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Romantic Anniversary Session With Gorgeous Traditional Korean Gown

I declare myself an anniversary shoot aficionado; I never get sick of them, so filled with love. With our crazy busy lives, we need these reminders to step back and reflect on the goodness before us. This couple did just that in honor of their one year wedding anniversary, at the photogenic Bald Head Island and Faith Teasley was there to capture the magic – fall in love with these cuties in our Vault right this way

From Faith TeasleyJustine and Dan celebrated their first anniversary by having an adventure on Bald Head Island. Together, we rode a ferry and rented a golf cart to wander all around the island. From the Old Baldy Lighthouse to the marsh, to the ocean and Spanish moss trees… Bald Head Island is truly a magical place. Dan brought his violin to the beach to serenade his beautiful bride. Justine wore a gorgeous Hanbok dress to embrace tradition. The combination of winter light, songs by the sea, the salty air, and a couple madly in love made for one perfect anniversary session.
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Peruse more anniversary inspiration here!

Photography: Faith Teasley Photography | Film Processing: Indie Film Lab

Romantic Beach Club Wedding

This is one of those beyond beautiful weddings. The sort of wedding that starts and ends with gorgeous details and is filled to the brim with moments that will make you smile.  But beyond the lush blooms, breathtaking backdrop and stunning gown is the inspiring story of love, loss, hope and happiness… and family coming together to celebrate what marriage is really all about.  See it all captured brilliantly by Julia Wade in THE VAULT.

From Julia Wade… I will never forget this day. It truly was the highlight of my 2015, so I’m really grateful to see it on the pages of SMP. My sweet bride Catherine had lost her mother Summer 2014 to cancer, and had a quiet wedding weeks before she passed. Their original wedding date of 5/2/15 affectionately became their “renup”. The bond between Catherine and Brooks was tangible and Bald Head Island shined for them. I will always cherish the photographs we made at the shoals at sunset.. something incredible happened with the light and the birds and between to the two of them. It was a gift to photograph..I am so grateful for clients that will let me in and truly tell their story. Enjoy.

Photography: Julia Wade Photography | Floral Design: Kim Fisher Designs | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Shoals Club | Hair + Makeup: Pure Hair | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Venue: Shoals Club | Photography - Assistance: JJ Horton Photography

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Bald Head Island Beach Wedding in North Carolina

Ben and Blair met at a pool party, but not in the way you’d expect! It turns out Blair’s then two-year-old son had a hand in making the introduction, and their sweet story is what makes this production by Light Cannon Films magical to watch. We were moved to tears by their letters to each other, cheering them on at their fairy tale chapel wedding, and can’t wait to share their happily ever after with you all!

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From Light Cannon FilmsAs far as a wedding day is concerned, this one had it all. Rain, for good luck. Then a rainbow. A lighthouse, the natural beauty of Carolina’s islands, historic oaks… a stunning bride, an adoring groom. But best of all was the Morels’ story.

Ben is an ER doctor, and Blaire’s an ER nurse. They met at a pool party, but they were introduced by Blaire’s sweet son Eason, then only two years old. Ben and Eason had already become friends, playing in the water, when Ben asked (in some version), “By the way, where’s your Mom?” Blaire gets stars in her eyes when she talks about the friendship between her son and her (now) husband, how they are best friends and so alike.

Ben and Blaire’s admiration and friendship is only rivaled by their romance. They are the picture of love and watching them interact overwhelms us with joy that they have truly found the one their souls desired.

Photography: Eric Boneske Photography | Cinematography: Light Cannon Films | Wedding Dress: Kitty Chen Couture | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Makeup: Bailey Upchurch | Hair: Head To Toe Salon | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Venue: Maritime Market

Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties
Nautical Bald Head Island Wedding Inspiration

I’ve not yet had the chance to visit Bald Head Island. But after being entranced by this magical shoot from Rachel Red Photography and Kickstand Events, I’m thinking that adding it this secluded destination to my travel wish list might be a good idea. A bit of romance, glitz and glam fits so well with the pristine beachy backdrop of the Bald Head Island Club. Explore the gallery for even more!

Colors
Styles
Vintage

From Rachel Red Photography…Some of the best wedding vendors in the Wilmington area collaborated on a romantic, fine art inspired shoot for Bald Head Island Club and their potential clients. The colors were picked directly from the decor at the Club. We went with a slightly bohemian hairstyle with braids for the bride and bridesmaid to keep things casual for the Bald Head Island feel. One of my favorite things about the island is that it is a golf cart only island. There are no cars allowed. It was important that we took a few photos with the Rolls Royce golf cart that can be rented for the wedding day instead of a getaway car. A vintage engagement ring and blueberry accents were among some of the favorite details. Jaimie designed the look with the help of Rachel Red Photography. Jaimie was also the bride model in the photos!

