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.

The OBX Wedding Fest is just a week away! We're excited to share the map and complete list of vendors. We will provide a printed version of this at the event.

Get your tickets online now to receive two entries into the Giveaway Package drawings! Tickets purchased after the 25th and at the door will be given one entry into the drawings.

This inspiring shoot uses elements of the natural goodness that is found on our islands. The classic black and white palette with gold and marble accents is a very elegant mix for a modern meets industrial style. Combining local talent with hand-lettering, stunning hair and makeup, a dapper suit rental, and a marbled cake, we can't help but think you'll want to plan your "I Do's" with OBWA vendors leading the way. Scroll on for this beaut!

Photographer | Neil GT Photography

Floral & Decor | Holiday House Weddings & Events

Hair & Makeup | Salty Hair Salon

Coordinator & Planner | Coastyle Weddings & Events

Equipment Rentals | Amaranth + Artifact

Hand Lettering | Heart of Harlow

Apparel (Tuxedo) | Untucked

Request your free copy of the 2018 Outer Banks Weddings magazine today.

Wedding Date: May 20, 2017 | Hometown: Raleigh, NC

When the bride discovered that her great-great grandfather was the contractor who built the First Colony Inn, they knew it was meant to be their Outer Banks wedding venue.

Their neutral colors and rustic beach elements were a perfect pairing for a spring wedding at the Inn. Driftwood and lanterns filled with soft florals and a four-tier ivory cake with cascading shells all created a soft elegance for their special day.

Photographer | GingerSnaps Photography

Ceremony + Reception Site | First Colony Inn

Coordinator / Floral + Decor | Heather Events

Caterer | Kelly's Outer Banks Catering

Cake + Confections | Just Desserts

Ceremony Musician | Club Violin

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Hair + Makeup | Glimmer Hair and Makeup

Videographer | Shane Z. Moore Productions

View more from this real wedding and get tons of Outer Banks wedding inspiration by requesting your complimentary copy of the 2018 Outer Banks Weddings magazine!

Wedding Date: June 24, 2017 | Hometown: Chester, Virginia

Spencer and Sydney's wedding was filled to the brim with nautical elegance: gorgeous blooms, gold and navy details, and buoy table numbers to bring it all together. After exchanging "I Do"'s on the docks, they moved inside where fabric draped across the room created a warm and intimate atmosphere. Their day culminated in dancing under a softly lit golden canopy. We love their dockside OBX wedding, and know you will too!

Photographer | Kristi Midgette Photography

Ceremony + Reception Venue | The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina

Coordinator | Engaging Events

Floral + Decor | Bells & Whistles

Beauty + Spa | It's Royalty Salon

Caterer | Kelly's Outer Banks Catering

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

DJ | Outer Banks Music Masters

"We chose the Outer Banks because we both love the beach, but we also got engaged in the Outer Banks. We were blessed to have many great vendors to help with the inspiration behind our wedding day." - Spencer + Sydney

View more from this real wedding and get tons of Outer Banks wedding inspiration by requesting your complimentary copy of the 2018 Outer Banks Weddings magazine!

Today marks the first official day of the summer season, which means we're counting down the days until the OBX Wedding Fest! (66 if you're curious.)

We're so excited to announce this year's group of vendors who will be at Duck Woods Country Club on August 26th. Each are eager to meet with you and discuss planning your Outer Banks wedding!

• The Currituck Club
• Sarah D'Ambra Photography
• Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events
• Sea-Freeze Frozen Drink Machine Rentals
• An Outer Banks Affair
• IC Jewelry
• Sugar Creek Restaurant
• ColemanShots Photography 
• Julie Dreelin's Beach Productions
• Coastyle Weddings & Events
• SOULone
• Duck Woods Country Club
• Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals 
• Kristi Midgette Photography
• Ryan & Rach Photography
• Holiday House Weddings & Events
• Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment
• Neil GT Photography
• Rev. Jay
• Reel Love Weddings - Discount: $500 off the Wild Horse package.
• Genevieve Stewart Photography & Films
• Glimmer Hair & Makeup
• The Embellishers
• Jason Denson Photography
• Basnights Lone Cedar Catering
• OBX Sunset Slush
• Steamers Restaurant & Catering - Giveaway: Free Shrimp & Rib Feast for 25! Pick Up Only.
• Sanderling Resort - Giveaway: one night stay September 5, 2018 - April 30, 2019 (based on availability) in a Sunset King Room.
• First Colony Inn
• Whalehead Club - Giveaway: a collapsible cooler filled with beach towels, wine glasses, Whalehead tour passes and other goodies.
• Sarah Keenan Creative
• Jonathan Pillow Photography
• Mulligan's Catering - Discount offered to those that book the day of the Fest.
• Coastal Blooms Florist
• The Chesapeake
• Ceremonies by Cynthia
• TRiO Wine, Beer & Cheese
• Mazza Hair Designs - Giveaway: gift basket filled with Moroccan Oil Hair Products (valued at $150).
• Renee Landry Events
• Flower Girls OBX - Free flower girl/bride flower crown for booking at Fest.
• Kimberly Michele Photography

