Wedding Date: November 3, 2017 | Hometown: Kitty Hawk, NC

A minimalist-boho themed wedding set among the sprawling dunes with gorgeous blooms and golden light will leave you hanging on to every image. There's no denying that the beauty of this wedding is endless, but it's also the mood and tone set by Julie and Nik's team of vendors that makes you wish you were there! The couple opted out of certain wedding traditions and kept their celebration simple to maximize time with guests. Think less "activities" in favor of more dancing!

Photographer | Ryan & Rach Photography

Ceremony and Reception Venue | Wild Horse Coastal Estate / Twiddy & Company

Planner and Coordinator | Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events

Floral and Decor | Bells & Whistles

Hair and Makeup | Lovie's Salon and Spa

Caterer | Mike Dianna's Grill Room

DJ | DJ Bruce - I Do OBX Entertainment and DJ

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals and Amaranth + Artifact

Julie and Nik's wedding is featured in the 2019 Outer Banks Weddings magazine. Want to see more incredible Real Weddings, Styled Shoots, and get planning tips? Request your free copy of this year's magazine. 

"Our entire shoot was designed around a pair of peacocks, and we wanted to reflect their uniqueness, elegance, playfulness and beauty - basically all things 'Ruffled'."

Inspiration came from the peacocks themselves: the color palette and bouquet that mimics a peacocks tail. If you look closely, this creative team used stunning wall tiles used as a table runner! This styled shoot showcases all the little details that a couple can consider for their wedding, like a dramatic bouquet, floral jewelry and hair accessories, distinctive print materials, unique furnishings and more. Scroll on to see the creativity at this pretty soundside venue on Roanoke Island!

Photographer | Carrie Roen Photography

Ceremony and Reception Venue / Accommodations | Westside Inn

Officiant | I Do OBX Weddings

Hair and Makeup | Bombshells Studio

Planner and Coordinator / Floral and Decor | Sugar Snap Events

Cake | Just Desserts

Specialty Services - Invitations | HLR Designs - Invitations & Stationery

Equipment Rentals | Metro Rental and Amaranth + Artifact

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBXWA) is the premier service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With over 200 members strong, our organization offers the best resources to couples and those planning events in the Outer Banks. Known for it's popular Outer Banks Weddings Magazine and two annual Wedding Expo events, OBXWA is where planning a destination wedding is made easy.

Wedding Date: December 30th

We love when we get a small, unique elopement whose guests travel from, not just from another state, but another country to celebrate a wedding on our sweet little strip of sand. Not all weddings have to be a massive guest count to be grand! This couple hosted 35 guests for a gorgeous Pier wedding, and we're certain you'll swoon over their special day.

Photographer: Basnight Photography

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Hilton Garden Inn - Kitty Hawk Pier

Beauty: Glimmer Hair & Makeup

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBXWA) is the premier service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With over 200 members strong, our organization offers the best resources to couples and those planning events in the Outer Banks. Known for it's popular Outer Banks Weddings Magazine and two annual Wedding Expo events, OBXWA is where planning a destination wedding is made easy.

Photo: KatieDid Photography

As part of the Wedding Weekend, VIP ticket holders get the chance to win some wonderful giveaways generously donated by various OBWA vendors! Check out the list of VIP giveaways below, and plan which ones you'd love to win tomorrow during the drawing at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Expo.

Cover Photo: Neil GT Photography

The 2019 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo will be here this weekend! 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 I Do OBX Weddings! 

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

I have been involved with weddings since 2006 on the OBX, but I began my career in 2013 as an officiant and owner of I Do OBX Chairs.

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you?

It’s the people that we get to work with side by side. From your venue the hair and makeup, photographer, videographer, caterer and DJ. This strip of land has so many great OBWA vendors working in the wedding business that it makes our job so much fun and rewarding! That in turn gives you that special 5 star customer service everyone hopes to have on their wedding day. Their is beauty here everywhere to have your destination wedding. But, you also need a team of vendors that enjoy working with your vision and each other to make your wedding day special. We will do that for you! :)

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

I don’t marry a couple unless I sit down with the two of you to make our connection and to find your tone that you want for your ceremony. This also take the stress away and you will truly focus on what’s important on you day, The Two of You. I am truly blessed doing what I do and get to see all the good in the world.  Every ceremony is different because everyone of my couples are different. :) I will give you my all because you deserve nothing less on your wedding day!

What are you most looking forward to about the 2019 Wedding Weekend?

