Massachusetts Weddings

When it comes to dreaming up the coolest crafts in all the land, Lauren Wells is our new go-to girl. She can DIY like nobody’s business, and the her latest project comes in the form of Push Pop Confetti captured by Cambria Grace. Get excited, SMPers – it’s about to get crazy colorful up in here.

From Lauren Wells Events… Confetti is pure FUN, and these confetti-filled push pops are perfect for any summer celebration. Whether used for a ceremony toss, escort cards, favors or even in a photo booth, they are a detail that guests will love. They are also incredibly easy to make.

Push pop containers
Push pop stand
Confetti
Kraft labels
Scissors/paper cutter

Print out your kraft labels. You may use a couple’s logo, or create escort cards, or even just write a fun saying like we did. Each label should be 6″ x 2″ once cut, and you are able to print 5 labels per each 8 1/2″ x 11″ label sheet. (If you have beautiful handwriting – even better! You can simply cut labels to size, and handwrite whatever you would like).

Assemble the push pops, and carefully stick a label on each. Leave the tops off for now.

Stuff each push pop with confetti. While you can easily make your own confetti with scissors and tissue paper, we bought this fun neon batch from Knot & Bow.

Place the tops on each push pop, and place all of the push pops in the stand. When ready to celebrate, take the top off, push up, and shout hooray!

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Styling + DIY: Lauren Wells Events

Though it’s tempting to deck a babies nursery out in colorful doodads and tchotchkes alike, I tend to be partial to a more modern sentiment. One in which mom and dad can happily reside, and will easily transition with that new baby as he grows. And this nurser? Well it’s nursery perfection. Captured by Hogger & Co., there’s more to be seen in the gallery! 

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Hogger & co… It was such an honor for me to photograph this sweet couple, Alaina and Philip, expecting their first baby in April. It was a joy to capture their love for each other and their baby bump (affectionately hashtagged #ittbybittyIsbouts on Instagram) in their beautiful new home and gorgeous nursery.

Alaina is a very dear friend who I met last summer when we shot a session in the North End of Boston. She’s an absolute beauty inside and out, and her personality radiates sunshine.

ps – a special shout out to their cats Moose and Isabella (loved them!)

Photography: Hogger Co | Adventure Print: Society 6 | Baskets: Land Of Nod | Bed Spread: Ikea | Canvas Numbered Wall Hanger: Land Of Nod | Cloth Diapers: Amazon | Convertible Crib: Babyletto | Diapers: The Honest Co | Dresser: Ikea | Elephant Print: Society 6 | Fox Print: Society 6 | Fox Throw Pillow: Society 6 | Glider: Target | Hedgehog Night Light: Amazon | Mountain Print: Society 6 | Nightstand: Ikea | Owl Lamp: Land Of Nod | Rug: Ikea | Storage Cart: Ikea | Throw Blanket: Ikea | Tyn Church Print: Society 6 | Whale Stuffed Toy: Yellow Bird Yellow Beard | Zebra Head: Anthropologie | Zebra Throw Pillow: Society 6

Weddings like this one captured beautifully by Joyelle West Photography remind me why nautical New England weddings will always reign supreme in my book. With the gorgeous Beverly Yacht Club playing hostess, stunning florals from Sayles Livingston Flowers and a couple you just know had the best day ever, this gallery is just pure preppy perfection. See it all here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…My husband and I are from the same town and met while growing up. Both of our families still live there and we tend to spend a lot of time up there during the summer months; we love to take advantage of being by the ocean. When we started talking about the wedding there was never really any question as to where it would be held.

The setting played a big part at our wedding. June is such a beautiful time of year in Marion so I felt that we could rely on the environment to provide a lot of the color. We wanted the wedding to be as personal as possible and we were lucky enough to be able to have the reception at the lawn of my grandmother’s house. In addition, we decided to ‘parade’ down the street of the small town from the church where we had the ceremony to the yacht club where we had a receiving line and some light refreshments. From there we took my father’s boat across the harbor to the reception. We have both spent a lot of time on that harbor, so for us it made the day even more special

I felt that adding too many decorations at the reception would have competed with the beauty of the location so I wanted to keep things very simple (which can be surprisingly difficult when planning a wedding). I decided on light flowers with pops of coral and sage and simple white tables. I love being by the water, but wasn’t interested in having a nautical theme. My aunts and I arranged two DIY projects for my friends and family during the bridal luncheon the day before. We made hanging lanterns out of Mason jars, ribbons, wire and tea lights and glued custom flags onto striped cocktail straws. A friend and I also stamped different images on the table cards and hand stamped the table numbers as well.

My dress was from Saja and was exactly what I was looking for. I felt so comfortable in it. The veil is from my mother’s side of the family and goes back quite a few generations. I thought it was the perfect compliment to the dress. My grandmother leant me some beautiful sapphire and diamond earrings (borrowed and blue!) and a bracelet to put on as the finishing touches.

We had an amazing day weather-wise and (at least to me) everything was perfect down to our wedding ‘cake’, which was made out of wheels of cheese. What else could a girl ask for?

Photography: Joyelle West Photography | Florist: Sayles Livingston Design | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Hair And Makeup: Rachael Berkowitz | Band: Clark Eno Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Field Custom English Tailors | Bride's Dress: Saja | Bridesmaids Necklaces: Emily Condon Designs | Caterers: Blue Rock Catering | Cocktail Hour: Beverly Yacht Club | Day-of Coordinator: WedBoston | Tent/Uplighting: Chase Canopy

With the beautiful Willowdale Estate setting the scene for this equally beautiful wedding, we come right out of the gate with a whole lot of gorgeous. Sprinkle in the beautiful blooms by Joe Pye Weeds Garden, a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown and a oh-so-in-love couple, and we get a gallery from Tilley Photography that’s too good to pass up. See it all here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…As a little girl, I never envisioned my wedding. So upon getting engaged, there were countless nights of no sleep as I dreamt about the vision of our wedding. Would it be a summer beach wedding (the groom’s dream) or a winter city wedding (the bride’s dream)? Would it be modern and contemporary or antique and traditional? What would my dress look like? Which flowers would we have? What would our colors be? As my mind raced for what seemed like several weeks, I ultimately landed on, first, the color (a dark, earthy green + neutrals), which informed the second decision, the theme (antique), and then nicely falling into place was the third and most important decision, the venue and date (Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA on June 30, 2012).

