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Wedding at "the dream" outerbanks

veterinary09veterinary09
First Comment
in North Carolina-Outer Banks
Hello! I am so excited to see that there are others that have married at "the dream" obx! I have many questions! We have booked " the dream" for June 2013. I am not very familiar w the area, other than a recent trip to Avon and some friends that have been to corolla. For those of you who have already married there and for those of you in the planning stage, I am hoping to pick your brains!!
Here are my q's:
1. Did you use a wedding planner? If so, who do you recommend? How much did you pay?
2. Is it possible to have the reception dinner outside? Is the deck big enough?
3. Can anyone recommend a Dj?
4. What kind of music does "the crowd" play?
5. How many people did you guys have stay at the house? Do you recommend any nearby motels or homes for additional lodging?
6. How far in advance did you send your invitations? I Am struggling between sending out "save the dates" or actual invitations now.
7. Any suggestions on caterers? I was thinking of coastal provisions for surf and turf, but I really do not know much about them.
8. Did u get married at sunset or earlier in the day? I'm concerned about the mosquito factor!
So sorry about all of these questions! Any advice or info would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Kendra
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Re: Wedding at "the dream" outerbanks

  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_wedding-at-the-dream-outerbanks?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:c1c853f3-372f-4653-ad27-62c11e95d3fePost:218b52f2-13f2-4886-a87e-550ff92fef67">Wedding at "the dream" outerbanks</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hello! I am so excited to see that there are others that have married at "the dream" obx! I have many questions! We have booked " the dream" for June 2013. I am not very familiar w the area, other than a recent trip to Avon and some friends that have been to corolla. For those of you who have already married there and for those of you in the planning stage, I am hoping to pick your brains!! Here are my q's: 1. Did you use a wedding planner? If so, who do you recommend? How much did you pay? 2. Is it possible to have the reception dinner outside? Is the deck big enough? 3. Can anyone recommend a Dj? 4. What kind of music does "the crowd" play? 5. How many people did you guys have stay at the house? Do you recommend any nearby motels or homes for additional lodging? 6. How far in advance did you send your invitations? I Am struggling between sending out "save the dates" or actual invitations now. 7. Any suggestions on caterers? I was thinking of coastal provisions for surf and turf, but I really do not know much about them. 8. Did u get married at sunset or earlier in the day? I'm concerned about the mosquito factor! So sorry about all of these questions! Any advice or info would be much appreciated! Thank you! Kendra
    Posted by veterinary09[/QUOTE]

    Congrats and welcome!

    The Dream is a gorgeous home and one that I considered before choosing my final venue.  Keep in mind that since it's in the 4x4 area, you may need to provide some sort of 4x4 transportation for your guests since not all of them may have a 4x4 vehicle. There are a few good companies we could recommend if you are interested.

    Some of us hired a wedding planner, but most of us did everything via email and telephone.  We have even have brides from CO and CA that have done everything via email and phone, so it can be done.  It's just a matter of whether or not you want to spend the extra money or not. Even ones that didn't hire an actual wedding planner, hired a day of coordinator to make sure everything went perfectly on their wedding day.  Just something to consider.

    You can find a complete list of vendors, including wedding planners/coordinators, at the Outer Banks Wedding Assoc at <a href="http://www.obxwed.com" rel="nofollow">www.obxwed.com</a>  It will be a very helpful resource for you throughout the planning process.

    We used DJ John Harper as he is quite popular and even does the morning radio show in the obx.  I remember seeing that The Crowd is quite popular down there, but can't recall exactly what kind of music they play.  I am sure you can find more info on them on their website.

    Even though we didn't have our ceremony at an event home, we did have an 8br home and my parents, aunts/uncles, sister and family stayed in the house. My H and I got out own place for the week and it was a nice break from the hectic schedule all week! It really depends on what the families would want to do and if you want to offer any rooms to your wedding party as well.  Most of us had our guests pay for their share of their stay, minus the deposit and event fees of course. The closest hotel to Corolla/Carova will be The Hampton Inn in Corolla. There is another Hampton Inn about 20 miles away at the edge of Duck/Kitty Hawk area.

