For the Love of Weddings

A perfect site with live oak trees, a lush green lawn, views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a 300-foot pier has been shared with family, friends and even a stranger for their ceremonies.

Their nephew Ronnie and Sheri Miller were the first to enjoy the Salling’s property for their wedding venue about 20 years ago. That was followed by their landscaper, office friends, and their own son Jamie and Blair’s wedding. But the really unusual request was from a stranger whose wedding venue at the Outer Banks was double-booked.

“A young woman named Paige saw us in the yard and came up and asked, ‘Can I have my wedding in your front yard?’” Bill says.

The stranger, now a friend, had lost her venue. The Sallings considered the request and eventually embraced the young couple, and later enjoyed one of the most beautiful weddings they have ever seen.

Dr. Bill, a retired dentist, has a unique perspective about lending their home for weddings. This gift he and Gail have given repeatedly seems instead like a gift given to them.

“We have met wonderful people of all ages, all dressed up and on their best behavior — well, mostly. There’s fabulous food, dancing, and a sense of pure joy all about. Best of all, the great festivities which were lured into our front yard didn’t cost us a cent other than prompting us to do the yard maintenance we needed to do anyway” he says with enthusiasm.

Many of the couples keep in touch and send photos of their growing families.

The Stallings like to joke about being wedding crashers before they were wedding location “snatchers.”

“We were driving along in a golf cart on Bald Head Island and saw a wedding tent. The party was going on, we heard the band and just couldn’t resist. We just went on in and had a grand time,” Bill says with a laugh.

As much joy as the pastime of wedding snatching has been, the Sallings feel it is time to turn the faucet off. The neighborhood has grown, nearby nursing home parking is no longer there, and they want to be mindful of the neighbors.

“Alas, we’ve discontinued our favorite hobby due to parking and traffic issues, but we will always hold dear the memories of all the wonderful people who have shared their joyous occasions with us,” Bill says.

At least one neighbor enjoyed the joyful ambiance that the events brought to the area.

“Every time I see a wedding taking place on their lawn, it’s just so magical. They are the kindest people,” says neighbor Katie Sommers.

The Sallings have also hosted birthday parties, prom pictures and seven funerals in the past. Bill says, “the best thing about owning a piece of heaven is sharing it with others during one of the most significant events in their lives.”