Nautical weddings hold a special place in my heart. They are so perfectly New England, and their classic style always leaves me weak in the knees. And if I were to dream up such a fête, a wedding like this one from Ned Jackson Photography would pop in my brain. Sweeping views with sailboats a’plenty, a crisp color palette, and timeless style. It’s Nautical perfection, and you can soak it all up right here.
From the Bride…Mike surprised Kate in December 2011 with a romantic proposal at the W Hotel in Boston. Before Kate was able to get swept away in the wedding planning they discussed what their vision of the wedding would be – classic, comfortable, and with a nod to Marblehead’s nautical surroundings. They also talked about what elements they could not live without – good food, an open bar, and music to get the dance party started. Both Kate and Mike are from towns north of Boston, so it was a no brainer that they would marry in Kate’s hometown of Marblehead in the same church that her parents married in 31 years earlier.
To keep the day stress free and fun the girls gathered at the bride’s parent’s house for hair and make-up while the guys spent the afternoon hanging out at the Salem Waterfront hotel. The wedding ceremony took place in June 2012 at the beautiful Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Kate and Mike’s mothers both recited readings and Keros Entertainment played beautiful music throughout the ceremony. Once Kate and Mike had exchanged their “I Dos”, the bridal party boarded their trolley to Crocker Park, which overlooks Marblehead harbor, to take in the picturesque views – the perfect backdrop to for bridal party and family photos. We made our way back through the historic town to the reception at Tedesco Country Club where the cocktail hour was in fully swing. While listening to the live Jazz music, guest mingled on the outdoor patio overlooking the golf course and enjoyed the numerous passed appetizers, including Kate and Mike’s favorite – tomato soup with a grilled cheese crostini. Soon guests made their way towards dinner, which was held in a sail cloth tent illuminated by a canopy of white, baby blue, and chartreuse paper lanterns of varying sizes.
The bride chose navy has her primary wedding color with pops of green accents to bring in a little nautical feel. The navy table linens made the the lush flower arrangements in the center, really pop. The table numbers were navy and green and held upright by adorable nautical monkey-knots. During the delicious dinner of either filet of beef or locally caught baked haddock, Marblehead is a fishing town after all, Kate’s father, her sister who was also her Maid of Honor, and Mike’s Best Man gave heartfelt speeches. It was apparent how important friends and family are to Kate and Mike especially in light of the difficult year they had faced leading up to their wedding – one which brought on a serious and unexpected cancer diagnosis which Mike was able to courageously overcome with the support of Kate, his family, and friends who help him to always look for the positives in life. Both Kate and Mike felt incredibly lucky to have been able to share their wedding day with seven of their grandparents in attendance in addition to their families and close friends.
Kate and Mike’s warm and upbeat energy made everyone feel welcome all night. Kate was clearly happiest on the dance floor. After cutting the cake, Kate and Mike had their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s ‘You Are The Best Thing’ followed by the father daughter dance to Frank Sinatra’s ‘Summer Wind’. The music kept the party going and the newlyweds had so much fun dancing the night away. Their wedding day could not have been more perfect and they feel truly blessed and happy to have been able to work with so many great vendors who made their vision come to life. It was a night they will always remember!
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Wedding Photography: Ned Jackson Photography | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Marblehead, MA | Reception Venue: Tedesco Country Club, Marblehead, MA | Wedding Videographer: MapleLoft Studios | Floral Design: Flowers by Darlene | Letterpress Stationery: Goosefish Press | Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Keros Entertainment | Make-up Artist: Cynthia Klocek | Tent and Lighting: Exeter Events & Tents | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor |Groomsmen Ties: Tommy Hilfiger | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Nautical Monkey-Knots and Table Numbers: 2hands studios Etsy |Ceremony Programs and Escort Cards: William Arthur | Trolley: Salem Trolley | Wedding Cake: Cakes for Occasions | Chocolate Party Favors: Harbor Sweets