Photography: Rachel Red Photography | Event Design: Kickstand Events | Floral Design: Kickstand Events | Wedding Dress: The Wedding Dress Shoppe | Cake: Imaginary Cakes | Makeup Artist: Harbour Club Day Spa | Hair Stylist: Harbour Club Day Spa | Wedding Venue: Bald Head Island Club | Linens: Party Suppliers & Rentals

Romantic Pink & Green Wedding at Bald Head Island Club

There are romantic weddings, and then there is this love-filled beauty of a day at the Bald Head Island Club, which is sort of the epitome of romance with soft pink and green hues, amazing paper goods from Swiss Cottage Designs and a whole lot of beautiful florals from Kim Fisher Designs.  In other words, it’s a love-fest overload, all captured in breathtaking images by Theo Milo.  See them all here.

From the Bride… I haven’t lived in North Carolina in over ten years, but when I got engaged in July of 2012 the only place that felt right to get married was the Carolinas. My husbands family is in Michigan and our friends are scattered throughout the Midwest and up and down the East Coast, so we wanted to pick a location that people would see as a mini vacation. Since we only get to see our own families and close friends a few times a year, it was also important to spend time with them the entire weekend. When I came across the Bald Head Island Club my mind was pretty much made up. Who wouldn’t want to be on an island with all of their favorite people for 72 hrs? Luckily, my husband agreed and after a trip to the island in September 2012 my parents were on board, too.

The island in itself is in my opinion one of the most special places in the Southeast. The mix of palm trees, peaceful beaches, and old oaks with spanish moss create the perfect backdrop for a wedding. The “golf carts only” rule is an added bonus. Once you step off the ferry it is impossible not to be relaxed. After meeting Shauna at the Bald Head Island Club, we were immediately put at ease and the idea of planning a destination wedding seemed within reach. Since I am originally from the western part of NC, I really leaned on Shauna to help give suggestions on local vendors. I was amazed at the amount of talent in the surrounding areas, especially Wilmington, NC. The first vendor that I booked after reserving the club was Theo Milo. His photographs are the perfect combination of classic and modern. With the Club and Theo on board our theme pretty much fell into place and selecting vendors from that point came easy. We knew we wanted the wedding to be classic and romantic with a blush, gray, and sage green color scheme. It was also important that the entire weekend especially our wedding day be very relaxed and not too formal.

Looking back on our wedding weekend it kind of feels like I was floating on a cloud the whole time and I 100% have our location to thank for that. The extended time that we had to relax on the beach, eat delicious meals, and celebrate with our guests was by far the best part of the weekend. The wedding itself was just the cherry on top.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Flowers: Kim Fisher Designs | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Ceremony Venue: Old Baldy Lighthouse | Reception Venue: Bald Head Island Club | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Make up: Maari Wohlhueter | Hair Stylist: Beauty Bar Boutique | DJ: DJ Professionals | Save the dates: Swiss Cottage Designs | Wedding Logo: Swiss Cottage Designs

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Bald Head Island Wedding from Theo Milo Photography

You know that J Lo movie The Wedding Planner? Slightly embarrassing confession, but it’s one of my faves. 1) because a sucker for any and all romantic comedies and 2) because when a wedding planner gets to celebrate her own wedding. Well, that’s pretty darn special. Enter, this sweet Bald Head Island Club affair where the beaming bride happens to be one of the creative forces behind Kickstand Events. Theo Milo and Inkspot Crow Films captured her perfect day, and there’s lots more pretty to be found right here.

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From the Bride…As a wedding planner and designer at Kickstand Events, planning my wedding started very easy because I knew the exact vendors I wanted to work with!  Theo Milo Photography and Inkspot Crow Films were a perfect combination to capturing my wedding in more ways than one.  I knew Kim Fisher Designs was the right choice to create my flowers because of her experience and design skills.  All I had to tell her were my colors and that I wanted something new and different, and boy, she didn’t disappoint.  I loved the bright coral color in my floral arrangements and the deep teal of the bridesmaid dresses combined together, the pairing of the two make me so happy!  Nick and I also knew we wanted to write our own vows, something I had been looking forward to saying to him for such a long time.  We had been dating for 5 years before we got engaged, then another year for the engagement, but 6 years flew by faster than I knew it would.  

I spent a lot of time putting together details in the paper products, escort display, little silver bells for the ceremony, the layout of the event, and so many other things that I really can’t remember anymore–but the real payoff was seeing everything come together and the reminder once I saw my stunning wedding photos and incredible wedding video.  I spent countless hours organizing and making sure everything was going to be finished, then after all was said and done, I’m happy I spent the time because everything was so beautiful!

The Bald Head Island Club was the most perfect location for Nick and me.  It had a destination feeling without being too far away.  Bald Head Island doesn’t allow any regular passenger vehicles, only golf carts, so naturally, I chose a Rolls Royce Golf cart to take to and from my wedding.  Shauna at the Bald Head Island Club was seriously a Godsend.  She made so much of the planning seamless and easy–I couldn’t have done it without her.  Overall, my wedding was perfect because of the vendors I chose.  I can’t say enough good things about all of them!

