WBM Weddings

Adrienne & Willson | June 27 2009

The pink-and-brown-spotted pig-shaped cookies at Adrienne Dreisss and Willson Ropps wedding might have seemed out of place but they were in celebration of where the couple had their first date in Spring 2008 a New York City restaurant called The Spotted Pig.

The couple had begun discussing marriage when each went to visit their families over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2008. The following Monday Willson proposed to Adrienne in her Brooklyn apartment overlooking the Empire State Building.

“I knew I wanted to get married at the chapel on Bald Head Island ” says Adrienne whose grandparents George and Cynthia Mitchell provided the land where the chapel stands. Cynthia also helped in the chapels design process. “It will always be a special place to me ” Adrienne says. The couple married on June 27 2009.

The newlyweds honeymooned three weeks in Greece and Turkey visiting family and friends. One place they stayed was the Kyrimai Hotel in Gerolimenas Mani on the southern end of the Peloponnese in Greece. The picturesque landscape included prickly pear trees olive trees and rocky cliffs. “It was absolutely amazing ” says Adrienne.

The couple lives in Darien Connecticut. Willson is the CEO of Prince Minerals Inc. and Adrienne is a stay-at-home mom focusing on new addition Lena Woods Ropp born in December 2009.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE The Village Chapel Bald Head Island RECEPTION SITE Shoals Club REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Harbourside Pavilion PHOTOGRAPHY Anne McGowan Photography WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events LLC OFFICIANT Rev. Barnum McCarty GOWN Morgane Le Fay SHOES Really Great Things JEWELRY Fragments HAIR Island Retreat Spa & Salon Bald Head Island MAKEUP Island Retreat Spa & Salon Bald Head Island BRIDESMAID DRESSES J. Crew FORMALWEAR Groom: Paul Stuart; Groomsmen: Brooks Brothers INVITATIONS Erin Bazos Design FLOWERS Kim Fisher Design CATERING Bald Head Island Ltd. CAKE Crumb de la Crumb MUSIC Groovetown Band FAVORS Kim Fisher Design Crumb de la Crumb TRANSPORTATION Bald Head Island ACCOMMODATIONS Bald Head Island HONEYMOON Greece and Turkey

Natalie & Kevin | May 2 2009

Set up on a blind date by mutual friends Natalie Laight didnt know what she was getting into when she met Kevin Welborn at Port City Chophouse in January 2007. They immediately clicked and just more than a year later when Kevin and Natalie were eating at Maxs Prime Steakhouse Natalie returned from the restroom sat down picked up her napkin and underneath was an opened black box displaying a sparkling ring.

Natalie knew she wanted to get married at Bald Head Island but in June 2008 her job moved her to Austin Texas. Natalie came back for long weekends with her mom and together they planned as much as they could. On one such weekend Natalie tried on her first wedding dress. The next day she bought it.

The couple married at the Shoals Club on Bald Head Island on May 2 2009. “Bald Head Island is an awesome place to get married ” says Natalie. “The whole day was so peaceful.”

At the reception also held at Shoals Club the newlyweds were nice as they fed each other cake. But Kevin picked up a second piece and smeared it on Natalie who retaliated by giving him a cakey kiss.

They honeymooned at St. Johns Antigua where they enjoyed horseback riding and sunset cruises. The couple lives in Austin Texas. Natalie works for a pharmaceutical research company and Kevin works for a home theater company.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Presentation Deck Shoals Club Bald Head Island RECEPTION SITE Shoals Club Bald Head Island REHEARSAL DINNER SITE “A Place to Wade” Bald Head Island RENTALS Bald Head Island Ltd. PHOTOGRAPHY Millie Holloman OFFICIANT Rev. Jim Brown GOWN Davids Bridal VEIL Divas SHOES Davids Bridal JEWELRY Mark Holder Jewelers HAIR & Makeup Seagrass Salon and Day Spa BRIDESMAID DRESSES Davids Bridal FORMALWEAR MW Tux INVITATIONS William Arthur FLOWERS Kim Fisher Designs CATERING Bald Head Island Ltd. CAKE Crumb de la Crumb MUSIC DJ Professionals FAVORS Wine stoppers TRANSPORTATION Bald Head Island Ltd. ACCOMMODATIONS Bald Head Island Ltd. HONEYMOON St. Johns Antigua

