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.
Brittany + Ryan
A Color-Soaked Celebration at The Black Stallion
Corolla, North Carolina
From the moment you walked into the ceremony space at The Black Stallion in Corolla, you were met with color. Bright, unapologetic color. Hot pinks, fiery oranges, vivid violets — all blooming wildly across arbors, tabletops, and tucked behind cocktail garnishes. It felt fresh. Joyful. Alive. And entirely theirs.
This wasn’t just another Outer Banks event home wedding. It was layered. Lush. Designed to feel relaxed, but far from ordinary.
Ashley and Drew (the kind of couple who smiles with their whole face) wanted a day that reflected both their energy and their love for good design. Portraits took place down the road on the fairways of The Currituck Club, where we chased soft, pre-sunset light and found just the right breeze. Their portraits were clean, editorial, and full of warmth — exactly what we strive for.
The cocktail hour was a standout moment: Camp Cocktail “Libations on Location” pulled up their vintage 1960s camper, transformed into a fully functioning mobile bar, and served craft cocktails that felt more like experiences. It was the kind of touch guests didn’t just enjoy — they remembered.
Dinner was held outdoors around wooden farm tables, surrounded by lounge vignettes scattered across the lawn. There was a sense of ease to it all — nothing too polished, just the right amount of imperfect, like a coastal dinner party done really, really well.
As the sun dipped low behind the Currituck Sound, guests gathered at the sunset bridge — one of the best vantage points in Corolla — and watched the sky light up in every shade of peach and lavender. And when it was time to party? The string lights came on, the florals glowed even brighter, and the energy shifted from breezy to electric.
We document a lot of weddings at The Black Stallion. But every so often, one comes along that flips the script — takes the venue you know and makes it feel entirely new. That’s what Ashley and Drew did.
And for couples looking to bring this kind of refined, joyful, East Coast celebration to life — we’re here for every single frame of it.
SDP Weddings