Ashley & Robbie's Coastal NC Wedding

I genuinely had so much fun planning with these two, as no matter what we were talking about during a planning appointment, we very easily got sidetracked by talking about pop-culture, health & beauty, family drama, TikTok wedding trends, and the list of distractions seemed endless! However, building relationships like these with my couples are what make my job so incredible.

Ashley & Robbie contracted Just Us Weddings for full planning and design services, so we kicked off their weekend with their ceremony rehearsal at the Beaufort Hotel, followed by their rehearsal dinner and welcome party, both at Moonrakers Beaufort. Guests dined overlooking the always stunning Taylor’s Creek (even with the less than favorable weather that evening), followed by rooftop cocktails just as the weather passed through. It was a crisp 60 degrees their entire wedding weekend, and although a little windier than one may have liked, it was perfect.

Reign Beauty NC kicked off the festivities come wedding day to get Ashley and her best gal pals ready, while Robbie and his party relaxed and enjoyed their no-plans morning, all at the Beaufort Hotel. Just Us Weddings arrived on site with Serendipity Floral Designs (florist), The Carolina Refinery (furniture and tabletop rentals), Alpha Lit (marquee lights), Salty Girl Designs (live painter), and BBJ LaTavola (table linen and napkins) to begin all of their setup.

Once hair and makeup was almost complete, Erin Johnson Photography, as well as The Story Creative (videography), arrived and began capturing the couple’s details and invitation suite. Following this, Ashley gowned with her mom and sister, and Robbie got dressed with the help of his dad and best man. Ashley had a first look with her dad and wedding party, and then a first look with Robbie, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Robbie and his party took pictures, and right before the ceremony, Ashley changed out of her reception dress, and into her late grandmother’s wedding dress. Ashley and Robbie honored Nonnie in multiple ways throughout their wedding day, in addition to other family members that had recently passed, such as Ashley’s uncle, and it was truly a beautiful testament.

DJ Ben Felton of East Coast Entertainment kicked off prelude and Serendipity Floral Designs created magic, all under the Wedding Pavilion at the Beaufort Hotel. Before long, the processional began, Robbie saw Ashley for the first time in Nonnie’s dress (which had us all crying), and the two were married by both of Ashley’s younger brothers.

Guests then made their way to cocktail hour on the 2nd floor Veranda of the Hotel and the ballrooms’ pre-function space where they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and the stocked bar. In the meantime, Ashley & Robbie took pictures with their families and entire wedding party, Ashley changed back into her reception dress, and then these two snuck off for their newlywed portraits. One of my favorite spots at the Beaufort Hotel is the docks on Taylors Creek, as no matter what part you are standing on and no matter the weather, these pictures are stunning every single time.

At the tail end of cocktail hour, guests made their way into the Hotel’s ballroom to find their seats for dinner, and then the reception was kicked off by the couple’s grand entrance and first dance. Watching these two during their first dance was something so sweet. Robbie was singing to Ashley, they were twirling each other around the dance floor, and it truly brought so much love and joy to each guest witnessing it. Ashley’s dad then welcomed guests and gave a toast, followed by the Beaufort Hotel’s banquet team serving dinner.

After dinner, guest indulged in creme brûlée cheesecake from the Hotel (since Ashley & Robbie weren’t the biggest fans of traditional wedding cake), we then learned lots about these two through a few toasts from members of the wedding party and Ashley’s adorable cousin Sam, who truly stole the show (and is certainly made for show biz). After the toasts, DJ Ben cranked up the party! These two danced the night away with their loved ones, and ended the night with a sparkler exit wearing the most adorable matching jogger-sweat sets. The couple and guests then loaded buses via New Bern Tours to continue the party in downtown Morehead City!

I genuinely miss planning meetings with these two, but I cannot wait to see what the future holds as the newly Mr. & Mrs. Elbers!

XOXO

Courtney