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Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Floral Design: Kim Fisher Designs | Ceremony + Reception Location: Bald Head Island Club | Paper Products: Kickstand Events | Linens: CE Rentals | Dance Floor: Rent A Tent | Photobooth: The Soapbox | Wedding Cake: Imaginary Friends Bakery | Cinematography: Inkspot Crow Films | DJ: Brian Hood | Bridesmaid Dresses: Butter by Nadia via Minx Asheville  | Wedding Dress: Lazaro via  Victorian Rose Bridals | Officiant: Kevin Martin of Get Married NC

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Bald Head Island Wedding from Julia Wade Photography

Meandering boardwalks, fans of palm and white wash buildings set the scene for this down-to-earth soiree. Although there were crowds of family and friends witnessing these love birds’ special day, Julia Wade Photography‘s photos suggest that it was just the happy couple on this gorgeous island soaking up every single second of the best day of their lives. Oh, and all the details! The butterfly hovering in some tall grass and the young couples’ bare toes in the sand make you appreciate what love is simply all about, which is to be present. So before you start your busy week, talk a walk in the gallery and remember to just breathe.


From Julia Wade Photography… If I could have created and wished for the perfect day, the perfect COUPLE, the perfect venue, and the perfect wedding.. this is it. Bald Head Island, known for its dripping southern Spanish moss, its glorious, quiet views of the ocean and its tucked away appeal (golf carts only please!) provided an exquisite and incredible day for Jacob and Kristin.

The best part of their wedding was not their incredible first look, or Kristin’s absolutely perfect Claire Pettibone gown, or even the amazing bridal party that was all smiles in their fabulous gray and purples.. It was Jacob and Kristin’s ability to savor each moment of their wedding. Their awareness of how special this day was and how they needed to breathe every minute. And they did.

Wedding Photography: Julia Wade Photography / Wedding Venue: Shoals Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Wedding Planning: Joyce Nelson / Floral Design: Kim Fisher Designs / Wedding Cinematography: Merigo Films / Donuts: The Boiling Springs Lake Doughnut Shop / Band: The Troupers via EastCoast Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Bride’s Earrings: Alexis Bittar’s Siyabona Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Swoon / Hair + Makeup: Pure Hair Studio

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Bald Head Island Wedding from Theo Milo Photography

My sister just recently transplanted herself to the Carolinas and I must say, it’s one of the sweetest spots I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Some of the friendliest people on the planet call the Carolinas home and one look at this wedding and it’s obvious that some of the most talented vendors call North Carolina home as well. From the bright, peppy details crafted by Kickstand Events to the photographs by Theo Milo Photography that showcase one show-stopper of a day, this is a study in Bald Head Island soiréeing done so so right. See it all right here.

From the Bride… Josh and I had two requirements when it came to our wedding location. We wanted the entire wedding to be outdoors, and we wanted to trap our family and close friends in a small place for an extended period of time. Bald Head Island was a perfect fit. Many family members and friends were able to spend the entire week with us lounging and playing games on the beach, cooking out and getting to know each other.  The week leading up to our wedding day was both the best and most relaxing week of our lives!

In the early stages of wedding planning, we realized that we had a bit of a dilemma: we wanted to be pretty hands-off, but we also wanted the wedding to feel like us and be comfortable for family and friends. Josh and I wanted to focus primarily on the ceremony, food, music and small details that would be important and fun for our families. I wore my mom’s veil and earrings; we wrote most of the ceremony and vows; and we chose simple comfort foods, delicious craft beers and homemade ice cream sandwiches to serve our guests at the end of the night. Our brother-in-law, otherwise known as DJ Ant Boogie, kept people on the dance floor. These are a few of the details that we wanted to get right, but we were clueless about actual design and execution.

Luckily, we found Kickstand Events. We may have given them two adjectives — bright and fun — and somehow they read our minds! We loved their style and were able trust them throughout the process. This included during the process of choosing a photographer.  Theo, the owner of Theo Milo Photography, is not only insanely talented and professional, but also easy-going and fun to work with! I mention these standout professionals because Kickstand created an atmosphere that allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the day, and Theo was able to capture incredible memories in tangible form. We were able to fully focus on the important parts of our wedding day: each other, our families and our closest friends. When you combine that with a beautiful location and a warm sunny week at the beach, there isn’t much more that you can ask for to celebrate marrying your favorite person in the world! 

Wedding Photography: Theo Milo Photography / Ceremony: Old Baldy Lighthouse in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Reception + Catering: Harborside Pavilion at Shoals Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: Kickstand Events / Wedding Cake: Sue Wiechman / Ceremony Music: Kathy Meyer / DJ: Anthony Bryant / Lighting: High Performance Lighting / Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza via J Major’s Bridal Boutique / Bride’s Veil + Earrings: Her Mother’s / Hair + Makeup: Island Retreat Spa and Salon / Bridesmaid’s Dress: Anthropologie / Groom’s Tuxedo: J.Crew

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Bald Head Island Wedding by Anne Liles Photography

Charming, lovely, darling – these adjectives can all be assigned to this pretty little party captured by Anne Liles Photography, but it’s not until you see every carefully curated detail that you realize the most important part of this wedding is the love between two high school sweethearts. It doesn’t get more charming than that, this Bald Head beauty couldn’t be more lovely and this duo couldn’t be more darling – so you are in for a real treat in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Overall, I just wanted a day full of family and love. Family is so important to both Jason and me. It was important for our wedding to reflect that. My matron of honor, Maggie, she and I have been best friends since we were three. I knew she would stand next to me on my wedding day. However, the only other people I could imagine standing with me were my brothers. I love my brothers more than anything, and it was special to have them stand next to me on that day. My uncle Bob officiated our wedding. He baptized me as a baby, and I wanted him to be the one to marry Jason and me.

