Today, we are welcoming our latest OBWA Vendor, Kasey Powell Weddings! Kasey is an OBX native and super-talented photographer focusing on capturing the art & beauty of weddings in a way that not only shows the big moments, but tells a memorable story as well. 

See more of Kasey's work and contact her on her vendor page, website, Facebook and give her a follow on Instagram. 

Read about Kasey in her own words below.

November 27th - December 4th, 2020

The week of Thanksgiving is such a popular time for visitors to come to the Outer Banks to celebrate the holidays. This year, with smaller occupancy festivities, there were a lot of people who came to the Outer Banks and celebrated with their families.

Events are seeming to be on a decline as we head into the colder months, but there are still a few local spots open this weekend for visitors. Shop small this weekend at local shops around the Outer Banks. 

Visitors and residents are still encouraged to WEAR a face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH or sanitize hands frequently. 

As COVID-19 cases rise throughout North Carolina and the rest of the US, Governor Cooper has decreased the indoor gathering limit from 25 to 10. North Carolina will remain on pause in Phase 3 as health officials monitor trends in COVID-19 cases. Read our blog for details about Phase 3 and how it affects weddings on the Outer Banks. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association has been hosting We Do! Sessions with our vendors here on the Outer Banks. Different creative vendors teach us how to do something and we ask them follower submitted questions. Check them out on our Instagram TV Channel @obxwa

Weather

darksky.net

Events & Live Music

11/27

The Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site & Museum will be hosting a variety of holiday festivities to mark the season ending. 

Kim Kalman is playing at the Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub in Avon from 5:30-8:30pm. 

The Annual Ocracoke Holiday Boat Parade is returning to Silver Lake Harbor on Friday, November 27th from 5:30-6:30pm. Visit their Event Page for more info. 

Roanoke Island Festival Park will be hosting a park-wide Scavenger Hunt every Friday until November 27th during park hours. To explore, pick up your scavenger hunt with ticket purchase and search throughout the park to win 20% admission. The park is open from 9am-5pm.

Come out to the Downtown Manteo Shopping Spree for shopping, dining and a chance to win a 2 night stay in Manteo, plus a $500 shopping spree! Get entered to win by shopping and dining at participating businesses between November 27th and December 11th. Visit the town Christmas tree and enjoy walking the streets of Manteo. You might even run into Santa! Santa will be strolling around town Friday November 27th, Saturday November 28th, Saturday December 5th and Friday December 11th.

Visit the event page for more info. 

The Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla will be hosting Candlelight Christmas Tours on the 27th & 28th from 5:30pm-7:30. Reservations can be made by calling (252) 453-9040. Masks are required. 

11/28

The Kill Devil Hills Community Appearance Commission is hosting a beach cleanup event over Thanksgiving Weekend. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th from 9am-12pm at the Hayman Boulevard Beach Access. Cleanup supplies will be provides. Visit kdhnc.com for more info. 

Pirate's Cove Marina is hosting it's annual Open House on Saturday, November 28th from 9am-5pm. Everything in stock will be 10-75% off. 

11/29

It's Black Friday Week at all Kitty Hawk Kites locations. Get 15% off all regular priced merchandise until 11/29.

Beach Cams

• Kitty Hawk

• Downtown Manteo

• Kill Devil Hills

• Jennette's Pier

Open Status

Beach driving is back in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head until April 30th, 2021. Beach permits are available for purchase at Kill Devil Hills Town Hall by appointment only. Call (252)-449-5338 to arrange an appointment. Nags Head permits are available at Nags Head Town Hall or at all tackle shops in Nags Head. Permits issued in Nags Head are accepted on KDH beaches and vise versa. Seasonal permits are $25 and temporary permits are $10, which are accepted for 14 days. Drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are required to purchase.  

The Ocracoke Campground at Camp Hatteras National Seashore is to remain open year-round. All 136 campsites are open to use. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beached will open to permitted off-road vehicles 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby beginning on Tuesday, September 15th. Permit and Access information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Header Image: Julie Dreelins Beach Productions

November 20th - November 27th, 2020

Cape Hatteras National Seashore recorded a record breaking 259,618 visitors last month. Thanksgiving is less than a week away and state officials are advising to keep the festivities to a minimum with no more than 10 people and to try to limit the contact between households. Visitors and residents are still encouraged to WEAR a face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH or sanitize hands frequently. 

