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While metallic lace, as well as bright metallic fabrics, are a hot trend in many of the fashion industry s elite runway shows promising to be one of Fall 2014 s biggest trends, it doesn t always translate to simple beach weddings here on the Outer Banks. Or does it? While top designers are known to bring the bling, we re always impressed when the look can transition from too much to just enough and we re going to tell you how this new trend can become the perfect look for your destination wedding.
The easiest way to incorporate metallics into your wedding? Bridesmaid dresses. A bridesmaid dress with a bit of sheen is a perfect item to showcase a little elegance while keeping with a laid-back Outer Banks feel. Use bright vibrant tones and this city trend can be made coastal with ease, all while maintaining that easygoing look.

Are you planning a more elegant affair on the Outer Banks? Metallic lace always looks chic when used as sleeves or draped in front of the dress. Black, gold, and pewter lace is a flattering look on any skin tone. In addition, earthy metallic accents added to bridesmaid dresses are an easy way to put a simple and classy spin on this high fashion trend. Including details such as straps, color blocking, headbands, and belts can take a look from simple to spectacular in seconds.

Whatever way you re hoping to incorporate this trend into your wedding day, it s guaranteed to give your day that extra bit of sparkle every wedding needs! For more tips on wedding trends, be sure to follow the Outer Banks Wedding Association on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

We know how important it is for brides to visit venues and get a feel for the space; to envision their wedding day in that location. We also know how important the catering component is to a wedding reception. While our Wedding Expo is loaded with information as well as taste testings and interaction with nearly 300 Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors, we created the Wedding Tour to give brides a more in-depth look at the locations available to them on the Outer Banks, as well as those who serve the delicious cuisine so many couples rave about for years after their wedding.

We encourage you to meet with vendors at the Expo and then swing by their location and step inside for an idea of what it will feel like on your wedding day. Here is a list of current Wedding Tour stops; however, the list grows weekly so be sure to check back and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for a current list. Visit us here to purchase your Wedding Weekend & Expo tickets.

Wedding Tour Stops

Secondary Vendor: Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar (Sat night only)

Offering: Venue available to tour

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Argyles Events & Catering

Tour Time: Night Tour Only

Vendor: Avenue ~ Grille and Events

Offering Food and wine tasting

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Chilli Peppers Catering

Offering: Will have variety of food prepared for tastings

Tour Times: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Coastal Provisions Market

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Cypress House Inn

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Days Inn & Suites Mariner

Offering: Suites available to view

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Days Inn Oceanfront Wright Brothers

Offering: Suites available to view

Tour Times: Day Tour Only

Vendor: First Colony Inn

Offering: Rooms to tour, refreshments provided

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Fishbone's Sunset Grill

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Venue: Hilton Garden Inn

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: It s Royalty Salon Spa & Nails

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Jeanette s Pier

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Mulligan s Bar & Grille

Offering: Wine and cheese on covered deck/light hors d oeuvres/live music

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar

Offering: Hors d oeuvres and refreshments provided The Proper Setting as sec. vendor

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Our Lady of the Seas Church

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Outer Banks Inn

Offering: Rooms to tour

Vendor: Ramada Plaza

Offering: Tour of ballroom and sleeping rooms

Vendor: Sanctuary Vineyards

Offering: Winery as venue, fully decorated

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Sea Ranch Resort

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Seaside Vacations The Drake at Founder s Ridge

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Shutters on the Banks Hotel

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Stripers Bar & Grille

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: The 4 Capes Wedding Houses Cape Ann

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: The Tranquil House Inn

Tour Times: Day Tour Only

Vendor: The Good Life Gourmet

Secondary Vendor: Kim Kalman Music

Tour Time: Day Tour Only

Vendor: Trio Wine, Beer, Cheese

Offering: Tour of mezzanine

Vendor: Twiddy & Company Realtors

Offering: Tour Pine Island Home

Tour Time: Saturday Day Tour Only

Vendor: Village Beach Club

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Vendor: Village Realty

Offering: Event Homes to tour Kill Devil Hills and Corolla

Tour Time: Night Tour Only

Vendor: Wild Horse House transportation offered

Secondary Vendors: Bells & Whistles, Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals, The Proper Setting, Red Sky Cafe, Beer Garden, Just Desserts

Tour Time: Day and Night Tour

Stay tuned for more vendors...