This vision lead to weekends of antique shopping with family and close friends – trying to find green antique glass pieces (bottles, vases, bowls, glasses, fisherman balls – you name it, we found it) to create one of a kind tablescapes for each table (later to be arranged around a large glass hurricane). To further adorn the tables, we added lace accents and table runners with the most minimal of flowers and greenery to tie it all together. We used window frames for seating assignments, a birch tree lit from my favorite vacation spot at my parents lake cottage in New Hampshire lit with white christmas lights to hang tags with messages from the guests, and mason jars to put the flowers in.

The best part of all? The guests enjoyed the perfect combination of food and drink throughout the night, including my favorite Wilson Creek Winery Almond Champagne and Sokol Blosser Evolution, local New England oysters and shrimp at the raw bar, farmers market, surf and turf and mash potato bar dinner stations, petite desserts to supplement the wedding cake, all to end with Willowdale Estate’s infamous warm chocolate chip cookies served with cold milk shooters. Ending the evening, closing the dance floor with my father, my husband and I said goodbye to our closest family and friends through an arch of sparklers. As we look back, we ended up creating a simplistic yet detailed masterpiece that lead to the most perfect and best day of our lives.

Photography: Tilley Photography | Flowers: Joe Pye Weeds Garden | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister | Invitations: Tank Design | Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair And Makeup: The Makeup Artists | Calligraphy: Astrid Wendth | Band: Felix Brown Band | Ceremony Musicians: Occasional Brass | Estate: Willowdale Estate | Venue and Catering: Willowdale Estate

Living here in New England, it’s basically a crime I have yet to explore the beauty of Nantucket for myself. But after viewing this oh-so-classic Nantucket affair from Clark + Walker, you best believe it’s now on the tippy top of my list. With stunning waterside elegance and an all-white ballroom reception that will leave your jaw dropped, there’s no better way to start your Monday than hitting “play” on below. 

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/50718273 600 338]

From the Bride… We looked everywhere to find the perfect place to get married. But truly from the start, my husband and I loved the idea of doing a tented wedding in his parents’ backyard at the Cape. My husband’s sister had her wedding there 8 years prior and his other sister had an amazing wedding there 11 months after us.

We had no idea how much work it was going to be but in the end, it was honestly the best day of our life. We will be forever grateful to all of the amazing people and vendors who helped make the day so special.

Photography: mel barlow & co. | Videography: Clark+Walker Studio | Floral Design: Church Of Evangelical Faith | Catering: Boston Public Library | Make Up: Dani Wagener Beauty | Hair: Jenna Rago, Salon Acote | Lighting: Suzanne B Lowell Lighting Design | Tent: Peterson Party Center | Furniture: Luxe Event Rentals

When I lived in Boston, I ran by the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Cambridge almost every single day, and I used to think about the all gorgeous parties that it must host (because, let’s be honest, that is always on my mind). With the sweeping views of the Charles River and the breathtaking Boston skyline and options for your event come rain or shine, it is the definition of the perfect venue – proving all my day dreams true…

About the Hyatt Regency Cambridge Venues:

Charles View Ballroom: The stunning 16th floor Charles View ballroom is the jewel of Boston meeting space. This newly-renovated 2,900 square foot space offers a 180-degree panoramic view of Boston and the Charles River through floor-to-ceiling windows. Four glass-enclosed elevators ensure that guests arrive quickly to the top floors. Accommodate 220 for a formal banquet and 400 for a cocktail reception.

Courtyard: The courtyard adjacent to the President’s Ballroom make a picturesque location for your outdoor wedding ceremony or cocktail reception.

President’s Ballroom: The impressive President’s Ballroom with expansive pre-function space, provides an elegant, formal setting with adjoining outdoor garden courtyard.

Empress Ballroom: Multi-level, the 14th Floor Empress Room with grand 15-foot floor to ceiling windows and two patios, all overlooking the city scape of Boston.

Riverside Pavilion: The Riverside Pavilion accommodates up to 150 guests in a beautiful white tent with French windows, ceiling fans, chandeliers, and an outdoor garden patio. It is located along the scenic Charles River.

Now when you celebrate your wedding day at Hyatt Regency Cambridge, you can enjoy free honeymoon nights at any Hyatt Hotels & Resorts location worldwide — from authentic resorts that capture the essence of the destination to exciting city hotels in 45 countries around the globe. Whichever honeymoon destination you choose, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime, on us. Simply book and hold your wedding at a participating Hyatt hotel by December 31, 2014 and you will earn Hyatt Gold Passport® bonus points redeemable for free nights with no blackout dates at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts worldwide. For more information please contact the hotel for details or click here.

Photography: Glenn Livermore Photography | Cake: Konditor Meister | Wedding Venue: Hyatt Regency Cambridge

Of all the DIYs we’ve shared on this pretty little blog, I dare say this one from the lovely Lauren Wells might just be my all-time favorite. If I could, I’d put fresh flowers on just about anything, so why not in a cocktail too? With a sweet set of vintage glasses from Pollen Floral Design and always gorgeous photos from Cambria Grace, these fresh flower drink stirrers have me ready to sip and smell!

From Lauren Wells Events… I absolutely adore fresh flowers and botanical vibes, and I try to incorporate simple and organic elements into every wedding and event I design. These floral drink stirrers are probably my favorite things I have ever dreamt up, and they are incredibly simple to create. It’s like a garden for your glass!