    I would definitely recommend sending STD's!!  Especially since you are having a destination wedding.  This way, people have enough notice and can plan accordingly and also, it will give you a good feel of who may or may not be able to make it.  Understand that a lot of people may not be able to attend due to the time of year, kids, work schedules, etc., so sending STD's gives them the chance to prepare ahead of time.  It's just a courteous thing to do for your guests.  You will find some really cute beach theme ones on Vistaprint.com and their prices are really really good!  I think most of us went with STD postcards, some had a personal pic included and some didn't, but not many did the magnets.  Too pricey in the long run.

    I used Coastal Provisions and absolutely loved their food!  Our guests raved about it, which made us even happier with our decision.  I will be honest, communication with Nina can be a little frustrating at times, but she does have a lot on her plate and rest assured, she will ensure it's perfect on your wedding day! I would definitely look into them :)

    Most of us were married in late afternoon/early evening.  I chose a 4:30 beach ceremony and I am really glad that I did b/c pics took a lot longer than I thought, so I am glad I listened to my photographer and went with 4:30 instead of 5:00 like I had originally planned.  Our cocktail hour started at 5:45 btw and a seated dinner at 7:00. 

    Since your home is OF, you shouldn't have a problem with mosquitoes.  The ocean breezes will be hitting the house and will keep them away.  I've never had a problem with them at any OF home that I have rented over the years. 

    Again, congrats and welcome!  If there is anything you need, feel free to ask away :)

     

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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    Also wanted to add....we were engaged Christmas Day 2010 for a Sept 16, 2011 wedding.  We sent our STD's out by Feb 1st and invitations by July 7th.  STD's are typically sent out about 8-9 months in advance, but there is nothing wrong with sending them sooner....I would at least wait until you are right around the year mark though, no sooner than 9/13/12 :)  In your invitations is where you would include all of the hotel accommodations, but we can get to that later.  Since you have time to send out STD's, are you doing an engagement photo shoot?  If so, you could use on the those pics to include on your STD.....like one with the two of you kissing and both holding a chalkboard sign that says "Save The Date......9/13/13" or something like that.  You can Google and Pinterest a lot of cute ones or just keep it simple if you'd prefer.

    Are you planning on going to the Outer Banks Wedding Expo in January?  I highly recommend going b/c it's a great chance to explore the OBX, meet with different vendors and you will even get discounts on certain vendors just for attending the show.  Like I said, I was engaged on Christmas Day and 2 weeks later, I was at the Expo and that is when I was able to meet and book some of my vendors....and that was with only 9mths out.  With that said, I would book your officiant and photographer now. Worry about catering and DJ later...even if that's what the checklist tells you to do. I mentioned in another post, that when it comes to the obx, you definitely want to book your officiant and photographer before other vendors b/c the best ones go first!  Rev. Jay Bowman is sought after as well as Matt Lusk Photography. 

     

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  • veterinary09veterinary09
    First Comment
    Thanks so much for all your info, it is all so very helpful!! I will see if I can check out the expo - do you think it will still be worth going when the wedding will only be 6 months from then? My fiance and I are not religious people, do you think the Rev. Bowman will still be a good choice? Or should I stick with a magistrate? Did you use a planner the day of? If so, do you recommend them?Thanks again!!!
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  • mandafite821mandafite821 member
    First Anniversary First Comment Combo Breaker
    I don't think there are any magistrates in the OBX that will marry you, unless you are married at the court house.  I think there are only officiants who do the beach weddings.  I did not use Rev Jay, but I am sure he would be able to come up with something.  I used an officiant from Hatteras Island, and like you we are not very religious.  She helped us come up with our own cermoney that incorpoarted all of our believes.  I am sure Jay would do the same for you.  Just be very upfront about that when you email him. 
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  • jendem8jendem8 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    Yes, Rev. Jay is a great choice no matter what your religion is (or is not).  We had a semi-religious ceremony, but I know people who have used him and have had no mention of religion.  There are no JOPs in NC at all.  And Rev. Jay is phenomenal.

