An Organic, Beach-Themed Wedding Without Clichés in North Carolina

Featured Members:

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, US
Setting: Courtyard garden
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 130
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
Wedding theme/style: Simple, unique, organic, beachy and floral with light blue and sage green.

Clayton “Worth” and Anna Leigh’s love story began in college at the University of South Carolina. They lived in the same dorm in their first year and met in their second semester in 2015. They quickly bonded over their love of food, animals, the beach, sports, and the outdoors. Their first date was a simple but memorable trip to a fast-food restaurant for milkshakes, which became their favorite treat. After college, they lived a relaxed beach lifestyle in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, from May 2018 to July 2019.

Their journey took them to Texas, where Worth pursued graduate studies at Texas A&M University and later accepted a job in Dallas. Worth surprised Anna Leigh with a Christmas day proposal in 2020 in front of friends and family, fulfilling her only request: that it be a complete surprise.

Now residing in Dallas, their love story reminds them that unexpected encounters can lead to a lifetime of shared adventures and enduring love.

Their shared love for the beach and the coastal lifestyle had always been a significant part of Anna and Worth’s connection. It was no surprise that when they decided to tie the knot, they envisioned a wedding near the shore, a place that held a special meaning for both of them. Wilmington, North Carolina, emerged as the perfect choice, capturing the essence of their shared dreams and providing a picturesque backdrop for their wedding day. While not directly on the beach, the coastal charm and serene beauty of Wilmington would undoubtedly make their wedding a cherished and unforgettable celebration of their love

Anna’s makeup, done by Danielle Forte, was kept natural with a special touch to make the day even more memorable. Set Blowout Bar cared for her hair, ensuring she looked radiant on her big day.

Anna received a heartwarming wedding present from her team at work – a pair of stunning Cult Gaia Rene Heel shoes in silver. Not only were they a beautiful gift, but they also turned out to be incredibly comfortable, allowing her to dance the night away at her wedding while wearing them.

Dress shopping initially didn’t excite Anna until she grew older and decided to embark on a trip to New York City for the experience. She preferred a more unique shopping adventure than the well-known Kleinfeld’s. Surprisingly, her wedding dress turned out to be one of the first she spotted online, just two days after becoming engaged. In the company of her mom and friend Hannah, Anna spent a weekend in NYC for dress shopping, juggling three different appointments across the city on a Saturday and even making a quick stop at the Museum of Modern Art to see that year’s Met exhibit.

The first appointment of the day was at Galvan, the one Anna was most enthusiastic about, as it featured her dream dress. Her boss’s connection with the Galvan team led to a thoughtful gesture of macaroons and champagne for the appointment. However, Anna discovered that her coveted dress wasn’t available in the store; it was on loan for a photoshoot. Undeterred, she tried on several other dresses, each of which was stunning and made her wish she could wear them all.

The NYC trip concluded, and they returned home. A few months later, the store where Anna worked, Market Highland Park in Dallas, hosted a trunk show for the brand, and they managed to bring in the dress Anna had admired from the beginning. Once she finally tried it on, she instantly knew it was the one she had been searching for, solidifying her choice for her wedding dress.

Anna’s wedding dress, a stunning choice from Galvan London Bridal, perfectly matched her style and preferences. The dress featured intricate detailing, especially at the back, which she wanted to showcase. To complement it, she opted for an elegant updo that would highlight the dress and reflect her personal style.

On the groom’s side, a classic black tuxedo paired with black velvet Gucci loafers showcased his distinct sense of style.

The bridesmaids looked lovely in silk dresses in an ice blue shade from BHLDN. The wedding’s guest attire adhered to a black tie optional dress code, adding an extra touch of elegance to the special occasion.

Before their wedding, Anna and Worth had a heartfelt plan for exchanging special gifts on their big day. Both passionate about watches, they decided to surprise each other with timepieces that held deep meaning.

Worth, the watch enthusiast, wanted to gift Anna her first watch, marking the beginning of her love for these timekeeping treasures. In turn, Anna aimed to fulfill Worth’s desire by getting him a watch he had been longing for.

Following their emotional first look, they exchanged these meaningful gifts. The bride received a Rolex, symbolizing their love and her newfound passion for watches. The groom received an Omega, a watch he had long desired. This exchange of watches became a cherished moment they had eagerly looked forward to, adding a beautifully personal touch to their special day.

Marylou, the talented photographer from All Bliss Photography, played an essential role in capturing the magic of this couple’s wedding day. Her dedication to her craft and a keen eye for detail ensured that every precious moment was beautifully preserved. One of the standout moments of the day occurred when Marylou and the wedding planner Katelyn decided to sneak away from the festivities to capture some golden hour photos. Katelyn had a hidden gem in mind: a perfect location on top of a parking garage.

This rooftop spot was a stunning backdrop for the photos, featuring a breathtaking skyline and unique architectural elements. The interplay of light during the golden hour added a warm, enchanting glow to the images, making them some of the bride’s absolute favorites.

Marylou‘s ability to seize these moments and create lasting memories with her camera was truly exceptional. Her collaboration with the wedding planner resulted in fantastic photographs and a memorable experience for the newlyweds, allowing them to treasure the beauty of that golden hour forever.