Kellie & Jon | October 4 2009

I never thought I would get married ” says Kellie Granton. Famous last words. One night at Red Dogs on Wrightsville Beach Jon Shellem caught her eye. Kellie thought he was cute and the two soon exchanged numbers.

On September 9 2008 after eating at Buoy 32 on Wrightsville Beach Jon persuaded Kellie to go out on the beach with him. They sat on one of the benches and there he proposed. She immediately started crying and Jon called both their parents to announce the good news.

Kellie is an only daughter so Kellies mom who plans weddings as a hobby was ecstatic. To please mom Kellie tried on a huge fluffy dress but it just wasnt her. Instead she modified a short maid-of-honor dress to match her chic style. “I think the shoes were more expensive than my dress ” laughs Kellie who walked down the aisle at Airlie Gardens to Black Betty by Ram Jam on October 4 2009. The rain held out just long enough for their outdoor wedding to be beautiful.

The reception was held at The Balcony on Dock Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington where family and friends celebrated into the night.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Sayulita Mexico on the Pacific Coast for nine days. “We did a lot of relaxing ” says Kellie “and eating!”

The couple lives in Wrightsville Beach. Jon is a manager at Red Dogs and Kellie is a RN at Dosher Memorial Hospital.

The Elements

CEREMONY SITE Airlie Gardens RECEPTION SITE The Balcony on Dock Street REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Seapath Yacht Club PHOTOGRAphY Eric Von Bargen WEDING PLANNER Suzann Granton OFFICIANT Rev. Penelope Morningstar GOWN Eden Bridals VEIL Handmade by Sandra Lee Beautiful Brides of Wilmington SHOES Dolce Vita JEWELRY Handmade feather earrings by Nicole Wittekind HAIR Nikki Kimball Vida Salon & Spa MAKEUP Shelly Shi Head to Toe Day Spa & Salon BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bebe FORMALWEAR Express Menswear INVITATIONS Handmade by Suzann Granton FLOWERS Verzaales Florist & Events Roberta Danford CATERING The Balcony on Dock Street CAKE Flower & Flour MUSIC DJ Slim Deluxe FAVORS Personalized shot glasses TRANSPORTATION 1947 red Ford Tudor ACCOMMODATIONS Front Street Inn HONEYMOON Sayulita Mexico

Amy & Daniel | June 6 2009

Amy Sancilio thought it was going to be a normal jog around Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston South Carolina with her boyfriend of a year-and-a-half Daniel Atwill. But Daniel had other plans. As they cruised around the gorgeous scenery with an alligator eyeing them from the water Daniel asked Amy to be his bride.

Originally from Wilmington Amy knew she wanted to get married here. The couple wed on June 6 2009 at the Temple Gardens at Landfall. It was cloudy that day but as Amy walked down the aisle the clouds parted and the sun came down. “It was beautiful ” says Amy. The beach theme included sea glass sand dollars and teal and white colors. For her “something old ” Amy had her late grandmothers ring sewn onto her wedding dress.

At the reception held at The Surf Club on Wrightsville Beach Daniel sang Rocket Man by Elton John and their favorite song Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam. There was an extravagant candy bar with all sorts of sweets for the guests to snack on. The newlyweds left the reception on a rickshaw as everyone waved sparklers.

They honeymooned on Turks & Caicos enjoying snorkeling fishing and lots of relaxing.

