Corolla Chapel Sanderling Outer Banks wedding | Anne + Brian

From the purple orchids and yellow birds to the Guatemalan traditions infused into the ceremony, Anne and Brian created a wedding at Corolla Chapel in North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks that reflected their personalities and relationship in the truest form. Friends and loved ones filled the small chapel to standing-room-only capacity, all excited to witness the joining of two loves. Of two lives. So, in the midst of this outpouring of love and support, they promised to love each other through anything and to always give more. More joy, more happiness, more love. And more patience. All of which was put to the test when the skies gave way to a torrential downpour just as the reception was starting. What a great marital lesson in relaxing, taking things in stride, and working – together – to overcome an obstacle.

Anne and Brian, thank you for being you. Your wedding was simply perfect, despite the rain. Your sweet spirit and positive attitudes through it all made me fall in love with you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your love story. Much love…OXOX ~Renee

To the amazing Jenni Green with Studio Diana in DC…I am honored to have photographed this wedding with you. One of the things I love most about this crazy industry of ours is the camaraderie shared among peers. I am grateful to be associated with amazing photographers all over the country and am truly humbled when I’m called upon to help them photograph amazing weddings, like this one. I hope I did you proud with these images.

 

An early afternoon shower quickly gave way to a little sunshine just before the ceremony –just in time to capture some of the details that made their day unique and personal.

Built more than 100 years ago adjacent to the Currituck Lighthouse, the Corolla Chapel  is the most adorable little church – so fabulously quaint and full of charm and character (and just the way a southern wedding venue should be)! Anne chose purple and yellow as her accent colors and used a bird motif throughout the day. These antique frames hanging at the chapel’s entrance were painted and  filled lovely yellow fabric printed with birds to coordinate with her decor. Inside, these lovely “trees” with gorgeous purple orchids and yellow birds flanked the altar. 

More of those adorable little wooden signs – just perfect inside Corolla Chapel. This was the cutest thing I’ve seen for a ring bearer. No plain pillows here. Anne’s ring bear carried this adorable antique car filled with orchids and ribbons down the aisle. He was thrilled to get to keep the car afterwards too!

I loved the flowers Anne selected, especially her bouquet with the yellow flowers and feathers and the Billy Balls boutonniere.
Each guest received a bell as they entered the chapel. At the end of the ceremony, Anne and Brian walked back down the aisle together to the sound of hundreds of little bells. LoveloveLOVED this idea!

A happy Brian waits for his bride…
The Guatemalan lasso and veil ceremony was a very personal and touching moment in the day. After exchanging their vows, a gold rope was placed around their shoulders in the form of the infinity sign, symbolizing their everlasting union. After the lasso, a special prayer is said with the veil from the priest’s robe draped over the couple’s head and shoulders.

Sealed with a kiss….they’re officially a Mr. and Mrs. now!
Anne chose these adorable champagne-colored dresses and allowed each girl to select the style that best suited her. And then, for even more individualization, she had them select shoes in the style and color of their choice.  These guys were a troublemakers! The one thing the bride was somewhat adamant about was that she did not want any silly, goofy, childish photos. So what’s the one thing these guys wanted to do? Yup, silly, goofy, childish pictures! I’m pretty sure this one won’t make it into the album! We stopped by the amazing The Whalehead Club for photos of the bridal party and the couple. For any brides getting married there, I simply adore this venue and would love to photograph an actual wedding there. Hey, I’m just sayin’…

It was about this time that the wind picked up and the sky started turning darker and storm clouds rolled in…so I headed over to The Sanderling Resort to photograph reception details and the cocktail hour. The tent  at The Sanderling was beautifully decorated and really played up the purple and yellow bird motif.
Rich purple orchids, an assortment of bright yellow flowers, purple votives and lots of mercury glass made for gorgeous table arrangements.

The ceiling about the dance floor was filled with tree branches, those adorable yellow birds and votive candles and made for such a romantic effect.

Remember I said the sky was getting dark and storm clouds appeared to be rolling in? Well, roll in they did. With a vengeance. It didn’t rain. It poured. Literally. I don’t think I can remember it raining so hard so fast and in such a short period of time before. In a matter of about 10 minutes, the entire tent was under about 3 inches of standing water, particularly on the lower sloping side. The Sanderling staff and guests alike all pitched in to make some quick adjustments to the timeline, move the tables to the dance floor and into the pool area and push the water out. Through it all, the bride and groom never lost their smiles and it wasn’t long before dinner was served and the party was back on!
Anne and Brian didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits or their fun, although it did delay things just a bit. Once the rooms were settled and the tables were reset, the evening carried on as if nothing had happened starting with toasts by Anne’s father, the maid of honor and the Brian’s brother.

After a wonderful dinner, Anne and Brian took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

And then the amazing – no seriously AH-MAZ-ING –  Adrian Duke Project got the dance party started. And kept it going the rest of the evening. I just can’t say enough about this band – at least not in this one post – so watch for a highlight of them coming soon! LoveloveLOVE them!

Okay these next two photos just warm my heart and make me happy. First, Brian’s dad and grandmother gave Fred and Ginger a run for their money…

and then his grandfather tore up the dance floor with the special gals in his life! LOVE these! Think this crowd is having fun with Adrian Duke? Just take a look at their faces! Seriously brides….Book. This. Band! They’re awesome!

Brian’s brother took his turn spinning their grandmother on the dance floor as well. Such a sweet moment!
Brian’s dad is a dancing machine. He was still going strong and having a blast  at the end of the night!