Brianne + Paul

Coastal Chic Wedding

Outer Banks Beach Ceremony with Elevated Style at Lighthouse 12 in Corolla, NC

Outer Banks Wedding Photographer for Refined Coastal Celebrations

This stunning Corolla wedding at Lighthouse 12 was a masterclass in coastal chic elegance — beach-inspired in the most elevated way. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, every element of this day was designed with care, guided by the expertise of the full-service planning team at Southern Hospitality Weddings and Events. From a picture-perfect beach ceremony to a warm, open-air reception filled with intentional details, this was beach wedding design at its most sophisticated.

The ceremony took place on a bright, sunny afternoon — the kind of light we always hope for on the Outer Banks. The couple chose a ground meadow floral installation by Honeysuckle Events, a favorite of ours for its ability to frame the aisle without ever blocking the view. The florals were soft, neutral, and breezy — a beautiful echo of the dunes behind them. A custom beachwood plank aisle runner led directly to the oceanfront altar, where the couple exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends.

The fashion matched the setting perfectly: the bride in a classic beach silhouette gown, and the groom in a tan linen suit— effortlessly tailored and beach-appropriate. Bridesmaids wore a mix of nude, cream, and neutral tones, adding to the soft, refined color story that carried throughout the day.

The reception was nothing short of glowing. Under open skies, guests gathered for an elevated coastal dinner experience— complete with warm candlelight, all-white florals, and subtle, textural neutrals. Every detail felt layered yet effortless: specialty glassware, signature cocktails, white bentwood chairs, and a palette that brought together every shade of sand, sea, and sunlight.

It was one of those rare weddings that managed to feel relaxed and luxurious at the same time — where intentional designmet laid-back beauty in perfect balance.

As an Outer Banks wedding photographer specializing in elevated East Coast weddings, these are the days we love documenting most: heartfelt celebrations with refined style, curated details, and a setting that speaks for itself.

Planning a destination wedding in Corolla or anywhere along the Outer Banks? We’d be honored to capture your day with care, clarity, and timeless style.

Molly + Sean

A Personalized Celebration by the Sea

Molly & Sean’s Intentional Corolla Beach Wedding

Outer Banks Wedding Photographer for Elegant, Intimate East Coast Weddings

Some weddings are grand. Some are energetic. And then some — like Molly and Sean’s — are quietly extraordinary.

Set on the coast of Corolla, North Carolina, their beach wedding was proof that when design is thoughtful, and every detail has purpose, a small guest list doesn’t mean less impact — it means more room for meaning.

Molly and Sean chose to celebrate with fewer than 20 guests — a circle of only their dearest friends and family. From the very start, this wasn’t about a production. It was about presence. And it was about them.

Their ceremony took place on the top deck of their event home, overlooking endless ocean views and framed by the salty breeze only the Outer Banks can offer. No fanfare, no excess — just intentional design, stunning light, and two people saying yes to forever.

Molly is a graphic designer, and every part of this wedding reflected her eye for detail. From the typography to the table styling, the day felt like a design board brought to life — curated, elevated, and deeply personal. She created every detail herself, and it showed. There’s a certain magic when a couple’s aesthetic feels entirely their own — and this day had it in spades.

Dinner was catered by Red Sky, and served indoors in a beautifully intimate setting. Candlelight, laughter, and conversation lingered late into the evening. Nothing felt rushed. No moment felt missed. It was the kind of dinner you wish you could be a part of — warm, genuine, and full of depth.

As an Outer Banks wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to weddings where the design is elevated, but the heart of it all remains grounded in purpose. This is the kind of day that reminds me why intimate weddings — when done with intention — can be some of the most visually stunning and emotionally powerful celebrations to capture.

If you’re planning a beach wedding in Corolla or a small, detail-rich event anywhere along the East Coast, know that intimacy doesn’t mean less beauty. With thoughtful design and the right creative team, it can mean more of everything that matters.

