many of their memories were made together. The couple also incorporated a fisherman’s knot in their ceremony, which they tied before the vows. “The fisherman’s knot, also called a “true lovers knot”, is the strongest there is; its bond will not break but will actually become stronger under pressure,” explains Brittany. These aspects created a certain sentiment the couple could not have had otherwise.

Although Brittany is not into the whole DIY trend, her mother in law did contribute a project of her own to provide a wedding day keepsake for the newlyweds. She made a quilt each guest signed in addition to their guest book. The messages were fun to read and the quilt is something that can be easily displayed as a token of their day.

Brittany reminds other couples planning a destination wedding to, “Have fun and trust the experts!” No matter what happens, Brittany believes everything will fall into place. For her and Joey, it rained on their wedding day and their romantic, moonlit reception on the terrace quickly turned into a stunning soiree inside the Ballroom. It actually felt more intimate and enhanced their enchanted evening.

Vendors: Photographer: Michelle and Carl Butler, Keepsake Memories, Wedding Planner: Roger Carter and Tammy Roys, Ceremony/Reception Site: The Coral Bay Club, Gown Designer: Tara Keely, Florist: Roger Carter, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Bow Tie by Collard Greens, Suit by Ralph Lauren, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Bridesmaids: Coren Moore, Groomsmen: Bow Ties by Collard Greens and Suits by Ralph Lauren, Band: The Reality Show Band, Cake: Mrs. Vingerbers Sweets, Hair and Makeup: Jennifer House and team, Makeup for your Day, Invitations and Stationery: Reeves Engraving