Nathan and Sidney's playful travel theme couldn’t be more appropriate for them as a jet-setting couple. In fact, they got engaged in Germany, and a few days later in Austria they decided they’d throw their celebration on the Outer Banks. Their light and muted florals were the perfect pairing for their elegant setting. They moved from a ceremony under the lighthouse, to a simply stunning bash on the other side of the historical grounds.

Photographer |  Neil GT Photography

Ceremony Reception & Venue | Whalehead in Historic Corolla

Coordinator | Coastyle Weddings & Events

Florals & Decor | Renee Landry Events

Beauty | Glimmer Hair & Makeup

Caterer | Steamers Restaurant & Catering

Cake | Patty Bakes

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

Accommodations | Twiddy & Company Realtors

Videographer | Swell Weddings

Nathan & Sidney'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. 

A Wedding Planner's Guide to a Micro-Wedding

By Samantha & Taylor of Coastyle Weddings & Events

Times are a-changin’. Couples are opting out of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibe and leaning towards a more intimate soirée. Not to be confused with an elopement, a micro-wedding includes 50 or less of a couple’s closest family and friends. We’re finding that the number one reason modern couples are going small is to ditch the debt. A smaller guest count means less of everything. Smaller venues or event homes, less tables, less chairs, less linens, less centerpieces, less food, less alcohol, you name it, there’s less of it. Couples today are more interested in spending their cash traveling the world, or saving up for that backyard their golden retriever has been longing for!

A few quick tips for planning your own magical micro wedding:

1.) Focus on the three b’s - booze, beats and bites. We urge couples to focus heavily on good eats, rad cocktails, and toast worthy tunes. These things usually matter most to couples, and choosing them wisely allows you to showcase your unique personality and style.

2.) While it’s nice for someone else to foot the bill, paying for your wedding independently allows you full range of decisions. Nix the traditional wedding favors and use that money towards something really important to you both. That ice cream sundae bar you’ve always wanted? You can have it!

3.) DIY isn’t always the answer. Set a strict budget for what you want to spend overall, and on specific vendors. When it comes to design, remember that it’s likely you can spend the same amount of money with a designer rather than packing up a U-Haul full of mix-matched decor you found at HomeGoods.

4.) Not inviting everyone is likely to ruffle some feathers, but remember this is about the two of you. Having a smaller wedding will allow you to spend the best day of your lives with those who truly matter to you. You won’t have to spend precious moments making your rounds to 10+ tables, or deep in conversation with long lost cousin Bill instead of doing ‘The Get Up’ with your bridal party.

5.) It makes wedding planning more fun. What couples hate most is things like the seating chart. This can take hours, and cause family disagreements. Instead of spending your days off trying to find a place to sit your single coworker Becky, it’s likely that most of your guests already know (and like!) one another.

The equation is simple! When it comes down to it, micro weddings are for minimalists looking to have a beautiful, budget conscious wedding and the Outer Banks is a great place to do so. A professional wedding planner can assist you with managing your budget and highlighting areas of your wedding that will make it the talk of the town! Remember, less guests equals less stress!

Happy Planning!

Xoxo,

Samantha & Taylor

Coastyle Weddings & Events

Header Image: Jason Cole Photography

Stephanie and her fiancé, Eric, were all set to head to the Outer Banks for their May wedding. A place that they have been coming to for years to escape everyday life and to get away. When the COVID-19 outbreak began, something that no one saw coming, they were forced to come to terms with the fact that they wouldn't be able to have their wedding as soon as they hoped for. Despite everything going on in the world, Stephanie has been able to remain hopeful for her future Outer Banks wedding. 

Q: When were you planning on getting married?  

A: May 18, 2020

Q: What were your first thoughts when you heard about the Coronavirus outbreak and how it would affect large gatherings?  

A: I FIRST thought it wasn't as serious as it is and I was still planning to keep my date.  Once I realized how serious this was (and this was before Dare County closed entry) I was crushed to face the fact that it isn't happening, at least for the day we planned. 

Q: What were your first steps in deciding to postpone and reschedule or stall planning?  

A: Luckily we had just chosen our official date, and since we were planning quickly for a fast upcoming wedding, I hadn't gotten invitations mailed yet, but had verbally told almost everyone so they could start planning time off from work and book places to stay.  So, I had to call and tell everyone it was being postponed. Of course everyone completely understood, but it was hard since we had people coming from WAY out of town and didn't want them to have booked flights yet!