    Hey Char, never realized this, but we were engaged on the same day!
    image June 22, 2012
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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_wedding-at-the-dream-outerbanks?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:c1c853f3-372f-4653-ad27-62c11e95d3fePost:ccc37355-2a43-4159-a14a-c258cd27ebaa">Re: Wedding at</a>:
    [QUOTE]Yes, Rev. Jay is a great choice no matter what your religion is (or is not).  We had a semi-religious ceremony, but I know people who have used him and have had no mention of religion.  There are no JOPs in NC at all.  And Rev. Jay is phenomenal. <strong>Hey Char, never realized this, but we were engaged on the same day!</strong>
    Posted by jendem8[/QUOTE]

    No way!  :))


    We have a lot of wedding things in common....great minds with great taste think alike ;)

     

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  • jendem8jendem8 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_wedding-at-the-dream-outerbanks?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:598Discussion:c1c853f3-372f-4653-ad27-62c11e95d3fePost:e656c948-6766-4ee4-91b3-09dd71fa9ded">Re: Wedding at</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding at : No way!  :)) We have a lot of wedding things in common....great minds with great taste think alike ;)
    Posted by OBX2011[/QUOTE]

    TRUTH! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />
    image June 22, 2012
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  • ashley2516ashley2516 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Comment
    We're just getting ready to send out the save the dates for our June 2013 wedding, will prob send them out at the beginning of September. We got a Groupon for Vistaprint that was $20 for $80 worth of stuff, and we were able to get customized magnetic save the dates with our pictures, customized envelopes, and return address labels for that $80. If you want to go with Vistaprint, I'd recommend watching Groupon (all of it, not just your city) and Living Social. It seems like a deal pops up pretty often on there.
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  • veterinary09veterinary09
    First Comment

    Great! Thanks for the advice - will keep my eyes open for a Groupon!

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  • veterinary09veterinary09
    First Comment

    Anyone know anything about Matt Cooper with Outer banks music masters? I tried to book John Harper, but he had booked another wedding 2 days after mine one hour before I talked to him. He only travels to the 4x4 area once yearly:( Anyway, he recommended Matt to me.

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  • LaughLinesLaughLines
    First Comment
    Sorry, don't know about music, but back to Vistaprint...  I must have registered my email with them at some point, because I get email coupons from them all the time!  You might want to look into that in case you don't see a Groupon in time!
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  • mandafite821mandafite821 member
    First Anniversary First Comment Combo Breaker
    I did not use Matt Cooper, but other knotties have used him, and he has fabulous reviews.  I used John Harper, and if he suggest Matt, then go with him.  John was fabulous, and I cannot imiagine that he would lead you astray!  
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  • ChristinaJoey2012ChristinaJoey2012
    First Comment
    We had a friend ordained and he preformed our ceremony.
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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    Yes, I have heard good things about Matt Cooper!  Go for it!  :)

     

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  • veterinary09veterinary09
    First Comment
    Any suggestions on florists or cakes??
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  • veterinary09veterinary09
    First Comment
    Any suggestions for florists or cakes???
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  • chrisrabadychrisrabady
    First Anniversary First Comment
    Hi My wedding will be at the Dream next summer as well.
    We viewed the home in person a few weeks ago and it is honestly better in person than in the pictures. The home is massive. The Deck is gigantic, we plan to have tables, food and DJ out on the deck. are you going to rent a tent? it costs 2,000. I do not want to. I figure we'll move inside if the weather is bad. A tent can take away from the gorgeous stars. i want to have string lighting but will need to hire someone to do it since there are no posts sticking out of the group. I took a lot of pictures of the house on my camera and would be happy to share them with you for planning purposes. Have you decided where you will have the ceremony.
    I am having a friend officiate and choose Curritck BBQ for the rehersal. I am going to try and do my own flowers and just hire someone for lighting (as I mentioned earlier).
    What are your plans for hair and makeup?
    yogi Bride
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  • Alang022285Alang022285
    First Comment
    chrisrabady--- I'm getting marrried at The Dream in May 2013!  I would LOVE to see the pictures you took of the house!!!! We live in TX, so I've only been able to see the ones on the Twiddy site.  I'm excited to hear that it is massive!  
    Yay!  Please share :)

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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_wedding-at-the-dream-outerbanks?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:c1c853f3-372f-4653-ad27-62c11e95d3fePost:d2e62e34-e34e-46f8-ac55-0cfbe95c5599">Re: Wedding at</a>:
    [QUOTE]@ chrisrabady --- I'm getting marrried at The Dream in May 2013!  I would LOVE to see the pictures you took of the house!!!! We live in TX, so I've only been able to see the ones on the Twiddy site.  I'm excited to hear that it is massive!   Yay!  Please share :)
    Posted by Alang022285[/QUOTE]

    GO LONGHORNS!!

