The 2019 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo will be here before we know it! Leading up to the event, we are proud to feature our sponsors to thank them for their support. Their sponsorships help us create an amazing two-day event for you and your wedding planning support crew. As you prep to dive into hiring your dream team of vendors, get to know more about our 2019 sponsors and plan to visit them at their booths! 

How long have you been involved in weddings on the Outer Banks?

We have been photographing weddings in the Outer Banks since 2010, so 8 years! Wow!

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you?

We love the Outer Banks because of the beautiful and unique beaches and gorgeous sunsets. We used to vacation in the Outer Banks and always wanted to live in a coastal area. The Outer Banks is intoxicating and we can’t believe living here is our reality.

What is unique about your business? What are you known for?

This is a hard question, but I would say that we are unique because we are a husband and wife team. Not many people can work with their spouse, but we have always worked well together and we have so much fun doing it.  I would say that we are known for our rich and warm tone edits and artistic approach to photography. Wedding photography is ever evolving and we are just trying to strive to stay ahead of the times and bring a unique approach to our photographs.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2019 Wedding Weekend? Do you have any advice for a couple booking your services?

The January wedding expo is kind of like waking up on Christmas Day. We love the expo and having the chance to meet new couples and hanging out with our favorite “friendors”.  My advice for the couples visiting the expo this year is to go into it with a game plan... Make sure you do your research ahead of time and visit the vendors that you want to meet first. This will help with that overwhelming feeling that some couples feel after they enter the expo.  We aren’t pushy salesman, so stop by our booth to just chat about your big day. We love to hear about all those amazing wedding details.

Are you participating or hosting any of the Saturday Wedding Tour stops?

We will be at the Sanderling Resort and Jennette’s Pier.

What other information must a couple know about you?

Our main focus is your wedding day. We aren’t photographers that will be in your way on your day and we do our best to create a relaxed photographing style while still delivering amazing images. We work with our couples to create a detailed photography timeline to keep problems at bay. Most of all, we love weddings and know the importance of your wedding day... being efficient and having fun is the name of our game.

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now! 

VIP Ticket Package ($40)

This special ticket offers you:

• our beautiful waterproof canvas bag
• special promotions and goodies from our Expo Sponsors
• a VIP lanyard for our Wedding Venue Tour + Giveaway Entries. The VIP lanyard is essential for touring around our venues and gathering stickers from our participating venues. These stickers entitle you to tickets to enter into our giveaway drawings, increasing your chances to win. Must be present to win.
• an entry for the chance to win a $1,000 voucher to use with any of our Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors. Must be present to win.
• Gold stamped Bridal Tank Top or OBX Groom Tee

General Admission ($20)

Tickets grant you entry into the two day expo and the Wedding Tour. These ticket holders are not eligible to enter the VIP giveaway packages. 

The 2019 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo will be here before we know it! Leading up to the event, we are proud to feature our sponsors to thank them for their support. Their sponsorships help us create an amazing two-day event for you and your wedding planning support crew. As you prep to dive into hiring your dream team of vendors, get to know more about our 2019 sponsors and plan to visit them at their booths! 

How long have you been involved in weddings on the Outer Banks?

KEES has been operating on the Outer Banks since 2008 and has been involved with OBX weddings since 2012.

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you?

KEES Vacations thinks that the Outer Banks provides a unique destination for weddings, honeymoons, and vacations because of its beauty for weddings and honeymoons and many activities for families of all sizes. One specific thing about the Outer Banks that we think is the most unique is the non-commercialized atmosphere. Most of the shops, restaurants, and other businesses are small, family owned operations. The Outer Banks also offers beaches and areas that suit everyone, from Corolla to Hatteras and everything in between, there is an atmosphere for all!

What is unique about your business? What are you known for?

KEES Vacations is unique because we know that not everyone can fit a seven-night vacation into their busy lives. Not everyone can check in on Saturday or check out on Sunday morning after their wedding., nor do they always want to! With KEES, you don’t have to! Our FlexStay^TM program, there are no mandatory check in or out days, guests may stay for as little as three nights and more than 7 nights without the requirement of purchasing two full weeks.

Vacationers speak and KEES listens. Your Vacation Your Way With KEES FlexStay^TM!

What are you most looking forward to about the 2019 Wedding Weekend? Do you have any advice for a couple booking your services?

KEES is most excited about spreading the FlexStay^TM program flexibility. In addition, we offer a variety of services with our homes, with many of them at no additional charge, and a variety of accommodation types, including hotel rooms. You name it, KEES has it. We encourage our guests to sample KEES’ services by reserving one of our hotel rooms, condos, or homes during the wedding expo weekend and see what KEES has to offer before their big day.
Our advice to all engaged couples is to remember that this is their moment. At the end of the day they must remember that their love has brought everyone together and that is something to celebrate!