Wood Skewers
Fresh Flowers
Gold Embroidery Thread
Hot Glue Gun

For larger flowers, such as a ranunculus or a poppy, snip off most of the stem, leaving a bit right under the flower head. For smaller and more wild flowers, such as chamomile or aster, snip off one stem with a small bunch.

For the larger flowers, all you need to do is simply skewer the stem. Piece of cake! For the smaller flowers, use the gold embroidery thread to wrap around the base until tightly wound. (As you will see, I used some gold thread to embellish some of the larger flowers as well)!

Place a dot of hot glue on the back of the embroidery thread, and use the glue to seal the thread.

Pour yourself a cocktail, and enjoy! The floral scent while you sip is just an added bonus.

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Styling + DIY: Lauren Wells Events | Vintage Glass Rentals: Pollen Floral Design

This wedding tells the sweetest story of a darling Texas Bride tying the knot to her dream New England Groom. And that blend worked beautifully in crafting a soiree that is equal parts Texan charm and New England style. The result is a wedding that we know was not only beautiful but completely memorable, and thanks to Meghann Gregory you can devour every bit here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Jill Moran…The Couple: Amber and Jeffrey met during an internship in Washington DC – Amber an aspiring journalist, and Jeffrey with ambitions for an international post in government. It was love at first sight for Amber for this handsome gentleman from Boston, and likewise for Jeffrey for his Texan sweetheart. Six years later, they celebrate their commitment of a life together!

The wedding day: The celebration reflected a country theme from the Texas roots of the bride and the New England born and bred groom. The couple chose to marry at the rural home of the groom’s family – the Henry Adams House built in 1652 with its lush gardens, sprawling lawns and weathered barn.

The Invitation: Burlap and natural fiber paper fit the informal and organic feel of this couples wedding. The lace tie hinted of the design elements to come at the wedding celebration.

The Gift: The groom presented his bride-to-be with a favorite book that captured the relationship of Abigail and John Adams through their letter writing.

The Flowers: The bride carried a bouquet of antique roses, stock, baby’s breath and lamb’s ear wrapped in burlap ribbon held in place with copper colored pins in subtle shades of peach and ivory. The bridesmaid’s bright orange and lime bouquets complemented the navy dresses and were perfect for a warm summer wedding.

Guest arrival: After a short trolley, guests were greeted with a refreshing JAMBER cocktail – a mix of tequila from the West with a splash of cranberry from the bogs of Massachusetts. A cello duet –friends of the brides – entertained guests upon arrival and during the ceremony.

The Ceremony: The ceremony details were displayed in antique gold-frames and guided family and friends to the gardens for the wedding ceremony. An antique trunk served as a place for guests to place wedding gifts and cards. Tiny vases of sweet peas lined the garden path for the wedding party’s arrival. A family friend of the bride served as the officiant for the garden ceremony.

Lawn and gardens: Country-themed details included bales of hay propping the chalk-board menu and celebration details, kettles of potted flowers and a window frame seating chart. Table assignments were listed on an old window frame with burlap mounted on each glass pane, telling the story of the couples courtship.

Cocktail hour: Pre-dinner bites were served on wooden and glass washboards. The pool area featured floating peonies, the guest book and photo of the bridal couple. Wine barrels served as the bar and cocktail tables. Guests noshed on crab and jalapeno fritters, with a dollop of chipotle Remoulade, petite Arepas with pulled chicken and mange barbecue sauce and vegetable Empanaditas for a task of Texas with a New England twist.

The dining tent: As guests moved to the dining tent, lanterns lit the paths, tent ceiling and trees for the start of the dinner and dancing festivities. Tuscan tables, simple garden chairs and antique pieces set an inviting tone in the dining tent. Antique wrought-iron lanterns hung from above and branches dressed with burlap, twine and twingling lights framed the wooden dance floor. Glass votive holders filled with flowers and floating lights were tucked in the branches above the dance floor. The bride and groom enjoyed dining at an intimate sweetheart table; a small wooden antique table set for two!

The table settings: The color palette of blues, oranges and blush pinks were chosen to reflect the elements of New England and Texas from the groom’s days boatin off the shores of New England to the bride’s love of roses. Burlap and lace over simple white table cloths set a refined country tone at the dining tables and were topped with antique glassware filled with roses, stock, sweet peas, Gerber daisies and snapdragons. Navy napkins were tied with raffia to complement the navy votives and lanterns on the tables.

Table cards: Burlap mounted table cards shared the story of the couple from their first introduction as interns in Washington DC, to their travels to Taiwan as a Fulbright grantee and journalist to their love of their family, friends, sailing, and travel.

Dinner: Dinner served family style at each table and featured southern specialties including Tilapia Fish Tacos with toppings of avocado, black beans, coleslaw and salsas southwest salsa, chicken enchiladas verdes, stuffed Poblano peppers, arugula salad with julienned jicama and red onion.

The Wedding Cake: The wedding cake, a simple two tier with buttercream frosting, was wrapped in navy ribbon and topped with wedding flowers. The wedding topper, a gift from their host family in Taiwan, sat along side the cake reminding them of their travels together.

Music and dancing: Jeffrey’s gift of a life with the use of only one arm didn’t prevent him from dipping and swinging his bride of their first dance. The grooms father and brother shared a song to honor the couple before guests danced the night away under the tent to celebrate Amber and Jeffrey’s wedding.

