Member Feature

Ashley & Nate of the Outer Banks Wedding Association met with Liz Myers to tour and to learn more about the Sea Ranch Resort, located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. The Sea Ranch Resort opened in 1963 and they have been hosting weddings there for just over 10 years. In addition to weddings & events, the resort boasts over 75 rooms, ranging from Oceanfront Condos, complete with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a suite-style setup, Oceanfront Guest Rooms and Main Building Guest Rooms. Watch our We Do! Video of the Sea Ranch Resort below. You can learn more by going to searanchresort.com or by browsing their vendor page. 

Since 2002, Chef Wes Stepp of Red Sky Cafe has been serving up classic OBX cuisine at his restaurant and at weddings & events as part of his catering team. Ashley & Nate joined Wes as he whipped up his Famous Shrimp n’ Grits, as well as a festive Not Your Granny’s Apple Pie cocktail that you can make yourself using the recipe below! 

Learn more about how you can have Red Sky Cafe at your wedding by visiting their vendor page or their website. 

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.

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.  

Whether you're looking for a DJ to play your favorite songs or a rockin' band to play as you dance the night away, SOULone does it all!Brent and his crew will be sure to provide a sensational musical experience for you and your guests. Learn more about SOULone on their vendor page and give them a listen here. 

How long have you been in business on the Outer Banks?

I moved here over 15 years ago and have been playing music professionally for about 10 years.

What is your favorite part about being an entertainment vendor on the Outer Banks?

Whenever you discover something special, it’s always exciting to share that with others. I feel the same way about music… whether it’s DJ’ing songs for people to dance to or playing live in front of an audience. The interaction with a crowd is priceless. 

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

Make sure you find someone reputable and good at what they do. There are several options to choose from when it comes to. Be sure to look at testimonials.

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

More live music! DJ’s have been dominating the market for a long time and recently we’ve seen a real trend with live music being incorporated into weddings and events. It really turns a “normal” wedding event into something special...AND you can still have DJ Services to cover all the songs the band doesn’t play. You get the best of both worlds. 

What makes your business different from others on the Outer Banks?

1. We offer both live music AND DJ services that cover the full spectrum of music desired at any event.
2. The trio band consists of seasoned musicians that have been playing all kinds of music professionally for many years
3. We have state of the art equipment, dynamic lighting, wireless set-ups and just about anything else that’s needed to fit any situation… large or small.

Is there anything new with SOULone that we should be looking forward to?

COVID-19 lockdown has given us a lot of time to learn new material. As much as we like to perform our current set lists, it’s always exciting to break out new songs. 

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

Smaller weddings = less expensive in many ways. Sometimes all you need is a ceremonial musician to set the mood rather than a larger band for entertaining your guests. 

What is your favorite song to perform to perform or play? Least favorite?

It’s hard to pin down a favorite song to play. I think it changes depending on how I feel (or how the crowd feels). Sometimes I’m in the mood to jam and improvise so I’ll pick songs that allow a lot of space to solo, etc…. and sometimes I’m in the mood to keep it more intimate and stick with singer/songwriter style music where the precision is focused on the guitar/vocals. It also depends on whether I’m playing solo vs. with a full band. Lately, we’ve been working on some reggae tunes by Iration, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops, and 311. We also have a few new tunes that we’ll be working on that are more rock influenced. I don’t think there’s really any song in our arsenal that I dislike… including FREE BIRD.

Where can a couple hear you play before they book your for their wedding?

Pre-Covid we would normally be gigging 3-6 days a week at places like Fish Heads, Pirate’s Cove, Jack Browns, REAL Watersports, Avalon Pier, Poor Richards and more. The best thing to do is check out our website for the latest schedule at www.SOULone.me

With decades of experience in the church under his belt, Rev. Jay Bowman is now in his 18th year of officiating weddings here on the Outer Banks! His charismatic and positive personality creates such a fun & easy-going atmosphere for the weddings he performs that you and your guests will treasure far past the day you say, "I do." Learn more about Jay at revjay.com or on his Instagram: @revjaybowman.

Photo: Coleman Shots

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

I'm in my 18th year of celebrating couples here on the Outer Banks. It's been a great ride!

What makes the Outer Banks unique and special to you? 

There's always been an Outer Banks mystique that is hard to put into words, unlike most any other place on the Eastern seaboard. It's not a concrete lined beach with high rises, but rather dunes, houses, horses, and in many places, just untouched beauty.

