With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, what better time than now to share this insanely creative and gorgeous styled shoot featuring a Spanish flare? The photographers behind the husband and wife team Ryan & Rach Photography dreamed up this shoot, and every vendor they invited to contribute perfectly delivered. 

A local carpenter and designer helped bring the unique arbor to life. The floral and decor and equipment rentals added texture and dimension to the barren dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. The custom invitation suite, colorful cake, cacti, and southwestern cuisine created eye-catching details we're kind of crazy about.

This team of vendors pulled together a desert vibe with sheer perfection. 

Photographer | Ryan & Rach Photography

Floral & Decor | Sugar Snap Events

Hair & Makeup | Glimmer Hair & Makeup

Caterer | Ortega'z Grill

Cake & Confections | Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks

Equipment Rentals | Amaranth + Artifact

Specialty Services: Invitations | HLR Designs

Bonus fun fact: the model bride & groom are a real couple, and they got engaged just a few days after the shoot!

View this and more styled shoots, get tons of Outer Banks wedding inspiration, and a vendor directory by requesting your complimentary copy of the 2018 Outer Banks Weddings magazine! 

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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.

Taking inspiration from travels across the U.S. with a vintage camper, her wanderlust spirit, and passion for crafting custom cocktails, Sam Harriss created Camp Cocktail. Camp Cocktail is a mobile bar created out of a 1969 Shasta travel trailer, perfect for rolling up to any wedding event. They keep originality at the forefront, and that's just one component that makes their bar service so memorable. By using local Outer Banks ingredients, every detail of their cocktails are lovingly handmade and unique to each event. They'll source your favorite non-alcoholic beverages and retro sodas, and serve your spirits in a vast collection of picture-worthy glassware.

Cocktails aside, we love that Sam donates a percentage from each event to national and public lands to help protect America's most special places. 

To learn more about hiring Camp Cocktail for your OBX wedding, visit their vendor page or email campcocktailevents@gmail.com.

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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 brides 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. 

The Outer Banks Wedding Association is thrilled to announce the door prize giveaway packages at the OBX Wedding Fest on Sunday, August 26, 2018!

This eagerly-anticipated event features OBX wedding professionals, gorgeous displays, samples, and booking discounts. Couples are guaranteed to find vendors for their special day.

As part of the Fest, each ticket holder has the opportunity to win door prize giveaway packages!

Tickets purchase online before August 26th grants TWO raffle ticket entires into the package giveaway of your choice. Tickets purchase at the door will receive one raffle ticket entry into the package giveaway of your choice.

We are so excited for the amazing packages our vendors have lovingly donated their goods/services for:

Adventure Bachelorette/Bachelor Party 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.

Entering is easy! You will receive your raffle tickets when you check-in at the door, then you will deposit your raffle ticket(s) into the package giveaway of your choice at our Giveaway table at the Fest.

Businesses and complete details on the giveaways will be added here and to the OBX Wedding Fest page as they become available! 

Purchase your tickets to the Fest now to take advantage of great savings and discounts from vendors and for faster entry at the door. Tickets are $10.

We love to harp on how many wonderful businesses the Outer Banks hosts! Luxury Lingerie and Beauty Boutique is one of the best kept secrets located in Duck's Scarborough Faire Shopping Village, and we are thrilled to have them as a member of the Outer Banks Wedding Association. Did you know their store is filled will more than just lingerie?! Whether you're looking for bridal party jewelry, perfume, luxurious pjs, or throwing a lingerie shower, look no further than Luxury!

To learn more about Luxury Lingerie and Beauty Boutique, contact Kat at 252.261.7261 or by email: kat@luxuryobx.com

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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 brides 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 Associations boasts local and national recognition .

Wedding Date: October 14, 2017 | Hometown: King George, VA

Envisioning a romantic day, Ethan and Bethany wanted both sentimental and traditional elements for their destination wedding. After a ceremony at a local church in Buxton and a photo session at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, they headed to their gorgeous reception. Their celebration is proof that you can't have too many roses, and that ivory, glittery pink, gold and navy details is a combo that will never go out of style for an oceanfront venue!

Photographer | Courtney Hathaway Photography

Reception Venue | Koru Village Beach Klub

Hair & Makeup | Glimmer Hair and Makeup

Floral & Décor | Renee Landry Events

Planning & Coordination | Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events

Catering | Basnight's Lone Cedar Catering

Cake & Confections (Cocktail Hour) | OBX Sunset Slush

DJ | Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Photo Booth | Sarah Keenan Creative

A major highlight of the day was Bethany’s huge surprise for Ethan. She and her brother had been secretly restoring Ethan's dream truck that she bought without him knowing. After their ceremony, she surprised her new husband with it outside of the church waiting to take them to their reception. His reaction: priceless. We love that Courtney Hathaway Photography was able to capture this sweet moment!

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

Ethan and I have known for a long time that we wanted to get married in the Outer Banks. I have vacationed on Hatteras with my family for most of my life. It isn’t just a break from work or a get away, it’s an annual ritual that has become my family’s favorite week(s) of the whole year. When Ethan and I started dating it was one of the first real trips we went on together and a real stepping stone for him to be a part of this time that my family values so much. Ever since the first trip we have continued to sneak away to the OBX whenever we get the chance and over the years of dating we just formed a special bond with the OBX. It has always left us refreshed and reminded of our love for one another.

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! 

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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.

