Hal + Tessa | Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographer

If you’ve ever dreamed of a coastal celebration filled with laughter, heart, and salty ocean air, Hal and Tessa’s wedding at The Chesapeake Beach House in Corolla, North Carolina, will absolutely capture your heart. As a Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographer, this day was a pure joy to capture from beginning to end — from the beach drive in (yes, we literally had to drive on the sand to get there!) to the emotional, joy-filled moments that made their wedding unforgettable.

A Love Story Rooted in Friendship and Fun

Hal and Tessa’s love story began in the most unexpected place — PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They both worked there in food service for Aramark, not for the team, but behind the scenes — and somewhere between shared smiles and long workdays, something beautiful began to bloom.

Since then, their relationship has been filled with adventure. Some of their favorite things to do together include traveling (especially to the beach), trying new restaurants, visiting wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and going to sporting events. And of course, doing life with their beloved dog, Finn, who truly completes their little family.

A Proposal at Home — Simple, Sweet, and Perfect

When you hear how Hal proposed, you can’t help but smile. It was perfectly them — relaxed, real, and full of love. While Tessa was wrapping a birthday present, Hal was outside in the yard with Finn. When she didn’t come out, they came inside — and there it was: the ring, hanging from Finn’s collar!

No grand spectacle. No big crowd. Just the three of them in their cozy home, hearts full. And no, Hal never did get down on one knee — but it was perfect all the same.

The couple started dating in 2018 and got engaged in 2021. Their story has been one of steady love, laughter, and choosing joy through all seasons.

The Wedding Vision: Classic, Timeless, and Full of Fun

As a Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographer, I can tell you this venue was the perfect match for their personalities. The Chesapeake Beach House offered everything they wanted — a week of memories instead of just one day.

Tessa, who has planned hundreds of weddings as a banquet director, wanted this to feel relaxed, timeless, and full of life. Their wedding colors — shades of dusty blue with gold accents — beautifully complemented the coastal backdrop. The vibe? Classic, timeless, with a hint of “hey, we’re at the beach!”

It wasn’t just about the decor — it was about the experience. Friends, family, laughter, and a week full of memories they’ll cherish forever.

Getting to the Chesapeake Beach House

This was a wedding day we’ll never forget — not just because of the love and joy, but because of the adventure of getting there! The Chesapeake Beach House sits right on the sand, and yes, that means you literally have to drive on the beach to reach it. It’s a photographer’s dream — open skies, endless dunes, and the sound of waves crashing nearby.

There’s something about Corolla that feels untouched, peaceful, and pure. It’s everything you could want in an Outer Banks wedding.

The Heart Behind the Couple

Tessa describes Hal as someone with an incredibly caring heart — steady, thoughtful, and kind. Hal says his favorite thing about her is her eyes. You can see the love between them in every glance.

They both work in the food industry — Hal as a Food Service Director for a school district, and Tessa as a Director of Food and Beverage at a private golf club. Maybe that’s why hospitality and connection come so naturally to them.

And we can’t forget Finn, their Dog of Honor! 🐶 This pup absolutely stole the show. He posed like a pro — honestly, one of the best dogs I’ve ever photographed. Every shot looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. Calm, patient, and full of personality — Finn was the perfect mix of sweet and photogenic, a true model dog! He stayed close to Hal and Tessa all day long, and you could tell he knew it was a special occasion.

Their dog, Finn, truly is their world — as Tessa says, “He fills our cup all the way.”

There were tender moments too. Hal’s best friend Luke, who passed away from cancer, was remembered beautifully throughout the day. The love in the room was deep — joy mixed with gratitude, and a touch of heaven’s presence over it all.

My Reflection

As a Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographer, what stands out most about this day wasn’t just the beauty — it was the peace. The way everyone laughed together, helped one another, and took in every moment.

Tessa’s openness, her joyful tears, her honesty — it made the day so real and rich. And Hal’s gentle spirit and quiet strength were the perfect balance.

Capturing this wedding reminded me why I love what I do. Every photo told the story of two people who simply belong together.

FAQ: Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Weddings

Q: Where is The Chesapeake Beach House located?
A: It’s located in Corolla, North Carolina — part of the beautiful Outer Banks coastline. It’s a private beachfront home, accessible by driving directly on the beach!

Q: What makes this venue special?
A: The Chesapeake Beach House offers the charm of a coastal home with the intimacy of a private retreat. You can host everything — ceremony, reception, and accommodations — all in one place.

Q: Is it hard to reach the venue?
A: It’s an adventure! You’ll need a 4WD vehicle since it’s on the sand, but trust me — it’s part of the fun.

Q: Why choose a Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographer?
A: Having a photographer familiar with beach lighting, timing, and the unique conditions of Corolla is essential. From golden sunsets to ocean breezes, every element of the day deserves to be captured with care and creativity.

Thank You, Hal + Tessa

Hal and Tessa, thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing us as your Chesapeake Beach House Corolla Wedding Photographers. From our very first conversation, you made me feel like family. Your trust, kindness, and joy made this day one I’ll never forget.

Capturing your love, your laughter, and all the little in-between moments was such a gift. I pray your marriage continues to be filled with adventure, beach trips, and that same spark that started at PNC Park.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and Finn snuggles. 💙

Interested in booking your wedding photography with us, contact us here!