We're giving away three amazing door prize packages that all Fest attendees have the chance to win! Purchase your tickets online to receive two entries into the prize package of your choice. Tickets bought at the door will receive one entry.

Adventure Package

Grab your crew and enjoy top local activities and attractions for free. Includes a two night stay for two.

Foodie Package

Includes a two night stay, gift cards to use at some of the best local restaurants for lunch or dinner, and a wine tasting.

Spa Package

Pamper yo' self! Package details to come.

All giveaways must be used by August 31, 2019.

{Click here for complete details on the OBX Wedding Fest.}

Finding a sitter can be difficult when for couples' and guests are tied up with wedding festivities (especially for destination weddings!). If you're looking for a reliable, experienced and dependable sitter with nearly 30 years of experience, look no further than Robbins' Nest Sitting Service! A long time member of The Outer Banks Wedding Association, Miss Penny has been reviewed by many couples for our outstanding, no worry child care.

To read the reviews of Robbins' Nest Sitting Service and to contact Miss Penny, visit her vendor page.

---

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association is the premiere service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With approximately 300 members strong, our organization offers the best resources to brides and those planning events in the Outer Banks. Known for it's popular Outer Banks Bride Magazine and destination wedding inspiration, the Outer Banks Wedding Association boasts local and national recognition.

Wedding Date: April 29, 2017 | Hometown: Richmond, VA

Prepare to marvel over this stylish and whimsy art deco meets old Hollywood wedding! Todd and Cherisse's details were inspired by design trends that the bride, a textile designer who created the groom's tie and dyed fabrics, was obsessed with at the time. Their florals and customized paper details rounded out the sophisticated vibe of their day. When you combine emerald, blush, copper metallics, and black and white with the gorgeous backdrop of their venue, amazing things are bound to happen! Their vendors pulled off an incredible OBX wedding, and we know you'll find some inspiration from it.

Photographer | Ryan & Rach Photography

Ceremony + Reception Venue | Grande Ritz Palm

Floral & Decor | Honeysuckle Events

Caterer | Basnight's Lone Cedar Catering

Cake & Confections | Cafe Lachine

Specialty Services - Invitations + Paper Details | HLR Designs

FROM THE COUPLE

Why did you choose the Outer Banks for your destination wedding?

We both love the beach! And the groom has family that lives down there (parents, brother and sister-in-law). We came across the house when researching possible venues and fell in love with the unique style the Grande Ritz Palm offered.

What was your absolute favorite part of the day?

Aside from actually sealing the deal, we honestly were thrilled to have so many of our friends and family members all together to help us celebrate. Because of all our guests it was the best party we have ever been to!

View more from this real wedding and get tons of Outer Banks wedding inspiration by requesting your complimentary copy of the 2018 Outer Banks Weddings magazine!

---

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association is the premier service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With approximately 300 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 destination wedding inspiration, the Outer Banks Wedding Association boasts local and national recognition.

Searching for a fun, interactive addition to your wedding reception? Photo booths are one of our favorite activities that everyone will love! OBX Photo Booths has helped many couples capture guests in a candid environment. With OBX Photo Booths' packages that include unlimited reception use and an album for guests to leave sweet notes, custom photo strips and logos, and a DVD of all the images, this photo booth company is a must-have for your Outer Banks wedding! Visit OBX Photo Booths vendor page to learn more.

----

 The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association is the premiere service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With approximately 300 members strong, our organization offers the best resources to brides and those planning events in the Outer Banks. Known for it's popular Outer Banks Bride Magazine and destination wedding inspiration, the Outer Banks Wedding Association boasts local and national recognition.