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Wedding Locations/
The decision of where to hold the wedding ceremony and all the other special events surrounding the day is complicated. There are so many choices on the Crystal Coast — churches, beaches, private gardens, vacation homes, hotels, resorts, parks, historic grounds, maritime attractions, even the aquarium. Our best advice is to select a few possible dates and start calling places to see if the location you want is available on any of the days you have in mind. Remember, this area has a busy season as a travel and vacation destination, so consider the timing. It's alway best to plan as far in advance as possible. A list of churches can be found in the Yellow
Pages of the local phone book. Also see our
Worship chapter. Churches often have rules about their use of their
facilities for weddings, such as charging non-members a set fee or only
allowing approved pastors to conduct the ceremony in the church. The Abilena Mansion Abilena Mansion is a 5-acre riverfront
plantation and mansion on the Neuse River in New Bern. The 5,000-square-foot
home was built in 1927. It is the area's only riverfront mansion that can be
rented for weddings, receptions, vacations, retreats and events. For any
event, from a family reunion to an intimate reception of 20 to a wedding of
150 or more people, Abilena awaits your arrival. Secluded yet only five
minutes from town, this is a dream location for many people. There are
several acres for parking and events, yet at its core it is still a charming
home that will create lasting memories from the moment you drive down the
tree-covered lane. In addition to offering a premiere location, owner John
Williams can provide professional photography for the big day. A Wedding to
Remember Photography services both the New Bern and Crystal Coast areas. In
2009 the Abilena Mansion is host to the New Bern Bridal Fair in March and
October. Call or visit the website for information on all the Abilena has to
offer.
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The Crystal Coast offers many fine caterers.
Several operate independently, and the services of others are offered through
hotels and restaurants. If you are planning your rehearsal dinner, wedding or
reception to take place in an area hotel, check with the events coordinator
before you continue planning. The management of some hotels require the use of
in-house caterers. |
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Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub offers a
private dining area for groups of up to 60 people with stunning views
overlooking Taylor's Creek. With its historic setting and waterfront
view, it is an ideal setting for any big event from receptions to
reunions, meetings to parties, and everything in between. Clawson's also
offers banquet and catering menus with selections that include
breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings and fine dining selections, too. Crab's
Claw Crab's Claw offers catering for beach
weddings, rehearsal dinners, family reunions and other occasions with a
variety of catering packages. Enjoy your occasion at the restaurant, at
the site of your choosing or on a boat. Featuring oceanfront fine dining
in the heart of Atlantic Beach, the restaurant's location allows patrons
to enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Dine inside or outside
on the deck. The restaurant was recently featured in Southern Living
magazine and specializes in unique seafood creations. Floyd's
1921 Restaurant & Bar Floyd's 1921 can serve as the perfect location for your
special event or cater an affair at your location. Either way, it will
be an event that's remembered for years. Floyd and his staff offer
unique creations along with long-time favorites. The professional staff
gives their undivided attention to each detail and can help you plan and
host special occasions of all types from weddings and receptions to
birthdays and anniversaries for any number of people. Floyd's 1921 also
caters business events of all types. With all ABC permits and an
outstanding wait staff, the folks at Floyd's 1921 can personally
handle all your details. |
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Front
Street Grill at Stillwater Front Street Grill at Stillwater offers
full-service catering, specializing in wedding receptions, rehearsal
dinners, anniversaries and corporate parties. If your plans call for
outdoor dining, Stillwater can accommodate you on the waterfront decks.
The decks and restaurant offer sweeping views of Taylor's Creek, Carrot
Island, Beaufort Inlet and sunsets over the water, and the outdoor bar
is the perfect place to relax. You'll find innovative menu items paired
with special wines that make private dining at Stillwater a special
event for everyone.
Roland’s Barbecue One call to Roland’s and you can be
assured of a great casual meal. Let Roland cater a fun pig pickin’
rehearsal dinner on your deck or a delicious clam bake on the beach.
This business offers everything you'll need — pork barbecue (whole hog
or chopped), seafood, fried chicken, baked beans, slaw, hushpuppies, tea
and lemonade. When Roland’s rolls in, everything is provided down to the
utensils, napkins and plates. |
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Somerset Cellars |
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Let Somerset Cellars personalize your event with
outstanding wines and custom labels. Whether you are planning a wedding,
anniversary, retirement or birthday, or have a need to personalize your boat or
beach house, a good wine with a creative personal label adds a special touch.
Labels must have federal and state approval so a few weeks notice is needed, but
the result is worth the time. Somerset Cellars can also host your special
event. With 25 different wines, there is certainly one to please. Favorites
include Somerset's Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chiaretto and Pinot Noir.
