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.

Leandra + Walter

Black-Tie Wedding at The Chesapeake in Carova

Untamed Coastline Meets East Coast Elegance

Outer Banks Wedding Photographer for Remote, Refined Coastal Celebrations

In the northernmost stretch of North Carolina’s Outer Banks — where paved roads disappear and the dunes take over — Carova sets the stage for some of the most unforgettable weddings on the East Coast. Isolated, windswept, and wildly beautiful, it’s here that Lauren and James hosted a black-tie celebration at The Chesapeake that felt both effortlessly elevated and entirely their own.

Surrounded by coastal seclusion and wild horses, the day unfolded with an energy that was powerful in its contrast — formal styling set against a raw, untouched landscape. The bride wore two looks: a striking, fashion-forward gown for the ceremony followed by a second look styled with fresh hair and makeup for the reception — both perfectly at home against the windswept backdrop of the 4x4 beaches.

The groom and groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, sharp and timeless against the neutral tones of sand and sea. It was black-tie with a twist — the kind of juxtaposition that speaks to couples who appreciate tradition but crave something more personal, more dramatic, and more unforgettable.

The reception took place poolside under the stars, open-air and candlelit, with each element designed to blend refinement with relaxed Outer Banks atmosphere. The views were endless. The air was warm. And every detail — from timing to tone — was executed with intention.

As always, our approach to photography emphasized the essence of the day: portraits filled with timeless energy, clean direction, and a visual style that never tries too hard. These are the kinds of events we’re built for — black-tie destination weddings where storytelling matters, and elegance is found not just in styling, but in the way it all unfolds.

Planning a wedding in Carova’s 4x4 region or looking to host an elevated destination celebration on the Outer Banks? You don’t have to sacrifice luxury or polish to embrace the wildness of the coast — in fact, with the right team, that’s exactly where the magic lives.