Summer Weddings

As newlyweds, Noah & I understand how stressful it can be to plan a wedding. We were the typical engaged couple who had a small budget and an ever-growing guest list. We started with a list of ideas and lofty aspirations about what our wedding would look like. But, it didn’t take long for us to realize it would be impossible to include everyone we knew in a grand-scale event. Even with our fun-loving do-it-yourself attitudes, we knew we would be faced with a lot of difficult choices. In the end, we reconsidered the idea of a big reception, and ended up with what proved to be our dream wedding – we eloped in our own neighborhood. Only seven people were in the wedding party, and that included us, the officiant, the witnesses and the photographer. We had a simple breakfast reception at our favorite brunch restaurant. The day was perfect from beginning to end, and we didn’t break the bank doing it. Since then, we’ve become regular spokespeople for elopement; pitching it to pretty much anyone who is considering getting married!

A few days ago, we hosted the second wedding this summer at the Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast. The Bride & Groom are a charming and delightful couple, and they could not have been happier with their special day! Noah & I partnered with local, trusted vendors to share the best of Carolina Beach’s wedding services. The ceremony was performed on the beach by Reverend Penelope Morningstar, a local officiant who specializes in beach weddings, and who has married thousands of couples since 1994. Island Cakery baked the vanilla buttercream beach-themed wedding cake – decorated with white chocolate seashells and brown sugar “sand”. The bride carried a tropical bouquet arranged by Marshall Gardens. We found the sandcastle cake topper at Checkered Church, a specialty gift shop. George Fryer, a local photographer, captured the beach wedding and the cake cutting back at the Inn.

At the reception, the bride took a moment in front of her guests to thank the Beacon House. Kisiah said, “Thank you guys for everything! You guys told me not to worry - that I was in good hands, and it was so true! Thank you so much, you guys are amazing!”

The “Just the Two of Us” elopement package offered at the Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast includes: a non-denominational minister, early check-in, bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, photography, sparkling wine and keepsake flutes and a beach-themed wedding cake for two. Prices start at only $900, plus the cost of your room. If you are looking for a stress-free wedding within your budget, you’ve found it! Call us for the details, or please visit our website: http://www.beaconhouseinnb-b.com/wedding-package.htm.

First, The Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar!

On our second night in Carolina Beach, NC, we departed the Beacon House Inn for a leisurely bike ride around town, in search of dinner. Not knowing where we were headed, it turned out that The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar was calling my name…

I think it was the window display that first caught my eye. That day’s catch, neatly lined up on ice. I was already drooling on the inside, so we ventured inward.

The place was bustling, even on a Monday night. Families were dining in the sidewalk seating area, couples and grown-up families were seated around the interior. We seated ourselves at the bar. Cassie, our server, warmly greeted us, and gave us menus.

'Who needs a menu?', I thought to myself. I already had my heart set on the oysters. But, I wasn’t prepared for the choices: steamed or on the half-shell? But, which variety? Should they shuck or should I shuck? I eventually settled on the Monday Night Special - 50 cent (I shuck) steamed oysters. My non-seafood-loving husband opted for the chicken tenders, the coleslaw and the corn. We were impressed - they really do have something for everyone!

So, my bucket of oysters arrived, along with an array of yummy accompaniments, a towel and a shucking knife. Yay!!!

Noah started on his dinner.

I picked up the shucking knife, then an oyster. I put them both back down. I picked them both back up again. I put them both back down. I sat. I stared. It had not occurred to me that I’d never done the ‘shucking’ thing. I was genuinely intimidated.

Cassie, the bartenderess, quickly offered her assistance. She gave an expertly effortless demonstration. All of a sudden, I felt confidence coming on!

I turned my attention back to my dinner. And, after some trepidation, I pried an oyster open! I dipped it...first in butter, then in chili sauce. I ate it. O, Triumph of deliciousness!

At first I thought, 'what a lot of effort, just for dinner...' But, of course by the time I made my way through that dozen, I only wanted another (actually, I still do).

The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages. In 2007, that dream came to fruition. It is now a place for friends and family, locals and tourists, to enjoy great food, good company, and a bit of island history.

We don’t think it’s any coincidence that there is only one oyster bar in Carolina Beach, NC. It really doesn’t get any better, than The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar!

We will return! Probably on Monday, but maybe sooner.

(If you find yourself intimidated, just ask our new friend Cassie for a shucking demonstration!)

Tune “Inn” for the Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast’s: 100 Reasons To Visit Carolina Beach!

Hello, and thank you for visiting the Beacon House Inn Blog! If you read our last post, then you already know us as Charlotte & Noah, the new Innkeepers at The Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast. As very recent transplants from the west coast, we have a lot of Carolina Beach, NC exploring to do, and we hope you will join us on our adventures!

After just one week in town, we know there are more than 100 reasons to visit Carolina Beach. We will use 100 as the starting point for this blog series. If you know of something not to be missed at Carolina Beach, please send us an email, and we will cover it. Otherwise, please tune in! This list will be a collection of our adventures, not just a top 100 – and, we hope you will use it as an inspiration for your travels!

Cheers!
Charlotte & Noah