Hi there belles and beaus! I am looking out my window at the ocean as I write this, making me all the more excited for today’s nautical wedding inspiration. Who doesn’t love a seaside wedding in the Carolinas? The soothing sound of the ocean waves, the picturesque white sand, and of course the possibility for lots of fun nautical-themed details. If you’re planning a beach wedding (or possibly even a lakeside wedding…lots of possibility for a nautical theme there as well!), come steal some of these ideas for your place/escort cards:
1. Oyster Shells: How beautiful and unique are these oyster shell escort cards? Gather them yourself and then have some friends help you write names for a budget-friendly way to wow your guests.
via Style Me Pretty
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Y’all, I can’t resist sharing my very own engagement photos by the lovely Emily March Photography. Wes was a trooper to trek all around the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, despite being sick with a bad cold! We chose to wear comfortable clothing that represents our everyday styles, including my favorite pair of cowboy boots and Wes’s iconic seersucker pants. Hope you enjoy!

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Who wants to score a discounted wedding gown while at the same time supporting those affected by cancer? Oh, everyone? That’s what I thought.
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Ahhh…what could be more delicious than a fresh Krispy Kreme doughnut, straight off the glaze belt when the hot light is on? Nothing, that’s what. Krispy Kreme doughnuts hold a special place in any North Carolinian’s heart, as these sugary treats originated right here in Winston-Salem in the 1930s. If you’re a fan, there are many ways to incorporate Krispy Kremes into your wedding day. Today, we’ll share a few of our favorite ideas:
Krispy Kreme Engagement Shoot: Taking engagement photos at a local Krispy Kreme franchise is a fun idea for doughnut fans. Your photos will have a vintage-y feel, and the doughnuts can serve as fun props.
via Ruffled
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It makes me incredibly joyful to see brides who are so happy to be marrying the love of their life, they can’t stop smiling. Today’s real bride is laughing and smiling through her entire bridal portrait session with John Crouch. And aren’t her cowboy boots, sunshine yellow shoes, and vibrant fabric flower bouquet just darling? Meet Cristina, a native of Wilmington, NC, who just married her beau, Scott, a few weeks ago!
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Oh goodness, belles, I am head over heels lately for a certain color combination: navy and mint. This preppy, playful combo would be perfect for a couple who is laid-back and likes fresh, clean design. Beautiful navy and mint invitations heading your way….
via Ruffled
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Regardless of how wonderful your wedding-day hair stylist is, your ‘do will turn out all the more fabulous if you start with healthy hair as a base. To avoid dull or damaged locks, it’s important to start good hair care practices as far in advance as possible. Today, we’ll share some tips for cultivating shiny, vibrant hair for your wedding day.
via Gin Dress, Pinterest, & Style Me Pretty
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Here in the Carolinas, we tend to appreciate our beverages. And goodness, are there a wide variety to choose from…from craft beers at River Dog Brewery in Bluffton, SC, to homemade moonshine in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. Over the next few months, I will be featuring signature drink ideas that have Southern flair. First up: Lowcountry Lemonade.
via Blue Lily
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I don’t know about y’all, but I was personally shocked at the price tags on wedding dresses when shopping for my own. Yes, I can appreciate that many dresses use premium, expensive fabrics and that sewing on beading is truly a labor of love. But spending upwards of $5,000 on a dress I would only wear for a few hours? Not for me, belles. If you’re looking for a way to keep dress costs down, here’s an idea: choose an “already-loved” dress.
all dresses via OnceWed
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This upcoming Saturday, May 3rd, marks the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby. This horse race is often called “The Run for the Roses,” as the winning steed is adorned with a blanket of red roses after crossing the finish line. Steeped in history and tradition, the Derby calls for mint juleps and large, elaborate hats for the ladies. And while the Derby certainly doesn’t take place in the Carolinas, we certainly deserve (and love!) a chance to celebrate this historical event alongside our Kentucky friends. A Derby-themed wedding is a perfect excuse for bright colors and equestrian motifs, and is especially perfect for brides and grooms saying “I do” the first weekend in May. I have gathered together some of my favorite Derby inspiration, complete with lots of happy red and references to the beautiful horses who are the reason for the day.
Our Derby-themed wedding begins with this beautiful red and black-and-white striped invitation suite, complete with a bugle motif as a nod to the bugler who traditionally plays when it is time for the horses to file onto the racetrack from the paddock:
via 100 Layer Cake
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