Say hello to the Crystal Coast’s newest catering business, Seaside Sensations. Proprietor Sara Willis is a Carteret County native and knows Down East cooking like the back of her hand.

She specializes in dishes using fresh North Carolina seafood. But, as she says, “We can create a custom menu that reflects our cleint’s wishes, from one of your grandmother’s family recipes to ethnic dishes that reflect your heritage.”

Check out Seaside Sensations’ web site for sample menus and photo gallery.

Meredith Cornett Photography is extending a special photography package to the military. If you’re active or retired military, Meredith offers a special photo session in honor of Memorial Day that includes half price session fees and 10% off your initial order. You can reach Meredith at 252-725-7047.

Crystal Coast beach brides now don’t have to worry about their hair and makeup falling victim to the oceanfront environment.

The new Seaside Salon and Spa is now open for business on the Atlantic Beach oceanfront. Just steps from the ocean, the Salon is part of Visions Events and Beyond’s  complete wedding facility on the Atlantic Beach boardwalk.

The Seaside Salon and Spa provides full professional spa and salon services, from hair care and styling, make up, body treatments, and skin care. Treat yourself–and your wedding party–to a day of pampering at the beach!

Our friend, Pam DuVal at Promised Hearts Wedding Planning teaches a Certified Wedding Planning course at Carteret Community College, and the next class starts September 1.

The wedding planning certification program is perfect for the individual looking to get started as a professional wedding planner right away or someone that needs validation for their current skills as a wedding planner. This comprehensive program covers everything from contracts to etiquette, flowers, music, day of services, marketing, business practices, trade secrets and industry specific applications. Whether you plan on working part-time, planning only a few weddings a year, or a full-time career, this program will provide all the tools necessary to work as a professional wedding planner or start your wedding planning business.

Students meet each week in class as well as take class trips, site tours, and even participate in assisting at real weddings during this class.

Candidates for the Wedding Planning Certification Course at Carteret Community College can register by contacting Kris Workman at 252-222-6204 or krw@carteret.edu. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Crystal Coast weddings and receptions can take place at so many beautiful venues indoors, outdoors, next to a giant fish tank or amongst local history. Where ever you are hosting your event, every venue is unique.  Decorating your event sets the tone and mood for you and your guests.  Whether you are looking to recreate a feeling or to have an unforgettable experience, picking the right decorations is key.  Here are some things to think about.

What is your personal style?  Are you laid back, casual, trendy, sophisticated or romantic?  You may want an evening wedding with rich hued flowers and glowing candles.  Or a more contemporary setting with lounge furniture and jewel toned linens.  Maybe an outdoor party with hanging party lanterns and a tropical tiki bar.  What ever you decide make sure it reflects your personal sensibility.

Know your budget and work it!  This helps determine exactly how many decorations you can have at your wedding or reception.  It’s likely that equipment and decorations will be the next to the last thing you purchase or rent.  Careful budget planning and execution will help avoid unwanted stress and disappointment.  If your budget it tight think about renting the more expensive pieces you won’t reuse.  Some rental equipment companies you work with may even be willing to purchase reusable items after your event.

Take pictures of your event site.  We know you’ll be watching “Who’s Wedding is it Anyway” and Googling pictures of your wedding ideas.  You can easily overwhelm yourself with great ideas!  Taking pictures of your event sites allows you to look back at the site to visualize if your idea will work.  It also helps your wedding planner and/or vendors share your vision for the big day.   

Less is more.  Many venues at the Crystal Coast are already festive since many of them are local attractions or locally owned and operated.  If you are having a 4 course meal your reception tables will already be crowded with place settings, you may only need one tall centerpiece instead of a centerpiece and candles.  The natural beauty of the beach only needs enhancing during your ceremony with maybe a few decorative starfish hanging from a beach bench or chair.

With thorough planning and a little creativity you can plan the wedding of your dreams, not break the bank and give your guests an affair to remember.       

Submitted by Jamie Wax,
Island Essentials
Emerald Isle, NC

By George Adamakis, Twlight Limousine Company

When shopping for a wedding limousine you want to ask 4 main questions.

Question 1) How long before the wedding should I book my limousine service?

Most experts will tell you to start looking for limousine 3-9 months ahead, and the reason for that is certain times of year (like April & May), it will be hard to find nice limousines due to prom season.

Question 2) What size limousine do I need?

Limousines are designed on the assumption that every person will way 150 lbs or less or 15 inches  wide per person. So thinking you can seat 10 people in a 10 passenger limousine will just not work most of the time, especially if its daytime in July, you will be creating a hot uncomfortable situation. Always get a limousine a little bigger than you think you need.

Question 3) Now the price?

A typical wedding limousine can run from $300-$500 for 3 hours plus 15-20% gratuity for the chauffeur. Brand new limousines and Hummers, Navigators etc will run more. I know it may sound like you’re paying for the chauffeur to sit and do nothing but the chauffeurs will be busy outside setting up. Also think of it as not having to worry about time, weddings usually run a little behind and the limo might have another job scheduled so he has to leave creating another situation. Most people will shop by price which is a big mistake. I’m sure you know by now you pay for what you get!

Question 4) How do I find the right limousine co.?

Most reliable limousine companies will have a web site and belong to some Limousine Associations so look for these when shopping around. When you call ask the year of the limo, type of limo your looking for and GO see it if possible. Remember, a 10 passenger limo will seat only 8, a 12 passenger limo will seat only 10. Ask about packages and whats included. Ask for references or read testimonials on their web site. Most of all get a contract stating all this; make, model, year, color of limousine you rented. Believe it or not the Limousine is a BIG part of you wedding you will see the pictures the rest of your life. Do you want to look back and say why didn’t I spend a little more for my special day?

Article submitted by George Adamakis
Twilight Limousine Company

The Crystal Coast is not only known for the natural green hue of the water and the warm beige tone of the sand but also for the relaxed refreshed feeling that comes over you with your first breath of salt air.  To incorporate that feeling into your reception here are some tips on creating a comfortable lounge space.

What will I need?

One of the hottest party rental trends is lounge furniture.  It brings a modern yet casual feeling to any wedding reception.  It can be a pricey rental piece but one you and you’re your guests will surely remember and worth every penny!  Most rental companies will deliver, set-up and break down lounge furniture so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting.

Where?

Indoor or outdoors.  It can be a place guest’s gather for a cocktail or for a quieter conversation after dinner.  There is no bad place for a lounge area.  Visit your reception site with your wedding planner or with a representative from the rental company to determine the best place for your lounge.  If you’re planning an outdoor lounge area you might want to think about patio heaters for a cool night or a small tent to create a more intimate space.   

Lounge furniture is usually available in a natural color (tan or ivory) with the option of renting custom pillows to compliment your event decor.  Keep in mind that rental companies may have certain safety rules for placing lounge furniture around pools or on top floor decks.  So pay close attention to your rental agreement.

Use it!

Your big day will be a long one and you’ll be tired by the time the last piece of cake is served.  So stroll over to the lounge area with a cocktail and share a moment with your sweetie, shoes optional.

Submitted by Jamie Wax,
Island Essentials
Emerald Isle, NC