2012 Dream Wedding: The AnnouncementPosted: February 29, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Dream Wedding | Tags: dream wedding, Manteo, OBX Dream Wedding, OBX weddings, Outer Banks Weddings, Real Wedding
Shana, Tell us how you told Brad and What was his reaction? I wanted to tell him in person so I could see his reaction and he was speechless. It took some convincing before he believed me. The Moms and I walked into the condo we were staying in that weekend and I showed him the board of what was included in the package. He and the Dads had been looking at places for guests to stay while the women were at the expo. I think they all thought we were pulling one over on them, but they eventually believed us. Brad, What did you think when Shana told you she had won the Dream Wedding? I was a little frightened at first because she was screaming at me and I couldn’t decipher exactly what she was saying. After she was able to catch her breath and I was able to understand that she had won the Dream Wedding Package, I was ecstatic and felt so blessed. I think Shana was more excited after winning the Dream Wedding Package than she was after I proposed. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and I am looking forward to marrying Shana. Shana, Describe your experience meeting David Tutera. What was it like? What were some tips that he gave you in your private consultation? The entire experience in the auditorium that day was completely surreal. I felt like I was dreaming. I really just thought I was there to see David Tutera and watch a lucky bride win this prize. Right before he pulled my name, I got really nervous, so when he stumbled over my name I just knew it was me. People have always had trouble saying my name correctly. It’s pronounced ‘shay-nuh’. I walked up on stage and just couldn’t believe I was standing there. I was just taking it all in. David Tutera is exactly how you would expect him to be from his show. He is so sweet and genuine. I jokingly asked him if he’d come to the wedding, as if he doesn’t have enough weddings to go to. He really gave me a lot of great advice. He emphasized that we need to tell our story, and incorporate who we are in the details. That is really important to me. I told him that time with our loved ones is really important to us. I’ve always heard about how fast the wedding day goes and I really want it to last. He suggested that Brad and I see each other before the ceremony. He said that he always has brides that are set on having their groom see them for the first time as they walk down the aisle. He said that the “moment” the bride is looking for isn’t always a moment because of the nerves and all the people there watching. By seeing each other before the ceremony it will give us time to do all of our pictures so that we can get right to the reception after the ceremony and spend more time with our loved ones. He also gave me advice on special ceremony details, music suggestions and lighting tips. I’m so thankful that he took the time to meet with me. I know he didn’t have to give me a consultation, so I think it says a lot about him that he would take the time to do that. It was a special bonus that I am grateful for. Emily & Sven, New York, NY May 6, 2011Posted: February 27, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Real Weddings | Tags: Beach Wedding, Corolla, Destination Wedding, NC, OBX Wedding, Outer Banks Weddings, Real WeddingCeremony: Whalehead Club, Corolla
Coordinator: The Proper Setting, LLC Photographer: Neil GT Photography Cake: Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks Caterer & Bar: Coastal Provisions Ceremony Musicians: Club Violin
Rentals: Metro Rentals Guest Accommodations: Twiddy & Co., Hampton Inn & Suites Beauty & Spa: Hair Designers
Carrie & Jim, Virginia, October 11, 2011Posted: February 24, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Real Weddings | Tags: Beach Wedding, Destination Wedding, Manteo, OBX Wedding, Outer Banks Wedding, Real WeddingCeremony: Marshes Lighthouse, Manteo
Photographer: Brooke Mayo Photography Coordinator: A Premiere Events Cake: Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks Caterer: 1587 Catering Ceremony Musicians: Club Violin
Guest Accommodations: Tranquil House Inn
All Photos by Brooke Mayo Photography.