Photographer: Meghann Gregory Photography | Videographer: Madeline Stephanson | Wedding Cake: Icing On The Cake | Catering: Capers Catering | Makeup: Kristin Kay Esthetics | Hair: Salon One Westwood | Tent: Sperry Tents | Event Planner, Design, Florals: Jill Moran | Music: Entertainment Specialists | Private Home: The Henry Adams House | Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Restrooms: ElizaJ | Trolley: Above All Transportation

To say I love this couple would be the understatement of the year. They crafted a whimsical and eclectic soiree that leaves all adjectives unworthy. It was a day perfectly them and perfectly curated with so much love it shows through every beautiful image by Tiffany Medrano Photography, and you can see it here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…Working from a coffee shop one day, I found myself in the dating section of an online site. I came across this sincere, funny and intriguing post and of course couldn’t resist the urge to contact its writer. After exchanging emails we overcame our fears and our insecurities of meeting each other in person, instead trusted and followed our hearts. We knew from our first date that we wanted to get married so it was no surprise to anyone when we announced our engagement.

We had just over 100 guest at our wedding. What was most important to us was our friends and family and of course including their children! Second to our relationships what was most important was the venue, photographer and “farm to table food”. We knew we wanted a rustic, chic, outdoors wedding with elements that had a vintage eclectic farm feel. Most of all, we wanted our wedding to be authentic and honest.

I also wanted to have everything in one place. What better place than the Hartman’s Herb Farm Bed & Breakfast? It had a great rustic atmosphere and beautiful landscape. We knew it was the perfect venue for us. Without sacrificing quality, because everything was from the farm, grown at the farm and done at the farm, it was fresh and organic. We loved the idea of supporting local farmers. Our guests could not believe that everything was homemade and raved about how delicious everything was.

And so my vision for a vintage farm theme was well on its way. They were able to accommodate most of our wedding party and family for the weekend. We used different collected elements to decorate the reception area (burlap, herbs plants, flowers from the gardens and greenhouses, mason jars, tin containers , tea cups and floral plates adorn the table center pieces, each one different from the next) while keeping the ceremony site as is.

Our centerpieces were old books, vintage tins, globes and a mix of various mason jars and vintage bottles filled with flowers and herb plants from the Hartman’s Herb Farm gardens and greenhouses. We also did heirloom teacups/teapots from what I have collected and from our location. Our “guest book” was a collection of fabric squares that the guests signed, later to be sewn together with the intention of creating a quilt to commemorate our special day.

Melissa Tolmie was a God-sent, one of my best friend and my wedding coordinator. We both shared the same love for great vintage finds and antiques. She understood my vision and many items were from her own home or bought from Etsy. My bouquet was one of my favorite DIY projects with long hours spent collecting brooches from ebay and local thrift shops, it really paid off and was well worth the time and effort. Melissa surprised me with one more brooch added to my bouquet on the day of the wedding. It was a small photo of my parents and truly transformed my bouquet from a DIY project to a family heirloom that I will treasure forever.

Having Tiffany Medrano as our photographer was a blessing. She not only does amazing work, but she is our friend and knows us both well. Sean and I knew we were going to end up with photos we would cherish for a lifetime. She captured all our hard work and little details perfectly. Her eye for details and storytelling through her photos help us relive our wedding day and to be able share them with anyone who couldn’t attend our big day.

As one who’s been to many weddings and been in many weddings, I felt overwhelming pressure to make our day perfect and enjoyable for our friends and family. After many weeks of planning, stressing over details, it finally hit me one day (not to mention the gentle reminders from my now husband Sean) that this day is about us expressing our love and commitment to each other and that no matter what happened (or didn’t happen) it would be awesome, perfect for us!

I would say besides a couple of moments of panic and meltdowns, I was calm. I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing all of our friends and families were for our wedding day. They helped us make our vision come to life as I surrendered to the day and was just a happy bride marrying her best friend, the love of her life. I am forever grateful to them all. We feel so blessed and that it truly was the best day of our lives and the wedding of our dreams.

Photography: Tiffany Medrano Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Melissa Tolmie | Florist: Hartman's Herb Farm | Invitations: Art Of Life By Lauren Ann | Ceremony Venue: Hartman's Herb Farm | Reception Venue: Hartman's Herb Farm | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Sohomode | Catering: Hartman's Herb Farm | Bow Ties & Suspenders: Moaning Minnie | Bride's Bouquet: Lionsgate Designs | Bride's Dress: David's Bridal | Painted Door Art Installation: Jonathan Boice Aka ‘Skinny Jay’ | Wedding Band: Not Sure Community College

When Cape Cod meets chic ballroom affair, we tend to get a little excited. Because that’s when nautical weddings go up a style notch, and basically magic happens. Case and point, this Cape Cod stunner from Person + Killian Photography at the beautiful Wychmere Beach Club. It’s chic but still has that charming Cape Cod feel, making for a gallery you can’t help but love.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/78202738 600 255]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Person + Killian Photography…The Cape has always been the “happy place” for both Jessica + Jon. Jessica’s family summered on the Cape for her entire life, and Jon’s family has set their roots on the Cape for over 50 years! When it came time for the two to plan their wedding, choosing the Cape was an easy decision. We joined Jessica + Jon for a beautiful weekend at the Wychmere Beach Club, which included a traditional New England lobster bake, seaside photos, a classic church wedding ceremony, and an elegant black tie wedding reception with a contemporary urban twist. The weekend started on Friday evening, with a classic lobster bake rehearsal dinner. A tent was installed on the Wychmere Beach Club’s private beach, overlooking the beautiful New England seaside. Customized games (which would make another appearance at the cocktail hour the following day!) were set up on the sand for guests to play and rustic wooden lanterns were set up along the boardwalk to light the way. Everyone enjoyed dinner, while Jessica + Jon heard special toasts from their closest family and friends. As soon as the sun set, the tent was lit up with sparkling strings of lights and a bonfire was roaring out on the beach for everyone to enjoy. The next morning began the wedding day — Jessica and her bridesmaids got ready in the Wychmere Beach House’s bridal suite, while Jon and his groomsmen hung out in the Wychmere Cottage (sometimes called the “Groom Cottage” for weddings)!

