Different by Design
By Kerri Catino-Nason, Esq., & Christopher Nason, owners of Beacon Architecture & Design –
Interior of new Sanderling space. Photo credit: Island Photography
The Sanderling Resort & Spa has had a long history as a wedding venue. In past years, from May through October, Distinctive Event Rentals provided a tent for soundside weddings at the Sanderling. The temporary tent was just that – temporary. Dick McCullough, general manager of the Sanderling, finally received approval for a permanent structure to replace that temporary tent last year. McCullough hired Christopher Nason of Beacon Architecture & Design to build a luxurious event pavilion.
The resulting design is a breathtaking 4,500 square foot pavilion situated on the sound. There are plans to eventually expand the deck that goes over the sound to a larger gazebo (this deck has already been permitted). From the street, the pavilion blends into the existing Sanderling buildings belying the huge event space with state of the art heating and cooling and a full catering kitchen that awaits.
The neutral space creates a blank canvas on which each couple can create their wedding vision. “The idea was to create a functional room which did not try to compete with the water views and beautiful sunsets,” explains Beacon’s Christopher Nason. “Air conditioning, temporary roll-down screens for weather protection, a full catering kitchen and a phenomenal view of the water are…integrated into the architectural style and existing buildings of the Sanderling complex. A full sprinkler system ensures safety and the entire pavilion is designed with flood resistant materials.”
A dedicated wedding space makes wedding planning much easier for everyone. Regardless of the weather, guests will be comfortable and enjoy the party no matter what happens outside. Unlike a tented reception, there is no contending with heat, humidity, bugs, melting cakes, wilting flowers and sweaty guests. So, in addition to capturing events in the late fall, winter, and early spring, such a space allows for more weddings during the summer months which have been a traditionally slower time for weddings. And at the Sanderling and other venues, couples can enjoy their wedding ceremony on the beach or other outside area, and then have their reception in a covered space.
The grand opening of the pavilion was in March of this year when the Sanderling hosted a dinner for their 2012 brides and grooms in conjunction with The Outer Banks Wedding Show put on by obxbrides.com.
By all accounts, the Wedding Show weekend was a huge success. Wendy Murray, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Sanderling, explains that the goal of the pavilion was to expand the wedding and, to a lesser degree, the corporate event, seasons. And the pavilion seems to be doing its job. “We sold out certain months even before the pavilion was completed, based solely on the renderings, and now that we have an air conditioned and heated space, we are booking March and November events that would have gone elsewhere.”
To the south on Hatteras Island, Joe Thompson, owner of Koru Village, had a similar idea for a year round event venue. Thompson created the Beach Klub at Koru Village located beside the Avon Pier.
“The Beach Klub and PapaWack Theatre were built with the intention of creating a venue adorning a multitude of amenities that offer residents and visitors a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Thompson. The 4,000 square foot open-air pavilion with a large stage will create more space and an atmosphere for shaded oceanfront views, yoga by the beach, summer luaus and live music.
Thompson explains that because there are no traditional event/reception sites on Hatteras Island, there was a real need for his new venue. In addition, this pavilion “ensures that the show will go on regardless of Mother Nature.” The grand opening of the Beach Klub is May 31, 2012.