Jason and I met when I was 13 and he was 14. We dated for a very short time in what could best be described as a puppy love stage. When Jason was going into his sophomore year, and I was going into my freshman year, we started talking again and had more of a traditional courtship. By the time Jason’s senior year rolled around, we had some major life changes about to come our way. He was headed off to college, and my dad had just accepted a new job which would require my mom and I to move to Raleigh, North Carolina. At that time, Jason chose to go to Clemson University. I was a little disappointed he didn’t choose a school closer to Raleigh, but as fate would have it, a year later I began school at Western Carolina University (a short hour and twenty minute drive to Clemson). During my senior year of high school, Jason visited me a few times and vice versa. When Jason and I were both in college, we visited each other nearly every weekend. After dating in college, Jason finally graduated and moved back home for a short period of time. I knew that I would be attending graduate school at Western Carolina, and Jason applied for graduate school there too. We were finally at the same school in the same town. After a year of firsts and not killing each other, Jason and I knew the path we were on: marriage. One spring weekend, my parents came up to visit, and Jason asked for my dad’s permission for my hand in marriage. After exams that spring semester (2010), Jason and I took a trip to Asheville, NC to a bed and breakfast to celebrate. On Saturday, May 9th, after a romantic dinner, we took a walk down to this little pond behind the property. Jason was so nervous that I even asked him if he was tired from the VERY short stroll down to the pond. Finally, he got down on one knee and asked, “Will you be my wife?” I was stunned at first, but quickly realized what was going on and happily said, “Of course!”

My shoes were nothing special, just some cheapos from Dillard’s. They were on sale, seemed to match the dress and were relatively comfortable. My flip-flops … now that’s a story. My Aunt Tami (who lives in NYC) was sitting at a bar next to this lady. They ended up chatting and discussed the businesses they were in. This lady makes specialized flip-flops. So my aunt had her make me a pair! It was a wonderful surprise! My earrings were my “something borrowed.” They were the same earrings my sister-in-law wore six years ago at her wedding when she married my oldest brother. It was special to be able to share that with her. I had a piece of my mom’s veil rolled up that I pinned to by bouquet as my “something old”. It was a last minutes idea. I have always loved my mom’s veil because it had daises along the border. So she and I cut out some of the veil and created a little sentimental accessory. My hairpiece was one of my favorite pieces! I think it added a dramatic but yet sassy flare to the day. It made me feel “beachy” without being on the beach. 

Wedding Photography: Anne Liles Photography (Formerly Anne McGowan Photography) / Ceremony: The Village Chapel of Bald Head Island in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Reception: The Shoals Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Floral + Event Design: Kim Fisher Designs / Officiant: The Bride’s Uncle / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Cakes by the Norwoods / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge / Bride’s Heels: Dillards / Bride’s Custom Flip-Flops: Tracey Asai Designs / Men’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank / Men’s Ties: Vineyard Vines

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Bald Head Island Wedding by Harwell Photography

For this wedding blogger, who also happens to fully embrace her obsession with all things pink, what could be better than a blush-hued wedding dress, with layer upon layer of the most kissable fabric ruffles a girl could ever want? Add to that ruffle chair covers, gorgeous flowers and a hold-your-breath beautiful love story and well, you have the recipe for SMP gold. Photographed by Jeremy Harwell with decor by Shay Brown Events, we heart this wedding. Yep, we heart it big time. And there is so much more right here.













Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… When I discovered Bald Head Island in North Carolina, I was elated! My husband David and I have a wonderful beach house in Atlantic Beach, and North Carolina is my father’s home state! It was a dream location for the both of us. We rented an absolutely breathtaking house, La Vita Bruta, for the week of the wedding. The weekend started of with our rehearsal dinner at the picturesque Shoals Club. David’s nieces and nephews put on quite the show and created skits and musical numbers that would rival anything on Broadway. They had been practicing and working on their costumes for months. It was incredibly entertaining and so heartfelt, and it really started the weekend off with the perfected combination of humor and love. Every guest was so impressed with their level of professionalism.

We owe so so much to our photographer, Jeremy Harwell. I had complete confidence is his talent and artistic vision and if anything he surpassed what I was expecting. He was there for the rehearsal dinner, the wedding day, and took pictures the day after the wedding as well. He absolutely captured how fortunate David and I are to have such wonderfully loving families, friends  and mostly to have each other. I had an amazingly talented wedding planner, Shay Brown, who turned my blush, romantic and intimate vision into a reality. She was extraordinary in her ability to make me feel relaxed while taking care of all the little details. My dress was a blush color and has a romantic soft feel that we wanted to be reflected throughout all the elements in the wedding. The flowers were stunningly beautiful, incorporating blush pinks, shades of white and a deep blue that really made the pink pop. Shay and her assistant Amy were a dream to work with and they paid attention to every detail. I was able to completely trust them to help me create my dream wedding. I realized that I didn’t have something borrowed or something blue the day of the wedding, and when we arrived at the Club I found that my mom had secretly pinned a sapphire and diamond pin that my father had given her inside my dress with a note. It melted my heart and was the perfect surprise. My something old was two diamond shoe clips that belonged to my grandmother. I had a friend make them into cuff bracelets that I was able to wear with my wedding dress.