The bride’s bouquet was a gorgeous mix of greens, white roses, and deep red flowers — perfect for an early Autumn wedding. She chose a strapless, mermaid-cut Anna Maier gown, matched with sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes and a glittering silver hair piece. We left her bridal party inside to finish getting ready while we took Jessica out onto the beach for her first look with Jon! The bride and groom had their first look on the boardwalk overlooking the Cape Cod beach. We braved the blustery wind to get some great shots of the happy couple along the beautiful beach before heading back inside. We took a few more romantic photos of Jessica + Jon inside the Wychmere before we were joined by the bridal party and family for formal photos. Following formals, the wedding party hopped a ride in a Cape Cod Trolley to the wedding ceremony while Jessica rode with her dad in a classic white Rolls Royce.

After the traditional wedding ceremony at the nearby Pilgrim Congregational, guests headed back to the Wychmere to await the big arrival of the happy newlyweds. Jessica + Jon made their grand entrance to cocktails on a sailboat, while everyone cheered them on from the dock! Some guests stayed outside to enjoy the seaside view and lawn games, while others moved inside for the hors d’oeuvres and raw bar in the Wychmere’s Hydrangea Room. The elegant evening reception took place in the Harbor Room, named for the panoramic windows giving a perfect view of the Cape Cod harbor right outside. The tables were topped with silver linens, with accented pops of dark navy blue from the table name cards and ribbon-wrapped candy boxes on each place setting. The wooden beamed ceiling and silver chandeliers made the room elegant and contemporary, and the towering white floral centerpieces from Marc Hall Design were definite show-stoppers. Jessica + Jon’s custom “J&J” monogram was even projected onto the dance floor using lights.

We absolutely loved being a part of this traditional black tie Cape Cod wedding at the Wychmere Beach Club, especially knowing how special the Cape was for Jessica, Jon, and their families! Thank you to the fantastic group of vendors we got to work with, the entire team at the Wychmere, and Jessica + Jon for letting us be a part of your fabulous Cape Cod wedding day.

Photography: Person + Killian Photography | Event Design: Marc Hall Design | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Cake: The Casual Gourmet | Invitations: Ceci New York | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Entertainment: Sultans Of Swing | Candy Bar: The Perfect Table Cape Cod | Photography - Assistance: Maureen Ford | Video: Brighter Lights Media | Wychmere Beach Club: Wychmere Beach Club: A Longwood Venue

There are some weddings I could cozy up with all day, and this fall New England wedding at the Peabody Essex Museum is definitely one of them. Give And Take Pictures was behind the lens to capture moment after moment of pure prettiness, leaving us with a gallery so good, you’ll need to set aside some serious time. Bonus? Their film from Long Haul Films below is equally time worthy…

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/79535224 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…Our wedding was an immaculate culmination of love and hard work. Alastair and I live in Sierra Leone, West Africa. When he proposed to me in early January 2013, I knew I had to work fast and smart to have a New England Fall wedding. Alastair is British, and most of his family is in the U.K., while I am American and, although I grew up on the North Shore of Boston, my family is spread out across the States. Planning a transatlantic wedding from deep in the jungle of West Africa was no small feat. I had to rely on gut instinct and as many recommendations as I could dig up. I researched on the internet like crazed woman to find the vendors that I knew would help us create a stunning experience for our family and friends.

Finding the reception venue was the biggest hurdle. I wanted something with more character than your average hotel ballroom, and I didn’t trust New England weather for an outdoor ceremony, but I still wanted something classy that held the personality of the North Shore. The Peabody Essex Museum is like the crown jewel of Salem. I had been there to visit galleries in the past, but when I saw the opportunity to actually have a reception under the spectacular glass ceiling of the Atrium, I knew we had our location.

The church where we had our ceremony was only 100 feet from the PEM, so all of our guests walked from one spot to the other en masse. It felt as if we were parading down the streets of Salem. This was especially felt when guests were greeted outside the museum by two traditional djembe drummers!

Many guests traveled from the UK for our wedding and we did our best to combine traditional elements from British and American weddings, but also putting our own personal flare to it. The church even had both flags waving to celebrate our union. We were intent on everyone really enjoying the celebration that we had prepared. The wedding was an entire weekend event, starting with a picnic on Friday and ending with a brunch on Sunday. By the end of the weekend, continents collided and we were all one big happy family.

When trying on wedding dresses, I had a completely different vision of what I wanted to look like. I remember seeing the dress I ended up purchasing on the hanger and thinking, “No way!” But, I tried it on and it ended up being the one! So, it is important to keep your mind open when wedding planning and not stay too fixed on one particular vision. My headpiece is an original piece that was constructed from a vintage brooch.

The ceremony was incredibly sacred to us. We constructed it the way we felt best, using the Pastor from my childhood who knew and loved us. Leaving the church, we were greeted by an array of sparklers

For the reception, it was so important to us to have good food, music and an incredible vibe that made everyone feel welcome and important. The Hawthorne Hotel did an outstanding job setting up the Atrium with beautiful food stations for hors d’oeuvres and then a leisurely four course meal. Our DJ was phenomenal with all the perfect music and lighting to fit the mood of the evening.

All in all, it was the most perfect day (and weekend) for us. Our friends and families from all over the globe came together and were able to enjoy celebrating together on our behalf. Our photographer and filmographers did an exceptional job capturing the day in their creative styles. We couldn’t have imagined how emotional it was going to be to see the photos and trailer, rushing all of the memories of the day right back to us. Both were fantastic!

My advice to brides is to be true to what you want but be flexible, remember to create a meaningful day and not just an event that has a whole bunch of little pieces that only you like. Lastly, if I can do it from the back of beyond in Sierra Leone, anyone can plan a great wedding!

