Reliving our Reception

I adored our wedding reception. It flew by like mad, but here’s what I know: I have distinct memories of everyone who was there, it felt exactly like we’d hoped it would, and we’ve never had so much fun.

Crossing the street heading over to the reception:

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We chose Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” as our song, and my heart bursts through my chest every time I hear it, still.

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We had a buffet of local food featuring the Outer Banks at its best: fresh shrimp served with grits, stuffed flounder, seasonal vegetables, and of course… mini strawberry shortcakes, made Southern-style with shortbread biscuits. With freshness like this, who needs a wedding cake, anyway? Not us.

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We printed relationship trivia on cocktail napkins, which was a complete hit. Here’s one of them:

printed cocktail napkins with wedding trivia

A canoe full of beer? It was the beach, after all.

canoe full of beer

Being on the water made me so happy…

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…and the sunset over the Sound was incredibly romantic.

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After the sun went down, there were toasts to receive:

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And there was dancing to do. And so much revelry to be had.

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And while the tents still glowed prettily…

blue and red centerpieces with pomanders and covered tin can centerpieces

It was finally time to say goodbye.

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Until the after-party, of course. Which was legendary.

Next: The finale. What we learned and loved about our wedding.