The Atrium, with its contemporary courtyard garden featuring natural elements, local foliage, climbing vines, exposed brick masonry, and a soothing water feature, served as the ideal venue to bring Anna Leigh and Worth’s vision to life. This enchanting setting, where clean lines intersected with the untamed beauty of nature, held deep significance for both of them, providing a perfect backdrop for their meaningful celebration, all without the need for a beachfront setting.

The custom-made ceremony arch, created by Ruska Collective, perfectly matched Anna’s vision of a neutral arch with greenery and unique florals, incorporating their wedding colors. The venue’s natural greenery seamlessly complemented the floral design, giving it a cohesive yet elegant look.

Anna and Worth continued a cherished family tradition by reciting vows passed down from Worth’s great-grandfather at their wedding. Their ceremony was further enriched by a scripture reading chosen by Worth’s grandmother, Betsy Bryan, and delivered by their close friend, Will Kitchens, adding a deep sense of heritage and spirituality to their special day.

The lovebirds are a laid-back couple who wanted a simple wedding yet stood out. They aimed for an organic, beachy vibe without clichés, and they achieved it with the help of Knot Too Shabby Events and Ruska Collective florists.

The lovebirds’ wedding blended inspiration from Pinterest and Vogue Wedding. The couple wanted simplicity with a unique touch. Their color palette was light blue, sage green, ivory, and gold, creating an elegant atmosphere. Couple and florist combined tropical elements like banana leaves and monstera with unexpected additions like dried fennel and palm leaves, introducing blues through ruscus, asparagus ferns, and delphinium.

Their arrangements had an organic, unstructured look, playing with height and texture. The head table featured tall banana leaf arrangements, while charming frog vases adorned the cocktail tables.

A cherished piece of decor at Anna and Worth’s wedding was The Loving Cup, a historic Bryan family heirloom present at weddings for generations. It graced a table surrounded by flowers, infusing the celebration with family history and tradition.

Ultimately, their wedding design beautifully reflected their desire for simplicity with a distinctive and personalized twist, thanks to their creative inspirations and the expertise of Ruska Collective.

While their wedding ceremony leaned towards tradition, Anna and Worth wanted their reception to feel more like a lively party than a structured event with a fixed timeline. Instead of a formal seated dinner, they embraced a station-style dining approach where guests could sit where and when they pleased.Their reception featured three distinct food stations, each with its delightful offerings. Tacos, a favorite of Anna Leigh’s, showcased her personal touch, while barbeque, a passion of Worth’s, catered to his taste buds. Oysters, a shared love, became a highlight of the evening, with guests still raving about them – thanks to Spoonfed Kitchen and Hold Fast Oysters!

They opted for seating options, including traditional round tables with chairs, bar-top tables for standing and mingling, and lounge areas with comfortable couches and chairs for a relaxed, cocktail-party vibe. To make the most of their ceremony backdrop, they repurposed it as a backdrop for one of the lounge areas, creating a picturesque setting for photos.

A delightful touch at Anna and Worth’s wedding was their unique guest book choice. Instead of a traditional guest book, they used a Paris Chic coffee table book. This book was filled with captivating images and details about Paris, allowing guests to sign on any page they desired.

The choice of the Paris Chic coffee table book was a charming detail and a clever way to tie multiple facets of their wedding together. It served as a wonderful reminder of their honeymoon, during which they visited Paris and Monaco. This unique guest book would not only hold the memories of their wedding day but also become a cherished piece of decor in their home, reminding them of their love and travels for years to come.

The wedding cake, expertly crafted by Pink Baking Co, was a masterpiece of artistry and flavor, delighting guests with its exquisite design and delicious taste.

Their choice of a DJ from Atlantic Premier Entertainment turned out to be spot-on, as the music perfectly matched the vibe they wanted to create. After the first dance, mother/son dance, and mother/daughter dance, the DJ introduced the “Good Luck Dance.” Everyone was invited to join Anna and Worth on the dance floor to their favorite song, “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala. For every couple that joined them, it was said to bring a year of good luck for their marriage. This ingenious idea, suggested by their wedding planner, got everyone dancing right away and set the tone for a fantastic night of celebration.

The couple wanted something enjoyable and environmentally friendly for their wedding exit. They decided on bubbles, a whimsical and eco-conscious choice. As the night neared its end, personal bubbles were distributed to guests, and a few were given bubble machines. The result was a joyous and eco-conscious exit, creating a magical moment without leaving any waste or concerns about polluting the surroundings.

Anna and Worth’s dream of driving away in a classic car came true with a vintage Rolls Royce from Azalea Limo, adding a touch of timeless elegance to their wedding day. After the send-off, they opted to explore downtown Wilmington and spend quality time with friends at a local bar, cherishing those precious moments before departing for their honeymoon.

• Go with your gut, and don’t overthink it.

• Trust your planner! Since we technically had a destination wedding, it was vital to have a local wedding planner who knew Wilmington and all the best vendors.

• Do what you feel is right, and don’t sweat the little things. You feel more comfortable throughout the process, and in the end, all that matters is enjoying your special day with your new husband/wife and creating lasting memories with friends and family.

• We want to thank all of our amazing vendors. Seriously, everything was perfect, and everyone was so helpful. An even bigger thank you to Katelyn with Knot Too Shabby Events. She provided us with so much guidance throughout the whole process, we couldn’t have done it without her. Also want to thank our families for being so loving and supportive. We are so thankful!