Are you participating or hosting any of the Saturday Wedding Tour stops?

Yes! KEES will be showcasing Oceans 24, the Nags Head Beach Inn, and new for 2019: The Black Stallion.

• Oceans 24 is a luxurious 24-bedroom oceanfront home that is guaranteed to satisfy every member of your wedding. And yes, is it available with FlexStay year-round! This home is located in Kill Devil Hills at 1113 North Virginia Dare Trail.
• The Nags Head Beach Inn is a quaint historical inn that offers a 3-bedroom cottage and 6 separate queen hotel rooms as well as a 53’ by 84’ outdoor event space. The inn is located in Nags Head at 303 E. Admiral Street.
• The Black Stallion is a gorgeous 24-bedroom home located within the Currituck Club at 599 Laughing Gull Ct, Corolla. Come sample these magnificent homes and let your imagination go to work!

What other information must a couple know about you?

KEES Vacations also offers Group Room Blocks at our hotels and communities. KEES is your one-stop-shop for venues, guest accommodations, pre-planning short stays and honeymoon destinations! If you are interested in more of our services or more information, please email stay@keesvacations.com or give us a call at 866-316-1843. Check out all of our event homes on our website at www.keesouterbanks.com/properties/event-homes

"Oceans 24" - A Tour Stop Location

"Sweet Carolina"

Photo: Sarah Keenan Creative

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now! 

VIP Ticket Package ($40)

This special ticket offers you:

• our beautiful waterproof canvas bag
• special promotions and goodies from our Expo Sponsors
• a VIP lanyard for our Wedding Venue Tour + Giveaway Entries. The VIP lanyard is essential for touring around our venues and gathering stickers from our participating venues. These stickers entitle you to tickets to enter into our giveaway drawings, increasing your chances to win. Must be present to win.
• an entry for the chance to win a $1,000 voucher to use with any of our Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors. Must be present to win.
• Gold stamped Bridal Tank Top or OBX Groom Tee

General Admission ($20)

Tickets grant you entry into the two day expo and the Wedding Tour. These ticket holders are not eligible to enter the VIP giveaway packages. 

The 2019 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo will be here before we know it! Leading up to the event, we are proud to feature our sponsors to thank them for their support. Their sponsorships help us create an amazing two-day event for you and your wedding planning support crew. As you prep to dive into hiring your dream team of vendors, get to know more about our 2019 sponsors and plan to visit them at their booths! 

How long have you been involved in weddings on the Outer Banks?

I've lived here almost my entire life but I started shooting weddings on the Outer Banks in 2011.

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you?

Having grown up here and it being the only place I've ever called "home" is definitely what makes it unique to photography weddings here. We love the natural beauty of our coastline. It really is the perfect destination wedding location!

What is unique about your business? What are you known for?

Our photography has best been described as film inspired. Meaning, we lean towards the warmer, darker and more textured side of editing. While we do consider our actual shooting process candid in nature, we also put a strong emphasis on intentional portraiture. We highly value the stillness of art, and always strive to express this in the way we pose our couples. You can see that consistently in our work.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2019 Wedding Weekend? Do you have any advice for a couple booking your services?

I'm really looking forward to revamping our expo booth this year! Each year, I feel like it's a fun winter project to out do the previous year's set up! We're also so looking forward to meeting all of our brides who've already booked us for 2019 as well as meeting new couples! The expo weekend is definitely a great tool for couples seeking to plan their outer banks wedding. We highly recommend having a plan before you arrive! Do you research and homework before hand! Have a list of vendors that you know you want to talk to before you arrive. This will help tremendously with avoiding the overwhelming decision making process that often comes with bridal expos. Most importantly HAVE FUN! Enjoy the weekend and take advantage of everything there is to do while you're here!

Are you participating or hosting any of the Saturday Wedding Tour stops?

As of right now, we will be located at the Sanderling for the wedding tour during the expo weekend! We may also be at an undetermined 2nd location, but we'll keep everyone posted on social media when that's decided.

What other information must a couple know about you?

We are a sister team of photographers who really enjoy working together. To know me (Sarah) is to know that I have a special love in my heart for dogs! You can follow our photography journey and an inside peak at my personal life on Instagram @sarahdambraphoto.

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now! 