Photography: Give And Take Pictures | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Wedding Cake: Montilio's | Ceremony Venue: St. Peter's Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Peabody Essex Museum | Catering: Hawthorne Hotel | Makeup: Rouge Cosmetics | Hair: Brandon Salon Sage | Bridal Flowers: Bokay | DJ And Lighting: Jay Foss | Floral Centerpieces: Flowers By Darlene | Headpiece: Jo Barnes (Vintage Headdresses & Accessories) | Wedding Film: Long Haul Films

This Bride and her amazing family are one talented bunch. They took DIY to a beautiful and sophisticated level, and made this budget wedding nothing short of perfect. Every perfectly planned detail was beautifully captured by Kristin Jordan Photography, and it’s all waiting for you right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…Planning a wedding for 130 guests on a budget is a hard thing to do for any bride and groom. Thankfully for Matt and I, we both come from families of incredibly talented, hard working, and generous individuals who were more then willing to put in the time and effort to make our day as beautiful and special as any expensive wedding.

When looking for the perfect budget friendly venue, it never crossed my mind to consider the Rockport Golf Club in my home town until my mother reminded me she and my cousin used to throw parties, weddings, and benefits there on a regular basis and that she could do so with her eyes closed. We went to look at it and I fell in love with its rustic, elegant charm. Matt and I knew right then this was the ideal location for our wedding.

Aware that the country club required a lot of sprucing up, I began brainstorming colors and buying lots of white Christmas lights and white candles when I saw them go on sale. Etsy and Pinterest became my new best friends. Rather then renting glasses for all of our guests to use throughout the night, which can quickly add up, we ordered personalized wine glasses to serve as each guests glass. As an added personal touch, I spent several hours mixing, stamping, and using heart shaped cookie cutters to make a Christmas ornament engraved with our initial to hang on each glass. As the wedding got closer our guest room quickly became packed to the brim with decorations, napkins, favors, and supplies

The week before the wedding was purely crazy, as anyone could expect with a do-it-yourself wedding. My mother flew in from California and she spent two days hand writing the signs we were going to use in the ceremony and reception on chalkboards I had made with two dollar picture frames and chalkboard paint, as well as writing out the seating chart on an old window pane my father refinished.

On Thursday, my now mother in law dropped off 150 stems of white hydrangea that a fellow friend had offered us for the table center pieces and bouquets. Knowing that My mother and aunt are both from a family of florists, and that my mom used to create beautiful wedding bouquets and arrangements, this worked out perfect. They got hard to work creating 20 center pieces, as well as 4 beautiful bouquets for all my bridesmaids.

As part of the contract with the rockport golf club, the renters are responsible for set up and break down of the entire venue, including all tables, chairs, linens, decorations, food, and anything else used. So bright and early Friday morning myself, mother, father, step mother and several aunts and uncles got to work putting together what I had dreamed and imagined for the past six months, hoping in my head that by the end of the day it would come out as I had imagined. We worked hard for seven hours while my other step mother, grandmother, and several aunts prepared each and every appetizer we were to serve.

The day of the wedding was finally here, and I was busy getting hair and makeup done, enjoying mimosas with my girls, and trying to relax as I anxiously awaited my walk down the aisle to my future husband. When I got to the country club I wasn’t allowed to look out the windows down to the ceremony for fear of Matt seeing me. I was bubbling with nerves wondering who was there and if Matt was anxiously waiting as well to see me! As I heard my song begin, an instrumental version of Katy Perry’s’ “A Thousand Years,” I walked down the aisle, crying my eyes out, with my father on my arm to the man of my dreams, and I couldn’t be happier.

I watched his eyes tear up as I walked towards him, and all I could do was cry and laugh. The night flew by in a blur as Matt and I said our hellos and thank yous and danced the night away with our friends. It wa the happiest night of our lives.

Overall, without spending all the, at times, frustrating hours planning and researching, as well as without the help of both our families, our dream wedding would never have come together. We were Able to have the fun and beautiful wedding that we dreamed of for a fraction of the cost. The day was absolutely perfect, and despite every person saying “something will go wrong, just go with it,” not a single thing did!

Photography: Kristin Jordan Photography | Floral Design: Sage Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: Sottero And Midgley | Wedding Cake: Cakes for Occasions | Reception Venue: Rockport Golf Club | Catering: Mount Tabor Park | Makeup: Rosalyn Englehardt | Hair: Bella Hair Studio | DJ: Dave Casanave | Bridal Accessories: Nordstrom | Bridal Boutique: Camilla's Bridal | Bridesmaids\' Dresses: David's Bridal | Cake Topper: Diana Parkhouse | MadLibs: The TrendySparrow | Rentals: Gloucester Rental Center | Wine Glass Wedding Favors: Discount Mugs

When you pair The Crane Estate with a celebration like this one, you get a wedding that would make Kate Middleton proud. Beautifully timeless and classic at its core, every image from Zev Fisher Photography tells the story of the most magical of days planned by Paula Marrero of Marrero Events – and you can see them all right here.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/73854995 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…I’ve been in love with Cape Ann for as long as I can remember. I grew up spending every summer just across Ipswich Bay from Crane Beach in Annisquam, where Eben and I were engaged. We had always talked about being married up there since Eben’s family also has roots in the area. The Crane Estate is breathtakingly beautiful and doesn’t demand a lot of excess decor so we tried to keep things simple. I chose a soft and neutral color palette (ivory, champagne, blush/pale pinks, light gray, natural greens) that wouldn’t distract or take away from the old world elegance of the Crane property and The Great House, in particular. We also wanted the evening to be intimate, romantic and relaxed, despite the formal grandeur of the setting and the fact that we had a fairly large wedding.

I had a piece of my grandmother’s wedding gown sewn into the lining of my dress and wore my mothers blue topaz earrings. Eben’s aunt made the ties (as she did for both his brothers’ weddings) with fabric that we picked and stitched her signature “be happy” labels on the back — the advice given to her on her wedding day by Eben’s older brother when he was a little boy. We used the same fabric to cover the escort card boards and our nephew, Houlton (the ring bearer), also wore a bow tie made by Eben’s aunt. I chose a different pair of earrings for each bridesmaid while Eben had custom cufflinks made for each groomsmen with an image of their favorite record cover. The menu included two of Eben’s favorite things: Sierra Nevada beer and risotto.

