The Wright match
April 4, 2024
Anne Howard & Coleman Wright
Wrightsville Beach | 04.29.2023
Both have North Carolina roots, but it took the Big Apple and a pandemic to bring Anne Howard and Coleman together. Anne Howard, a native Charlottean, and Coleman, from Elizabeth City, first crossed paths while living in New York City, thanks to mutual friends. After both moving to Charlotte in late 2019, they began dating, right on the cusp of Covid.
“Needless to say, when the world shut down, we got to know each other very quickly and obviously fell in love,” Anne Howard says. Frequent trips to Wrightsville Beach — where Anne Howard had spent childhood summers swimming, water-skiing and tubing — offered the couple a chance to work remotely, relax and enjoy each other’s company. So, when it came time to decide on a wedding spot, Lollipop Bay in Wrightsville was the perfect choice.
The ceremony took place in the backyard of a family friend’s home, across the street from Anne Howard’s family beach house and overlooking Lollipop Bay. Show-stopping florals in a rainbow of yellow, peach, light pink and blue pastels filled the space. Carolina Yacht Club, with its large covered decks, screened porch, gorgeous ocean views and laid-back vibe welcomed guests for the reception. Passed hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar with freshly shucked oysters and cocktails kicked off the party, followed by dinner and dancing.
On the dance floor, the couple handed out custom golf visors and hats, embroidered with “WRIGHTsville 2023,” a nod to the newly married couple’s last name and the wedding destination. Hot dogs from Wrightsville’s iconic Trolly Stop and house-made chips and dip were served as late-night snacks. As guests exited, they received bouquets of repurposed ceremony flowers. “It was a great way for the blooms to be enjoyed a little longer,” Anne Howard says.
The Details:
Photographer | Gayle Brooker, Charleston, S.C.
Venue | Private residence, Wrightsville Beach (ceremony); Carolina Yacht Club (reception)
Planners | Mary Beth Moore; Catherine Dooley, North Corner Haven
Floral Design | Blossom Bay, Wilmington
Dress | Alyne, Rita Vinieris; Hayden Olivia Bridal
Wedding Accessories | Rivini (veil); Loeffler Randall (shoes)
Hair | Colette Laplante
Makeup | Alice Lawson Salon, Wilmington
Bridal Stylist | Lesley Brickman, The One Gown, Los Angeles
Bridesmaids Dresses | Erdem
Groom Attire | Fairclough & Co. (custom white dinner jacket)
Rings | Elizabeth Bruns
Caterer | Spoonfed Kitchen, Wilmington
Cake | Imaginary Cakes, Wilmington
Music/Entertainment | Deans’ Duets (ceremony), Royal Suits (reception)
Event Design | High Performance Lighting, Party Tables (draping)
Rentals | Party Suppliers & Rentals (tables, chairs & tabletop); Martha My Dear Specialty Rentals (furniture & bars); Great Day Soiree, Wilmington (specialty rentals & accessories); Party Tables (ceremony drapery, pillows, table linens & fabric bars); Stradley Davidson, Charleston, S.C.
(table linens & pillows)
Stationery | Arzberger Stationers, Olive Paper, Enfield Post, Bonnie Clarke Calligraphy,
Peyton’s Post
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