The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo is just around the corner and many of our Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors are eager to give brides discounts throughout the weekend! From local eateries to boutique hotels, we encourage you to take advantage of the numerous offers available from our vendors.

To receive these discounts you simply need to purchase your Wedding Weekend & Expo ticket here for just $20! Upon checking in at our OBWA Welcome Center, you will receive a wristband that you will entitle you to each of our event offerings and discounts. Not able to pre-register? No problem! You can purchase your ticket at the Expo for $25 and still take advantage of all the available discounts.

These lists and offerings will be updated regularly, so be sure to follow us here, and on Facebook and Twitter, for the most current deals!

Where to Sleep:

Days Inn Oceanfront

Discount: 15% off, 2 nights free noon checkout

Deal: Complimentary hot breakfast

Days Inn & Suites Mariner

Discount: 15% off, 2 nights free noon checkout

Deal: Complimentary hot breakfast

*afternoons daily popcorn, hot apple cider, cookies

The Tranquil House Inn

Discount: 10% off nightly rate

Sea Ranch Resort

Discount Rate: Oceanfront $59, Oceanside $49, Oceanfront 2 bedroom $99 (quad occupancy)

Shutters on the Banks Hotel

Discount Rate: Oceanfront $79

Ramada Plaza

Discount Rate: Ocean View $69, Dune View $59, Street View $49 pet friendly!

Deal: Complimentary app at Peppercorn s

Outer Banks Inn

Discount: 20% off nightly room rate

Nags Head Inn

Discount: 15% off nightly room rate

Where to Eat:

Currituck Barbecue Company

Deal: Free drink with purchase of platter

Black Pelican Catering

Discount: 10% off

Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar

Discount: 20% off entr es and desserts

Mulligan's Raw Bar & Grille

Discount: 10% off food (excluding alcohol)

The Good Life Gourmet

Discount: 20% off breakfast, served til 1pm daily (excludes beverages and alcohol)

Stripers Bar and Grille

Deal: Free appetizer sampler (6-9pm)

Argyles Events & Catering

Discount: price entr es and drink

Trio Wine, Beer, Cheese

Deal: $5 wine station credit

Nags Head Golf Links Player s Grille

Discount: 10% off food

Currituck Club Bunker s Grille

Discount: 10% off food

Stay tuned for additional discounts!

In recent years, many wedding photographers have started recommending first look photo shoots with the bride and groom before the actual wedding ceremony. By shirking tradition and letting the groom see the bride in her dress right before the ceremony, couples can eliminate some of the stress often associated with the wedding day.

Enjoy Cocktail Hour

When it comes to wedding photos, a little extra time can bring a lot of benefits! A first look gives a couple plenty of time to take formal portraits in the space of their choosing before the wedding instead of rushing to complete them after the ceremony. Instead of going through the long and stressful portrait process while guests wait at the reception, couples can break up the photography schedule by planning bridal portraits, family pictures, and fun photos with the bridal party before the ceremony. Once it s over, everyone is ready to enjoy the reception and guests won t have to spend time waiting for the happy couple to finish pictues. Control

A first look gives the bride and groom options, and therefore more control over their day. Couples can choose a beautiful, secluded setting to be the backdrop for their special moment. Taking portraits together before the wedding also allows a couple control over the lighting, which is ideal for an evening ceremony.

Less Stress

Weddings are exciting and joyful events, but they come with plenty of stress and nervousness. A first look is the perfect way for a couple to share a few moments together before all the activity begins to relax and enjoy their special day together. They can soak in the moment, appreciating the life changing events that are about to occur while calming each other s nerves and sharing their happiness.

If a traditional chicken and potatoes buffet at your wedding doesn t excite you or your taste buds, current wedding food trends are sure to spice up your options. By blending current culinary trends with a bit of creativity, modern brides are able to give guests more choices than ever while providing entertainment for everyone. If an exciting and memorable reception is your goal, start with the food! Chef Stations

Instead of traditional hors d oeuvres, allow guests to customize their food with a chef station. The options are endless and the Outer Banks Wedding Association catering vendors are happy to work with you to make your vision come to life. A few creative ideas include a raw bar with a chef shucking oysters or rolling sushi, with both options giving Outer Banks brides an opportunity to incorporate the fresh, local seafood of the area.