Somerset imports crushed grapes and juice to produce custom wines that are
available at wholesale or retail. Somerset offers private tours and tastings if
the normal business hours are not convenient. Current hours are 11 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday through Saturday, and are subject to change based on demand. Call for
hours or a private appointment. |
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White Swan BBQ & Fried
Chicken |
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White Swan of Atlantic Beach offers an experienced
catering service that can plan your special event, meeting or wedding. These
professionals will work within your budget and can cater any size event — be it
50 or 2,000 people. White Swan offers off-site catering services throughout the
surrounding counties. The catering menu is broad and includes the popular items
of eastern Carolina pork barbecue, fried chicken, roast beef, the famous White
Swan honeydew baked ham, and baked or barbecue chicken. They can also prepare
seafood cooked on site by special arrangement. They offer a wide selection of
side items and hors d'oeuvre. Hours vary seasonally, so it's best to call for
specific times, especially in the off-season. White Swan now has a second
location in Morehead City. |
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Wedding-gift registry is available in several
local boutiques, major chain stores and jewelry shops. See our
Shopping chapter for more about these stores. Bed, Bath & Beyond, 5160 N.C. Hwy. 70,
Morehead City, (252) 726-1170 |
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Wedding Planners
While many couples opt to have a clergy person
perform their wedding ceremony, others seek alternatives. There is often
confusion about whether a boat captain can legally marry someone. For the
record, this is not true. In North Carolina you must be married by an ordained
minister or a magistrate. We have listed some great local resources, including
professional event planners, that can help in all stages of the event from
planning to finishing touches — and everything in between. |
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Rachel Munro is passionate about helping the bride
and groom make their wedding day an unforgettable occasion and cherished memory.
Rachel draws on more than a decade of experience to work with couples and
wedding parties throughout the planning process to ensure that time lines and
details flow smoothly. She has worked with budgets of all sizes, ranging from
backyard barbecues to swanky gala affairs with celebrity guest lists, and she
devotes the same amount of enthusiasm and professionalism to each and every one.
Rachel offers a number of wedding packages, ranging from simple consultations
and contract reviews to a complete coordination package that arranges all the
details of the big day, based on the selections and wishes of the bridal couple,
including the rehearsal, ceremony and reception. Rachel not only works with
vendors of the wedding couple’s choice but also can recommend others as needed.
Certified by the Association for Certified Professional Wedding Consultants,
Rachel offers a complimentary initial consultation. Insiders find her pleasant
to work with as well as ardent and professional about planning the perfect
wedding. Bridal By The Sea also carries unique rental items in its design
gallery that aren't normally available at local party supply stores. Items
available include specialty linens, Japanese lanterns, glass vases in all shapes
and sizes, and so much more. The inventory is always being updated, so if you
don't see it be sure to ask about it. Dee
Gee's Gifts & Books Dee Gee's Gifts and Books is a great first stop
for wedding planners. You will find all types of assistance and ideas. There are
plenty of wedding planning books for the do-it-yourselfer or someone who just
needs a few more ideas. Brides can also register at Dee Gee's for table-top
dinnerware and serving pieces. Dee Gee's offers a full line of custom wedding
and shower invitations and the paper napkins and plates that can personalize any
event. Also, you'll find a wonderful selection of unique gifts for all
occasions, and a huge selection of books, cards and novelties. Dee Gee's
features special sections of local and regional books, children's educational
books, toys and games and nautical charts. The store is open daily, and
telephone orders are welcomed. Front
Street Grill at Stillwater Front Street Grill at
Stillwater can help plan that special event. This waterfront restaurant
specializes in wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and
corporate parties. The restaurant's private dining room is available for groups
of 20 to 40 guests, and 70 to 90 guests can be accommodated in the main dining
room. If your plans call for outdoor dining, Stillwater can accommodate you on
the waterfront decks. The decks and restaurant offer sweeping views of Taylors
Creek, Carrot Island, Beaufort Inlet and sunsets over the water, and the new
outdoor bar is the perfect place to relax. You'll find innovative menu items
paired with special wines that make private dining at Stillwater a special event
for everyone. |
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Emerald
Isle Realty 7501 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle (252) 354-6155, (866) 914-4667 www.emeraldislerealty.com |
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Few events are as romantic as a seaside wedding. Let
Emerald Isle Realty take care of all the details. Their Events Department offers
exclusive wedding packages and services. From rehearsal and ceremony to
accommodations and reception planning, Emerald Isle Realty will make your
special occasion a memory that will last forever. |
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TourBeaufort.Com TourBeaufort.Com offers a variety of walking
and exploring tours. They can plan, organize and coordinate your wedding or
special event. TourBeaufort.com also offers the Do It Yourself Wedding
Guide for those planning to marry in the area. The guide offers lists
of wedding locations and rain locations, pastors/preachers, photographers,
caterers, DJs and musicians and videographers/photographers. You'll also
find equipment rental companies, marriage licensing requirements and
locations, tuxedo rental and dress shops, limousine companies, and rehearsal
and reception arrangement information. Visions
Events & Beyond Located on the oceanfront of Atlantic Beach,
Visions Events & Beyond has a professional and experienced design team that
works with couples to bring their wedding visions to life. Visions provides
full-service beach wedding packages, catering, floral design, photography,
invitations, gifts and accessories, and can pull all the elements of your
dream wedding together. Thought about a beach wedding but worried about
inclement weather? Visions has an indoor wedding chapel available to ease
your mind. Visions can even host receptions with up to 150 guests on the
Veranda Deck, which offers panoramic views of the beautiful Crystal Coast.
