Abby & Greg’s Wedding At The Hilton Garden Inn

How did you meet?

We met online in 2002. (I was 18, he was 20) We found out we both went to the University of Toledo. We remained friends for two years and became official in 2004. FINALLY, in June 2010 Greg proposed to me!

How did you get engaged?

It is NOT a romantic story. After being in a relationship for almost 6 years I was getting really annoyed that he hadn’t proposed. I knew he picked out my ring so it was not a surprise. On June 21st at like 12 in the morning Greg came upstairs when I was almost asleep and asked me to marry him. That’s all.

Why OBX for your wedding day?

The OBX has been a vaca spot for my family over the last decade. In 2009 I lost my 11 year old sister, Alexa, to brain cancer. She LOVED the beach and had told me how much she wanted us to be married there. It was a very easy decision to get married in NC. We live in Ohio so we weren’t really sure how many people would want to come. The planning was difficult at times but it all worked out in the end!

How did you decide on your ceremony and reception location?

I searched online and came across the Hilton. When I saw the pier house pictures I was sold! It was absolutely beautiful. I called up the HIlton and booked for the following year!

How many guests did you have?

80ish

How long did you allow for the wedding planning process?

One year.

Share with us some planning details that were important to you.

I really wanted a beautiful beach wedding with lots of bright colors! The Hitlon was a perfect place because we could have the wedding right beside the pier.

Looking back, what was your favorite moment of your wedding day?

My favorite moment was walking down the stairs to the beach with my dad. I was so happy to see my family and friends and even the strangers who stopped all over to watch the wedding! I walked down to “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. I basically bawled my eyes out though when I saw a picture of my little sister at the front of the aisle. Noone could have prepared me for that moment. It took a few minutes to calm down but we finally got the wedding started!

What advice would you give to another bride planning her wedding in the Outer Banks?

Book your wedding at the Hilton in Kitty Hawk. Miha Slegel was such an awesome help throughout the whole planning!

If you could do one thing different either in the planning or actual day, what would it be?

I honestly think my day was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed anything.

How did you choose your menu?

We chose a buffet with grilled mahi mahi and grilled chicken.

What was the style of service?

Buffet

Did you have a specialty drink at the bar?

We were on a budget and the Hilton really worked with us. We provided wine and beer.