Emily and Sean met while working together at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center. After five years of dating, Sean proposed on a boat at sunset on the eve of the Oyster Festival, one of their favorite weekends. He secretly invited friends and family into town to celebrate.

The November 3, 2018, wedding at Sunnyside Plantation featured a natural look with pops of bright color in the flowers, the bride’s vision of “rustic boho” brought to life by Gigi Noelle Events. Emily’s dress from Coastal Knot was absolutely everything she was looking for minus sleeves, so Laura Pridgen of Whiteville, N.C., created a set for the gown. Sean and Emily’s grandfathers helped marry them, along with her childhood preacher, Steuart Link. The dance floor, with music by Other Brother Entertainment, remained full all night.