Holly and Micah already had one wedding adventure this year when they eloped in Las Vegas, but they wanted to bring all their friends and family together for a proper celebration. So, they hosted a laid-back NC beach wedding reception at Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach, complete with coastal decor and ocean views.

The day started with a bang—a “Trash the Dress” session right on the beach. Holly didn’t jump into the ocean in her formal wedding dress, but she did have a second dress for the occasion. It was the perfect way to set the tone for a fun and relaxed day. During the break between the trash the dress session and the start of the wedding reception I was able to edit some of the photos so that Holly and Micah could have a same day slideshow with some of the images from the trash the dress session to surprise their guests during the reception!

After the beach, Holly and Micah joined their guests for the reception. Their color scheme of ocean blues, greens, and whites tied into the beach vibe seamlessly, with coastal details scattered throughout the decor. The atmosphere was relaxed, but thoughtfully styled to reflect the couple’s love for the beach.

During the reception for their NC beach wedding, Holly and Micah performed a sand ceremony with their son, a special moment that symbolized the unity of their family. Following that, they had their first dance together as a married couple, followed by parent dances. The focus of the day was on enjoying time with friends, family, and their son, who played a big role in the celebration.

Having been together for eight years before their Vegas elopement, Holly and Micah wanted this reception to be a true reflection of their journey. Their emphasis was on capturing candid moments with their loved ones—whether on the dance floor or during heartfelt toasts.

This North Carolina beach reception was all about celebrating their long-time partnership with the people closest to them, set against the beautiful backdrop of Wrightsville Beach.