Interactive Food Stations

Interactive food stations are a hit at all kinds of weddings! There are countless options for interactive meals and desserts, and guests will have a blast with their creations. Creative culinary stations encourage guests to make their own pizza, tacos, pasta, baked potatoes or even trail mix. Our wedding caterers can present quality ingredients in an attractive way, while guests then customize a personal meal. Guests may also make their own appetizer using these interactive food stations to create custom hamburger sliders, bruschetta and more.

Dessert (everyone s favorite meal) stations keep the food exciting throughout the entire reception. S mores bars with mini fires for marshmallow roasting, cupcake decorating stations, build an ice cream sandwich bar, snow cone stations and ice cream sundae bars allow guests to make their dessert exactly how they want it while being entertained! This is also an excellent option for your younger guests!

Shooters

Shooters are a fresh and beautiful way to present appetizers. Shooters now go beyond liquids, allowing almost any small portion of food to be presented beautifully in a shot glass. Soup shooters are a popular option, and some creative chefs are even topping them with a mini grilled cheese. Mexican style dip can be layered into a shooter glass and served with tortilla chips. With the wealth of fresh seafood in the Outer Banks, shrimp cocktail or ceviche shooters are sure to be a popular choice.

Dessert shooters are a fun way to allow guests to try a little of everything. Shooters of milk topped with cookies or donuts are a favorite, as is the classic chocolate mousse shooter. A variety of pies and cakes may be creatively converted to shooter form, including lemon meringue pie, key lime pie, and strawberry shortcake.

If you re ready to think outside the box and wow your guests with any of the ideas mentioned above, our expert caterers can help you create the perfect culinary treat while showcasing our local cuisine. The Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors are eager to work with you to implement your vision, and don t forget if you have an idea or family recipe you d like to offer at your destination wedding, our caterers will make that happen as well!

What better way to kick-off the Outer Banks Wedding Association Wedding Weekend and Expo than a photography exhibit showing brides a local and artistic view of the picturesque Outer Banks? In an attempt to show those who may be first time visitors to this breathtaking stretch of coastline we are lucky enough to call home, The Dare County Arts Council has partnered with our talented photographers to host a photography exhibit.

The exhibit Stolen Moments: Highlighting and Honoring the Creativity and Artistry of Outer Banks Photographers is an excellent opportunity for brides to get a more in-depth and creative view of some of the same wedding photographers and vendors they will see at the OBWA Wedding Expo.

Often times, couples opt for more traditional photos, overlooking that creative image that was snapped in a fleeting and candid moment. However, these are the images that will stop a photographer dead in his or her tracks, as he or she takes a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sun s positioning, the natural lighting illuminating the bride s features, or the raw beauty of nature making an unexpected appearance in the image.
Hoping to gather a collection of these creative and natural moments, Dare County Arts Council Gallery Director, Faye Edwards encouraged photographers to submit images that captured hidden moments like the ones mentioned above and the creative minds of many OBWA photographers began to churn.

Mary Basnight, OBWA member and visionary behind Mary Basnight Photography, is thrilled with this artistic collaboration, I cannot fully express my excitement when I envision the possibilities that can be achieved when the Arts Council works on projects with complementary organizations, such as OBWA. I am a member of both groups and am excited to see the progressive movement toward promoting both traditional and nontraditional arts in our community.

While this exhibit runs from Jan 14 Jan 29, 2013, the gallery opening reception will be held on Friday, Jan 18^th at 6pm, allowing visiting brides the opportunity to enjoy a night out on the Outer Banks while garnering a sneak peek at the extraordinary work of many of the same photographers they will visit at the Expo.
This is the place to be on Friday night for the opening reception, exclaims Kate Pullen, Outer Banks Wedding Association President and one of the creative minds behind the husband/wife photography team at Daniel Pullen Photography.

