A sweet destination wedding in the Outer Banks, a favorite vacation spot for the couple. I love, love, love their beachfront ceremony, all of the reception details, and succulent cupcakes and wedding cake!
“Kala and Joe love visiting the Outer Banks together. They began vacationing there a few years ago, then got engaged there last year. So, what better place could they choose to get married? Every September, they return to enjoy the ocean, sand and peacefulness the beach offers. Now they can spend all of their anniversaries in the same place they promised each other forever. They even hope to retire in the Outer Banks someday!
I had been looking forward to Kala and Joe’s wedding for a lot of reasons. Not just because it was my first beach wedding or because my family would be traveling with me. But also because Kala and Joe are friends of ours and I knew seeing them get married would be really special.
Regardless of the uncertainty in the world at the time, Kala was not going to let the pandemic stop her wedding. Maybe the number of guests would be less, but she would be getting married on the day they had planned. They had 45 people on their guest list, and were so afraid they’d have to cut that number back. Just a few days before the wedding, they got an update saying that 50 people were allowed for outdoor events. They were so happy things worked out and Kala said it was just perfect!
Growing up and dreaming about her big day, Kala never imagined her mother wouldn’t be part of the planning and celebration. They didn’t really talk about her future wedding very much, but she always thought her mom would be there. When she was just 19, Kala’s mother passed away. Kala’s description of her mother is precious. “My mother was always full of energy. She had a very big personality and got excited about everything. She was loved by so many. I can only imagine how excited she would have been about the wedding and even the planning that led up to the wedding. Although no one could see her, I knew she was there looking down on me. I even believe she kept the rain away and brought the sun out.” As you can see in the photos, Kala honored her mother in several ways. A charm with her photo attached to her bouquet, a remembrance table for her mom and Joe’s grandmother, and an empty seat beside Kala’s dad were ways we all knew that some weren’t there, but neither were they forgotten. It was a beautiful tribute.
Kala was her own wedding planner. With so many amazing details, you would never guess that the bride herself, had the time to make everything look so perfect She’s an incredibly creative person and definitely showed off her skills. For Kala, it made the big day even more special knowing she planned everything down to the smallest details. When she was younger, she imagined her wedding being extravagant with tons of flowers, a huge guest list, limo rides and so much more. Now she was just happy to be getting married to the love of her life in their favorite place. Never had she dreamed of it coming together the way it did. In her eyes, It couldn’t have been anymore perfect.
The day finally came for her to say “I do” to Joe. She didn’t get much sleep because of worrying about the weather. She had always dreamed of a beach wedding and she spent most of her time praying for good weather! Even though it was quite windy, the rain held off and the sunshine was gorgeous! Kala and her “ladies” got ready at the beach house and were on schedule. Believe it or not, the men ended up spending too much time by the pool and were the ones running behind! Kala and her father had a sweet and emotional first look on the beach. It was such a sweet and intimate moment. Instead of a first look with Joe, they decided to have a private moment around a corner of the house. Kala said it was amazing to hold Joe’s hand and tell him how excited she was to marry him.
As Kala and her bridesmaids were waiting to make their grand entrance onto the beach, she got a peak of Joe, the groomsmen and the guests. She couldn’t help but cry when she saw her future husband looking so handsome. With the wind blowing her hair, and the ocean in front of her, she walked onto the beach and promised Joe forever. It was a short and intimate ceremony. Afterward, we got some stunning photos. The beach and the sand dunes were the perfect backdrop for some beautiful pictures. After a poolside reception, the happy couple got to spend some time in the Outer Banks and hopes to plan a honeymoon once everything is opened back up.
It was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been part of. I was honored to photograph their special day.”
Vendors
Dress Designer: WillowbyWatters // Bakery: Sweet Coast Cakes // Caterer: Dawn’s Kitchen Catering // Floral Designer: Renee Landry Events // Beauty: Salty Hair Salon // Dress Store: Lilla’s Bridal Boutique // Photographer: John Malloy Photography
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