Wilmington One Year Anniversary Session by Millie Holloman Photography + Salt Harbor Designs

Get out your pencils and get ready to take some furious notes because this idea needs to be tucked away and recreated for many an Anniversary. It’s just too perfect not to. A scavenger hunt turned surprise romantic rooftop dinner designed by Salt Harbor Designs that ended with another surprise party for this lovely couple feted on their first anniversary by all their friends and family. Phew, that’s a lot of surprises. But the result, captured by Millie Holloman Photography, is nothing short of fabulous. See it all unfold in the full gallery.

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From Jennifer of Salt Harbor Designs Designing weddings has one big drawback — because most people only do it once, we rarely get repeat clients. But this spring, we were given the chance to design a party for one of our most favorite couples. Sarah and Nate were married in 2010 and in 2011, for their first anniversary, Sarah called me with an idea. She wanted to plan a surprise anniversary party for Nate, but she wanted it to be somewhat of a surprise for herself as well. She told me to handle all of the details and just tell her where to be and when. She sent me the guest list and we took it from there.

We worked with Millie Holloman Photography to brainstorm a scavenger hunt that would take the couple through downtown Wilmington to revisit the significant places in their history together. We picked them up at their house, and they were ready for the adventure! After a series of clues, the final one led them down an alley and onto the rooftop overlooking the city, where a table for two was waiting for them. 

While Sarah and Nate were having dinner, all of their guests were arriving in the courtyard below. Nate had no idea that the night was actually just beginning. After they finished dessert, we prompted everyone to yell from below. Sarah and Nate looked down to discover all of their guests, donning geeky glasses from their wedding the year before. They and their guests danced the night away in the courtyard of The Atrium. 

Photography: Millie of Millie Holloman Photography / Venue: The Atrium by Ligon Flynn in Wilmington, North Carolina / Planning + Decor: Salt Harbor Designs / Food: Milner’s Cafe & Catering / Cake: Flower and Flour