2012 Dream Wedding: The ProposalPosted: February 22, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Dream Wedding | Tags: 2012 Dream Wedding, Beach Wedding, Destination Wedding, Manteo, OBWA, OBX Dream Wedding, OBX Wedding, Outer Banks Wedding, outer banks wedding association, Real Wedding
As the wedding plans unfold, we want to share the Dream Wedding couple’s story. Shana, tell us about Brad. “Brad is a great story teller, which captured my interest initially. He’s got a light-hearted nature, so he makes me laugh and keeps me entertained, especially with his Michael Jackson dance moves. He has a way of getting me to lighten up and to not take life so seriously. He’s honest, strong and caring. Brad lightens my load and encourages me to push myself and I love that about him. We have so much fun together and it never gets old. He’s my best friend and my perfect balance.” Brad, tell us about Shana and share the story of how you proposed. “Shana has too many great qualities to list, but some of those qualities that are very attractive to me are how genuine and caring she is. Shana always gives people the benefit of the doubt and is a very optimistic person. She’s a dreamer and has a very creative side. Shana has strong family and moral values, and is both confident and humble. She lets me be me, which is a lot to handle at times, and my family and friends absolutely love her and love being around her. Shana’s a very easy-going person.” “Shana and I had dated for several years and I never questioned whether I could spend the rest of my life with her. We literally did everything together and she has always been the backbone of our relationship, and also my best friend. After a year of dating, I accepted a position in Maryland which required me to relocate. The intention had always been for Shana to relocate as well, once I got settled and once she was able to find gainful employment. That time apart was difficult and it further validated the importance of having her not only in my life, but also without distance between us. I remember that being a time in our relationship when I was able to quantify how much she really meant to me and from then on it wasn’t so much about if I would propose, but more so about when. Every year, we spend Thanksgiving with her family in North Carolina and then head to Ocean Isle Beach to relax at her parent’s beach condo. Last Thanksgiving was slightly different in the sense that Shana’s extended family, along with my parents and sister were also coming to the beach. The Friday morning after Thanksgiving, on an unseasonably warm day, we went for a stroll down the beach as we often did. Once we reached a beautiful area where the ocean meets the inlet waterway, I got down on bended knee, said a few things and popped the question.” After the proposal, Shana attended the 2012 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend with her mother and future mother-in-law. The weekend was highlighted with the announcement by WE TV’s My Fair Wedding host, David Tutera that Shana had won the Dream Wedding. Check back as Shana tells us how she told Brad the amazing news. Erin & Ian, July 4th, 2011Posted: February 20, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Real Weddings | Tags: Beach Weddings, Destination Weddings, nags head, NC, OBX weddings, Outer Banks Weddings, real weddingsCeremony: On the Beach
Photographer: Julie Dreelin, Beach Productions Coordinator: Engaging Events Caterer: Black Pelican Cake: Just Desserts Florals/Decor: DIY Renee Landry Style Rentals: Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Photos by Beach Productions, Julie Dreelin Photography
Jessica & Matt, Richmond, NJ May 29, 2011Posted: February 17, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Real Weddings | Tags: Destination Weddings, Manteo, marshes lighthouse, OBX weddings, Outer Banks Weddings, real weddingsCeremony: Marshes Lighthouse, Manteo
Coordinator & Photography: 11th Hour Events Cake: Beach Ball Events Caterer & Bar: Adrianna’s Restaurant Officiant: Frank Lassen, Beach Ball Events Ceremony Musician: Beach Music & PA
Guest Accommodations: First Colony Inn & White Doe Inn Transportation: Island Limo Beauty & Spa: It’s Royalty Salon Spa & Nails
Photos by 11th Hour Events
2012 Dream Wedding: Meet the CouplePosted: February 15, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Dream Wedding | Tags: Beach Wedding, Destination Wedding, dream wedding, Manteo Wedding, OBX Dream Wedding, Outer Banks Dream Wedding, Outer Banks Wedding Association Dream Wedding, Real WeddingShana & Brad
Where are you from and where do you live now? Shana grew up in Greensboro, NC and Brad is from Clarksville, MD. They both reside in Bethesda, MD. When did you first come to the Outer Banks? Both Shana and Brad were introduced to the Outer Banks through friends. “I first came to the Outer Banks as a child, 9 or 10 years old, while vacationing at a family friend’s home in Duck, NC,” says Brad. More recently, Shana was introduced to the Outer Banks through her friend and bridesmaid, Kristin, whose father lives in the Outer Banks. Why was having your wedding on the Outer Banks important to you? “Brad and I have a mutual love of the ocean, and I knew I wanted to have our wedding at a North Carolina beach. The Outer Banks stuck out in my mind as a new, special memory that Brad and I could make together. There is something magical and exciting about it from the lighthouses and history, to the surfing and fishing. We really want to be a part of that.” “The Outer Banks is about the same distance from my hometown in Maryland as it is from Shana’s hometown in North Carolina, so it’s an ideal location,” relates Brad. Shana, when did you first meet Brad? “We first met in 2007 while we wre both working in Knoxville, TN. A mutual friend introduced us and it was a night of great conversation and I thought he was really attractive. I was intrigued after my friend told me he was a really nice guy. Pretty soon after that we fell in love. We had dated for about 4 1/2 years before we were engaged, but it was totally worth the wait.” Brad, do you remember the first time you saw Shana? “A friend of mine brought Shana in tow to my apartment in Knoxville before going out for a casual night on the town. She was very easy on the eyes and had an infectious personality. We had great conversations that night and I remember being very attracted to her smile. I knew immediately she was a genuine person with strong values and couldn’t wait to learn more about her.” Futher posts will include the story of their proposal and the excitement of the Dream Wedding announcement, as we discover Shana and Brad’s story for celebrating their LOVE on the Outer Banks. Ashley & Jacob, Richmond, VA June 25, 2011Posted: February 13, 2012 | Author: cmegown | Filed under: Real Weddings | Tags: Beach Weddings, Destination Weddings, Nags Head weddings, OBX weddings, Outer Banks Weddings, real weddings
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