Daniel works for CB Richard Ellis Carmody in Charleston South Carolina where the couple resides and Amy is an office manager for an engineering firm.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Temple Gardens at Landfall RECEPTION SITE The Surf Club REHEARSAL DINNER SITE City Club at de Rosset RENTALS Party Suppliers & Rentals PHOTOGRAPHY KMI Weddings VIDEOGRAPHY Life Stage Videography WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER A Shindig Southern Event Planning Jessica Gibbs and Hannah Manson OFFICIANT Rev. Ronald George Abrams GOWN Anjolique Bridal VEIL Anjolique Bridal JEWELRY Croghans Jewel Box Charleston SC HAIR Bangz Hair Salon MAKEUP Bangz Hair Salon BRIDESMAID DRESSES Lula Kate Charleston SC FORMALWEAR S&K Menswear INVITATIONS Mindy & Angies Fine Paper FLOWERS Moxie Floral Design Studio CATERING The Surf Club CAKE Sweet Ts Cakes Taylor Ross MUSIC Soul Fish Charleston SC FAVORS Donation to Cape Fear Hospice TRANSPORTATION Wilmington Trolley Company Prestige Limousine Wilmington Pedicab ACCOMMODATIONS Holiday Inn Resorts Wrightsville Beach HONEYMOON Turks & Caicos

Heather & Roger | October 10 2009

Roger Cooke took Heather Smith to Terrazzo Trattoria for her 25^th birthday in August 2008. It was the same restaurant where they had their first date four years earlier. Afterwards they went to Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach and Roger proposed. Despite it being one oclock in the morning they immediately started calling family and friends to announce the good news.

While Heather was getting her bridal portraits taken her mom burst into happy tears. She and her mom planned everything together. “Shes lost now that were not planning it ” laughs Heather.

Heather and Roger wed on October 10 2009 at the Country Club of Landfall. The ceremony was held on the lawn and the rain held out just long enough for the couple to say “I do.”

None of their guests will ever forget what happened when the newlyweds cut the cake at the reception which was also held at the Country Club of Landfall an epic cake fight broke out and the cake was nearly knocked on the floor. Who started it? Heather admits that she did!

The newlyweds honeymooned for a week at Sandals Grande on Antigua. “He enjoyed the snorkeling ” says Heather. “I stayed on the boat and took pictures.”

The couple resides in Wilmington where Roger is a law enforcement instructor and Heather is a clinical research associate at PPD Inc.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Country Club of Landfall RECEPTION SITE Country Club of Landfall REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Boca Bay RENTALS Symmetry Event Solutions PHOTOGRAPHY indigosilver Jeff Poole Photography Studio VIDEOGRAPHY DJ Professionals and Video WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER Anthony Deninno Symmetry Event Solutions; Jamie Thompson Landfall OFFICIANT Dr. Charles Smith grandfather of the bride GOWN Casablanca A Carolina Wedding SHOES Something “old” from mother of the bride JEWELRY Kays Jewelers HAIR Kaye Martin owner of Saks Hair Salon MAKEUP Jacey Rogers owner of JSR Creations BRIDESMAID DRESSES Mori Lee Fountaine Bridals FORMALWEAR MW Tux INVITATIONS Jennifer Borkowski Designs FLOWERS Megan Hessenius and Jan Gilbert CATERING Country Club of Landfall CAKE Flower & Flour MUSIC Ceremony: David Meyer cellist. Reception: The Design FAVORS Le Bleu personalized water TRANSPORTATION Azalea Limo ACCOMMODATIONS Hampton Inn & Suites HONEYMOON Sandals Grande Antigua

Lisa & Keith | May 8 2009

Lisa Barrasso didnt know what to expect when her boyfriend of several years Keith Baxley blindfolded her after suggesting they go out to dinner. Still blindfolded while getting out of the car Lisa had no idea where she was. Keith led her out to the beach and took the blindfold off. He had a blanket set up with a sushi dinner … and asked Lisa to marry him.