    That is all I have to add here....carry on ;)

     

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  • Alang022285Alang022285
    First Comment
    hahaha just saw this! go horns is right!!!!!
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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_wedding-at-the-dream-outerbanks?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:c1c853f3-372f-4653-ad27-62c11e95d3fePost:1ff15969-8598-40b2-a8ec-29ba8fc7d3d5">Re: Wedding at</a>:
    [QUOTE]hahaha just saw this! go horns is right!!!!!
    Posted by Alang022285[/QUOTE]

    Niiccceee!!!  :)))

     

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  • meagle810meagle810
    First Comment
    I am getting married at "the dream" in the 4x4 area in September.  I'm from Virginia and was wondering if anybody has any pictures of the outside and inside of the house? (other than the ones that are on the Twiddy rental website). We are planning to make a trip down there so we can view the house, but would love pictures if anybody has any.

    Feel free to email them to mdawn99@hotmail.com

    Smile
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  • erikaninaerikanina member
    First Comment

    I will be getting married in July at "The Dream" as well. Can anyone who has stayed there already share a little info on the bathroom situation on the first floor as there are 10 br and what looks to be 3 showers (minus the one in the master). Do you have to go outside for the two shower only? I'm not quite sure I understand. And as far as an "event" fee, what makes the wedding an "event" if it is only with the people staying in the house? Catering? And is the fee refundable?

    Does anyone (Alang022285) who has pictures of the house mind sharing them with me? erikanina@gmail.com

    Thanks ladies!

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  • OBX2011OBX2011 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    erikanina said:

    I will be getting married in July at "The Dream" as well. Can anyone who has stayed there already share a little info on the bathroom situation on the first floor as there are 10 br and what looks to be 3 showers (minus the one in the master). Do you have to go outside for the two shower only? I'm not quite sure I understand. And as far as an "event" fee, what makes the wedding an "event" if it is only with the people staying in the house? Catering? And is the fee refundable?

    Does anyone (Alang022285) who has pictures of the house mind sharing them with me? erikanina@gmail.com

    Thanks ladies!


    An event fee applies If there will be more people at the house than what the house can sleep. If it sleeps 25, then you can only have 25 guests.

     

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  • s.cruz83s.cruz83 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    We are using Matt cooper. My wedding is not until September so I can post a review at that point. So far he has been great to work with! My planner has also used him many times.
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  • karistizkaristiz member
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Comment
    edited June 2013
    i just wanted to add this link because the photos are GORGEOUS. the latest wedding is at the dream house.

    http://theloveprojectphoto.com/blog/
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    First Comment
    I love all the comments on this post... for anyone who was married at The Dream, could you give me pricing information for the month of May?
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  • cecilclcecilcl member
    First Comment
    I cant believe I found this post! I too will be getting married at "the dream" in the summer of 2014! I'm already feeling completely overwhelmed and I am SO relieved to have found this discussion board! If anyone has any advice on Caterers, Photographers, Florists, rental companies, DJs, transportation, etc, I would SOO much appreciate it. I am looking for any help I can get, things not to do, things to avoid, etc. I cant tell you how excited I am to see all of your comments about this house!

    yay!
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  • klhurley21klhurley21 member
    First Comment

    We are also getting married at The Dream in Oct of 2014. Really worried about the capacity/set up if it rains. Does anyone have pictures of their layouts? Weather back-up plans? How many people did you invite. I know the house "holds" 125-150....but that is with all the use of the deck space.

    Cecilcl: My parents actually live a mile from there on the 4x4 beach during the summer. I am kind of stumbling my way through vendors through local referral. My email is klhurley21@yahoo.com if you have any questions. Did you already book? I booked a month or so ago and it looked like Summer 2014 was already filled.

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  • ashley2516ashley2516 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Comment
    If you need help finding vendors, you can always check out the Vendor page on the Outer Banks Wedding Association's website:  http://www.outerbanksweddingassoc.org/vendors.htm
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