As COVID-19 cases rise throughout North Carolina and the rest of the US, Governor Cooper has decreased the indoor gathering limit from 25 to 10. North Carolina will remain on pause in Phase 3 as health officials monitor trends in COVID-19 cases. Read our blog for details about Phase 3 and how it affects weddings on the Outer Banks. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association has been hosting We Do! Sessions with our vendors here on the Outer Banks. Different creative vendors teach us how to do something and we ask them follower submitted questions. Check them out on our Instagram TV Channel @obxwa

Weather

It has been FREEZING (for NC standards) the past few days but that will hopefully change today into the upcoming week. It's time to begin breaking out those winter jackets and gloves just in time for the cold weather that is sure to come!

darksky.net

Events & Live Music

11/20

Roanoke Island Festival Park will be hosting a park-wide Scavenger Hunt every Friday until November 27th during park hours. To explore, pick up your scavenger hunt with ticket purchase and search throughout the park to win 20% admission. The park is open from 9am-5pm.

Come out to Friday Night Live at Sanctuary Vineyards! BYOP (picnic) and enjoy live music & great wine from 5-8pm. Sanctuary Vineyards is located at 7005 Caratoke Highway in Jarvisburg. 

Kim Kalman is playing at the Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub in Avon from 5:30-8:30pm. 

11/21

The Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market will be open from 9am-12pm on Saturday, November 21st. Browse local goods and do get some holiday shopping done! The market is located at 3005 S. Croatan Highway in Nags Head. The event will be occurring again on 12/10 and 12/19. 

11/23

It's Black Friday Week at all Kitty Hawk Kites locations. Get 15% off all regular priced merchandise until 11/29.

11/24

The Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site & Museum will be hosting a variety of holiday festivities to mark the season ending. 

11/25

Kim Kalman is playing at the Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub in Avon from 5:30-8:30pm. 

11/26

Twiddy & Co. Realtors is hosting the Wild Turkey 5K at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla from 7:55-10am. Enjoy the festivities and get a T-Shirt with sign-up. Registration for Adults is $40, Military $35, Teens $38, 12 & Under $35 and the Fun Run is $20. Visit the event site for more info. 

Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe is hosting the 13th Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast. Their buffet will be open from 10:30am-7pm. Adults eat for $38.95, 12 & Under for $19.95 and children 5 and under eat for free. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Reservations can be made by calling (252) 441-5405. Find more info here. 

Red Sky Cafe is hosting it's Thanksgiving Bounty dinner from 11am-3pm in Duck. Adults eat for $35 and children 12 and under for $16. Reservations are recommended and can be made my calling or texting: (252) 619-2867. Find more info here. 

Mulligan's Grille will be serving it's "Better Than a Buffet" Thanksgiving Dinner for dine-in or carryout. Reservations can be made for either by calling (252) 480-2000.

11/27

The Annual Ocracoke Holiday Boat Parade is returning to Silver Lake Harbor on Friday, November 27th from 5:30-6:30pm. Visit their Event Page for more info. 

11/28

The Kill Devil Hills Community Appearance Commission is hosting a beach cleanup event over Thanksgiving Weekend. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th from 9am-12pm at the Hayman Boulevard Beach Access. Cleanup supplies will be provides. Visit kdhnc.com for more info. 

Beach Cams

• Kitty Hawk

• Downtown Manteo

• Kill Devil Hills

• Jennette's Pier

Open Status

Beach driving is back in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head until April 30th, 2021. Beach permits are available for purchase at Kill Devil Hills Town Hall by appointment only. Call (252)-449-5338 to arrange an appointment. Nags Head permits are available at Nags Head Town Hall or at all tackle shops in Nags Head. Permits issued in Nags Head are accepted on KDH beaches and vise versa. Seasonal permits are $25 and temporary permits are $10, which are accepted for 14 days. Drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are required to purchase.  

The Ocracoke Campground at Camp Hatteras National Seashore is to remain open year-round. All 136 campsites are open to use. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beached will open to permitted off-road vehicles 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby beginning on Tuesday, September 15th. Permit and Access information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Header Image: Basnight Photography

Hannah West, First Colony Inn

It’s finally time. After months of planning, hours or even days of travel to reach the remote and beautiful Outer Banks, an entire morning of primping and preparation, the moment arrives when your first step down the aisle commences the main event.

As an event venue coordinator, I’ve seen that first step approached in many ways. There are those who bounce up and down with nervous excitement, or bust a little dance move (perhaps from a morning of mimosas? Those who wait on their mark, oddly calm with a steely determination, or those already fanning their eyes to hold back tears in hopes of saving their makeup. Moments before stepping down the aisle, one bride boldly declared, “It feels like my skin is on fire...”

