This seaside celebration is everything a wedding should be. Elegant, intimate and styled to absolute perfection. Woven through the day are the happiest pops of pink and orange along with a subtle touch of retro romance. It’s a wedding you’ll just long to get lost in thanks to the beautiful imagery by Forevercandid Photography, and most certainly can with a trip to the full gallery here.
From the bride…Gabe and I met on a beach one summer while we were in college, quite a few years before we ended up together. One of our mutual good friends introduced us. There was an obvious, instant attraction event though we both played it cool with each other. We ran into each other at various points over the years until one special summer, we decided to go for it and have never been happier. Part of the reason I love Gabe so much is that we truly enjoy every moment we are together. We are best friends, make each other laugh, and are always looking for the next adventure together, big or small. Gabe has been a constant source of strength and inspiration for me and I feel blessed to have found someone so perfect for me. We are so excited to embark on this new adventure of marriage together!
My wedding location was my one non-negotiable. The Sharksmouth Estate is a beautiful retreat in my hometown. My father has been playing tennis at the estate for years which made the location that much more special and meaningful. I love the character and quirkiness of the house and property and was inspired to dive into all of the details surrounding the big day. I knew I wanted a whimsical, romantic old-school Hollywood feel. I wanted lots of bright, vibrant flowers and colors as well as candles everywhere to really bring the evening to life and make it feel like that much more of a beautiful celebration.
When I finally found my dress, which was nothing like what I had envisioned, I was really able to fill in the details. I chose charcoal for the bridemaids and groomsmen so the flower colors would really pop against them. I wanted the evening to feel warm and intimate even though I was set on having the reception outside. I suggested that my dad build an arbor over the head table and he really outdid himself by creating a gorgeous canopy, complete with a chandelier, that felt like a magical fairy canopy. Lastly, our friends who did the catering, helped us hand pick the menu, drink selection and brought the rooms to life with their design detail and touches.
There were many DIY elements of the wedding. It was important to Gabe and myself that we involve as many friends and family into the wedding plans and preparations as possible to make it that much more meaningful. Gabe’s sister and band mates sang during the ceremony, my dad created the arbor over the head table, Gabe and I wrote our own vows and our dear friend officiated the ceremony. My cousins, father and myself wrote out and put together all wedding invitations and numerous family members and friends were involved in preparing the house for the big day, from stringing lights to potting plants to go around the grounds.
The favorite part of the wedding for both Gabe and myself was having all of our closest and dearest friends and family members present for not only the big day, but the whole weekend. There was such a feeling of warmth and love the whole wedding weekend and it was an amazing feeling to have everyone we care about be able to to celebrate with us and be genuinely happy and excited for the two of us. Without a doubt, the best day of our lives!
[dotted]
Wedding Photography: Forevercandid Photography | Wedding Venue: Sharksmouth Estate in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts | Floral Design: Floral Designs by Laura Jean | Catering: Chive Events | Band: Eight to the Bar | Wedding Dress: Monet by Jenny Packham via Everthine Bridal Boutique | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ivy & Aster | Bridemaids’ Belts: Country Couture Weddings | Groom’s Suit: Ted Baker | Groomsmen’s Suits: Calvin Klein | Bowties: Etsy