So looking forward to meeting our 2019/2020 couples!And on the business side we have had so many of our couples ask, “What else can you do for us?” We decided for the 2019 season to add reception and lighting decor to our packages to truly be a Turn Key Company for our couples getting married on the Outer Banks! My other company, I Do OBX Chairs will provide that “Turn Key Package” with myself officiating for you! So excited and can’t wait to show you what all we can provide for you to help make you day stress free and personal.

Do you have any advice for a couple booking your services? 

A professional, personable officiant can bring so much more to your ceremony than you think. That is if he or she is wanting to get to know you both. When that happens, you will get connection and feel comfortable with that person standing with you for your ceremony. Then your officiant can do his work in making the beginning of you wedding day memorable and something you will never forget! You and your guests come to the Outer Banks to enjoy your wedding week together. Don't stress them out on doing things on your wedding day that I can do for you. From my words to those special personal touches that make it YOUR wedding is what I strive for.

Are you participating or hosting any Wedding Tour stops? If so, please tell us where! 

I will be personally at the Kees Vacations rental in Kill Devil Hills called Ocean’s 24! Come by and I will be having a giveaway there for everyone that stops by to say hello! :)

Please provide any other information about yourself/business that a couple MUST know!

Don’t forget about our Ceremony/Reception and Lighting company, I Do OBX Chairs! We will help you build your dream wedding to make your day stress free! Let us do ALL the work for you! idoobxchairs.com

Check out our over 450 reviews on wedding wire in only 6 years in the business! http://www.eventwire.com/review/IDoOBXWeddings.  They say it all.

I DO OBX Weddings, I Do OBX Chairs will work together to make your wedding day a day you and your guest will remember for a lifetime.

Get your tickets now!

PHOTOS:

Cover + 1 - Brooke Mayo Photographers

2 + 3 - Matt Lusk Photography

4 + 5 - Coastal Shots Photography

As part of the Wedding Weekend, a variety of the Expo vendors host ticket holders at their restaurants, venues, and showrooms--many of which will be set up like a wedding--as part of the Wedding Tour on Saturday from 3-8 p.m. This is a great opportunity to take a drive through the Outer Banks and tour potential wedding venues, meet with caterers in their space, and reconnect with vendors who will be at the stops. Check out the list of stops below!

If you're a VIP ticket holder, be sure to bring your VIP lanyard that you receive which acts as a "passport" for the Wedding Tour. At each Tour stop you will receive one additional entry into VIP giveaways by receiving stamps on your VIP passport card! The more stops you make it to the more entries you earn. 

Be sure to head to the VIP Giveaway Registration booth at the Expo on Sunday with your VIP lanyard to redeem your entries. VIP ticket holder must be present to win the giveaway of their choosing. Giveaway drawings are on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. 

The Wedding Tour is open to ALL ticket holders (general admission are welcome to attend tour stops).

{Still need tickets? Purchase them here!}

Cover Photo: Caroline Jarvis Photography / Venue: The Roanoke Island Inn

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 Carolina Catering & Events! Then head over to our Instagram today as they takeover our stories (instagram.com/obxwa).

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

Carolina Catering & Events is a newly developed all-inclusive cratering & event planning business. Although we are new to the all in one experience, we have been in the catering business since 2002 and in the restaurant business since 1988.

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you?

At Carolina Catering & Events the Outer Banks means the world to us due to the small-town feel. Between the preserved natural atmosphere to the craft food and beverage scene we are happy to call the OBX home.

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

What makes Carolina Catering & Events unique is we are the all-inclusive vendor. If you are needing flowers, we’ve got you covered, catering, invitations, rentals, photography, adventures, lodging, anything you can think of we have the capability to accommodate what you are looking for. This makes for the perfect experience for “out of towners” because we are the one stop shop. We provide the leisure for our guest to be able to sit back and hand us all the details and stressing.

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

We will be on the tour stop hosted at one of our venues Sandrtap Tavern, located at 300 W Eckner St. in Kitty hawk, NC. While at the tour stop you will see partnered vendors to display all of the in-house design and event planning, we can offer to our brides. We will also be showing three styles of a wedding reception from a buffet style accompanied by a small buffet and DJ, to ceremony musicians on the porch with cocktail hour, as well as a large tent where we will have a five-piece band with stations, and a wedding style bar.

Please provide any other information about yourself/business that a couple MUST know!