Lisa took her mom and sister with her to try on dresses at Davids Bridal. She was certain she wanted a slender chic wedding dress but appeased her mom by trying on a “poofy” dress and started crying. “I knew that was the dress ” says Lisa. The couple married on May 8 2009 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church the church Lisa grew up in. “I couldnt imagine getting married anywhere else ” Lisa says.

After a small mishap Lisa couldnt find the candle holder after lighting the unity candle Keith and Lisa walked up the aisle husband and wife smiling at family and friends a moment Lisa will never forget.

The newlyweds honeymooned on St. John in the Virgin Islands where they enjoyed lots of hiking cruising and local food.

Lisa and Keith currently live in Wilmington. Keith works for a professional financial services company and Lisa works in special education at College Park Elementary.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church RECEPTION SITE Hanover Seaside Club REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Indochine PHOTOGRAPHY Half Moon Photography Lee Ann Fuller OFFICIANT Rev. Francis Daniel GOWN Oleg Cassini VEIL Davids Bridal SHOES Davids Bridal JEWELRY Grandmothers blue sapphire ring HAIR AND MAKEUP Lisas sister Jennifer Barrasso BRIDESMAID DRESSES Davids Bridal FORMALWEAR Mens Wearhouse & Tux INVITAtIONS A Carolina Wedding FLOWERS Harts Florist CATERING Hanover Seaside Club CAKE Sweet and Savory MUSIC Music on the Strand Inc. TRANSPORTATION Trolley Port City Limo HONEYMOON St. John

Frances & Yates | October 24 2009

After several years of dating Yates Williams Frances Carter was cooking dinner one evening at her home in Raleigh when she found something unexpected in the food a ring wrapped in plastic. She picked up the ring turned and saw Yates on one knee asking her to be his bride.

Since both their families lived in Wilmington where they grew up about a quarter mile from each other they knew they wanted to get married here. Within days of the engagement they booked Lebanon Chapel in Airlie Gardens.

The couple was wed on October 24 2009. “When the doors opened ” says Frances “and I walked down the aisle it was as if Yates and I were the only two people there. We never broke eye contact.”

At the reception held at Bridgers Cottage oceanfront on the south end of Wrightsville Beach the newlyweds drank from silver chalices that belonged to Francess great-great-great grandmother and Yatess cousin threw him into the sound claiming it was an ancient ritual started by “Sir Wrightsville.”

Frances and Yates spent five days surfing hiking and honeymooning in Rincon Puerto Rico. They currently live in Raleigh where Yates works for Piedmont Investment Advisors and Frances is a ninth-grade counselor at Broughton High School.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Mount Lebanon Chapel Airlie Gardens RECEPTION SITE The Bridgers Cottage Wrightsville Beach REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Roudabush Caf PHOTOGRAPHY EW Photography Erin Whittle GOWN Victorian Rose Bridals Raleigh OFFICIANT Rev. Stephen Mazingo of St. James Episcopal Church SHOES Havaianas Flip Flops JEWELRY Cape Fear Jewelry HAIR Bangz Hair Salon BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh FORMALWEAR Cape Fear Formalwear INVITATIONS Fishermans Wife FLOWERS A Beautiful Event CATERING A Southern Thyme CAKE Nickis Cakes MUSIC Marc Siegel acoustic guitarist TRANSPORTATION Grooms vintage 1984 BMW 528e ACCOMMODATIONS Blockade Runner Beach Resort HONEYMOON Casa Verde Rincon Puerto Rico

Paige & Brian | October 24 2009

To this day Paige Cole doesnt know who gave Brian Niemcyzk her phone number. The two met on Valentines Day 2007 while hanging out with mutual friends. About a year later Brian insisted Paige go out to the beach on Bald Head Island with him where they were vacationing to watch the sunset. It was freezing but Paige went along. There he asked her to be his wife.

Paige was engaged for a year and a half so she and her mother had ample time to plan the wedding. “My mother is Martha Stewart ” laughs Paige. Decorations included starfish sand dollars and pink and brown M&Ms.

