A Pirate’s Cove Marina Wedding in June | Manteo, North Carolina

We snuck away last week for Lauren and Ted’s wedding at Pirates Cove Marina in Manteo, North Carolina!  I have been so eager to share these images since before I even arrived that day!

That is precisely how excited I was to work with them this year and if you knew how much I adored these two then you’d understand because I knew it was going to be a perfect day for one of the sweetest couples!

From the very beginning of emailing with Lauren about she and Ted’s wedding, I honestly felt like I had been friends with her my entire life.  I know I tend to say that about a lot of brides, but I like to think Im just super lucky in connecting with the best couples! (wink) And!! Lauren sends me funny gifs to enhance our wedding conversations, so that makes it even more fun!

After months of emails, Lauren and Ted traveled from their North Carolina home to Virginia back in December for their engagement session.  I was greeted with smiles and lots of energy and the biggest hugs from them both and I just knew that we were the perfect fit for their wedding day!
(Engagement images to be shared soon!)

Lauren and Ted were planning a Pirates Cove Marina wedding for mid-June and our family welcomed the opportunity to shoot along the Outer Banks again for the third year in a row. 

We packed our bags and headed south that Thursday, spent an amazing family day on the beach Friday, and then it was finally Lauren and Ted’s wedding day!! I woke the morning of their wedding to full sunshine, a light breeze, and cool temperatures.  How Lauren and Ted planned for a June wedding and got spring weather, I’ll never know!

I began shooting bridal details in the condo where the girls were getting ready before heading across the street to the guy’s condo for a few shots of them having fun together. During that time, Ted’s brother gave him the sweetest gift from Lauren that immediately touched everyone’s heart.  Once I headed back to the girls, it was time to get Lauren into her dress and everything began to feel a little more real.  Months of planning and she was finally about to say “I Do” in a few short hours.

The pavilion was lit with twinkle lights in the ceiling beams as far as the eye could see and the tables were decorated in white and other soft tones to compliment the elegant look.  The windows and doors of the pavilion were open and a light breeze off the water filled the air inside. Just through the doors led to the dock ceremony site where Lauren and Ted would soon vow forever just inches from the water with boats lining their backdrop.

Lauren and Ted’s smile had never been brighter than the moment she walked down the aisle to him. That was until the moment they walked back down the aisle hand in hand as husband and wife and they both shined with such unmeasurable joy.

Family formals on the dock, some of my favorite bridal party photos ever, and bride and groom portraits with the perfect backdrop of boats at Pirate’s Cove led way to the sweetest reception dances and sunset portraits soon after.  You guys KNOW I love sunset portraits for a million different reasons and I was so glad that Lauren and Ted were excited to sneak out for these!  We caught SO much golden sunshine and even got to hop on Lauren’s dad’s boat for a few shots on the way back!  

Dancing carried the newly weds through the night and into their newest chapter of life as husband and wife.  If it sounds like a perfect day then you are totally right and all of my favorites are below for you to see!!

Lauren and Ted- Not only was I honored to be a part of your wedding and engagement, but I am SO GRATEFUL for the friendship I have with you two now.  Your wedding was beautiful and I am just so happy for the future you have together.  Thank you for welcoming me into this celebration and for being so incredibly kind from the moment we met!  Hugs to you both and congratulations again!!!

Thank you to all of the amazing vendors that helped make this day perfection for Lauren and ted!

Wedding Venue: Pirates Cove Marina

Event Planner: Simply Eventful with Karen Warren & Jennie Bennett

Make Up: First Look Salon

Florist: Renee Landry Events

Cake: Kathys Kreations Cafe

Bridal Gown: Stella York from Studio I Do Bridals 

Grooms Tux: Mens Wearhouse

Caterer: Currituck BBQ

DJ: I Do Entertainment