Madison + Brett

a black tie wedding at the whalehead club

Timeless elegance and coastal romance in Corolla, North Carolina

Even when the weather turns, some weddings become unforgettable in ways no one could plan. Madison and Brett’s classic black tie wedding at The Whalehead Club in Corolla was one of those celebrations — a day where a Nor’easter swept across the Outer Banks and somehow made the evening even more romantic.

The wind, the rain, the candlelight — everything came together to create a story that felt timeless, cinematic, and uniquely coastal. Against the backdrop of one of the most iconic venues on the Outer Banks, their day became a masterclass in turning unpredictable weather into an atmosphere filled with warmth, beauty, and grace.

a ceremony beneath the clear top tent

The Whalehead Club, with its stately yellow architecture and views of the Currituck Sound, is one of the Outer Banks’ most elegant and historic wedding venues. Set on expansive waterfront lawns, it provides the perfect setting for black tie celebrations that feel grand.

For Madison and Brett, the ceremony unfolded beneath a clear-top tent that offered shelter from the passing storm while still showcasing the soft, diffused light of the coastal sky. Raindrops danced on the tent canopy as guests took their seats, and the sound of the wind became an unexpected yet serene soundtrack to the moment.

As the couple exchanged vows, the scene felt deeply romantic — the gentle patter of rain, the glow of natural light, and the graceful poise of two people choosing joy no matter what the weather held. It was the perfect expression of Outer Banks resilience and beauty: elegant, unbothered, and entirely timeless.

A ROMANTIC FIRST LOOK AT THE HISTORIC HUNT CLUB LAWN

Before the ceremony, Madison and Brett shared their first look on the lawn of the historic Hunt Club at The Whalehead Club — a moment that felt straight out of a Southern romance novel. The overcast skies gave the scene an ethereal softness, and as raindrops began to fall, the couple’s laughter carried through the sound of the breeze.

When the rain started to pick up, we tucked beneath the towering live oak trees, to finished their family and wedding party photos. The oak tree branches were a perfect shelter from wind and rain. The setting couldn’t have been more cinematic — a mix of mood, movement, and intimacy that captured everything beautiful about photographing on the Outer Banks.

Once the rainfall grew steadier, we moved into the reception tent to complete their portraits. This unexpected shift gave us a chance to explore the space in an entirely new way — using the candlelit lounges, patterned linens, and cozy textures as an editorial backdrop. It was a creative moment that turned into something extraordinary: a series of portraits that felt artful, stylish, and beautifully spontaneous.

a mix-and-mingle reception filled with warmth and style

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly into an elevated mix-and-mingle style reception designed to encourage connection and celebration. The tent, layered in soft blue and white textures, offered the perfect balance of refinement and comfort. Patterned linens added visual depth, while natural wood wishbone chairs and coastal-inspired décor elements brought warmth to the space.

Throughout the evening, candlelight flickered across every surface — reflected in glassware, dancing over floral arrangements, and creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and editorial. Cozy lounge spaces invited guests to gather, while the open floor plan encouraged laughter and movement. It was the kind of reception where every corner told a story and every image felt effortlessly styled.

Even as the storm rolled through, the atmosphere remained light and joyful. The combination of black tie elegance and the moody, romantic light created a setting that felt completely unique to the Outer Banks.

the whalehead club: A timeless outer banks Venue

Every decision in the design of this wedding reflected intentional styling and understated sophistication. The couple chose a color palette of soft blues, crisp whites, and muted neutrals that complemented the stormy skies outside. Candles and uplighting brought warmth, while natural textures and flowing fabrics softened the edges of the tented space.

The result was a design that didn’t fight the weather — it embraced it. The entire evening unfolded with an organic sense of movement and ease, each moment more intimate than the last. As the rain continued to fall outside, the space inside felt cozy, inviting, and endlessly romantic.

This kind of balance — editorial polish with genuine emotion — is what defines the Outer Banks’ most elevated weddings. It’s a reminder that true elegance doesn’t depend on perfection; it shines through in how the day feels.

the beauty of embracing the unexpected

Outer Banks weddings are often shaped by nature — the wind, the light, the sound of the tide. For Madison and Brett, the Nor’easter became part of their story, adding a layer of intimacy and depth to their celebration. Instead of hiding from the elements, they embraced them.

The result was a gallery of images that feel soft, painterly, and effortlessly romantic. Each frame captured the tenderness between the couple, the laughter of their guests, and the glow of candlelight reflected in the rain. It was proof that even the stormiest day can produce the most breathtaking imagery.

Why We Loved This Wedding

Weddings at The Whalehead Club are stunning, and this one captured everything we love about the Outer Banks — timeless elegance, genuine emotion, and a couple who trusted the beauty of their surroundings.

What we loved most about Madison and Brett’s day was their unwavering calm and joy. They didn’t let the weather change their story; instead, they leaned into it, allowing the wind and rain to shape a mood that felt cinematic and utterly unique. The result was a celebration that felt both elevated and deeply human — full of texture, laughter, and connection.

From the flicker of candlelight to the way guests gathered under the tent, every moment reminded us why we love photographing coastal black tie weddings. The unpredictable elements, the refined design, and the emotional honesty all came together in a way that felt completely one-of-a-kind.

For couples dreaming of a luxury Outer Banks wedding that feels timeless, editorial, and effortlessly romantic — Madison and Brett’s Whalehead Club celebration is proof that sometimes, the most beautiful days are the ones you can’t entirely plan for.

Paige + Jeff

New Year’s Eve Black Tie Wedding

The Whalehead Club | Corolla, NC

Outer Banks Wedding Photographer for Curated, High-End Celebrations

There’s something undeniably magical about a New Year’s Eve wedding — especially when it takes place at the iconic Whalehead Club in historic Corolla, North Carolina. For couples who want a celebration that’s as elegant as it is unforgettable, this date brings an unmatched energy, and this wedding delivered that in every way.

With a black-tie dress code, a winter coastal setting, and thoughtful nods to New Year’s Eve traditions, the day was full of intentional design and one-of-a-kind moments that reflected the couple’s unique vision. From the start, they wanted their wedding to feel timeless, elevated, and celebratory — and it did exactly that.

The day began with portraits around the historic Whalehead Club estate, where golden winter light spilled across the waterfront. Our bride wore a modern, fashion-forward gown that felt editorial yet elegant. The groom and wedding party embraced the formality of the black-tie aesthetic, giving the entire celebration a sense of polish and occasion.

As part of our signature photography experience, we guided this couple through each part of the planning and styling process — from intentional portrait timing to editorial wardrobe styling and natural posing direction. Our approach is never just about the photos. It’s about providing a level of support that helps couples feel confident, prepared, and assured they’ve made the right decision.

The ceremony took place just before sunset, allowing for the perfect transition into an evening full of celebration. Inside the tented reception, subtle New Year’s Eve details brought the party to life: warm candlelight, classic florals, sophisticated metallics, and thoughtful textures made the space feel festive without ever being overdone.

As midnight approached, the energy only grew — laughter, music, and champagne toasts filling the air as guests rang in the new year under twinkling lights.

This wedding was the perfect mix of historic Southern charm and contemporary celebration — proving that even in the colder months, a coastal destination like Corolla can deliver a wedding experience that’s both polished and deeply personal.

For couples seeking a guided, full-service experience that blends refined editorial imagery with hands-on support, we’re here to help you design and document a day that feels like your own. From styling your looks to creating space for authentic, relaxed portraits — our process is seamless, intentional, and trusted by the kind of couples who want more than just beautiful photos.