Paige and Brian tied the knot at First Presbyterian Church where they are members on October 24 2009. After the ceremony the bridal party climbed aboard a 68-foot yacht that delivered them to Bluewater-An American Grill for the reception.

The couple honeymooned at Sandals Grande on St. Lucia. “It truly is a paradise ” says Paige. They picked the location for snorkeling horseback riding and for relaxing on the beach.

Paige and Brian live in Wilmington where Paige works for PPD Inc. and Brian works as a second assistant director in the film industry.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE First Presbyterian Church RECEPTION Bluewater-An American Grill REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Home of Chris and Rhesa Stone RENTALS Party Suppliers & Rentals PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Piner WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER Rhesa Stone OFFICIANTs Rev. Charlie Lee and Rev. Josh Williamson GOWN & Veil Maggie Sottero SHOES Davids Bridal JEWELRY Mothers pearls great aunts engagement ring HAIR Salon a la Carte MAKEUP Wendy Bell BRIDESMAID DRESSES Davids Bridal FORMALWEAR S&K Menswear INVITATIONS Michaels Store Inc. FLOWERS Sam Haddock CATERING Bluewater-An American Grill CAKE Nancy Hern MUSIC Active DJ Entertainment Jason Tatum FAVORS Pink and Brown M&Ms TRANSPORTATION MarineMax 68-foot Sea Ray Sundancer Wilmington Trolley ACCOMMODATIONS Hilton Garden Inn HONEYMOON Sandals Grande St. Lucia

Cameron & Thomas | March 7 2009

Cameron Blair always knew she wanted to get married in the Wrightsville Beach area but she had to move to Charlottesville Virginia where she attended the University of Virginia to find her husband Thomas Cooper. After numerous attempts to get his attention Cameron finally asked him why he kept ignoring her. Getting the hint Thomas asked for her number.

Three years later Thomas came to visit Cameron who then lived in New York City. On their way back to her apartment after a night out on the town Cameron noticed that Thomas was getting anxious. As she started up the stairs he grabbed her hand and turned her around he was on one knee asking Cameron to marry him.

The couple wed at First Presbyterian Church on March 7 2009 in front of family and friends. Cameron was nervous but to keep her smiling as they walked down the aisle her father whispered light-hearted remarks like “Dont trip now!”

The next day the couple journeyed to Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa Costa Rica where they relaxed on beaches and rode 4-wheelers.

The couple currently resides in Atlanta Georgia where Thomas attends Emory University and Cameron works in advertising for AT&T.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE First Presbyterian Church RECEPTION SITE Carolina Yacht Club REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Cape Fear Country Club PHOTOGRAPHY Half Moon Photography Lee Ann Fuller VIDEOGRAPHY Mari Kittredge WEDDING PLANNER Jean Rosenberg Red Rose Parties OFFICIANT Dr. Ernest T. Thompson III GOWN Vera Wang VEIL Tia Mazza SHOES Kate Spade JEWELRY Grandmothers jewelry HAIR Heather Hostetler Primp Hair & Body MAKEUP Ellen Farland Primp Hair & Body BRIDESMAID DRESSES J. Crew INVITATIONS Fishermans Wife FLOWERS Fiore Fine Flowers CAKE Flower and Flour MUSIC Black and Blue FAVORS Cozies TRANSPORTATION Trolley Lexus Sedan ACCOMMODATIONS Blockade Runner Beach Resort and Holiday Inn Resort HONEYMOON Florblanca Resort Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Brenna & Stephen | September 12 2009

Six months before her wedding Brenna Ashton who had gotten engaged to Stephen Manna in September 2008 received the news that her caterer and her florist had gone out of business. Fortunately Jim Thomas of Occasions Catering came to the rescue.

Brenna also spent six weeks in an ankle cast following surgery and couldnt find a dress. Her friend Mindy Gera who had gotten married the previous year suggested she visit A Carolina Wedding in Historic Downtown Wilmington. There ankle cast and all Brenna found her dress the same dress Mindy almost bought but changed her mind about at the very last minute.