Whatever your approach may be, here are a few helpful hints to help make the moments leading up to your walk down the aisle as smooth and memorable an experience as you’ve dreamt it would be.

Sarah D'Ambra Photography

Watch That Bouquet

As they prepared to walk to their places, a seasoned wedding planner once cautioned a bouquet-bearing bride and her maids to be conscious of how they were holding their flowers. She pointed out that the nervousness is easily revealed by the natural inclination to clench your bouquet and raise it up, along with your shoulders, closer and closer to your face. Instead, try to keep your shoulders down and back, relaxed as you hold your bouquet around hip level with soft arms.

Check Your Face

A seasoned photographer once instructed a bridal party to, “get caught up in the moment, be candid, but remember that the photos last forever.” Your wedding photos will likely catch facial expressions, ranging from solemn to smiling, to tearful, to bursting out in laughter (my favorite). Be mindful of maintaining a pleasant expression as you make your way to the ceremony. This detail will help ensure great photos and may even help you keep calm.

You’re Not Alone

Every bride or groom walking down the aisle experiences the feeling of being the center of attention. Some relish in it, while some want to run from it. If you’re more aligned with the latter, take a moment to consider the arm that will be hooked in yours. Whether it belongs to a parent, a friend, or a family member, that person is playing a special role in your life. Not only will they walk with you every step of the way, they will undoubtedly feel a similar range of emotions, sharing in your experience.

Eyes on the Prize

It can be easy to become distracted by the mountain of details comprising your wedding day, and the stress of feeling like you’re part of a production. While walking down the aisle amidst a rapt audience, remember the reason for the entire ensemble is waiting at the other end of what seems to be a never ending walk. Take a second to look at your partner as you prepare to move toward them, and let everything else blur into the background. You would be amazed how quickly this advice can replace panic or stress with a warm smile on a bride or groom’s face and the emotion they are feeling as you walk towards them.

Enjoy!

Though these pointers are intended to help diminish or alleviate nervous moments prior to starting down the aisle, the most important tip to remember – enjoy your day! Surrounded by loved ones, this moment is the one you’ve been dreaming of. 

Header Image: Lori Douglas Photography

November 13th - November 20th, 2020

As COVID-19 cases rise throughout North Carolina and the rest of the US, Governor Cooper has decreased the indoor gathering limit from 25 to 10. North Carolina will remain on pause in Phase 3 as health officials monitor trends in COVID-19 cases. Read our blog for details about Phase 3 and how it affects weddings on the Outer Banks. 

With Thanksgiving and the holidays quickly approaching, it is important to remember to still practice the Three W's when out and about. Visitors and residents are encouraged to WEAR a face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH or sanitize hands frequently. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association has been hosting We Do! Sessions with our vendors here on the Outer Banks. Different creative vendors teach us how to do something and we ask them follower submitted questions. Check them out on our Instagram TV Channel @obxwa

Weather

The 29th storm in the Atlantic Ocean this season, Theta, marks 2020 as the highest number of storms in a single year according to the National Hurricane Center. We have been experiencing some heavy rain but should be experiencing cooler temps and sunny skies in our forecast.

darksky.net

Events & Live Music

Kitty Hawk Kites and the Outer Banks chapter of the Surf Rider Foundation is hosting a socially distanced beach cleanup on Saturday, November 14th. Participants will meet at the Ocean Bay Boulevard public access in Kill Devil Hills between 9am-3pm to receive supplies. 

Roanoke Island Festival Park will be hosting a park-wide Scavenger Hunt every Friday until November 27th during park hours. To explore, pick up your scavenger hunt with ticket purchase and search throughout the park to win 20% admission. The park is open from 9am-5pm.

11/13

• Kim Kalman Music at The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub in Avon from 5:30-8:30pm. 

11/14

• The 2nd Annual Misfits & Rejects Holiday Market at the Outer Banks Brewing Station from 11:30am-4pm.

11/16

• The Hunter's Table at Red Sky Cafe in Duck.
  • Experience North American game, fish and foul featuring wines from 'sea to shining sea' at 6:30pm.
  • Reservations are required and can be made by calling (252) 261-8646

11/17

• Jeremy & The Generations LIVE at Pirate's Cove Marina in Manteo from 7-10pm. 

Beach Cams

• Kitty Hawk

• Downtown Manteo

• Kill Devil Hills

• Jennette's Pier

Open Status

Beach driving is back in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head until April 30th, 2021. Beach permits are available for purchase at Kill Devil Hills Town Hall by appointment only. Call (252)-449-5338 to arrange an appointment. Nags Head permits are available at Nags Head Town Hall or at all tackle shops in Nags Head. Permits issued in Nags Head are accepted on KDH beaches and vise versa. Seasonal permits are $25 and temporary permits are $10, which are accepted for 14 days. Drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are required to purchase.  