So, after you have stopped by the OBWA Welcome Center to pick-up your tickets, Expo program and copy of the newly released Outer Banks Bride magazine, head over to this stunning collection of some of the finest photographers the world has to offer, and relish the fact that their creative vision is available to you, right here on the Outer Banks.

For more information on this exciting collaboration, visit www.darearts.org

The Outer Banks Wedding Association Wedding Weekend & Expo is just a few days away. Here is a schedule of the upcoming events! And don t forget to attend the Gallery Opening at the Dare County Arts Council on Friday night after you grab your tickets, expo program and copy of Outer Banks Bride magazine, of course!

Friday, Jan. 18

2300 S. Croatan Hwy, Milepost 10, Nags Head

Saturday, Jan. 19

Tour the beautiful Outer Banks. Our wedding professionals have opened their doors to showcase ceremony and reception sites throughout the area. View the venues, meet the staff, sample foods and discover other vendors at each location. Many stops will offer free samples, opportunities to enter for giveaways and discounts. See the tour schedule in the expo program for full details.

11 am - 2 pm Expo "First Look"

First Flight Middle School & First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills
Come to meet your priority vendors and discover all that is available to pursue during your weekend on the Outer Banks.

Giveaway Drawings, at the Saturday Expo:

12 pm Middle School Exhibition Area

1 pm - High School Foyer, OBWA Booth 5 pm - 9 pm Wedding Tour, "An Engaging Night on the Town"

Many of our vendors are opening their doors for an evening of delicious food, drinks and entertainment. With discounts and giveaways available, our vendors will welcome you to the Outer Banks with style. See the tour schedule for details and to plan your schedule.

Sunday, Jan. 20

First Flight Middle School & First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills
Sample delicious food and desserts, meet welcoming vendors and begin your wedding plans to celebrate your love on the Outer Banks.

Giveaway Drawings, at the Sunday Expo:

11 am Middle School Exhibition Area

12 pm High School Foyer, OBWA Booth

1 pm Middle School Exhibition Area

2 pm High School Foyer, OBWA Booth

3.45 pm 2013 Dream Wedding Giveaway, Middle School
The 2013 Dream Wedding will be presented by the 2012 Dream Wedding couple, Brad & Shana.

Wondering what to expect at the upcoming Outer Banks Wedding Association's Wedding Weekend & Expo on Jan. 19-20, 2013? Download your own digital copy of the Expo program to read the schedule of events, participating vendors, details on the Outer Banks and more!

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We look forward to seeing you at the Expo and the various events happening at venues located throughout the Outer Banks! Bring your mom, your girlfriends, your fiancee (even your future mother-in-law) and get ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams!

Speaking of dreams! Don't forget to enter to win the Outer Banks Dream Wedding Giveaway - a once in a lifetime event valued at $100,000!

Whether you're an Outer Banks regular, or this is your first time visiting this stunning place we are lucky enough to call home, everyone loves a good discount! Many of our accommodation vendors are offering incredible discounts during the OBWA Wedding Weekend & Expo.

Days Inn & Suites Mariner

Take 15% off any stay from January 18^th thru the night of January 20^th the weekend of the Outer Banks Wedding Association s Expo. This offer is valid on all room types and cannot be combined with any other offer. A complimentary hot breakfast is served featuring sausage, eggs and waffles. Call (252) 441-2021 and mention the Wedding Expo when calling to reserve for this special discount.

Days Inn Oceanfront Wright Brothers

Take 15% off any stay from January 18^th thru the night of January 20^th the weekend of the Outer Banks Wedding Association s Expo. This offer is valid on all room types and cannot be combined with any other offer. A complimentary hot breakfast is served featuring sausage, eggs and waffles. Call (252) 441-7211 and mention the Wedding Expo when calling to reserve for this special discount.

First Colony Inn

Our special will be $89 per night for any room the nights of Jan. 18, 19 & 20. Call (252) 441-2343.

Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk

The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a discounted rate of $75 per night. Call for reservations, 252-261-1290.

The Island Guesthouse & Cottages

The Island Guest & Cottages would love to offer expo brides a 10% discount for lodging. This includes rooms and the Guest House as well as cottages. You may visit our website, www.theislandmotel.com or call us at 252-473-2434 to make a reservation. Please mention the wedding expo for the discount. With the discount, rooms will start at $62 and the cottages start at $112.