Photo: Courtney Hathaway Photography

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

Book your team as early as you possibly can in order to get the vendors who fit you the best. A year or more is actually a good idea, but that is not an option for lots of couples, so do what you can, and try to be flexible with the date and time. 

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

I totally enjoy the big weddings and everything in-between, but the new trend I'm noticing is a lot more true elopements. Intimate, romantic, and totally embraced by the couple being married.

What makes Rev. Jay Bowman different from other officiants on the Outer Banks? 

Probably not for me to say since I don't see other officiants in action. Besides over 850 reviews on WeddingWire from happy couples, I think this question would be best answered by the local wedding vendors who have teamed with me over the many years (especially Planners and Photographers). I just know that I love my job, and I bring my very best every time.

What’s the latest with Rev. Jay Bowman? 

I've been working on a project called the 'Wedding Officiant Coach' with a close friend for quite a while, but it got put on hold with the crazy events of 2020. 

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

There are quite a few, but maybe the most important one is that couples who choose this option seem to be very much 'in the moment'. And of course, I love that! Other benefits are all enhanced because of the 'flexibility' that you have when it's a micro-wedding or a true elopement of just two. I believe it's really going to grow over the next 2 or 3 years.

by Renee Landry of Renee Landry Events

It all started in 2008. I was a final contender for the position of Chief White House Florist for the Obama administration and during my interview with Mrs. Obama, I suggested the idea of a colorful light display for an upcoming event. Unfortunately, I was not chosen for the job, but the experience lead me to learn more about lighting and the ambiance it can serve in landscape or event settings.

In addition to my floral business, I’ve grown to deeply appreciate different lighting elements and all they offer the spaces we create at Renee Landry Events. Different spaces require unique types of lighting, depending on size and location.

Harsh lighting can have a negative impact on wedding photos, which is why our team calculates multiple iterations of lighting until we select the perfect wattage combinations in order to avoid overloading circuits or using too many outlets.

The styles in which we display the lighting can also influence a space. The ones we work with the most are:

Starburst

This is the most popular pattern requested. The light lines originate from a central point and cascade further into different directions. This works best over a dance floor, or even hovering above a lawn or pool.

Lighting: Renee Landry Events Photo: Neil GT Photography

Straight Lines

Similar to the name, this lighting style is simple straight lines covering long spans where weight and gravity may be an issue.

Lighting: Renee Landry Events Photo: Kristi Midgette Photography

The Zig-Zag

This pattern is a winding string of lights hanging diagonal back and forth from offset poles. It works best over short spans of space, like a cocktail deck or a narrow pool patio.

The False Ceiling

In this scenario, we hang straight lines of lights very narrowly to create a ceiling of lights. With the lights cascading over the space, we can also use dimmers to maintain the aesthetically pleasing ambiance. This style works well in a clear tent or in an outdoor pool where you want the covered look, without actually enclosing the space.

Lighting: I Do OBX Weddings & Events Photo: Brooke Mayo Photographers

Abstract

Lighting is an art form, and like all art, there are many styles. Our staff favorite is Abstract. We like to define it as organized visual chaos, which is exactly what it is. Strung lines of light hanging over a space in every other direction all in random patterns. This look is perfect for a space with an overwhelming ceiling to make the venue feel more intimate.

Lighting: Renee Landry Events Photo: Sarah D'Ambra Photography

With all of the complex styles and wattage calculations, it’s best to avoid DIY lighting décor. It requires extensive equipment, such as ladders, poles, heavy gauge extensions, drills, hardware, expensive dimmers, surge protectors and the lights themselves. Lighting typically requires a large investment, especially when traveling to a destination wedding, so we advise working with a local professional.

One of my favorite projects is partnering with couples in the selection of lighting and custom displays. More often than not, the client and I will research different lighting arrangements on Amazon, West Elm, or even Walmart (yes, Walmart!) to find gorgeous fixtures that can be a focal statement at the reception. The selections are usually budget savvy and sentimental. Afterwards, the same pendants can be used in the couple’s home as memorabilia of their wedding day.

Lighting is versatile. By bringing different styles into any space, it completely changes the ambiance. If a client is renting an event home for an entire week, exquisite lighting can bring elevation to the event night and alter the look and feel of the location, especially over a pool or a backyard.