One of David’s closest friends, Mark, married us. Standing in front of our family and friends was the most overwhelming feeling of love and support that I have ever experienced. Afterward, we sipped a little champagne with our wedding party, and then David and I went to take pictures with Jeremy while the guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. I was so desperate to get back to our guest and celebrate that I asked Jeremy if we could dress in our wedding clothes the next day and take some more pictures. He was absolutely willing, and even though my new groom was less than thrilled, I am incredibly happy that we were able to take some more pictures the day after. We were both much more relaxed, we laughed a lot, and some of my favorite images are from the day after the wedding. We got married on Friday October 28th, and since it was Halloween weekend, I wanted to incorporate something fun without being too “costumey,” so we threw a Masquerade party at the rental house on Saturday night. Everyone was required to bring a mask, which was so much fun and really my favorite night of the weekend because I was able to relax and enjoy my friends. I am so thankful for all the vendors we used. It was the best weekend of my life, and above all I’m thankful for my father and my fiancé’s patience and generosity. I have never been happier.

Wedding Photography: Jeremy Harwell of Harwell Photography / Wedding Venue: Bald Head Island Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina / Event Design + Decor: Shay Brown Events / Flowers : BobbyMark’s Designs / Wedding Dress: White by Vera Wang / Seamstress: Gizzelle James (gizzellejamesinc@gmail.com) / Hair + Makeup: Cody Louise Pettry of Cody’s Wedding Creations/ Bride’s Shoes: Valentino / Bride Earrings: Anthropologie / Bride’s Bracelets: Custom-Made from Her Grandmother’s Vintage Diamond Shoe Clips / Antique Hair Brooch: The Bride’s Grandmother / Diamond + Sapphire Pin: The Bride’s Mother / Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Jewelry: J.Crew + J.Crew Crewcuts / Flower Girl Dress: J.Crew / Cake: Flower & Flour / Band: Liquid Pleasure / Decoupaged Glass Plates: The Bride’s Mother / Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Shoals Club / Wedding Invitations: Cheree Berry / Groom’s Tux: Brooks Brothers / Bride’s Necklace: Bloomingdale’s / Bride’s Clutch: The Bride’s Grandmother

Bald Head Island Wedding by Kellie Kano Photography

Is it possible to fall in love with a cake?  I think I stand here as proof that it is because I am head over heels gaga for the pretty pastry below.  The rest of this Parisian-inspired, Bald Head Island wedding by Kellie Kano Photography is organically chic and elegant dripping in all-natural romance.  I adore the mix of birch-wrapped vases, mercury glass and larger-than-life pink peonies.  Now how to get my hands on a slice of that cake!  Settle into the full gallery to see all the gorgeous details!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride…

Bald Head Island is a magical place. Just off the coast of North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, it offers untouched marshes, maritime forests, and miles of gorgeous beaches. You can’t drive on the island (no cars, just golf carts!) – and you have to take a ferry to get there. So you are forced to slow down as soon as you get to the dock at Southport. I always knew that BHI would be an amazing place to get married, and when I became engaged to a man who loves the beach and the coast of North Carolina as much as I do, our choice for a wedding location came pretty easily.

We were engaged in April of 2010, and after coordinating dates with several key vendors (had to have Kellie Kano!), we set our date for May 21, 2011.  Having just taken a trip to Paris, my inspiration came from a very Parisian chic photograph that I found on Style Me Pretty. It was a beautiful outdoor table scheme set with a blue linen tablecloth and a linen/burlap covered chair, finished with a charcoal and white ribbon. Kim Fisher was key in corralling my ideas. She captured my concepts for the reception even better than I could have imagined. Kim let the island itself dictate the overall style, keeping everything fresh and natural, down to the actual wedding colors. She even had sea oats and magnolia leaves in large urns on either side of us as we said our vows – so southern and gorgeous. Shauna Harris, the event planner at the Bald Head Island Club, was essential in making everything work. Not only was she someone to bounce ideas off of (we became fast email buddies), but I knew I could trust her completely. I was able to let go of all the nitty gritty details and just enjoy everything. (My advice to brides- get yourself a Shauna!)

My Father walked me down the aisle and also performed the ceremony. We said “I do” on the terrace with a view of the ocean, brilliant blue skies, and many happy tears.   The reception was the perfect culmination to a beautiful weekend. Our band, TFC, was bananas! They made the party from beginning to end – there wasn’t a moment when the dance floor wasn’t crowded with people. They even learned my parent’s song so we could surprise them with a chance to have the “first dance” they had always wanted at their own reception. We left the club that night with people cheering and singing the UNC fight song (we both went to Carolina), waving Tarheel blue pom-poms and eating paper bags full of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. What a way to end a weekend filled with so much joy. Having all the people we love most in the world in that one place was just precious to us – nothing short of heaven.