Q: Have vendors reached out to you or vise versa about postponing? If so, which ones? 

A: Yes, I Do OBX Weddings & Events has been the absolute best! Tony has constantly reached out to me and stayed in touch and has been so positive and helpful!  He is the best and we can't wait to work with him when we are able to have the wedding!

Q: Has the outbreak changed your perception on weddings in the future?  

A: No, I don't think it has changed my perception on weddings - when you're planning an event for the future, you have to know anything can happen...not that something like this was ever expected!  

Q: Do you have any advice for other engaged couples in the same scenario?  

A: Just to try not to dwell on it - it's out of our control and things happen for a reason! Easier said than done and it took me a while to take my own advice as well, but I'm sure there are some silver linings, you just have to find them...maybe someone special who wasn't able to come will be able to now! 

Q: What about having an Outer Banks wedding is special to you?  

A: I've been visiting the Outer Banks for 25+ years, multiple times a year. It is our ultimate happy place and every time we talked about getting married we talked about it being there! And we will soon. 

Header Image: Coleman Shots

Taylor and Rebecca loved that they could have their closest friends and family together to celebrate at their favorite place. Inspired by their venue on the sound, they envisioned white flowers and lots of greenery to match their surroundings. After a private sound side ceremony, they headed to their tented reception where they danced the night away!

Venue & Accommodations | Kilmarlic Golf Club & Resort

Photographer | Lori Douglas Photography

Officiant | I Do OBX Weddings & Events

Floral & Decor | Bells & Whistles

Hair & Makeup | Glimmer Hair & Makeup

Caterer | Steamers Catering

Musician | Club Violin

Cakes & Confections | Just Desserts

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

Videographer | Whitecaps Film

Taylor & Rebecca'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. 

This Member Monday, we are featuring one of our newest members, The Roanoke Bungalow. Built in the 1930s, the historic bungalow has been passed down and is now open as a Bed and Breakfast in Manteo, NC. Current owner, Cheryl Ambrose, has turned this quaint home into a beautiful destination setting on the Outer Banks. 

"The Roanoke Bungalow, a wedding venue located on beautiful Roanoke Island, and most likely the single best kept secret on the island and perfect for your uniquely intimate wedding experience. The charming setting, just a few blocks from the downtown waterfront or a few minutes from the beach, lends natural light and beauty to the outdoor ceremony and reception of your fantasies. The casual, open-aired setting, full of trees, flowers, and romantic stone walkways, is the ideal backdrop for couples who's dream wedding is both elegant and rustic."

Browse their photos, and find out more information on their website.

Photos: Brooke Mayo Photographers

Photos: Basnight Photography

We are definitely in a time of grave uncertainty and concern. The outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting all industries and the people they are composed of. Not only are we concerned for the businesses and vendors that make up the Outer Banks, but we are also concerned about the people who chose to get married here who may have to postpone.

The decision to reschedule your wedding is a tough one. There are a ton of people you must contact to secure a new date. Then, to top it all off, you have to notify your guests! We have put together a an email template below to help take the load off a little when reaching out to invited guests.

HOW TO INFORM GUESTS YOURS WEDDING IS POSTPONED

Dear [guest name],

With everything occurring recently and per recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, we have unfortunately decided to postpone our wedding to a later date.

The decision to do so was not made lightly, but necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of our loved ones. It would be heartbreaking to know that we could be a factor at putting any of our guests at risk. At the end of the day, we are committed to each other wholeheartedly and when our wedding occurs is a date that can be rescheduled.

The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are changing every day, and we are working with our vendors on the Outer Banks to figure out the next steps to be taken. As soon as we know more, we will follow-up as soon as possible.

In the meantime, do everything you can to remain safe & healthy. We’ll make it to the dance floor eventually!

With love & gratitude,

[your name]

READ HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES

Outer Banks wedding vendors are familiar with the need to postpone an event due to a greater issue, usually it’s weather related.

Now we are faced with a different adversary, COVID-19. Over the weekend, the Center for Disease Control issued a statement recommending that in-person events that consist of 50 or more people in the United States to be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks. They also suggested that, “Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.”