Kate + Tyler

Windswept Elegance in Corolla, North Carolina

Tyler & Kate at Lighthouse 12

Outer Banks Wedding Photography That Thrives in Every Condition

The Outer Banks is known for its beauty — but she doesn’t always promise perfect weather.

When Tyler and Kate flew in from California to host their wedding at Lighthouse 12 in Corolla, they didn’t expect a full-blown nor’easter. Sustained 40mph winds, rising tides, and the kind of sideways rain that makes ceremony chairs sink. But here’s the thing: their wedding was still spectacular. Not because we avoided the weather — but because they embraced it.

Originally planned as a beach ceremony, we made the call — alongside their planner — to relocate to the top deck, avoiding ocean overwash without losing the sweeping coastal view. The deck, windswept and dramatic, actually suited Kate and Tyler’s aesthetic perfectly: easy, breezy, beautifully undone.

They were the kind of couple you hope walks into your inbox. Creative, trusting, and totally unconcerned with the things they couldn’t control. That’s when the magic really happens — and in this case, it did.

Their portraits told the story best. Hair tousled by wind, veil flying just enough, clouds moving fast overhead. Nothing staged. Nothing forced. Just the kind of energy that can’t be faked. Their California roots and laid-back elegance felt right at home on this rugged coastline — and the result was a gallery full of movement, atmosphere, and intimacy.

As the winds calmed, the evening gave way to what every couple hopes for — an unforgettable night. Cocktails flowed. Music carried. The dance floor stayed full. Surrounded by friends and family who rallied without hesitation, Kate and Tyler celebrated with full hearts and unshakable joy.

We photograph weddings in every imaginable weather condition — it comes with the territory on the Outer Banks. But days like this are a reminder of what we do best: showing up, staying calm, and capturing the fullness of your wedding day with elegance, direction, and just the right amount of spontaneity.

For couples planning a beach wedding on the East Coast — whether in the sunshine or in 40mph wind — we’ll be there. With intention. With experience. And with a camera that never misses a beat.

Shannon + Ian

Sophisticated Mid-Atlantic Elegance

Shannon & Ian’s Coastal Wedding on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Tidewater & Eastern Shore Wedding Photographer for Elevated Coastal Celebrations

Shannon and Ian’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular — not because it was flashy, but because it was designed with such clarity, restraint, and unmistakable coastal sophistication. Set in the heart of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, their day reflected everything we love about this region: timeless beauty, understated elegance, and a deep appreciation for natural surroundings.

This was the kind of celebration that East Coast couples dream of when they envision a high-end wedding by the water — formal, but not stiff. Elevated, but never overdone. With full-service planning and design by Coastyle Wedding & Events, every element was seamless, refined, and reflective of the couple’s style.

Held beneath a clear-top tent dripping in white orchids, the reception was a masterclass in clean, coastal luxury. The tent offered an open view of the sky, bringing in the soft Virginia light by day and the stars by night — while the florals added a lush, almost cloudlike atmosphere that softened and elevated the space all at once.

From the beginning, Shannon and Ian knew they didn’t want to sacrifice sophistication in order to feel relaxed. Their vision was polished, personal, and deeply rooted in the landscape that surrounded them. The Tidewater region’s salt air, maritime energy, and timeless charm all played into the feel of the day — without overpowering it.

Guests were welcomed into an experience that felt effortlessly warm and beautifully intentional. Every moment flowed with care. Every detail mattered. And throughout it all, our team was focused on documenting the celebration with timeless energy, natural direction, and clean, editorial composition — the kind of photography that feels as relevant in 30 years as it does today.

As a team that specializes in coastal weddings across the Eastern Shore and Mid-Atlantic, this event is exactly the kind we’re built to capture — refined, emotional, beautifully styled weddings for couples who value the experience as much as the images.

If you’re planning a formal wedding anywhere along Virginia’s Tidewater coast, the Eastern Shore, or anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic coastal corridor, we’d be honored to document it with the same clarity and intention we brought to Shannon and Ian’s extraordinary celebration.