VIP Ticket Package ($40)

This special ticket offers you:

• our beautiful waterproof canvas bag
• special promotions and goodies from our Expo Sponsors
• a VIP lanyard for our Wedding Venue Tour + Giveaway Entries. The VIP lanyard is essential for touring around our venues and gathering stickers from our participating venues. These stickers entitle you to tickets to enter into our giveaway drawings, increasing your chances to win. Must be present to win.
• an entry for the chance to win a $1,000 voucher to use with any of our Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors. Must be present to win.
• Gold stamped Bridal Tank Top or OBX Groom Tee

General Admission ($20)

Tickets grant you entry into the two day expo and the Wedding Tour. These ticket holders are not eligible to enter the VIP giveaway packages. 

Wedding Date: September 3, 2017

This wedding encapsulates a glowing bride and groom, and just for that we swoon! Their celebration started with beautiful seaside ceremony and moved to a tented reception on the other side of the dune that backs up to their event home. If a hint of gold, gorgeous greens, a touch of rustic, and romantic rose blooms throughout sounds like your type of theme, this beach wedding is for you!

Photographer | Matt Lusk Photography

Ceremony and Reception Venue | Pelican's Landing

Coordinator | Heart of Harlow

Floral & Decor | Harris Teeter

Officiant | Rev. Jay Bowman

DJ | Coastal DJ & Video

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Ceremony Arch + Rentals | I Do OBX Chairs

Videographer | Swell Productions

https://vimeo.com/247690855

Wedding Date: May 4, 2018

The couple always knew they wanted a beach wedding, so what better location to choose than the Outer Banks for an oceanfront bash of their dreams? Their wedding style was beach elegance. Their reception featured a clear top tent, bistro lighting and chandeliers hanging over the dance floor. Take a look for yourself at their celebration that surely left an impression on their guests (and future brides!) thanks to their team of Wedding Association vendors. 

Venue | Sound to Sea Beach Club

Photographer | Julie Dreelin’s Beach Productions

Coordination | Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events

Flowers & Decor | The Embellishers

Cake | Icing on the Cakes

Reception Music | Coastal DJ & Video

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals (Reception), I Do OBX Chairs (Ceremony)

This Roanoke Island styled shoot screams sweet southern inspiration. The flowers and styling play off the gorgeous setting at this soundside locale. We love the sophisticated yet organic feel, and know you'll draw some inspiration from dreamy floral frenzy. Take look at these vendors' gorgeous work!

Photographer | Basnight Photography

Equipment Rentals + Design | Amaranth + Artifact

Flowers | Flower Girls OBX

Stationery (Specialty Services) | HLR Designs 

Hair and Makeup | Salty Hair Salon

Cake | Just Desserts

Wedding Date: July 12, 2018 

This couple invited their friends and family to join them for the ultimate escape in the 4x4 area of Carova. Take a look at their fairytale affair filled gorgeous floral designs and a simply romantic setting. You'll admire all the beauty executed by their talented group of wedding vendors (and the natural backdrop that makes the OBX extra special!).

Photographer | Genevieve Stewart Photography

Venue | Wild Horse Coastal Estate

Planner | The Proper Setting

Hair & Makeup | Lovie's Salon and Spa

Florals & Decor | Bells & Whistles

Officiant | I Do OBX Weddings

Caterer | Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar

Ceremony Music | Club Violin

Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals; I Do OBX Chairs

DJ | DJ Bruce Jones

Cake | Just Desserts

Accommodations | Twiddy & Company; Hampton Inn & Suites Corolla

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The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA or OBXWA) provides informative resources and access to over 200 local, passionate, and reliable wedding vendors on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For over 20 years, OBWA has proudly represented a professional group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals.

Planning a wedding on the Outer Banks is an exciting time for both the couple and the guests! Whether you're planning from afar or you're a local Outer Bank'er, a wedding website is vital for communicating important details to your out-of-town guests. 

We've compiled a few must-have details to include on your wedding website for your Outer Banks wedding:

1: Getting Here

Coastal Shots Photography

Remote = romantic! One reason you chose the Outer Banks is for its intimate, removed locale. Odds are, you'll have a handful of guests boarding a plane to celebrate your union with you. Let your guests know the nearest airports for their planning: Virginia's Norfolk International Airport is within a one and a half hour drive; Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport adds approximately an additional 30 minutes; Raleigh, North Carolina, is a 3.5 hour drive (all distances are to Kill Devil Hills). 

2: Share Accommodations Options

Everyone's budget varies. Be sure to present area hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, or rental companies that one might look to for full-week rentals. Here's our list of Accommodations for you and your guests.