For couples who are planning their wedding on the Outer Banks, we recommend that you reach out to your planners and vendors to open a dialogue about the current situation. Your vendors are invested in your wedding and are very closely monitoring the ever-changing environment we’re faced with at this time. We are all well versed in moving forward and will work together to find a solution.

We recommend reaching out to guests and determine if they still plan to attend your wedding. By doing so, it could lower your guest count which would help in reducing the possibility of spread and contamination. This is extremely important for older guests, those with underlying conditions and anyone traveling long-distances who may be at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Most of all, stay informed. There are plenty of resources with preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading the virus. Stay up-to-date with the most recent changes and suggestions from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Knot is an excellent resource with articles to help guide us through the process.

Have open communication with your planner, vendors, and guests to make the best decisions for the health and safety of everyone involved. We recommend staying positive and being patient in these times of uncertainty and remember we’re all in this together!

In health and hope!

The Outer Banks Wedding Association

The 2020 Wedding Weekend & Expo this past weekend was so much fun! Engaged couples from all over came to the Outer Banks to plan their dream destination wedding. The Wedding Weekend is an amazing opportunity for those who don't live in the area to come and meet tons of wedding pros all in one location on Saturday, and to re-visit at different venues, restaurants, event homes and more the day after. 

Our Wedding Weekend wouldn't be possible without the help of our incredible Platinum & Gold Sponsors! Browse some of their Booth and Tour Stop arrangements below:

PLATINUM

Nags Head Golf Links and Village Beach Club

The Currituck Club

Steamers Restaurant & Catering

Red Sky Cafe

Oak & Brine

Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Basnight's Lone Cedar Catering

Camp Cocktail at The Westside Inn by KEES

I Do OBX Weddings & Events

Haven on the Banks

Black Pelican Catering

GOLD

Metro Rental

IC Jewelry 2

Duck Woods Country Club

Whalehead in Historic Corolla

Sugar Creek Restaurant

Sarah D'Ambra Photography

Ryan & Rach Photography

Currituck BBQ Company

The 2020 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo is two days away! Event sponsors help us create an amazing two-day show and tour for you, and we are honored to feature Gold Sponsor, Currituck BBQ Company on the blog.

Currituck BBQ Company opened its doors in 2006. Started as a father and son team, Paul & Larry Robinson began catering weddings after customers expressed interest in having Currituck BBQ for their receptions.

Photo: Matt Lusk Photography

Since then, they have been able to cater weddings and events from Williamsburg, VA to Carova. Their catering menu and packages offer plenty of options for your wedding. They can cater parties from 50-1,000 people and are well equipped to tailor a menu that works for you.

Visit Currituck BBQ Company at Booth #56, or if you drive through Virginia, visit them on your way out. They are conveniently located on Route 158 in Coinjock.

Header Photo: Brooke Mayo Photographers

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
• an entry for the chance to win a $1,000 voucher to use with any of our participating Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors.

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 2020 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo is literally a few days away! Event sponsors help us create an amazing two-day show and tour for you, and we are honored to feature Gold Sponsor, Ryan & Rach Photography on the blog. 

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

We have been actively photographing since 2010 so 10 years!!!

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you? 

We love that you can almost go anywhere and you will at least know one person. It doesn’t seem like a small town but it’s so special to have that especially in the busy summers. We love our little community!

What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming 2020 Wedding Weekend + Expo? 

We feel like we say this every year, but being able to hang out with all our friendors. We love seeing how creative everyone can be and it’s so great that we are all there supporting one another.

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

Try not to get overwhelmed. Go back to your hotel, grab a glass of wine, and talk about what is most important to you.  Also, if you have a gut feeling and want to book a vendor, you need to do it because dates get filled super-fast around these parts :)

What trends are you most excited to see in the upcoming 2020 Weddings? 

Give me all the black and moody decor you can find! Also, some rich colors paired with the darkness of black against the sand... uhhhh yes!!!!

What makes Ryan + Rach different from other Photographers on the Outer Banks? 

I think that we stand out because we are a husband and wife team and we have commonalities with a lot of our couples. We both grew up coming to the Outer Banks with our families and it is also special to us in the same way that it is special to our clients. And not to mention that before we moved here, we got married right in Kill Devil Hills on the beach. 

See for yourself what husband + wife team, Ryan & Rach can do for you at:

Booth #55

The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina

Sanderling Resort

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
• an entry for the chance to win a $1,000 voucher to use with any of our participating Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors.

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.