At Carolina Catering and Events, we specialize in customizing your soiree to fit all types of gatherings from whimsical weddings to backyard barbecues. We currently operate six locations which can be used for your private event. On multiple occasions we have led our out-of-towners to their dream destinations for private events. Carolina Catering and Events not only caters to your special day, but we also provide rental services, photography, floral decorations and arrangements, invitations, music and much more. We also encompass a nonprofit license which could pair with any charity accompanying your event.

We can accommodate groups as small as 10 and as large as 1500. With Carolina Catering and Events, the sky is the limit. Let us help throw you an event to remember!

Contact our Catering and Event planning department at catering@barnyardfoods.com or give us a call at  (252) 449-4227. We look forward to assisting with all your Outer Banks catering and event planning    needs.

The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo is fast approaching, and many of our vendors are eager to meet engaged couples from all over! There is a lot going on, and we're here to break it down for you. 

Purchase Tickets

Pre-purchase tickets here now, or purchase at the door. We offer two types of tickets: VIP and General Admission. VIP Tickets enters you into a giveaway to win $1,000 voucher to use with the vendor of your choice, a swag bag filled with goodies from our awesome sponsors and other benefits. General Admission tickets are perfect for those who join you for the Wedding Weekend.

If you pre-purchase online, you will receive a confirmation email from us (hello@obxwa.com). Please note: tickets are not mailed or emailed; you will redeem at the door of the Expo at First Flight High School or pre-registration at the OBWA office on Friday, January 18th (more on that below).

Pick Up Your Tix on Friday (Pre-registration)

Purchased tickets online? Perfect! Skip the lines Saturday and Sunday and check-in early on Friday, January 18th at the OBWA Office (from Noon until 8 p.m.; located at 128 Grenville Street in Manteo). Upon checking in at our OBWA Welcome Center, you will receive your wristbands (your "ticket" for entry), VIP items if applicable, and all the weekend info you need. Simply show your wristband at the door in the morning and walk in! 

Not able to redeem on Friday? No problem! You can redeem your ticket at the Expo doors on Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-Expo Prep: Book Accommodations Now + Browse Expo Perks and Vendors

Plan your accommodations now, and be prepared to meet with lots of amazing vendors throughout the weekend. From discounts to generous booking incentives, we encourage you to take advantage of the numerous offers available from our vendors on the Expo Perks page (please note that because expo vendors may offer more discounts, giveaways and booking incentives that we may not be aware of, we encourage you to visit all of the vendors participating in the expo!).  

At the Expo: Take Notes and Photos + Come Hungry!

Our vendors will have some seriously decked out booths to inspire your wedding décor! Take photos of things you love. 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! Bring pre-printed labels with your contact info to quickly sign up for giveaways (you will love us for this tip!). Lastly, many of our catering companies provide delicious samples. You won't want to miss the chance to enjoy these free tastings, so come hungry!

Wedding Tour 

The Saturday evening Wedding Tour takes place from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. (or later depending on venue). The Wedding Tour is a self-guided tour that takes place at various wedding venues, hotels, storefronts, and restaurants all throughout the Outer Banks. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the venues (many are set up like a wedding!), and to meet vendors in a more intimate setting. VIP Ticket holder's should bring their lanyard to collect stickers from each location which can be redeemed for extra tickets to enter into the VIP giveaway packages. Wedding Weekend attendees will be given a list of all the venues participating in the Wedding Tour at pre-registration or on the day of the Expo. View a list of the Wedding Tour stops and vendors here!

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!

We know wedding planning can be overwhelming, but this weekend is designed to help you. With the access you are gaining to these knowledgeable professionals, we know you'll have an amazing time and a great team in place when all is said and done. We love to see your photos. Please share your memories from the weekend and follow us on Instagram @obxwa, or like our Facebook page! 

View the Digital Expo Guide!

You will also receive a print copy at the door.

More questions? Click below to view our FAQ's!

Tents, accessories, dance floors, chairs, tables, linens, china, glassware, flatware and more. Metro Rental provides couples with some beautiful pieces to make their dream wedding a magical event. Get a closer look and some inspiration for your own wedding day as they take over the OBXWA Instagram all day today!

Make plans now to visit with Metro Rental at the Wedding Weekend and Expo next weekend, January 19-20, 2019! They will be located at booth #91. In addition, plan to swing by their show room right near the Expo in Kill Devil Hills during the Saturday evening Wedding Tour.

Photos: Genevieve Stewart Photography