Get ready to experience the best hidden gem on the East Coast! Last year my sister-in-law, Rainnie, got engaged to the greatest guy ever, Dave! She’s probably the world’s most indecisive bride….and we spent months talking about potential wedding locations. First we started in Charleston, then moved to the mountains of NC, then back to Charleston, and at one time were even talking about Nashville. Can you say all over the place?
While researching I stumbled upon River Dunes, a gorgeous coastal community (a-la Coastal Living) in the quaint town of Oriental, NC. After some arm twisting (because I thought it would be THE perfect spot), Rainnie agreed we should go check it out. She flew in from Florida, and I drove from the OBX and off to River Dunes we went. Can you say love???
We checked into one of the quaint cottages, and then proceeded on to our meeting and tour of the whole place. Every turn we fell more in love. Ever since that trip we’ve been planning our retirement here! Rainnie knew immediately it was the place, and wedding planning quickly started. My favorite part? The adorable Grace Chapel!!!
Our very first trip to River Dunes, and we could not have asked for more beautiful weather! The following morning we woke up and headed into town where we enjoyed breakfast on the porch of the local coffee shop, and some time strolling through town and checking out various spots.
Rainnie was so excited to bring Dave back, and we’d planned their engagement session around a planning trip. Mother nature was not on our side, as flight after flight got cancelled due to weather. By the time they finally arrived (6 hours late!!!) we went right to the tasting. Never to be defeated, I told them we were doing those engagement photos, regardless of the weather. I don’t think we even started shooting until 9pm! The end result? An epic nighttime engagement shoot.
I’m so excited that Dave fell in love with it as much as we did! While I have a ping of sadness over not photographing a wedding at such an amazing venue, I am honored to be walking down the isle in support of two of my favorite people. I absolutely can’t wait for our wedding getaway to River Dunes!
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