1. Real Weddings

Katie & Brian: A Waterfront Wedding in Duck, NC

Katie and Brian had been dating long-distance for over a year when Katie drove out one day to Virginia Beach to see Brian, as she often did. The Bri

Katie and Brian had been dating long-distance for over a year when Katie drove out one day to Virginia Beach to see Brian, as she often did. The Bride Katie Helbig, 26, nurse The Groom Brian Couch, 26, nurse The Date June 9 She arrived tired from making the four-hour drive after her shift and wanted to nap. But Brian said he had something to show her and brought out a new camcorder. So that she wouldn’t think he’d only bought something for himself, he presented her with flowers. She got up to put them in a vase and found a ring box among the stems. Before she knew it, Brian was proposing and the camera had caught it all on tape. Katie and Brian were married by the beach on a beautiful day in June.

Jeweled thong sandals were the perfect complement to Katie's gown.
Short centerpieces of green grass provided a pop of color, while tall branches with hanging votives and green orchids provided height and drama.
To involve their siblings in the ceremony, Katie and Brian asked them to recite a religious reading and a poem. Two large arrangements of peonies, tulips, and greenery stood on pedestals on either side of the aisle. Greenery decorated the gazebo that served as the altar.
Escort cards stood in beds of green grass on white trays near the entrance to the tent.
At the ceremony, the first few rows of chairs were adorned with starfish.
The ring bearer sported a tan suit just like the groom’s.
The couple chose a simple, three-tiered, vanilla cake accented with green trim, pink and green orchids, and a C, for Couch, on top. A cookie table featuring several different varieties was a big hit with the kids.
Rather than a ring pillow, the bride’s cousin, Drew, carried an antique toy car with the bed filled with flowers and two faux rings.
To offset their bright pink bouquets, Katie’s maids wore quartz pink, silk, sheath dresses from J.Crew.
Katie wore a silk chiffon Watters gown with straps that crossed in the back.
Submerged tulips in clear vases topped some of the tables, and were surrounded by votive candles. The table numbers were held up by starfish, adding to the beachy feel.