Danielle & Billy ~ Wedding with The Proper Setting

How did you meet?

We met through Danielle’s friend Theresa, who owns her own catering company. Danielle accompanied Theresa on a catering gig to the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department to help cook a birthday dinner for one of the guys. Introductions ensued, and the rest, as they say, is history.

How did you become engaged?

We were on a cruise to the Bahamas & the Caribbean. Having just finished the “formal dinner,” Billy had the head waiter bring another course. I took the cover off; Billy took the box off of the plate, opened the contents and proposed in front of a full dining room. I said “yes,” and the staff sang “Happy Engagement” to us in the tune of “Happy Birthday.”

Why did you chose an OBX wedding?

I had been visiting the Outer Banks since I was a little girl. Many of my best memories growing up were from our family beach trips. Billy had never been. I introduced him to things the OBX is known for: a slower pace, relaxed, barefoot locals and the rich history of the area. We simply found too many reasons why getting married at the beach was perfect for us!

How did you decide on Pine Island in Corolla for your location?

Our vision was to have a large home right on the beach. Knowing that wedding party invitee would have to make sacrifices and arrangements in their daily lives, we wanted to make the deal a little sweeter by offering them a week’s stay in an oceanfront home. We heard of the “Atlantis” home from Nannette Kallestad of The Proper Setting, our wedding planner.

How long did you allow for the wedding planning process?

I allowed 2 years for a variety of reasons. The main one being that the earlier I booked my vendors, the better chance I had at securing my first choices. Being a destination wedding and wanting everything perfect, I didn’t want to rush the process.

Please share some of your planning details that were important to you.

The most important theme that we carried through the event was to have everything be a reflection of both of us. From the cake topper, to the guy’s tuxedos, to the food we chose- each item, decision and end result had a significant meaning to us both.

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

My favorite moment was passing my HUGE planning binder, my lifeline of two years, to my matron of honor and saying “Here is all of the information you and Nannette may need.” What a relief! I realized I could not control things from here on out, and still enjoy my wedding day. And I was OK with it, as I was getting married to the most amazing man I know.

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

I wish my mom would have been with me the day I found my wedding dress. During a trip to Richmond to visit family & friends, my Maid of Honor and a Bridesmaid suggested we go dress shopping “just for fun.” It didn’t take long. Putting on the 6th dress, I knew it was “The Dress.” I cried as soon as it was on me. I didn’t want to take it off. I know Mom was excited for me, but I still wish she’d been with me.

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

Do it! The Outer Banks have romantic built in. Add the person you love and the most wonderful day of your life, and you have perfection! The small community of wedding vendors is incredible to work with. They love what they do and it shows in everything they do. They all have a fantastic working relationship with each other. They respect each other. It makes life easy to see everyone working together to make your day perfect for you! People will remember sharing your day, toes in the sand, the Atlantic crashing around them, the beach on your wedding day.