Sometimes in this industry, you meet another creative who you just click with, instantly. Mary Basnight is one of those for me. We met for coffee, and two hours later had about four projects we wanted to do together, haha. At the top of the list, though, was a styled elopement shoot out on the ever shifting sand islands in Oregon Inlet.

Sandbar Elopement

Tourists and locals alike typically just drive over Bonner Bridge and admire Oregon Inlet from afar. A few will venture out to the remote beaches by 4×4 for some fishing. But there are also companies that will take you out into the inlet, like Outer Banks Adventures.

Mary had this vision of taking a couple out to do an elopement on one of these islands. Jamie was our guide, and provided priceless insight during the planning process. It took months of watching the wind, weather, and tides, plus coordinating peak season schedules–but the stars finally aligned at the beginning of September for us. Jamie was able to squeeze us in, and Mary was able to capture the magic.

I was so obsessed with this dress (that the model picked out on her own!) This crocheted maxi is basically the definition of casual elegance, and it could not have been more perfect. She should 100% be a fashion blogger, right? She also styled her fiance for the shoot. Perfection!

Elopement Details

If you choose to elope, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the excitement of finding fun little details and moments to sprinkle throughout your day. An acrylic sign can turn into a beautiful keepsake to display in your home. And who wants to skip cake? Nobody. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe was so sweet to bake us some little hand-sized cakes that we took out on the airboat with us. It was so cute!

Sandbar Elopement Vendors

Here’s a list of the amazing team that brought this vision to life!

Photography: Mary Basnight Photography
Planning: Simple Day
Transportation: Outer Banks Adventures
Flowers: Flower Girls
Cakes: Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Jewelry: Mary John Ventre
Dress: Venus Swim & Fashion

This sandbar elopement gave us a taste of the adventurous weddings and elopements we would LOVE to help more couples experience on the Outer Banks. We all left the day with full hearts, feeling invigorated and thankful for the experience, which is exactly how everybody should leave every wedding, if you ask me. If you think you might be up for something like this, ! We would love to make this happen for you!