Cassie and Leland are two dear friends of mine. We all met while working on the Norwegian Sun (for Norwegian Cruise Lines) together in 2014. Being honored with the task of shooting their picturesque beachfront wedding on the coast of North Carolina was such a joy. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder or smiled more during a shoot! I hope that you enjoy the story of their love as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.

 

Our Story

We met while working onboard the Norwegian Sun cruise ship. I was the stage manager and he was the sound tech, so we spent a lot of time in close quarters together in the tech booth. We were instantly attracted to each other. A bunch of us were hanging out in my room one night after work, and as everyone slowly left he was eventually the last one. I walked him to the door and he turned around and kissed me. One year later, we were working on a different ship together and were leaving my room to go meet some friends for drinks. Again, in the doorway, he turned around… but this time he got down on one knee.

 

Wedding Day Fashion

Having met on the Norwegian Sun, Cassie and Leland chose to incorporate the colors of the sun into all of their wedding touches. I absolutely love the vintage sailor-esque dresses Cassie chose for her Bridesmaids, and Leland’s nautical-print bow tie!

Cassie knew she wanted her wedding dress to be simple, light, and most of all, comfortable! After finding a strapless gown that she loved she added lace cap sleeves to help give an extra little “something” to an otherwise plain dress.

Of course, no beach wedding would be complete without bare feet!

 

The Florals

This wedding was exploding with gorgeous, bright floral arrangements from Calabash Florist. From the bridal bouquets to the table decor, the orange, red and yellow combinations perfectly complimented the sunny coastal setting.

The couple opted out of designing the floral arrangements, leaving it to be handled by the Bride’s Father instead. I think they hit the nail on the head with the Bride’s request for “simple and understated.” Oh, and did I mention that all of the ceremony arrangements and bouquets were later re-purposed on the reception tables? So smart!

The Ceremony

The Reception

The reception was filled with DIY touches, including handmade table centerpieces with names of destinations the couple has been to together, and His and Hers signature cocktails!

                               

The unique dessert spread included a pumpkin pie, turtle cheesecake and mini key lime pies. And yes – that IS a baked potato station with both regular and sweet potatoes. YUM!!

The couple chose to have a live band instead of a DJ, hiring Four Star Daydream, a party band that covers popular songs in a bluegrass style. They also offer live band karaoke and even let guests (including the Groom!) who play instruments sit in on song with them. Leland and his friends also played a full set together while the band took a break- definitely one of the most talented group of groomsmen I’ve ever witnessed in action!

 

Our advice for Wedding Planners

It really does go by so fast. Remember every moment. Eat. Take a million pictures. And enjoy it all.

Congratulations, you two!