Wedding Date: September 7, 2017

This couple from Lakewood, Ohio travelled to Corolla for an intimate destination wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family. Their wedding day featured a gorgeous driftwood arbor adorned with lush flowers and bouquet, the perfect addition for their early September oceanfront ceremony. After officially sealing the deal, they headed back to their rental home, the Seaquest Resort Home, to celebrate their nuptials. 

Photographer | Sarah Keenan Creative

Accommodations / Venue | Brindley Beach Vacations

Beauty & Spa | Bombshell's Studio

Floral & Decor | Sugar Snap Events

Musician | Club Violin

To find vendors and request information on services, pricing and availability, fill out the Contact Vendors form to make planning your Outer Banks wedding easy.

It's safe to say that there is no lack of delicious local food on the Outer Banks. Caterers and restaurants have mastered their craft, and not only is the food they serve exceptional—their service and hospitality is some of the best in North Carolina, bar none. 

Whether you're looking for Outer Banks seafood staples, southwestern or Mexican flair, barbecue, southern classics, or a customized menu, Outer Banks Wedding Association Caterers & Restaurants have it all. We have over 30 fabulous local businesses that have proven their food will leave a lasting impression on you and your wedding guests. 

You may choose to have a plated meal, a buffet meal, a family style meal, heavy appetizers, or a meal of stations. Figure out which style suits you, your guest count, and your venue, then approach your caterer to discuss the options that align with your budget. 

Lastly, keep in mind bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners and late night snacks (celebrating makes people hungry)!

Browse Caterers & Restaurants here, and request information from OBX wedding vendors with our Contact Vendors form. Vendors will respond to your request individually. Be sure to include as many details as possible (guest count, location, etc.) so they can respond with appropriate information.

Red Sky Cafe | colemanshots

Cover Photo: High Cotton BBQ 

We can't think of a better way to relax those wedding day jitters than with I Do OBX Yoga, a premium on-demand yoga service to help you breathe through it! I Do OBX Yoga will come to you whether you want to have a sunrise experience on the beach or a private class at your rental home. Boost your mood, balance your emotions, and be present in the moment. You'll be so glad you did a little wedding day yoga! Learn more about I Do OBX Yoga and schedule a session on their vendor page!

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The Outer Banks is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the country. The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA) provides informative resources and access to nearly 300 local, passionate, and reliable wedding professionals on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For 25 years, OBWA has proudly represented a carefully curated group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals located in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.  

Planning a wedding does not come without questions or things you didn't think of, so we asked 10 veteran wedding professionals to share some pointers and key pieces of advice that are essential for the soon to-be-wed. Remember these tips as you plan your big day!

Beth Pallett, Wedding Planner | Engaging Events

Having an organized wedding day does not mean your event will be formal. The most laid back weddings are the ones that have all the details figured out ahead of time.

Kristi Midgette, Photographer | Kristi Midgette Photography

The best gift you can give yourself is to hire an experienced day of coordinator. This will allow you, your family, and friends to enjoy your wedding day while allowing the professionals to handle all the details.

Chad Miller, Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

As much as we wish we could accurately predict the weather on your special day, we know only as much as you do. Weather can change at any given time, so it is always recommended to have a tent if your venue does not have an indoor option. Many steps must be taken to secure a tent and this must be done well in advance of your event. Be proactive, and rent a tent to save yourself from stressing about the weather on your special day.

Brenda Zeigler, Planner | To Have and to Hold OBX

Make sure to pay all of your vendors ahead of time. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is take time to pay off your final balances. The more you do ahead of time the better off you are in the end. Just get it off your plate.

Linda Taylor, Beauty & Spa | It's Royalty Salon

If your wedding ceremony is going to be outside, consider doing your hair in an updo. That way you will not have to worry about the wind blowing hair in your face during pictures. 

Dorothy Heath-Morris, Floral & Decor | Bells & Whistles

Wedding insurance is one of the best investments you can make. Be sure to get both liability and cancellation coverage. It will provide you with piece of mind at a very minimal cost.

Debra Sinkage, Caterer | Argyles Events and Catering

If you are not working with a planner please be sure to provide your vendors with a detailed wedding day timeline. This will help your vendors know how you would like the day to flow.

Matt Cooper, DJ | Outer Banks Music Masters

Trust your DJ to read the crowd and mix up the music. This makes it more likely that the majority of your guests will have a good time and dance.

Tammy Tobin, Ceremony & Reception Site | The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina

Don't be afraid to ask questions! If you have a special request please ask. Each of your vendors wants your day to be special. Stay in contact with your vendors throughout the process to make your day stress-free.

Johanna Lachine, Caterer | Cafe Lachine

Don't feel confined to a catering menu. Chefs are excited to create a custom menu that reflects your vision and tastes. A great way to add a personal touch to your special day is to incorporate a cherished family recipe.

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Looking for more information from OBX wedding vendors? Simply fill out the Contact Vendors form to reach out to professionals who will respond to your request. It makes planning and acquiring info and availability that much easier!

The Outer Banks Wedding Association is excited to meet with tons of prospective couples who plan to wed on the Outer Banks at the DC Wedding Experience this weekend, April 15 at the Dulles Convention Center! 

Visit our booth #143 to win one of two packages with tickets to this summer's OBX Wedding Fest and other Outer Banks wedding swag, and grab a complimentary issue of Outer Banks Weddings Magazine! 

Purchase your tickets for the D.C. Wedding Experience online and get 50% off with promo code HALF!

We hope to see you on Sunday!

Photo: Sarah Keenan Creative