Photography: Kellie Kano Photography / Venue: Bald Head Island Club / Event Planner: Shauna Harris of the Bald Head Island Club / Dress: Amsale / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Flowers: Kim Fisher Designs / Cake: Flower & Flour / Band: The TFC Band / Hitched Banner: Minimega

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Bald Head Island Wedding by Joey + Jessica Photographs

I want everyday to look like this wedding. It’s the perfect combination of modern and classic with a splash of freshness. I suppose if Salt Harbor Designs followed me around to make sure the day looked effortlessly gorgeous, I spent my day at Bald Head Island Club and I had Joey + Jessica there to capture every moment – that could be possible. Lucky for this adorable bride and groom, that was exactly the case. Believe me when I say (and when do I lead you astray?) you will want to spend a good part of your day in this gallery.

click here for the full wedding gallery!

We live in New York City, but our families are scattered between Georgia and North Carolina.  We selected Bald Head Island, North Carolina because our families live nearby, but the area is relatively accessible from New York by a short, direct flight into Wilmington.  And it is gorgeous.  We wanted a traditional wedding followed by a formal dinner reception – just timeless and simple.  Nothing too coordinated or gimmicky, and we never developed an overarching theme or wedding colors or anything like that.  We got married at the Bald Head village chapel, which is nestled among trees dripping with Spanish moss and surrounded by huge hydrangea bushes.  We hardly decorated the church at all, except for a few pew markers.  I wore a strapless trumpet gown detailed with lace panels, a traditional long veil with duster, and carried an all-white bouquet.  Rob, the groomsmen, and our fathers wore tuxedos.  The bridesmaids wore navy cocktail dresses.

The reception was at the Bald Head Island golf club, which has a spacious outdoor terrace facing towards the ocean. We put the bar, the band, and the dance floor all on the terrace, and the event designer decorated the space with lanterns, couches, and cocktail tables to create an intimate atmosphere.  Hydrangea flower arrangements and centerpieces referenced the Carolinas.  Escort cards and tables names injected something of New York into the event.  These appropriated subway graphics and were indexed to neighborhoods, buildings, and places in NYC that are meaningful to us, such as our engagement spot (Bayard Building) or professional connections (Wall Street, Morningside Heights).  Escort cards became metro cards and tables destinations.

Instead of going with a conventional wedding band or DJ, we hired Atlanta-based band Banks & Shane.  I grew up listening to them play southern rock covers, like Georgia on My Mind or Brown Eyed Girl, and having them there was like being transported back to my childhood.  Everyone from my hometown recognized them immediately and the music appealed to almost all ages.  Instead of making song lists or choreographing dances, I just let them do their thing: crack hilarious jokes between singing great songs.  I was a little nervous that eschewing the typical organizational role that a DJ provides, like making announcements about first dances, cake cutting, and speeches, would result in confusion and disorder.  But in the end, the unscripted, spontaneous quality of the band was one of the best aspects of the reception.  We avoided cheesy, predictable announcements and songs and just had a blast.  It was definitely one of our better decisions!  In hiring the other vendors, it was surprisingly difficult to find artists who could balance subtle, classic styling with a sense of modernity and freshness.  So we spent a lot of time researching and interviewing photographers, florists, and event designers in order to find creative people whose artistic visions resonated with ours.  DIY projects are not our strength, and so we wanted a team of people we could trust to handle the details for us.  For brides comfortable delegating, this strategy really paid off for us.  It was such a relief not to have to worry about candles, linens, menus, programs, centerpieces, photo albums, or whatever, especially in the days leading up to the wedding.

With that said, the one wedding detail that was very important for me was to bring my late mother’s spirit into the wedding.  She passed away four years ago, and I wanted to honor her memory in a way that felt uplifting and emphasized her presence, not her absence.  I have a brother and sister who were both in the wedding, so I had the florist incorporate gardenias, my mom’s favorite flower, into our bouquets and boutonnière.  Gardenias are very fragrant so we could smell them all night.  I wore her blue aquamarine ring, carried her vintage purse, and we printed a dedication to her in the program.  Probably the most special way that I honored my mother’s memory was to have lace from her wedding gown made into handkerchiefs, which I gave to my brother and sister before the ceremony (and kept one for myself).  These were useful when tears started flowing, but more meaningful is that they can be saved and hopefully passed down to our own children one day.

Photography: Joey + Jessica / Reception & Catering: Bald Head Island Club / Floral & Event Design: Salt Harbor Designs / Gown: Jenny Lee, from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Rings: De Beers / Hair: done by friend / Makeup: Sister applied, MAC Cosmetics / Event coordinator (day of): Lindsey Cheek / Band: Banks & Shane / Cake: Crumb de la Crumb

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Bald Head Island Wedding

It’s been a completely awe inspiring day of wedding goodness on SMP. One beauty after another, each with their own style stamp, their own personalities and charms. Well, we’re ending the day with one of the loveliest. Brought to you by photographer Anne McGowan, this little wedding is quite possibly the sweetest day we’ve seen in a long time. And simply put, it begins and ends with the bride’s GORGEOUS dress. Click here to see even more.

bald head island wedding

bald head island wedding

bald head island wedding

click here to see the full wedding gallery!

