The term “D-I-Y” takes on a completely different meaning when the do-it-yourselfer is an incredibly talented creative. This is the case with bride and stationer, Allie Hasson, her groom Ben and their amazing wedding celebration at Kees Outer Banks in Nags Head, North Carolina. Seriously you guys—the wedding paper and signage are STUNNING and set the tone for a wedding in a “meticulously curated environment” incorporating maby of the couples favorite things: the rushing sound of the ocean, the glow of abundant cafe lights, favorite songs, the feeling of rugs under their feet and a generous bar with custom cocktails. The couple worked with their close friends and family to make it all happen and it could not be any more successful. Check out all the details in the breathtaking images by Still Co.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Most special for me was the collaborative feeling of the day. We didn’t hire a planner, and we did most everything ourselves, including all the florals, stationery, decor, and design installation. Ben and I had done so much thinking and prepping together, and the whole event really felt like our most extensive collaborative project to date. When it came to getting to the house and final details, our friends and families jumped in so heartily! We rented the house for the long weekend, so it was such a beautiful thing to all be working together in the days leading up to install all the decor and details. Our dads and some of our best friends engineered the most beautiful lighting display for the long dinner table and dance floor. My sister, sisters and brothers in law, and friends all helped me prep florals and build bouquets. Seeing our visions come together at the hands of the people who love us was truly magical.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I went with a few of my friends to BHLDN Chicago and tried on about 7 dresses. I knew I’d found the direction I wanted when I tried on the beautifully-constructed high rise satin Danielle skirt with covered buttons from Catherine Deane, a designer in London. Without ever trying them on, I ordered two additional pieces from Catherine’s line, a strapless satin camisole and a high-necked lace overlay for the camisole. All three were a dream. I felt so comfortable all night, and felt like the skirt especially had such a modern luxe feel that was still grounded in traditional bridal style.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
One of my favorites was the neon sign. Ben had the idea to have a custom sign made when we were at one of our favorite jazz clubs in Chicago, the Green Mill. They have an large scale script neon that inspired us. We hired one of Chicago’s most prolific neon artists to bring to life the logo I had designed for our wedding stationery. This piece felt like a true collaboration between Ben and me, and it hangs over our bar at home now and is a happy, glowing reminder of the day we got married.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Most memorable for me was the environment, largely related to the venue itself. We looked forever for the right oceanfront house, and meticulously curated the environment there to incorporate a lot of our favorite things: the rushing sound of the ocean, the glow of abundant cafe lights, our favorite songs, the feeling of rugs under our feet, the generous bar with custom cocktails, the house’s deep porches with lots of seating and blankets. Just the feeling of that environment coupled with the sincere joy I felt to get to marry Ben felt perfectly complementary and really stands out in my mind. Having so much control over the venue by renting such a well-appointed property really made a difference to us.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Ben and I were gently brought together by our mutual friend and my bridesmaid, Emmy. She engineered a casual meeting over drinks for the three of us at a bar in Chicago. We dated for about 3 years after that, and then Ben popped the question via a Christmas-themed, limerick-infused scavenger hunt on Christmas morning of 2015.
Photographer: Still Co. // Stationery and Floral Design: the Bride, Allie Hasson // Event Venue: Kees Outer Banks, Nags Head, NC // Equipment Rentals: Barefoot Wedding Rentals // Bridal Gown: BHLDN // Gown Designer: Catherine Deane // Brides Shoes: Steve Madden // Bridesmaid Dresses: Badgley Mischka // Groomsman Attire: The Black Tux // Caterer and Bakery: Cafe Lachine // Wedding Bands: Mineralogy // Engagement Ring: Mociun // Musicians: Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment // Bridal Robe: Nordstrom // Bridesmaids Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar // Neon Sign: Neon Shop Fishtail