As seen on Brides
In June of 2015, Westin Brawley surprised his girlfriend, Kelsey Mann, with a getaway to Asheville, NC, to celebrate a recent promotion. Kelsey desperately wanted to take in the views at the top of Black Balsam Knob in the Pisgah National Forest, and when the couple reached the top of the mountain, Westin made the climb even more memorable with a proposal
The couple set plans into motion for an elegant wedding on April 23, 2016, with 105 guests in Beaufort, North Carolina. Kelsey’s parents both live in Beaufort, and her dad works at the maritime museum which runs the Watercraft Center, an active boat workshop. “The first time we walked in to consider it for our wedding we both knew it was ultimate venue for us. It was rustic, raw, simple, and has so much character. The waterfront views were also a plus!” Kelsey says. With intimacy in mind, Kelsey admits that keeping the guest list to a minimum was the most difficult part of planning her wedding. “I wanted a small intimate wedding, and was so amazed at how hard it was to keep the guest list down,” the bride says says. The couple enlisted the help of the bride's mother (as well as a day-of-coordinator) to plan a cozy affair with a simple, neutral color palette.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center | Day of Coordinator: Heather Willett of Humble Bee | Bride's Gown: Sarah Janks from LVD Bridal | Earrings: Kate Spade | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Groom and Groomsman's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Engagement Ring: J. Yontef | Wedding Bands: Barker Diamond | Flowers: Betsy Earnest of Elizabeth Earnest Florals | Music: Another Level of Sam Hill Entertainment | Catering: Beaufort Grocery Co.