Katie & Brandon’s Wedding with Island Photography

How did you meet?

We met in the fall semester of our Junior year at Virginia Tech in a business law class. Brandon sat next to me on the first day and we spent more time talking to each other than listening (oops?)

How did you get engaged?

Brandon came home (to Virginia) my first week at my new job and surprised me after work with roses, chocolate covered strawberries and my ring! It was just the two of us which was perfect and it was so romantic.

Why OBX for your wedding day?

My family has vacationed in the Outer Banks since before I was born and we purchased a home in Corolla when I was still in elementary school. I started living down here every summer starting when I was 13 and I considered the Outer Banks more of my home than anywhere else. Brandon moved down the summer after we graduated and it just seemed like the perfect place. It was also really nice to get to share our favorite place with all of our family and close friends.

How did you decide on your ceremony and reception location?

I worked at The Currituck Club for an internship in college and then again the summer after my senior year. I had worked countless weddings and I knew that every wedding I worked, everyone had such a great time. I couldn’t imagine being happier anywhere else and I knew that Ashley and the rest of the staff would make the day perfect.

How many guests did you have?

180

How long did you allow for the wedding planning process?

We got engaged in August and I started planning then. I had somewhere between 9 and 10 months and I think that was perfect. I was a hospitality major in college and I had worked weddings for 2 years so to be honest, the planning started years ago?
Share with us some planning details that were important to you. Ultimately I knew that the food, cocktails and music were the biggest deal but I really loved working on the small details that made my even unique from others. I had the most fun with our candy bar, our menu and the photo booth.

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

Wow I have to pick one?? I guess I?d have to say it was when we got to let loose and just dance with our friends and the band. Of course it was pretty awesome to get to see one of our groomsmen play the trombone and when my brother, Matt got to play the drums.

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

I would have vocalized my plans better. I had the whole event planned months before- In my head. At the last minute I was trying to explain my vision to everyone so I probably should have explained it as I went along.

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

Be prepared for ANY type of weather! The Outer Banks has some of the most fabulous weather I have ever seen but it also has some of the craziest. If you are having an outdoor wedding, plan ahead for tents, umbrellas for rain and wraps or shawls if the weather gets too cool. Also, no matter what happens, go with it! Weddings wouldn?t be as much fun without the crazy stories. My zipper broke on my dress and I have a funny story to tell everyone about how my dress was sewn, safety pinned and super glued on.

Did you have a theme or style that you carried through the planing process?

I tried to keep clean lines, bright colors and a fun summer theme. My colors kept everything crisp and the weather went perfectly with my theme?

How did you choose your menu?

I have worked weddings with all different types of food so I took note of the foods that people loved most at other weddings and incorporated them into my wedding. I knew I didn?t want a traditional buffet, so I went with a shrimp and grits station, pasta station, carving station and then salad and sliders. Everyone RAVED about the shrimp and grits and the carved prime rib so I think we made good choices on our menu.

Did you have a specialty drink at the bar?

I decided to just stick with an open bar but I tried to get a unique beer- Landshark. I wanted a somewhat light summer beer and I think everyone really enjoyed it.