Where Island Life Meets Celebration
Bald Head Island
Expertise
Blue Water Events was founded in the spring of 2025 out of a love for celebrating life's special moments and a passion for helping couples experience the magic of Bald Head Island.
As a full-time island resident, I quickly recognized that planning a wedding here is unlike planning anywhere else. While Bald Head Island offers an incredible setting, it also comes with unique logistics that require local knowledge and careful coordination. After planning my first wedding in 2025, I realized there was an opportunity to help couples navigate the planning process with confidence while creating an experience that was as enjoyable as the celebration itself.
As Blue Water Events grew, I invited Erika to join me. Her passion for design, creativity, and eye for detail perfectly compliments my love of organization and planning. Together, we combine thoughtful logistics with beautiful design to create celebrations that are seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.
Today, we're proud to help couples from near and far celebrate one of life's biggest moments on the island we call home.
Meet Your Planners
Deb Cerniglia, Co-Owner
Deb brings thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and a genuine love of entertaining to every celebration. She thrives on coordinating the details behind the scenes, ensuring that every timeline, vendor, and logistical element comes together seamlessly. Deb is passionate about sharing the beauty and charm of island life while helping couples create unforgettable experiences for their family and friends.
When she's not planning weddings and events, Deb enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and taking beach walks with her best little pal, Rocky.
Erika Hano, Co-Owner
Erika brings her discerning eye, precise attention to detail, and signature sophisticated aesthetic to create chic island celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique story. She is endlessly inspired by the magical little island of Bald Head that she calls home.
Erika, her husband, and two children moved full time to the Island from Winston-Salem, NC. In her free time, Erika is riding her bike or running the Wynds of Bald Head, and enjoys sunset cocktails with family and friends.
“"Our wedding was everything we dreamed of and more..."
— Makenna & Frederick Our Planning
Philosophy
We believe the best celebrations begin with getting to know the people we're planning them for.
Every couple has their own story, style, and vision. That's why we take the time to truly understand what's most important to you, how you want your wedding to feel, what moments matter most, and the experience you want to create for your family and friends. By listening first, we're able to design a celebration that feels authentic, personal, and uniquely yours.
Planning your wedding should be just as memorable as the wedding itself. We believe the process should be exciting, enjoyable, and free from unnecessary stress. We'll guide you through each decision with honest advice, thoughtful organization, and a calm, reassuring presence.
Most importantly, we want you to know that you can count on us. From the smallest details to the biggest moments, we'll be there every step of the way, anticipating needs, solving challenges before they arise, and making sure your wedding day unfolds beautifully so you can be fully present with the people you love.