From Anne McGowan…This was one amazing day. I first met Ann Yates mother and father last winter and felt instantly at ease. With their family enjoyment comes first- and they really want everyone to have a good time no matter what you’re doing We decided a first look would be best so that Ann Yates and Jon could go on and enjoy the entire reception with their family and friends.

All weddings are surrounded by tons hoopla, emotion and a teensy bit of stress- but I have never seen anyone relax like Ann Yates did when she saw Jon for the first time that day. Jon was adorable- he wanted Ann Yates to tie his bow tie properly. Sweet love.

They were married on Bald Head in June at the Village Chapel. Ann Yates wore a custom Heidi Elnora gown with a collar- Ann Yates’ signature look. And Jon, the bow tie. It was a warm day to say the least (100 degrees!) but it didn’t hinder their joy one bit- another thing that I loved about working with them. Nothing but happiness. Kim Fisher provided the floral design (as well as the cute ampersand prop). Courtney Arnold of Stellar Events helped the day unfold beautifully. Everyone danced the night away at the Bald Head Island Club while Lindsey Cheek made sure that the evening ran smoothly.

Photography: Anne McGowan / Flowers & Event Design: Kim Fisher / Event Planning: Courtney Arnold of Stellar Events / Ceremony Location: Village Chapel Bald Head Island / Reception Location: Bald Head Island Club / Dress: Heidi Elnora / Bridesmaid Dresses: LulaKate

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Bald Head Island Wedding by KMI Photography

You know, these real wedding Wednesdays are a little bittersweet for me. On one hand, we get to show off all of the gorgeousness that comes into our in-box every day. But on the other, we move from one wedding to the next so quickly that just as I am falling in love with one of these gems, another wedding totally steals me away! It’s a love/hate thing. But the good news is that our galleries live on the blog forever and ever, so anytime you see something you heart, make sure to bookmark it for future inspiration! This next little beauty, photographed by KMI Photography, is coming to you from Bald Head Island. Click here to see the full shebang!

bald head island wedding

bald head island wedding

bald head island wedding

click here to see the full wedding gallery!

Kristina and Ross are such a fabulous couple!  They tied the knot June 4th, on picturesque Bald Head Island, NC. The couple beautifully attended to all the wedding day details and created a truly memorable experience for their guests!  White hydrangea and peonies were abundant in the decor,and the bride even wore a silk peony in her hair.  The bridesmaid’s sea foam green dresses were a lovely accent color subtly tied throughout the wedding decor, and very apropos given the beach setting :)

These two wanted to create a relaxed feel to their beach setting, without compromising understated elegance.  I think they definitely succeeded.  Kristina’s family is from Russia, and to honor her heritage there was lots of polka dancing at the reception!

Ceremony: Bald Head Island Chapel / Reception: Bald Head Island Club / Photography: KMI Photography, Wilmington, NC / Flowers: Wendy Wright from A Beautiful Event, Wilmington, NC / Caterer: Bald Head Island Club, Bald Head Island, NC / Cake: La Rita Lees from Carolina Cakes and Confectioners, Wilmington, NC / Dress: Amsale / Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew / Suits: JosABank / DJ: Jay Tatum from Active DJ Entertainment, Wilmington, NC

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
North Carolina Wedding by Salt Harbor Designs + Millie Holloman Photography

If the rehearsal dinner was prettier than a lot of the real weddings I’ve seen, well…you better believe that the wedding itself was off the charts gorgeous. It’s actually so beautifully styled that you just might mistake it for a photoshoot. But nope. This is a real, honest-to-goodness wedding, jam packed with not only lovely details, but elements that scream personality and total style. Design details that you’ll definitely want to steal. Crafted by Salt Harbor Designs and photographed by Rachel of Millie Holloman Photography, I honestly can’t get enough of this one. Click here to see SO many more details!

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

north carolina wedding

click here to see the full, gorgeous gallery!

From Jennifer of Salt Harbor Designs

What I love most about my job is the diversity of clients and the challenge that comes with having to stretch outside my design comfort zone.  There are very few clients that come along who embody my own personal style and I appreciate the differences.  But the moment Jessica and I first sat down to chat, I felt like for the first time, I had met a client who shared my exact same style–a combination of natural, comfortable, rustic, and simple.  We had a blast bouncing ideas off of each other.  I am not sure I have ever had a client so involved in the design, and I loved that we were able to work so closely together to create her special day.  Jessica added lots of hand-crafted items from pin-wheels to fabric flowers and we incorporated some of our own with hand painted signs, paper-covered cans, and signage.  In the end the look was very sweet and personal, and I was so happy to have the chance to work with such a great couple!

