A country western theme rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Sycamore Bend ahead of Katie and Cadan’s Figure Eight Island Wedding.

A Western-Inspired Welcome Party & Rehearsal Dinner | Katie & Cadan’s Wedding Weekend

There’s something so special about the night before a wedding — the excitement, the anticipation, and the joy of gathering all your favorite people under one tent. For Katie & Cadan, their rehearsal dinner and welcome party set the tone for a weekend full of love, celebration, and unforgettable memories. Designed by the talented Salt Harbor Designs at Sycamore Bend, this country-western inspired evening blended rustic charm with elevated details in a way that felt warm, intentional, and effortlessly stylish.

As a Wilmington, NC wedding photographer, I love when couples use their welcome party to express their personalities. This Figure Eight Island celebration did exactly that — cowboy boots, hats, blue plaid linens, warm lanterns, and soft autumn florals all came together to create a Western-chic atmosphere that still felt perfectly coastal.

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Western Details with an Elevated Coastal Twist

Guests were welcomed into a beautifully curated space filled with textures and tones. The design highlighted soft blue plaids, rich leather seating, woven accents, and warm amber candlelight — a combination that brought a cozy, intimate feel to Sycamore Bend.

Floral arrangements featured earthy oranges, dusty blues, cream roses, and dried elements that added depth and movement to each vignette. From the bar shelves styled with antlers and artwork to the rustic wood furniture and lanterns glowing into the evening, every corner felt like a blend of western nostalgia and coastal elegance.

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Katie & Cadan’s Western Glam Moment

Katie and Cadan fully embraced the theme — and looked incredible doing it. Cadan wore a classic denim-on-denim look with cowboy boots and a felt hat, while Katie stunned in a shimmering gown paired with a soft, luxurious fur coat and her own wide-brim hat. Together, they brought a modern, stylish take on western glam and looked completely at ease celebrating with their people.

Capturing their laughter on the leather sofa — surrounded by florals, candlelight, and the hum of welcome-party energy — was one of my favorite parts of the evening.

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Why Welcome Parties Matter

Over the years as a coastal and destination wedding photographer, I’ve come to love welcome parties just as much as wedding days. They give couples a chance to slow down, greet their guests, and soak in the joy before the whirlwind of the wedding begins. Katie & Cadan’s western welcome party did just that — a warm, inviting start to a wedding weekend full of heart.

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A Dream Figure Eight Island Wedding Weekend Begins

This country-western celebration was the perfect kickoff to Katie & Cadan’s Figure Eight Island wedding. With Salt Harbor’s design vision, a beautifully crafted setting, and the sweetest couple at the center of it all, Night One set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

If you’re planning a Figure Eight Island wedding or at Sycamore Bend, a coastal celebration, or a destination weekend full of personal touches, I’d love to help capture it. These are the moments that tell the full story — and I’m always honored to be a part of it.

Want to see Katie and Cadan’s Figure 8 wedding? View their wedding blog post here!

Vendor Team:
Planning: @saltharbor
Venue: @sycamorebendestate
Photographer: @ashleyclarkephoto
Coffee Cart: @hiddengroundsilm
Bar: @saltandcharm
Paper Goods: @designalamere
Rentals: @whitebirchrentals @partysuppliersandrentals
Lighting and Power: @highperformancelightingnc
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Caricature: @aboutfacesentertainment