For more intimate gatherings, Visions also offers an indoor location as well
as the ability to host your rehearsal dinner or other memorable event right
on the beach. After the wedding of your dreams, you’ll find the fairytale is
far from over. A Walt Disney World® honeymoon surrounds you with an entire
world of magic, not to mention an endless array of enchanting possibilities.
The travel coordinator at Visions can arrange your Disney honeymoon or any
other destination your dreams may take you. |
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Whether it be a wedding filled with flowers or
just a few simple, elegant arrangements, the local florists professionally
handle any request. The local shops have friendly staffs and design
professionals on-hand to answer any and all of your questions.
Flowers & Designs by Ernest Let Ernest Chiles handle all the details for your
special occasion. With more than 35 years of experience, he can provide unique
floral designs and superior personal service for any event — whether a wedding,
a home party or a business occasion. Ernest and his professional and friendly
staff offer all the floral services expected, including fresh and silk
arrangements. They also can provide the wedding equipment and props to make your
event complete. Flowers & Designs by Ernest has been recognized for its
excellence in wedding design and service by local brides.
K.D.’s Florist K.D.’s is a local tradition in this area. This is
a family-run, friendly place where the staff works to create just the right
arrangement to express your feelings for any occasion.
Sandy’s Flower Shoppe Sandy and her staff of professionals can work
with your plans — no matter how large or small. They have a nice selection of
floral arrangements and can create just the right one for you. The window
displays at Sandy's are always beautiful. Sandy's is often the flower shop of
choice when it comes to both personal and business needs, and it has a very good
reputation in the community.
Through The Looking Glass Arrangements from Through the Looking Glass are
sure to reflect your feelings and are sure to please. The friendly staff offers
fresh and silk flowers of many varieties. |
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Finding the right wedding dress, bridesmaids'
dresses or tuxedo style is important, and local shops can provide you with a
wide selection sure to please. They have a variety of styles and sizes and can
work with you to find the perfect look to reflect the occasion.
The Black Tie This business offers tuxedo rentals and sales for
the gentlemen in the wedding party. The company offers attire for men of just
about any age or size. |
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The Intimate Bridal and Formal Wear Let The Intimate make planning your wedding an
enjoyable and fun experience. The professionals at this shop offer an elegant,
friendly atmosphere and will work to ensure you look your best for whatever the
occasion happens to be. As a full-service bridal shop, The Intimate offers a
tremendous selection of bridal gowns, mother-of-the bride dresses, bridesmaid
dresses starting at $99, prom dresses and social occasion dresses from sizes 2
to 30. There are tuxedo rentals and sales as well. The Intimate is experienced
in accommodating large volume tuxedo rentals and out-of-town wedding parties and
ensures the perfect fit. The friendly staff can take care of your every need and
offer professional advice on clothing, color schemes and sizes. Immediate
delivery is available on certain styles, and The Intimate also offers wedding
gown preservation. The Intimate also has a store at 224/226 Middle Street in New
Bern, (252) 638-1220.
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Salons |
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Oasis Day Spa -Salon Oasis Day Spa is just the place to send a special
friend or just to treat yourself. This is the perfect place to be pampered.
Oasis offers a variety of massage therapy techniques, such as deep tissue, hot
stone, trigger point, Swedish and the famous Belavi face-lift massage. Oasis
also offers facials, microdermabrasion, light therapy, non-surgical face-lifts,
waxing and body treatments. Manicures, pedicures and various other types of nail
care are also offered. The spa's Hair Salon provides cuts, coloring and styling
and specializes in wedding party or special event hair styling. Luxurious spa
packages can be designed to meet your special needs.
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If music is what you want, contact a professional
service and let them work with you to find the right music to suit your wedding
theme. John Drake -
DJ and MC John Drake specializes in providing music for all
types of events, large or small. With thousands of songs, John can create the
perfect party theme for you — whether it be Big Band, top 40, classic, country,
Jimmy Buffett, beach music or something in between. Along with his music
consultation, John can provide local recommendations for all the details of your
wedding, from location to catering to decorations. Interested in a beach or
backyard wedding but have no electricity at the site? Don't worry. John now has
a portable wireless sound system complete with wireless microphones for the
official, readers, singers and others.
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