From Coastal Views to City Glamour: A Figure Eight Island Wedding Inspired by The Plaza Hotel

For this wedding, we were asked to bring the timeless elegance of The Plaza Hotel to the North Carolina coast in just 116 Days. Challenge accepted, goal achieved, and a stunning wedding we’ll never forget.

For this wedding weekend on Figure Eight Island, our team had the incredible opportunity of transforming the backyard of an oceanfront private home into a grand, New York-inspired celebration for 225 guests. The showstopper was a completely custom tent facade, dreamed up by planner Josiah Carr of Samkoma and expertly built in-house by our innovative craftsman team. The entire structure broke down into countless pieces so it could be transported and built on-site, making its final form even more impressive. With arched windows, reflective panels, and detailed gold trim, it created a jaw-dropping first impression for guests. Collaborating with Josiah is always a pleasure—his creativity and vision push us to dream bigger, and this transformation was no exception.

Inspired by The Plaza’s iconic architecture, the tent’s grand arched windows, gold trim, and mirrored panels gave guests the feeling they were on Fifth Avenue in an exquisite New York ballroom. Inside the tent, 41 sparkling chandeliers from Renowned Event Designs glittered beneath soft white draping, adding a romantic glow to the space. Guests dined in our Gold Chameleon Chairs surrounded by lush, cream-toned florals. To complement the opulence of the space, we brought in our matching Donatello Stage Fronts and bars, both designed to coordinate the detail of the custom facade. These signature pieces added depth and cohesion to the overall design. This tied each layer of the event together from ceremony to celebration.

Surrounded by soft draping and candlelight, guests mingled and dined just steps from the ocean. The color palette struck the perfect balance between costal elegance and city sophistication.

We are so grateful to have played a part in this unforgettable weekend and to have worked alongside such an incredible, creative team. There is so much more beauty to share—stay tuned for more from this one-of-a-kind celebration.