3: Recommend Activities and Fun Things to Do

Katya Melvin Photography

There's no shortage of activities on the Outer Banks: beach yoga, airplane tours, endless watersports, boat rentals, touring the historic sites, adventuring through the 4x4 area to see the wild horses, and countless others. Include a list of things fun things to do!

4: Recommend Places to Eat

Sugar Creek Restaurant

The OBX is known for its independently and locally-owned restaurants. Make sure your guests take advantage of the fresh catch specials, southern fare, barbecue, and endless tasty cuisine! Check out this list of restaurants to recommend!

5: Include the Wedding Day Timeline + Transportation Info

Kristi Midgette Photography

Give your guests a quick heads-up on what's happening the day of the wedding as well as the day before or after. Include all times, plus suggested arrival times, maps to the location(s), and information about transportation to and from the wedding. Here's our list of Transportation Services to ensure your guests have little difficulty getting to and from. Lastly, so you're not worrying about the timeline on the day of your wedding, hire a wedding coordinator!

For a list of premier Outer Banks wedding professionals, check out our vendors page for pros listed by category! Congratulations and happy planning!

Cover Photo: Neil GT Photography

As we round the corner into fall after Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, we're reminiscing on the Dream Wedding that one lucky couple won at our 2017 Wedding Weekend and Expo. Tamara and William's wedding featured the generous work of over 30 Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors last fall at Jennette's Pier. 

The couple enjoyed a personalized, beach themed celebration to go with the vibe of their Jennette’s Pier wedding. The bride’s side half-up-do was perfect for their windswept oceanfront vows, staying intact for the couple’s dinner and dancing in the Pier’s reception hall with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Their reception was filled with romantic details familiar to the North Carolina couple who have been to the OBX countless times.

Congratulations to the happy couple who are approaching their one year anniversary, and thank you to all of the local vendors who made this Dream Wedding giveaway possible!

Our January 2019 Wedding Weekend and Expo will feature a variety of all-inclusive giveaways, including a honeymoon, bachelor and bachelorette packages, a spa package, and other dream giveaways! Save the date for the 21st annual event on January 19-20, 2019. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVpuaJ9rvMk

WEDDING DAY:

PHOTOGRAPHER | Ryan & Rach Photography

CEREMONY + RECEPTION VENUE | Jennette’s Pier

COORDINATOR | Engaging Events, LLC

OFFICIANT | Rande Banks, the Outer Banks Officiant

FLORAL + DÉCOR | Bells & Whistles

CEREMONY DESIGN | I Do OBX Chairs

CATERER | Basnight’s Lone Cedar Catering

CAKE + CONFECTIONS | Just Desserts

BEAUTY + SPA | It’s Royalty Salon

CEREMONY MUSICIAN | SOULone

DJ | Outer Banks Music Masters

PHOTO BOOTH | OBX Photo Booths

VIDEOGRAPHER | Reel Love Weddings

EQUIPMENT RENTALS | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

SPECIALTY SERVICES - WEDDING STATIONERY | HLR Designs - Invitations & Stationery

ACCOMMODATIONS | First Colony Inn, Oasis Suites, Sea Ranch Resort

REHEARSAL:

PHOTOGRAPHER | Erin Everlee Photography

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE | Nags Head Golf Links

COORDINATOR | Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events

FLORAL + DÉCOR | The Flower Gallery, Wine Cellar, and Bakery at Harris Teeter Kill Devil Hills

CAKE + CONFECTIONS | Icing on the Cakes

DJ | The Captain Entertainment

BRIDAL PORTRAITS:

PHOTOGRAPHER | KatieDid Photography

BOUQUET | The Embellishers

The OBX Wedding Fest is a fun and effective event for wedding planning, and you'll want to make the most of it! Here are just a few tips to help you prepare for the show.

1. Create a wedding only email — an email address just for your wedding communications will be very helpful. Example: smithweddingobx@gmail.com
2. Bring someone with you — a bridesmaid, your mom, a friend, your fiancé! It will be helpful and more fun to have their input and advice.
3. Bring pre-made labels — many vendors offer prizes, and you may want to request more information from certain vendors. You will save time and the hassle of repeatedly writing your info down multiple times. Example label: Name, fiancé’s name, email, phone, address, and when you’re getting married.
4. Take notes + photos — Prepare a list of vendor categories and take notes on which ones you connect with. Tons of couples book vendors during the weekend, so make sure you track what you have booked, paid for, and agreed to! Taking photos will help you remember who you talked to, and revisit décor/cakes/vendors you loved.
5. Oh, and come hungry!

Haven't purchased your tickets yet? Get them here.