Happy Independence Day LBBers! Hopefully you’re fully enjoying the fireworks, BBQs, and swimming pools Fourth of July always has to offer. We’ve got a special Americana affair for you today. I’m not going to lie, when it comes to weddings, my personal taste changes with every single batch of wedding photos we get. Every wedding becomes my favorite, every detail the best, every venue is the best place to hold your big day. But I’m pretty sure, no, positive, that the Massachusetts coastline really is THE spot. If you question this statement at all, just feast your eyes on the refreshing images Corinna Raznikov sent our way. The cool blues, the salty water, the sweet dog – it’s all no-doubt-about-it perfect. Like a breath of fresh ocean air. Or like the sea breeze blowing in your hair. It’s just perfect. So, when you’re ready, meet me in the gallery for more of this flawless fête.
My family has been a Chatham family for over 30 years, and it was only natural that we should plan a wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn. A favorite family story is that, while driving past Chatham Bars Iinn when I was three years old, I told my Dad that this was where I wanted to have my wedding. So, having our wedding reception there was a dream come true.
Joe and I grew up together in a small town in New Jersey a small bike ride away from each other. We went through grammar school together, where we had a brief “romance” in elementary school. Joe and I began dating in high school. You might say we were high school sweethearts – although we attended different high schools. During our college years we had many miles between us – I attended Boston College and Joe completed a tour in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps. It was right before Joe left for his second tour that he asked me to marry him on a rainy evening while walking our dog.
The inspiration for our wedding was casual seaside elegance, and this is exemplified by Cape Cod’s blue hydrangeas. The flowers at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham were baskets of hydrangeas tied to the end of each pew, and wreaths at the front doors. The wedding party had starfish boutonnieres. Following the ceremony the Trolley from Chatham Bars Inn took us to the beach for pictures – we walked along the beachfront to the reception itself.
In lieu of favors, Joe and I chose to donate to a charity that is very close to our hearts – American Cancer Society. My father passed away when I was young and we wanted to honor his memory, along with the memory of other family members who have passed. We made the donation in loving memory of those who have fought and lost, in loving appreciation of those who have fought and won, and in loving support of those who are still fighting.
Our wedding could not have been a more perfect day – the weather was gorgeous, our guests enjoyed themselves and most importantly, Joe and I enjoyed ourselves. We chose vendors that made our day easy –Corinna Raznikov, Patrice Milley, M. Smith & Company, and Flipside. Chatham Bars Inn was the perfect backdrop for a seaside wedding. The whirlwind weekend ended with a brunch for our guests on Shore Road – the house my new in laws rented for the week.
Florist: Patrice Milley / Location: Chatham Bars Inn / Band: Flipside / Bridesmaid Dresses: LuLaKate / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Photographer: Corinna Raznikov / Stationery: M. Smith & Company