Jessica & James Wedding with The Proper Setting

How did you meet?

James and I met at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY in August of 2008. A mutual friend introduced us at dinner on the patio of a local restaurant and inn appropriately named, “The Colgate Inn.” Coincidentally, Meryl Streep was in town visiting the university with her daughter and was eating dinner just a few tables away from where we met.

How did you get engaged?

Even though Jess had an idea that James might propose soon, she was not prepared for what he had planned for their big night! James popped the question to Jess on bended knee after they hiked up to the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse at sunset on June 17, 2009. We were the only ones at the top and practically had to be forced down when the lighthouse closed for the evening. James waited for the most perfect night with the best sunset! We went to dinner at Nicolleta’s Italian Restaurant in Corolla and then celebrated with family.

Why OBX for your wedding day?

We chose the Outer Banks for our wedding day because we got engaged here. It was such a perfect way to capture our love and complete the circle. We got married exactly one year to the day from our engagement night! It will always have a special place in our hearts.

How did you decide on your ceremony and reception location?

We decided on the ceremony location because the Corolla Chapel is absolutely stunning and its location is perfect at the base of our favorite lighthouse. The reception location was a little bit more difficult to pinpoint—there are so many stunning houses! But we fell in love with Station One (rental through Corolla Classic Vacations) instantly.

How many guests did you have?

We had approximately 45 guests attend our special day.

How long did you allow for the wedding planning process?

We allowed for exactly one year—to the date!—to plan our perfect day.

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

We were adamant that the food taste wonderful, the photography be beautiful and the flowers and decorations complement our color scheme (Carolina blue and chocolate brown). We worked with Nannette Kallestad from the Proper Setting to put our day together and she helped us live out our dream day! We wanted the invitations and save the dates to set the formal yet fresh feel of our wedding. Oh the cake had to be yummy too—everyone remembers if the cake was dry so this cake had to taste heavenly!!

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

Besides kissing our new husband/bride for the first time, when the doors first opened before Jess walked down the aisle and met James’s teary eyes was something that we will never forget. To pick a favorite moment though would mean having to string the entire day together. We got to sneak a quick 15 together after photos and before the reception started to eat a plate of hors d’oeuvres (thanks Nannette and Eric!!) It was nice to just be us for a few minutes, to relax and marvel in our love.

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

We would stop looking at bride and wedding magazines about a month in advance. We would always find such fun and cute ideas for the wedding but one month out from the big day leaves no time to put the ideas into action. We knew our special day would be just perfect but the creative ideas in those magazines are almost addicting! Be confident in your decisions—they will be beautiful!

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

In the planning process, hire a wedding planner! Choose a photographer you love—you might just become friends with them. They can make you smile and laugh when you thought you couldn’t and prevent you from crying when you know you don’t want to.
We had no idea how to plan a wedding in the Outer Banks—we did not know vendors, locations and timelines. Planners are experts and they will listen to you and make your day—and both of you—sparkle! He or she will let you enjoy your special day with the help of your maid of honor and best man. You get one wedding day—enjoy it!