The dates for the 2011 Crystal Coast Wedding Salon  are January 7-8, 2011.

The Salon isn’t your average bridal show. It’s a weekend party by the sea full of destination wedding planning events and fun for one low ticket price.

Events include chauffeured limousine tours of Crystal Coast event venues from Emerald Isle to Beaufort; the Wedding Salon Showcase, which gives brides a chance to meet select Crystal Coast wedding vendors in a relaxed oceanfront wedding reception setting at the Sheraton Oceanfront Resort in Atlantic Beach; and a rousing After Party at the North Carolina Aquarium complete with dining, dancing, and door prizes.

Couples will also receive a luxury swag bag worth hundreds of dollars in gifts, services, and area dining and shopping offers. Details and tickets online at CrystalCoastWeddingSalon.com. Check out pictures from last year’s Salon on our Facebook page.

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.