One of the most special moments for me was walking down the aisle with my dad to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. This was the music that he listened to right after he found out he was having a baby girl 28 years ago and that then served as the foundation of his toast at our wedding. Despite the 90 degree heat, we barely left the dance floor and made our exit drenched in sweat and over the moon in a vintage Rolls Royce.

Photography: Zev Fisher Photography | Cinematography: Travis Wilber | Event Planning: Marrero Events | Floral Design: Les Fleurs | Gown: JLM Couture, Inc | Invitations: Smudge Ink, Inc. | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Catering: Vinwood | Hair & Makeup: Wedding Tresses, Inc | Calligraphy: Lettering By Liz | Lighting: Boston Uplights | Band: Night Shift Entertainment | Favors: Tuck's Candies Of Rockport | Grooms Attire: Bonobos | Transportation: Black Tie | Venue: The Crane Estate | Tent: Seacoast Tents | Cake & Cupcakes: Eat Cake | Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Riverview Chamber Players

Nantucket is made for weddings just like this one. One that truly embraces the beauty of the island and lets the couples’ love shine. Captured beautifully by Katie Kaizer, everything in this gallery – from the stunning florals by Soiree Floral to the stunning couple – is pure magic. See it all here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…It’s weird to look at your life in reverse and see how the little insignificant moments then, lead to the big meaningful moments now. Zach and I met on a bus in Chicago. We kept bumping into each other by accident, but enjoyed each other so much that we decided to bump into each other on purpose! Three and a half years later we were married on Nantucket Island. Nantucket has always held a special place in my heart since my family grew up vacationing here. Zach traveled here with us as well and it became a magical place for both of us. We had never been to The Wauwinet, but it looked like somewhere out of a dream and it was. Our ceremony took place on the zen deck overlooking the sea with just our immediate families surrounding us. It was a breathtaking setting next to the water with the sun shining down and the wind in our faces. The day began with clouds and rain, but that afternoon, the sun came out. How fitting that we walked out as Mr. and Mrs. to “Here Comes the Sun” played so beautifully by Andy Bullington on acoustic guitar. Planning a wedding from far away was no small task and was quite stressful at times, but our vendors were amazing to work with and truly made our dream a reality.

The ceremony was the main focus of our day. Coming from different faith backgrounds, it was important for Zach and I to write our own ceremony together to reflect our unique upbringings. Each family member played an integral part in the ceremony and participated by reading scripture, blessings, and singing together. These special traditions made the ceremony very intimate and meaningful. Linda Simmons, our officiant, really took the time to listen to us and bring our vision and interfaith ceremony together. Her kindness and calming nature really allowed us to sit back and enjoy the day.

After the ceremony, Zach and I made our way to the beach for photographs. The family enjoyed cocktails on the library terrace and then gathered for a spectacular dinner at Topper’s Restaurant at The Wauwinet. We had our own private room and the table was decorated so beautifully. The evening was magical.

The natural beauty of the island was the inspiration for the day. The grays found in the ubiquitous clapboard houses and the colors of the sea, sand, and seagrass were used as a starting point. I wanted everything to have a soft, natural feeling and to reflect the beauty of Nantucket. Soiree Floral captured and complemented that vision and created the most breathtaking floral arrangements. Our photographer, Katie Kaizer, truly captured the essence and spirit of the day through her stunning photographs.

We also incorporated some DIY projects. Zach designed and created our Ketubah or Jewish wedding contract and we wove the art he designed throughout the day, which was a beautiful beach scene. It was used as the cover of our programs, which my mom so skillfully crafted, and also as the background for our place cards and invitations, which we also made. Wonder of wonders, the sky on the day of our wedding actually looked like the sky on our Ketubah!

From start to finish, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful or special wedding day. We were so blessed to share this intimate moment with our family and are so grateful to the wonderful and talented people that came together to make our day so memorable.

Photography: Katie Kaizer Photography | Floral Design: Soiree Floral | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Shoes: Nordstrom | Hair: Darya Salon & Spa | Suit: J.Crew | Venue: The Wauwinet Inn | Music: Andy Bullington

Finding a backyard venue that wasn’t actually a backyard was this couple’s goal. To mimic the beauty of the groom’s home. Once they found that, they layered in sweet fresh from the garden style flowers, a soft pretty palette and a love story that just makes you smile. Make sure to check out more images from Molly Anne Photography and a video from Hindsight Wedding Films!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/76094654 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the bride…I met my husband in January 2010, soon after we had both moved to Massachusetts in the summer 2009. Brian to attend law school, and I bought a house & moved back to my hometown after living in Connecticut for five years, attending nursing school & working my first nursing job. We later learned we had moved within weeks of each other, as fate would have it.

We met & had our first date shortly after New Years, and from the get go it was clear we were pretty much polar opposites. Life before Brian was cautious & quiet, with many Friday nights in on the couch sandwiched between my two mutts Marlow & Roo, the other loves of my life. Then Brian happened, and life really began for me. Apparently he felt the same way, for he proposed on Cinco de Mayo in 2012. Then came wedding planning.

Never a bridesmaid, I had no idea what I was doing planning a wedding! My husband, who grew up in Vermont, envisioned his wedding in his parents scenic backyard in Vermont. This didn’t coincide with my traditional mother’s belief that the bride should marry near her family’s hometown. So I had a mission: find Brian’s parent’s backyard in Massachusetts. I had looked at many venues with my mom & maid of honor, but the second I stepped foot on the grounds of Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Ma I knew it would be perfect. This was confirmed when we were shown the backyard garden, which could accommodate a tent wedding.

