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July 27, 2021

Amanda and Michael got married at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront on a beautiful July day. Check out their wedding here!

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Wedding

Real Weddings

Amanda and Michael will always hold such a special place in my heart. They were my first ever official wedding under this company name. Amanda contacted me in May 2021 to learn more about what a planner could provide in terms of coordinating their wedding day at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. During our consultation, I felt an initial connection to both of them. I crossed my fingers that they’d want to move forward with my services because I had such a strong feeling in my heart about them. To make this story short, my heart wasn’t wrong.

The Couple

These two support each other with such a strong foundation. They ground their relationship in mutual respect, care, and companionship. After getting engaged under the Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach, they began to plan a tropical island destination wedding. Like most 2020 couples, those plans were soon curbed by the global pandemic. Thinking of their loved ones that might be unable to travel, Michael and Amanda changed course and started to fill out plans for a local beach wedding. They combined forces to navigate this new chapter of life together, leaving me no doubt that they will continue to weather all “storms” together for an eternity.

The Planning Process

I started working with Amanda and Michael roughly two months before their wedding. Amanda was organized and efficient, having booked all of her vendors prior to booking me. Therefore, my priority was to begin taking some of those final tasks – such as creating a timeline and communicating with vendors – off of the couple’s hands. We worked closely to get to the finish line throughout the next two months. I loved communicating with them about all the little details, so it was a bit bittersweet once their sparkler exit happened and I knew I wouldn’t have a reason to chat anymore!

The Ceremony

Amanda and Michael’s ceremony was stunning. There are no other words for it! With no rain clouds in sight, we set them off down the aisle (of Tulu!) to the beach for an incredibly moving ceremony. One very unique aspect of their ceremony was having their families take “vows” in honor of their union. It was special to see their loved ones rise to the occasion in supporting their marriage.

The Reception

After a gorgeous cocktail hour on the terrace, guests were led into a ballroom overlooking the ocean. Dinner was served, cake was cut, and guests danced the night away with a curated playlist from E and E Special Events. Everything was glamourous, but with a big heap of fun. At the end of the night, guests took away “his and hers” special treats (chocolate-covered pretzels and Swedish fish) while they sent off the newlyweds with a sparkler exit. I’d like to award their group of guests with the “fastest to line up for the sparkler send-off” trophy. Truly! I’ve never seen guests get ready so fast. Cheers to the newlyweds!

For additional photos from Amanda and Michael’s wedding, check out this gallery.