Real Wedding: Merry & Trae – “I Do” by the Ocean Blue

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Merry met Trae when she was 16, but she wasn’t all that impressed by their initial meeting. It wasn’t until they reconnected in college that sparks flew. Trae proposed on the Outer Banks, where Merry’s family owns a vacation home and where the couple have visited frequently. She said, “yes,” and the couple were married on the Outer Banks this past July.

Merry’s family loves the Outer Banks, so the beach wedding was a given. Not only did the family frequently vacation there, but Merry’s sister was also married at the Sanderling Resort, where Merry and Trae chose to host their nuptials, as well. Merry took steps to ensure that her and Trae’s wedding was unique, despite the family’s celebration there five years earlier.

The ceremony décor was simple and elegant, with just an altar covered in white chiffon and flowers in shades of pink and coral. The guests sat in rows of white, wooden chairs, and the aisle was simply the sand on the shore. Though the weather was hot and humid, the tide provided a soft breeze.

Real Wedding: Merry & Trae I Do by the Ocean Blue Raleigh Weddings Magazine

The couple chose to forego the popular “first look,” so Trae saw Merry at the same time as everyone else: As she walked up the aisle in her House of Maya gown with a lace overlay and flowing train. Her hair was pulled loosely behind her ears and left to hang in soft waves. She carried a bouquet of cream and pink blooms.

The bridesmaids wore Lilly Pulitzer gowns in baby blue with pink floral designs. Two flower girls wore flowing coral dresses with flower crowns.

Trae wore pale, khaki pants with a matching vest and a white, button-down shirt.

The Rev. Michael Halley officiated the ceremony, which was captured on film by Andrew and Tianna Photography and on video by Crystal Blue Productions.

After saying their “I Do”s on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, Merry and Trae moved into the Sanderling Resort for the reception and danced the night away with their guests on the Currituck Sound.

The reception décor had the same simple and elegant design as the ceremony, with some nods to the beach. The tables were dressed in pale blue and aqua linens and topped with centerpieces with flowers in shades of pink and coral. Bells & Whistles designed the floral arrangements. Gluten-free baker Sonya Dowdy-Green designed the wedding cake, which featured shells, starfish and other beach décor in pale hues.

The Crowd played the music that kept the guests dancing all night long. Other entertainment included a photo booth provided by OBX Photo Booth.

The Sanderling Resort provided the wedding planner who helped pull all the details together and bring Merry and Trae’s vision for their wedding to life. The couple enjoyed a wedding celebration that reflected their personality and sense of style and that was distinct from the other weddings that the family had celebrated there.

Merry and Trae loved every minute celebrating with their family and starting the next chapter in their lives together.