From Jessica (the bride)…

The overall theme of the wedding came from our love of all things Southern. Both Jeff and I grew up in small towns in Virginia/North Carolina and even though we live in Charlotte now we both love to go “back home” to our roots and enjoy a great “Pig Pickin” every now and again. We wanted to wedding to feel very southern but very elegant as well. Casual but a flair of sophistication at the same time. It was important that the wedding was a true reflection of who Jeff and I are and we didn’t want it to be over the top flashy because at the end of the day, we are just simple people. Plus, we wanted our guests to feel like they were “at home.” It ended up being the best of all that we love- Southern, Casual, Rustic, Elegant, Coastal!

Photography: Rachel from Millie Holloman Photography / Event Design, Florals, Paper: Salt Harbor Designs / Venue and Catering: Bald Head Island Club / Cake: Nicki’s Cakes / Day-of Direction: Jane Roberson / Rentals: Party Suppliers / Bride’s Dress: J.Majors Bridal Boutique in Charlotte, NC, A Romona Keveza dress / Bride’s Sashes: Handmade by Shea Designs / Bridesmaids Dresses: Melissa Sweet (also came from J. Majors Boutique) / Guys Suits: Harley’s Tuxedo and Gifts in Laurinburg, NC / Hair and make-up: Island Retreat Spa and Salon on Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island Wedding by Millie Holloman

I am kind of obsessed with Millie Holloman. And all of the genius photographers that she works with. Every time I get one of Millie’s gorgeous weddings in my email box, I get a little giddy. Millie and her team not only have a great sense of what Style Me Pretty is all about, they can each blow me away with their stunning photography. Case in point, the incredible From Inspiration to Reality Feature that Millie did for us.

Anyway. Amanda and Brent, two of our favorite Millie Holloman photographers, are responsible for today’s total gorgeosness.  We’ve picked our favorites from the affair but Millie has WAY more on her blog post here and here. Including little pops of color and whimsy that you will love!

millie holloman

millie holloman

millie holloman

The florist, Kim Fisher, has shared a few details…Looking back on my emails with Heather she mentioned that she wanted “relaxed , natural, contemporary and fun, an organic jovial elegance.” We used a canvas canopy for the ceremony that is cream with charcoal piping-it was a perfect accent to the creamy/charcoal parasols that the bridesmaids carried. Ceremony florals were verdant green and antique hydrangeas in white washed cone shaped baskets. We love to use these baskets on the island because they invoke the old baskets that fisherman used to carry on their backs. The bride carried white scabiosa,green scabiosa pods,open white lysianthus blossoms,lavender,oregano and green berries. Boutonnierres were scabiosa pods with lavender ,stems wrapped with a cream organza ribbon.

Photography : Brent & Amanda Holloman of Millie Holloman Photography () / Bald Head Island, Inc () / Florals & Design by Kim Fisher Designs / Cakes by Crumb de la Crumb / Music by DJ & Video Professionals /Rentals by Classic Party Rentals /  Getaway Car by The Cool Cart /  Dress by Vera Wang

To see the entire, gorgeous wedding, click right here! Thanks, Amanda and Brent!

North Carolina Beach Wedding On Bald Head Island

Kim of Kim Fisher Designs sent us today’s featured wedding and it has so many pretty details we know you’re going to love it!

Natalie & Kevin were married at Shoals Club on Bald Head Island in May.  Millie Holloman Photography was there to capture the beautiful memories!

Millie Holloman Photography

Photography by Millie Holloman
From the bride, Natalie …

Our wedding was held at the beautiful and serene Bald Head Island, located at the southern tip of the North Carolina barrier islands. The island features beaches, a lighthouse, a forest preserve, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and a turtle conservancy. The wedding was held at the Shoals Club Presentation Deck overlooking the peaceful oceanfront. The reception followed at the Shoals Club Event Pavilion with a wonderful mix of indoor and outdoor seating with Chinese lanterns to induce ambiance.
Photography by Millie Holloman
Hanging mirrored stars, lovely garden snapdragons, fans, parasols, pashminas and vintage whistles … so many clever touches!

Photography by Millie Holloman

More from Natalie …
Kevin and I were set up on a blind date in January 2007.  We were both so nervous but, the spark was almost immediate from the instant we laid eyes on each other!

Photography by Millie Holloman

Photography by Millie Holloman

I LOVE the way Natalie’s veil is ever-so-gently blown by the wind to hide their kiss!

And this precious photo of Natalie’s Dad … the proud papa!

Photography by Millie Holloman

I have now, literally spent hours on Millie Holloman’s website and blog. She is officially one of my new favorite photographers!! She has a really great group of photographers who have teamed up with her. You can see some of Rachel’s shots on this feature. Can’t wait to bring you more of Millie Holloman Photography’s weddings!!!

Photography by Millie Holloman

A huge thank-you to Kim ~ Kim Fisher Designs … outstanding work! (You guys should take a peek at  Kim’s blog. She has some photos of a few fantastic custom-made signs!)

Congratulations to Natalie and Kevin!  And to Millie and Rachel … we can’t wait to share more of your weddings with Style Me Pretty readers!