April and Michael envisioned a luxury oceanfront wedding that was both timeless and deeply personal. Inspired by the elegance of The Plaza Hotel and set against the stunning backdrop of Figure Eight Island, SAMKOMA brought their dream day to life in just 116 days. From a playful Derby-themed welcome party to a reception filled with chandeliers, couture fashion, and lush florals, their celebration was a testament to the magic that happens when love leads the way. Read on as SAMKOMA shares the story behind the transformation!
The Welcome Party
“We kicked off April and Michael’s wedding weekend with a Derby-inspired welcome party on Figure Eight Island, where we reimagined the charm of Churchill Downs with a breezy, beachside twist. Guests placed digital bets on televised horse races, sipped cocktails by the sea, and even posed with a real horse named Valuable, an unforgettable touch that brought plenty of smiles.”
The Wedding Day
“The following day, we brought April and Michael’s dream wedding to life….one that felt straight out of a fairytale. Their ceremony took place at a neighboring oceanfront property, setting the tone for the reception that unfolded in the couple’s own oceanfront backyard. To make their vision of “The Plaza Hotel by the Ocean” a reality, we transformed the space by covering the pool, extending into the neighbor’s lot, and building a one-of-a-kind venue that blended timeless glamor with effortless seaside charm.”
The Bridal Fashion
“From the start, we knew April’s bridal style would be unforgettable, and she delivered. For the ceremony, she stepped out in a custom Galia Lahav gown that shimmered in the sunlight with a regal, ethereal elegance that left everyone in awe.”
The Design + Details
“April and Michael came to us with a clear vision, wanting their wedding to reflect the timeless elegance of The Plaza Hotel, but set against the backdrop of the North Carolina coast. It was a bold vision, and we were thrilled to bring it to life with an incredible team of creative partners, including Designs by Dillion, White Door Events, Renowned Events, Curated Events Charleston, and Tailored Event Rentals.“
“The design centered around layered, thoughtful luxury. Renowned Event Designs orchestrated forty-one chandeliers to be hung above the reception, creating an open-air ballroom effect, while Designs by Dillon sourced over 20,000 stems of lush blooms, from garden roses to orchids, filling the space with romance and color. Every detail worked in harmony to tell April and Michael’s love story in the most beautiful, unforgettable way.”
“As day turned to night, April switched into a second Galia Lahav look. It was sleek, structured, and perfectly suited for the reception’s high-fashion feel. And for the afterparty? A chic, playful short dress that let her dance the night away. Each look was flawlessly accented with Harry Winston jewels, adding timeless sparkle to an already magical day.”
The Celebration
“Entertainment was at the heart of April and Michael’s celebration, and we made sure every moment kept guests fully engaged. From the interactive performers by Elevate to the soulful sounds of Liquid Pleasure, the night unfolded with nonstop energy and joy.”
“Just when it felt like things might wind down, the afterparty kicked off with Krispee Biscuits, an electric trio blending DJ beats with live saxophone and violin. It was the perfect, high-energy finale to a weekend packed with unforgettable moments.”
“Bringing April and Michael’s dream to life in just 116 days was a challenge we welcomed with open arms. With their trust and the right creative partners, we transformed their vision of The Plaza Hotel elegance into a one-of-a-kind coastal celebration. More than just a wedding, it was a deeply personal, joy-filled weekend that reflected their love and style in every detail. It wasn’t just inspired by luxury….it was luxury. And we were honored to bring it to life!”
April and Michael’s weekend was everything a wedding should be: joyful, stylish, and full of heart. If you loved getting a glimpse into their luxury oceanfront celebration, you’ll definitely want to read “Boho Meets Glam in this Oceanfront Wedding” for another beautifully unique take on tying the knot by the sea.