Outer Banks Inn

We are offering a 20% discount to anyone coming in for the expo and mentioning it during the reservation process. Call (888) 322-9702 for reservations.

Ramada Plaza

Special Weekend Rates = $69 Ocean View Rooms, $59 Dune View, $49 Street View. Call (252) 441-1830 for reservations.

Sea Ranch Resort

We are offering an oceanfront room for $49.00 per night based on double occupancy; there is a two-night minimum required to receive this rate. We will also offer Oceanside rooms for $35.00. Lodging is based on availability and the rates do not include occupancy tax. Call (252) 715-1009 for reservations.

Tips for a successful Wedding Weekend on the Outer Banks 1. Review your registration packet. The full directory, available in Outer Banks Bride, and the maps, available in the program, will help you plan your weekend.

2. Review all of the tour materials. Some vendors will be open for both the morning and evening tours. Plan to visit with vendors during the day and select some of the evening vendors for your dinner plans. Note: with 40 miles between each lighthouse it would be a great feat to travel the whole tour in one day, but it would not allow you time to review the ceremony/reception sites or visit the wedding professional open houses along the tour.

For the Expo, you can begin in either the middle school or the high school, but plan on attending both venues so you don t miss out on any of the vendors. OBWA member transportation companies, Island Limousine & Taxi and Sandy Beach Tours, will be available to shuttle guests between the schools, so plan appropriately.

3. Dress with care. Coats may be required outside, but inside the building will be warm, so dress in layers that will allow you to adapt as needed. Remember, it will be a long day and you want to dress comfortably so you will be able to focus your attention on finding what you need.

4. Come Prepared. With so many wedding category vendors available in one place, you need to devise a quick 30 second introduction to determine if each vendor can meet your basic needs. Therefore come prepared with your date, location, and a realistic number of guests. Presenting this information up front will allow the vendor to immediately determine if they are available for your date, if they service your location and whether their venue or business can support your guest list. Once these basics are established, then you can take the time to review what the vendor has to offer, but don t fall in love with the vendor just to find out they are not available.

5. Set up an email account specifically for your wedding planning. Provide this email address to allow for easily sorting all of the information received from the many vendors you meet.

6. Bring pre-printed address labels. This will allow you to quickly enter drawings and giveaways at vendor booths, include the wedding email address you have set up.

7. Come hungry! Many vendors offer amazing samples to taste, enough to keep you energized for the day.

Plan of Attack to Get the Most Out of the Expo 1. Prioritize. Make a list of the vendors you will need and prioritize who you need to meet first. Saturday s First Look Expo is the best opportunity to touch base with your priority vendors. Don t place your focus on vendors that you have already booked or whose services you don t require. Your time is limited, so focus on meeting and speaking with your high priorities first, then double back to meet the others if time warrants. Utilize your Vendor Map provided in your registration packet.

2. Questions? The OBWA vendors will be displaying their best work, so become inspired and ask questions. Remember these vendors want to work with you to create an amazing event, so they would love to hear your ideas and your feedback on their displays.

3. Focus. If you have determined that you plan to spend a larger portion of your budget on one area of the wedding, then focus on speaking with those vendors to determine the best options available for you.

4. Book it? or Not? Remember the 30 second commercial to determine if a vendor can meet your basic needs? What if you fall in love with the vendor, they are perfect and it feels right? Do you wait to meet a few others, or wait a few weeks to review the materials? Remember there will be hundreds of brides meeting Outer Banks vendors on Jan. 19-20 and your perfect fit may be their perfect fit. Come prepared to book a vendor if they are a fit, because tomorrow they may not be available. To ensure a vendor is right for you, ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.

5. Specials & Promotions. Many vendors will be offering Wedding Expo promotions that will offer a bonus for booking either that day or within a specified time after the expo weekend. Remember to ask, Do you have an Expo Promotion Special?

Dream Wedding Giveaway Don't miss the opportunity to win this once in a lifetime gift - a Dream Wedding using premier wedding vendors here on the Outer Banks. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled drawing. You must be present to win the Dream Wedding.