Lighting can provide major impacts on the spaces you choose for your wedding ceremony and reception, and even your living space. Especially with newer trends, Renee Landry Events is always evolving to be able to provide modern styles. Recent trends include hanging baskets for a bohemian look, geometric shapes and patterns that give the space sharp lines and a clean, modern feel, and on the horizon: post-modern pendants arranged with abstract florals and foliage. By adding lighting to my passion of floral arrangements, I’ve been able to amplify my work and the spaces I am hired to create in.

Renee Landry

Renee Landry Events and Lighting

Nestled on the tranquil and picturesque Ocracoke Island sits The Berkley Manor, the only full-service event venue on the island. The Berkley Manor was built in the early 1950s by Mr. Sam Jones and has been hosting weddings and events since 2012. A venue only accessible by boat, ferry or plane, The Berkley Manor offers a remote intimate setting that can entertain small affairs or events up to 250 guests. With in-house coordinating, catering and multiple facilities on site, the Berkley Manor is the perfect place for your Ocracoke wedding from arrival to departure. Visit theberkleymanor.com to learn more and to schedule a tour. 

Read our interview below with Phoebe Kot, The Berkley Manor's venue coordinator and Ocracoke local. 

Neil GT Photography

How long have you been in business on the Outer Banks?  

The Berkley Manor has been part of Ocracoke village since the early 1950’s.  The Manor was originally built by island legend Sam Jones in the early 50’s and served as an event facility and hunting lodge to entertain his guests.  Fast forwarding to present day, Berkley Events was founded when several like minded partners purchased the Berkley and surrounding estate in 2012 in order to save the property from demolition and development. Since 2012, we have grown by leaps and bounds thanks to our many wonderful guests. 2017 brought with it many exciting additions. Through the Fall and Winter we added back the original Berkley buildings, which were demolished over the years. These include the Berkley Barn and Berkley Suites. The barn was originally used to house Sam Jones’ horses, but from the mid 1970s-2001 was the main and only location for large parties and events on Ocracoke. While it is not an exact replica, the barn is in the same location and serves the same purpose today -- to provide an outdoor event pavilion for Berkley guests and Island events.The Suites are located adjacent to the Berkley Manor and feature a look and feel much the same as the Manor and are used for additional accommodations.

Matt Lusk Photography

What is your favorite part about being in Ocracoke? 

Ocracoke is a tiny island that is packed with so many reasons to fall in love with it.  I reconnected with the island beginning in 2014. Visiting on the weekends, I would be in tears Sunday afternoon when I would repack my bags and head towards the mainland. I believe what captured my heart and convinced me to move as a permanent resident is my love to be outside. When I am not working, my favorite pastime activities include offshore fishing and taking my puppies to the beach, both of which are extra special on Ocracoke with world-class fishing in our backyard and 4x4 beach access. I also enjoy quiet walks through the village, especially strolling down Howard Street. Ocracoke is the place that renews my soul and reminds me I have a lot to be grateful for.

Caroline Jarvis Photography

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

Come for a visit and schedule a tour! Ocracoke is truly unique from the rest of the Outer Banks being accessible only by ferry, personal boat or plane.  I think the island’s remoteness is one of the reasons that couples find it so attractive.

Neil GT Photography

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

Since COVID-19 has had a dramatic effect on the wedding industry in 2020, I think it has also taught us to rethink the traditional route and go with individuality and creativity. Couples value time with their family and close friends.  What better way to celebrate such a joyous occasion than a week together at the beach with a destination wedding. I am excited to see the growing trend in weekday weddings.  We have hosted some in the past, and it makes perfect sense. Couples spend the week on vacation with their families. By having a midweek wedding, it affords enough time to get ready with last minute details but also enough time to enjoy vacation together and spend time with the ones you love. Not to mention, there are normally great discounts with mid-week weddings!   

Matt Lusk Photography

What makes your business different from others on the Outer Banks? 

Our venue is the only dedicated wedding venue on Ocracoke Island. Being accessible only by ferry, personal boat or plane is part of the unique remoteness and charm of Ocracoke. Located on 2.5 acres with on-site accommodations, we offer couples a wide variety of wedding services for stress free planning and one-stop shopping. 

Neil GT Photography

Is there anything new with The Berkley Manor that we should be looking forward to?  

