We are thrilled to share that we celebrated our first wedding of the season on June 13! Congratulations Mary Chandler and Brandon! While COVID-19 definitely impacted this couple’s original wedding plans, we were able to modify details and had even more impetus to celebrate the momentous day. We could not be more thrilled for this sweet, sweet couple to become husband and wife.
Like most other places, the infamous Corona virus impacted spring on Ocracoke. The island was closed to visitors until May 16th. At that time, we were eager to welcome back vacationers and carry on with life on the sandbar. Ocracoke was in a tad bit of a different situation than other vacation destinations because the island was closed to guests from September 6 (the day Hurricane Dorian hit) until Thanksgiving due to hurricane repairs/recovery. Winter time on Ocracoke is very quiet. There are not many visitors other than migratory guests from the North and small groups of duck hunters. When people were allowed to return May 16th, it had almost been 8 months since we had seen the “outside world.” Most businesses were excited to have customers again and start off the 2020 vacation season. For us, spring weddings were canceled. We were able to move forward with vacation rentals. Wedding couples were provided the option to reschedule or cancel. Mary Chandler and Brandon chose to continue with a micro wedding on their original date and a macro wedding the next year (2021).
Mary Chandler and Brandon’s micro wedding included an intimate ceremony in the Manor followed by a small gathering of immediate family and close friends. The Manor’s large dining room was set up almost like a chapel with chairs in rows and an aisle in the center. They are one of a few couples to have their ceremony in the dining room! Following the private ceremony, cake and brunch were celebrated in the foyer. The parents put together a beautiful display of decorations and memories to celebrate the joyous occasion. Unfortunately, the monsoon did not allow the two families to take a trip to the beach later in the day for a cookout, but they say it is good luck to have rain on your wedding day. I’m not so sure this wedding couple even needs the extra luck. They are completely adorable in love and some of the nicest families we have had the pleasure to work with. I’m excited for the macro wedding to be had next year and for what the future holds for these two lovebirds.
We feel so fortunate to be the venue for Mary Chandler and Brandon’s wedding day, not once but twice! This sweet couple’s ceremony was the perfect start to wedding season 2020. Congratulations you two!
