14th annual Wedding Weekend will be Jan. 7-8

The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA) will sponsor it 14th Annual Wedding Weekend in January.

This event will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 7, with a self-guided tour of wedding-related businesses, including ceremony and reception locations. The weekend will conclude on Sunday, Jan. 8, after an Expo boasting the largest vendor meet-and-greet in the Outer Banks area with more than 170 wedding vendors to answer questions for brides and their families.

Additionally, one lucky bride will win “A Dream Wedding” giveaway valued at more than $25,000.

This year’s Wedding Weekend has many surprises in store for our brides-to-be and one major surprise includes a cocktail reception on Saturday at Duck Woods Country Club with a special guest appearance from David Tutera of WE TV’s “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera.”

During the cocktail reception, Tutera will share tips on planning an unforgettable, personalized wedding, give a behind-the-scenes look at the most popular wedding show on TV, and offer insider advice on the wedding planning industry. Tutera will also answer questions from the audience and take photos with attendees.

After the cocktail reception Saturday night, he will visit with OBWA members Sunday morning before the Expo and then return to present one lucky couple with the coveted “A Dream Wedding” courtesy of OBWA.

The announcement will be made at the Expo, which will be located at First Flight Middle and High Schools in Kill Devil Hills.

While the Outer Banks of North Carolina has become one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, the OBWA has become the premier service organization for wedding professionals located in Dare, Currituck, or Hyde counties. OBWA is the only not-for-profit, trade, and marketing organization to represent the growing Outer Banks wedding industry. Because of its high ethical standards and experience, membership to the organization has more than doubled since its inception over 15 years ago.

All-inclusive tickets to the wedding weekend expo, including the David Tutera cocktail reception, are limited and on sale now at www.obxwa.com.

The all-includsive tickets cost $95 per person and include:

Self-guided Tour, Reception Sites and Business Open Houses

Saturday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Cocktail Reception with David Tutera, Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores

Saturday, Jan. 7, from 7 until 10 p.m.

Wedding Expo, First Flight High School and First Flight Middle School, Kill Devil Hills. With an Appearance by David Tutera. Sunday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The purchase includes a Registration Packet that contain a self-guided tour brochure, the 2012 Outer Banks Bride Magazine, and an Expo Program.

For more information about the Wedding Weekend or weddings on the Outer Banks, go to www.obxwa.com.