The Ocracoke Campground at Camp Hatteras National Seashore is to remain open year-round. All 136 campsites are open to use. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beached will open to permitted off-road vehicles 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby beginning on Tuesday, September 15th. Permit and Access information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Header Image: Courtney Hathaway Photography

Adam and Regan's pier wedding is a stunner. They kept their theme simple and classic to let the gorgeous wooden interior of the venue speak for itself. With delicate white roses, greenery and floating candles all around, their oceanfront wedding is pure romance and perfection. It doesn't stop there! The flawless semi-naked cake, wooden table numbers, and the bridal party color palette are a brilliant combination to bring the relaxed yet elegant OBX vibe they wanted. 

Photographer | Jonathan Pillow Photography

Venue & Catering | Kitty Hawk Pier House at the Hilton Garden Inn

Florals & Decor | Bells & Whistles at the Flower Field

Beauty | Glimmer Hair & Makeup

Cake & Confections | Patty Bakes

Entertainment | Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment

Adam & Regan's wedding is featured in the 2020 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.

November 6th - November 13th, 2020

Need a few days to get away and relax? Now is the perfect time for a little weekend getaway. Browse over our Accommodations vendors to plan your rendezvous. 

Remember to still practice the Three W's when out and about. Visitors and residents are encouraged to WEAR a face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH or sanitize hands frequently. 

Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will remain on pause in Phase 3 as health officials monitor trends in COVID-19 cases. Read our blog for details about Phase 3 and how it affects weddings on the Outer Banks. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association has been hosting We Do! Sessions with our vendors here on the Outer Banks. Different creative vendors teach us how to do something and we ask them follower submitted questions. Check them out on our Instagram TV Channel @obxwa

Weather

With the sun setting earlier and the weather still in the high 60s and low 70s, now is the best time to get out and catch some rays while you still can! Rent a bike, head to the beach and enjoy Fall on the Outer Banks. 

darksky.net

Events & Live Music

The Island Farm on Roanoke Island will be hosting Draped in Black night time tours this Friday & Saturday between 6-8pm. The tours include a spooky story time and a retelling of mourning rituals on Roanoke Island. Admission is $10 for ages 11 and older; $5 for ages 4-10, and children under three are admitted for free. The Island Farm is located at 1140 N. US HWY 64 in Manteo. 

Roanoke Island Festival Park will be hosting a park-wide Scavenger Hunt every Friday until November 27th during park hours. To explore, pick up your scavenger hunt with ticket purchase and search throughout the park to win 20% admission. The park is open from 9am-5pm.

Beach Cams

• Kitty Hawk

• Downtown Manteo

• Kill Devil Hills

• Jennette's Pier

Open Status

Beach driving is back in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head until April 30th, 2021. Beach permits are available for purchase at Kill Devil Hills Town Hall by appointment only. Call (252)-449-5338 to arrange an appointment. Nags Head permits are available at Nags Head Town Hall or at all tackle shops in Nags Head. Permits issued in Nags Head are accepted on KDH beaches and vise versa. Seasonal permits are $25 and temporary permits are $10, which are accepted for 14 days. Drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are required to purchase.  

The Ocracoke Campground at Camp Hatteras National Seashore is to remain open year-round. All 136 campsites are open to use. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beached will open to permitted off-road vehicles 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby beginning on Tuesday, September 15th. Permit and Access information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island is open at 50% capacity. Admission must be purchased online and guests will reserve their tickets for specific arrival times. Tickets can be purchased at www.ncaquariums.com

Header Image: Mary Basnight Photography

Diane Mazza & her team of professional hair and makeup artists at Mazza Hair Designs will have you looking flawless and feeling stress-free on your big day! Mazza Hair Designs will travel to you and make your dream wedding look come to life. To learn more about Mazza Hair Designs, read below, visit their vendor page or email diane@mazzahairdesigns.com

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

I have been in the wedding hair & makeup industry since 2013.

What makes the Outer Banks special to you? 

Moved to OBX in 1982 from Richmond, VA. Married & raised my son here. Love the pristine beaches, beautiful sand dunes & watching the wild horses play on the beach.  

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

Only advice for a couple getting married is to relax and let the ocean calm you.  Everything else just falls in place.

What trends are you most excited to see in upcoming weddings?

"Color" is the new White!! Couples are going for bold colorful weddings & less & less of whites & creams.

Trends you are ready to see go?

