And the rain subsided

How did you meet?

Neither of us had plans for New Years Eve. Mike is from Westchester NY and I was from Vermont. Ironically, we both had friends that lived in the Albany, NY area, and at the last minute thought it would be a fun city to go out in. After checking out several places to ring in the New Year we ended at a nightclub that had live music and the cheapest cover charge Mike was with a friend and his girlfriend and was a bit of a third wheel. I was with a small group of my college friends. At around midnight, I happened to look over to see the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. Mike and I caught each others eyes and I approached him, seeing he was to shy. After lengthy conversation we exchanged numbers never thinking anything would become of it because of where each of us resided. After several months of phone conversations, trips back and forth to see one another we developed a relationship. Two months later I was moving to NY to live with Mike and here we are today husband and wife.

How did you get engaged?

Mike had planned a romantic weekend get-away to Albany (where we met) to one of our favorite places we had stayed at while dating. We enjoyed a day of relaxation, in-room massages and a romantic dinner. When we returned to the room, we enjoyed a nice jacuzzi bath by the fire place. We both love country music and the Country Music Awards happened to be on. If the night wasn’t already complete, Mike had a gift for me. After opening the box, there was a smaller box hidden under the gift. As I was opening the smaller box, Mike proceeded to get on one knee and after sweet words, asked me to marry him!!!!!

What made you choose the Outer Banks for your wedding?

We really wanted a beach wedding and we LOVE the Outer Banks as we had vacationed there in the past. We have made a lot of memories there and couldn’t imagine our special day being anywhere else!
How did you decide on your ceremony and reception location?
Well, our ceremony was on the beach of course and we used the Hampton Inn private beach access in Corolla. Our reception was at the Currituck Club and was decided on after one visit.

How many guests did you have?

We had 120 guest travel from all over Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Georgia, and as far as California.

How long did you allow for the wedding planning process?

A year and a half.

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

The week leading up to the wedding was beautiful. However, as the big day unfolded the clouds rolled in and the rain came down. I had to make last minute decisions to have my ceremony and reception indoors. I was devastated that my ideal wedding was not going as planned due to the weather. As Allie (Island Photography) was photographing my maids and I at our rental home, the rain suddenly started to subside. Allie decided she was going to take us to the beach for some shots. As we were on the beach, Allie was secretly speaking to her husband Mike who was already at the ceremony site with all our guests, Mike and his groomsmen. She got off the phone, looked at me and asked “do you want your beach wedding?” Because of their confidence that the rain would hold out, we got to have our dream BEACH wedding. That was our favorite part of our wedding day!

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

To really listen to and be OK with back-up plans due to possible inclement weather.

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

To have Mike and Allie (Island Photography) capture the special moments you will have forever of your special day!