Finally with a dress a caterer and a florist Brenna and Stephen were married on September 12 2009 on Wrightsville Beach. “I was so worried about the weather ” said Brenna “that when we had the prettiest day in September I didnt even care that we lost a layer of the cake at the reception!”

The couple honeymooned at an all-inclusive resort on Antigua where they spent time snorkeling in gorgeous water touring the numerous beaches and making friends with other newlyweds.

The couple now resides in Winston-Salem where Stephen is a teacher at Forsyth Country Day School and Brenna works at First Citizens Bank.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Wrightsville Beach RECEPTION SITE Beach house near the ceremony REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Boca Bay PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Wendy Weeks Photography RENTALS / PLANNER / FLOWERS / CATERING / CAKE Jim Thomas Occasions Catering OFFICIANT Carl Seaholm GOWN Nicole Miller A Carolina Wedding JEWELRY Pearl earrings and necklace (gift from the groom) aquamarine bracelet (from Niki McNeal Maid of Honor) HAIR Morgan Marclay Earthbound Salon & Day Spa MAKEUP Niki McNeal BRIDESMAID DRESSES Davids Bridal FORMALWEAR Mens Wearhouse INVITATIONS Made by groom MUSIC Party Gras Entertainment Christopher Walters FAVORS Starfish bottle stoppers ACCOMMODATIONS Bryant Real Estate Blockade Runner Beach Resort Hampton Inn HONEYMOON Antigua

Erica & Morgan | October 18 2009

Growing up in Elizabethtown North Carolina Erica Leinwand knew Morgan Mehler; their extended families were friends. But it wasnt until 2007 when Erica moved to Wilmington where Morgan already lived that they seemed to keep running into each other. To help matters move along Morgans aunt gave Erica his number.

In July 2008 the couple vacationed at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. After a tour of the mansion Morgan led Erica back inside and proposed.

A few days later Erica was playing dress-up at A Carolina Wedding (in Historic Downtown Wilmington). Morgan went with her but had errands to do. When he arrived back at the shop Erica was wearing the dress she eventually chose. When she and her parents traveled to New York City for a vacation she convinced Morgan that she purchased her dress there. On their wedding day October 18 2009 at the Country Club of Landfall after they were married Erica gently reminded Morgan that hed already seen her in the dress. Crisis averted.

At the reception also held at the Country Club of Landfall the couple surprised everyone with their first dance they had secretly been taking ballroom dance lessons.

The honeymoon was a surprise for Erica who didnt know where she was going until she stood at an airport gate that said: Jamaica. They stayed on the island for five days and enjoyed hiking snorkeling and kayaking.

Morgan owns Mehler Law Firm in Wilmington with a second branch in Elizabethtown and Erica is a personal trainer at Landfall.

The Elements CEREMONY SITE Country Club of Landfall RECEPTION SITE Country Club at Landfall REHEARSAL DINNER SITE Osteria Cicchetti RENTALS Party Suppliers VIDEOGRAPHY Jeff Eng PHOTOGRAPHY Matt McGraw Photography OFFICIANTs Rabbi Robert Waxman and Rabbi John Friedman GOWN Allure A Carolina Wedding VEIL Amuse Artisanal Finery SHOES Cole Haan Leinwands of Elizabethtown JEWELRY Amuse Artisanal Finery BRIDESMAID DRESSES Alfred Angelo A Carolina Wedding FORMALWEAR Leinwands of Elizabethtown INVITATIONS Mindy Gera designer FLOWERS Fiore Fine Flowers CATERING Country Club of Landfall CAKE Country Club of Landfall MUSIC Black and Blue FAVORS Picture-wrapped Hershey bars and custom cozies ACCOMMODATIONS Blockade Runner Beach Resort HONEYMOON Jamaica