In 2018, we added two new facilities to the property - the Berkley Suites and Berkley Barn. The Berkley Suites offers additional on-site accommodations, a perfect option for family members and close friends. The Berkley Barn is our large, indoor/outdoor event pavilion that can hold up to 200 guests.  It is stunningly beautiful and the perfect option for year-round events.

Caroline Jarvis Photography

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

I think one of the benefits of smaller micro-weddings and elopements is the wedding couple has the opportunity to spend more time with each other and remembering this truly life-changing day.

Reel Love Weddings by Baldwin Video

Header Image: Caroline Jarvis Photography

Her acoustic stylings and live vocals will make any event feel more intimate, from when you walk down the aisle to your first dance. Kim Kalman Music has been performing for weddings on the Outer Banks for 19 years and is able to offer different musical services that will complement your special day. Visit www.kimkalman.com for more information and to see where you can hear her live on the Outer Banks. 

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

I’ve been a member of the Outer Banks Wedding Association since I relocated to the Outer Banks from Nashville, TN in January of 2001 - I joined OBWA the summer that year. I’ve been providing music for weddings since high school, so over 45 years.

Chris Hannant of Swell Productions has merged his love of artistic storytelling with his passion of travel and capturing natural beauty into the way in which he films weddings here on the Outer Banks and beyond. Chris and his team are able to bring a fresh and modern approach to filming and editing your special day and the end product is nothing short of a mini-cinematic masterpiece. Read more about Swell Productions and watch a few of their films below.

Jill and Ryan - Outer Banks Wedding Films from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

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

I shot my first wedding on the Outer Banks in 2011. Because it was my first attempt, I did it for free under the condition I could shoot it in the way I felt like wedding videos should be shot (this was just as the more "cinematic" style of wedding video was starting to take hold.) The couple ended up loving it so much that they sent me a check for $200! I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed shooting it, so I started finding gigs on Craigslist until I felt confident enough to bring on a second shooter and try to turn it into a proper business.

Kate and Spike - Outer Banks Wedding Films from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

What makes the Outer Banks special to you?

I grew up on the Outer Banks and it's always been special to me. After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design, most of my peers went off to New York or Los Angeles, but I just wanted to come home! The natural beauty of the Outer Banks is what got me into the visual arts to begin with and totally shaped who I am today. Growing up, I was always captivated by the way the light would fall on the dunes in the evening, or the shifting colors of the water, or even the clear, starlit skies we have at night. I wanted to capture these things to preserve and share them. I've traveled all over the world but there's really nowhere else like the Outer Banks.

Meghan and Shane - Outer Banks Wedding Films from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

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

Breathe and enjoy your day! Your emotions will translate through video, which is what can make our medium so powerful. We're documentary filmmakers by trade, so we are not only there to capture what's happening visually, but also the raw emotions of the day to an extent that it's actually FELT by the viewer, not just seen. 

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

We love the more minimalist style that many of our couples have been adopting, where the attention isn't so much on the details but more on the couple.

Alex and Rick - Canmore, Alberta Wedding Film from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

What makes your business different from others on the Outer Banks?

There are so many amazing vendors, and such a variety of styles, which is what makes the Outer Banks such a cool place to hire local teams. I like to think our work, like I mentioned above, is not just visually attractive, but emotionally captivating as well. So much effort goes into our editing process to achieve this. We want people who don't even know a couple to watch their video and get goosebumps or, best case, shed a few tears! The greatest compliment we receive is when someone watches one of our videos and cries.

Is there anything new with Swell Productions we should be looking forward to?

Ohhh yeah. Major equipment upgrades coming this Fall that are going to make 2021 and beyond next-level. It's amazing where the technology with filmmaking is going, constantly bringing proper cinematic, Hollywood level production capabilities into the hands of smaller production companies like ourselves. 

Thara and Parashar - Miami Beach Wedding Film from Swell Weddings on Vimeo.

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

We're actually so down with the micro-wedding movement and would be thrilled if it continues on in the future despite what may happen in the world. The greatest benefit is that it is so much more about the love and the couple, not about the wedding itself. This is what we strive to capture. You don't need the most guests or biggest cake or flashiest decorations to express your love, seal your vows, and certainly not to tell your story. Micro weddings allow the true meaning of a marriage to surface and give us the opportunity to document it in the most creative and artistic way we can.

Watch more on their Vimeo or visit Swell Productions at their website. Follow them on Instagram: @swell_weddings