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Chicago couple's dream wedding at Wrightsville Beach

ollege sweethearts who live in Chicago and grew up in Illinois, Karla Wolfe and Sanjay Gidwani knew they wanted a beach wedding. “We started dating, first vacation, got engaged” all on a beach, Karla recalled.

Karla Wolfe & Sanjay Gidwani

Photos by

Gene Ho Photography

Boardwalks connect the beach with the hotel’s ballroom and guest rooms.

ith relatives in North Carolina, the couple gravitated to the East Coast. On the recommendation of a cousin who attended UNC-Wilmington, they came to check out Wrightsville Beach in the summer of 2007. “We fell in love with the whole area,” Karla said. “The people were amazing. Everyone we met in Wilmington and Wrightsville was so helpful and friendly.” All 120 of the wedding guests came from out of town, and they raved about their stay. “People continue to mention how beautiful the area was and the hospitality of all the people they encountered.” Some are even looking at buying vacation homes.

Sand ceremony symbolizes unity of two individuals, with God as the foundation of their relationship.

hey met at DePaul University where Sanjay studied information technology and Karla was a music major. Both are working in their chosen field of study.

Karla shares a light moment with Sanjay, and a serious one with her father, Jim Wolfe. He suggested the third “God” layer of sand in the unity ceremony.

Shell island’s ballroom is one of very few banquet facilities in the area with a view of the ocean from the main floor. Table decorations were by A Beautiful Event florist.

ain threatened on the wedding day, but photographer Nadean Bruehlman recalled Karla being “Cool as a cucumber. We even felt a few sprinkles while doing photos and she just kept saying, ‘It’s okay. I don’t melt.”

hell Island is at the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach. The hotel provides on-site accommodations for out-of-town guests. Nearby, the beach, tidal inlets and vast expanses of colorful salt marsh bring nature up close.

Wedding site: Wrightsville Beach
Reception Venue & Caterer: Shell Island Oceanfront Suites
Florist: Wendy Wright of A Beautiful Event
Outdoor rentals: A Tent Event
Music and entertainment: DJ Professionals and Video
Photographer: Nadean Bruehlman of Gene Ho Photography