Too many bridesmaids.

What makes Mazza Hair Designs different from other Hair & Makeup vendors on the Outer Banks?  

I think the "No Travel Fee" is a huge benefit to the brides. We Only charge a travel fee if we go to 4X4 or Ocracoke. There are plenty of Hair & makeup Vendors to choose from. We are all a team and work together to make the bride & her wedding party special and very happy with their choice of vendors.  

What do you think are the benefits or smaller micro-weddings and elopements?

I love them because they are more intimate and memorable. 

What is your favorite part of your job and business? 

I love talking to the brides & helping them decide what hairstyle will look the best.

How do you feel being a part of an association has helped Mazza Hair Designs?    

Huge benefit. OBXWA has been my rock. I love you guys.  

With an outdoor ceremony and an elegant indoor reception on their wishlist, this country club setting was the perfect place for Richard and Brittany to tie the knot. Endless greenery and neutral colors paired with black and pink kept things simple but drop dead gorgeous. What better way to keep things playful than with a leather jacket adorned with her new name and dancing around together to the "Love Train"? Playful and elegant—that's a winning combo in our book.

Photographer: Sarah D'Ambra Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Duck Woods Country Club

Coordinator: Coastyle Weddings & Events

Floral & Decor: Honeysuckle Events

Officiant: I Do OBX Weddings & Events

Cake & Confections: Patty Bakes

Equipment Rentals: I Do OBX Weddings & Events and Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Videographer: Swell Productions

Specialty Services: Heart of Harlow

Richard and Brittany - Outer Banks Wedding Films from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

Richard & Brittany's wedding is featured in the 2020 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.

October 30th - November 6th, 2020

Happy Hallo-weekend! As the Outer Banks gears up to celebrate Halloween this weekend, remember to still practice the Three W's when out and about. Visitors and residents are encouraged to WEAR a face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH or sanitize hands frequently. Read below for Halloween events happening this weekend and check out our Fall Things to Do blog for other ideas for activities. 

Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will remain on pause in Phase 3 as health officials monitor trends in COVID-19 cases. Read our blog for details about Phase 3 and how it affects weddings on the Outer Banks. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association has been hosting We Do! Sessions with our vendors here on the Outer Banks. Different creative vendors teach us how to do something and we ask them follower submitted questions. Check them out on our Instagram TV Channel @obxwa

Weather

Remnants from Hurricane Zeta will cause a coastal flood advisory to be in effect for all of the Outer Banks through 2 a.m. Saturday. Wind gusts of 57mph were reported at Alligator River Bridge. 

darksky.net

Events & Live Music

Downtown Manteo merchants will be hosting trick-or-treating during the afternoon on October 31st from 12p.m. -3p.m. The event will take place at over 20 storefronts. Details can be found here.

Midgette's Auto is hosting a Trunk-Or-Treat Halloween event on Friday, October 30th from 4-7pm. The event is free for families and their four-legged friends. Find details below or on their website. Midgette's Auto is located at 9022 Caratoke Highway in Harbinger. 

The Island Farm on Roanoke Island will be hosting Fall activities every Saturday throughout the month of October from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Activities include pumpkin picking, a straw maze, arts and crafts, games, a photo booth and more. Admission is $8/person + pumpkins. Children under 5 are admitted for free. The Island Farm is located at 1140 US-64 in Manteo. 

Roanoke Island Festival Park will be hosting a park-wide Scavenger Hunt every Friday until November 27th during park hours. To explore, pick up your scavenger hunt with ticket purchase and search throughout the park to win 20% admission. The park is open from 9am-5pm.

Beach Cams

• Kitty Hawk

• Downtown Manteo

• Kill Devil Hills

• Jennette's Pier

Open Status

Beach driving is back in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head until April 30th, 2021. Beach permits are available for purchase at Kill Devil Hills Town Hall by appointment only. Call (252)-449-5338 to arrange an appointment. Nags Head permits are available at Nags Head Town Hall or at all tackle shops in Nags Head. Permits issued in Nags Head are accepted on KDH beaches and vise versa. Seasonal permits are $25 and temporary permits are $10, which are accepted for 14 days. Drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are required to purchase.  

The Ocracoke Campground at Camp Hatteras National Seashore is to remain open year-round. All 136 campsites are open to use. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beached will open to permitted off-road vehicles 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby beginning on Tuesday, September 15th. Permit and Access information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island is open at 50% capacity. Admission must be purchased online and guests will reserve their tickets for specific arrival times. Tickets can be purchased at www.ncaquariums.com

Header Image: Katie Ludolph Photography