Where do I even begin in describing this epic wedding day? Rachel and Bailey planned a gorgeous outdoor beach ceremony at Carolina Beach, and Wilmington weather had other plans for them. With a wildly rainy May, it tried to quite literally rain on their parade, but Rachel was DETERMINED to have her outdoor beach wedding. And I’m so glad her determination paid off because we had a (mostly) dry ceremony, and even though we got caught in some PRETTY HEAVY rain showers and there was a mad dash back to the hotel, we still managed to get some outdoor time and get some gorgeous photos and most importantly – have the BEST DAY EVER.

Rachel and Bailey have one of those intense kinds of loves where you can walk into a room and just feel it. I couldn’t stop watching them all day, and smiling the whole time. They had a brunch reception – which I just think MORE people should do, brunch food at a wedding AND mimosas AND Bloody Mary bars? Also unlimited coffee? Why isn’t this more common!? Then once the reception was over they had a beach ball exit instead of sparklers, which is now my new favorite thing, and then my absolute favorite part of the whole day happened – we walked down the Carolina Beach boardwalk (to many shouts of congratulations from the locals) and stopped at Britt’s Donuts, and then walked over to the Fat Pelican for some drinks. I love stepping outside of a “typical” wedding day and doing fun things like this, it makes it so much more unique, so much more memorable, and so FUN! We may have gotten caught in yet another rain storm, but nobody cared. What a day, what a couple. I’m so glad I got to be a part of their wedding day, it was totally worth getting soaked for!

Ceremony Venue: Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Reception Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Oceanfront Carolina Beach

Planner: Juju Lee Events

Florist: Radiant Bliss Designs

Videographer: Atlas Film & Photo

Cake: Apple Annie’s Bake Shop

Rentals: L & L Tent and Party Rentals

Dress: New York Bride & Groom

Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse

Hair & Makeup: Bridal Styles Beauty

DJ: FMG Events

Catering: Courtyard by Marriott Oceanfront Carolina Beach 

Officiant: Charlie Deer

Rings: Manly Bands & New World Diamonds