After we locked down the perfect venue, things seemed to fall into place from there. I tried to go for an eclectic wedding style, which was both traditional & classic to portray me, mixed with earthy & rustic to convey my husband’s roots & personality. And of course I had to incorporate our dogs in just a bit! Our wedding day was perfect, a dream come true! It was so special to have all our favorite people (& pups) come together to celebrate our love! It brings us great joy to look at our wedding pictures & videos and remember this amazing day, the first day of a happy forever together with my soulmate & best friend.

Photography: Molly Anne Photography | Videography: Hindsight Wedding Films | Floral Design: The Corporate Daisy | Wedding Dress: La Reine Bridal | Cake: Konditor Meister | Invitations: Daisy Days | Ceremony Venue: St. Rose Of Lima, Topsfield Ma | Reception Venue: Willowdale Estate | Shoes: Marc Jacobs | Rings: Hannoush Jewelers | Bridesmaid's Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Kacie Corbelle | Hair: Hannah Surette | DJ: White Label DJs | Groom & Groomsmen's Suits: Jos. A. Bank | Save the dates: Minted

This wedding right here?  It’s how I always pictured my own wedding to be.  A laid-back meets casually elegant affair set against a stunning background with lawn games, s’mores and an amazing group of friends and family.  In other words, it’s total fun meets a whole lot of pretty. See every last minute of awesome captured by Runaway Bride Nantucket right here in the full gallery.

From Runaway Bride Nantucket… My wife Rebecca and I felt an instant kinship to bride and groom Rebecca and Jonathan because, well, we have the same first names.  But when we learned that they were getting married on Nantucket in just a month’s time with no photographer as of yet, we knew it was pure kismet.

From the minute Rebecca and Jonathan had started planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a cozy, backyard feel, and with a guest list of over 100 people and climbing, that is sometimes hard to accomplish!  Their priorities were focused on their guests having a great time and being comfortable, so they planned their festivities in a way that matched that vision, keeping everything so simple and lovely.   Something that made this event even more touching and romantic was that Rebecca and Jonathan had already been legally married on a cold January weekday in Nantucket, on their own, just days after getting engaged, so this was truly going to be a celebration of their commitment to each other, with their family in attendance to see.

Rebecca and Jonathan rented a private home on Wherowhero Lane, a gorgeous house that slept over twenty people, with plenty of entertaining area for the reception and a fire pit for late night s’more making after the festivities.  The wedding itself was held on a long expanse of grass where both the Bride and Groom’s fathers performed a touching service.  Afterwards, the yard was the spot for impromptu lawn games and softball matches, all with guests clad in their wedding-best attire.

Food was catered by local coffee shop The Green and cupcakes by Nantucket’s Petticoat Row Bakery. Guests drank from Bell mason jars and wrote their names on homemade drink labels the bride attached with twine to each glass.  The fun continued when guests danced to iPod tunes deejayed by the groom’s brother.

The best part of the wedding for me was when Rebecca and Jonathan posed for photos in front of an old barn just down the road from the venue.  The sky was beginning to fog like it does on all perfect Nantucket afternoons, and I was half expecting to see a Unicorn walk by in the background, it was just that magical.  Rebecca’s FreePeople wedding gown really captured the laid-back yet lovely vibe she was going for, and Jonathan’s J.Crew suit complimented those colors beautifully.  This bride and groom knew how to take simplicity to a whole new level – and is one of my favorite weddings that I have ever shot!  With a honeymoon at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, I think we can all learn a little something from a couple that keeps things this sweet and simple.

Photography: Runaway Bride Nantucket | Flowers: Marine Home Center | Gown: Free People | Cupcakes: Petticoat Row Bakery | Caterer: The Green | Hair & Makeup: Barbara Hill | Suit: J.Crew | Venue: Private Residence

New England in the fall is sort of as good as it gets. Unless, of course, you add a wedding by Zac Wolf into the mix. With a rich, purple palette and plenty of rustic details (looking at you, pine cone escort cards!) there’s plenty of pretty reasons to start your day in the gallery right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Zac Wolf… Mike and Lauren’s wedding was on a chilly Fall day at the Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton. This wedding was just filled to the brim with happiness. Lauren and Mike made some fantastic details before the big day with inspiration from the rustic barn vibe and garage sale finds. We also found some time during their portraits to go greet the friendly sheep and bask in the glow of a gorgeous fall sunset.

Photography: Zac Wolf Photography | Floral Design: Braintree Flower Shop | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Cake: Konditor Meister | Reception Venue: The Barn At Gibbet Hill | Bride's Shoes: Beholden Bridal | Makeup: Blusing Brides | Hair: Viselli Santoro Salon | DJ: DJ Michael O'Neil | Mens Attire: Men's Wearhouse

You’ll love this wedding for many, many reasons (it’s a drop-dead gorgeous nautical-inspired love fest, after all), but top on the list of its awesomeness is one very gorgeous bride.  A bride who had a vision and brought that vision to life with one crazy amazing DIY project after another… and shared them all with you in a fab list below.  Read it NOW and see the entire affair captured by Tyra Bleek right here.

And a sweet film from Madeline Stephenson…

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/Haxl31Hm94M 600 338]

From the Bride… Dan and I celebrated a truly magnificent wedding day on August 3rd. We were married at a personalized ceremony at the First Baptist Church in Beverly, the same church where my parents met and were later married. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Elizabeth Loughhead and Rev. Louis Bourgouis, incorporating my husband’s Catholic roots and my Protestant upbringing. Our oceanside reception made the most of the beautiful New England summer weather, complete with a picture-perfect sunset.

The reception venue was at a local private school. While the setting and architecture were beautiful, we had the “do-it-yourself” challenge of transforming the mundane setting of the classrooms into a festive space befitting a wedding celebration. Our goal with our many projects was to offset costs while also adding a personal touch. Our guiding principle was “classy but not stuffy,” so we created a wedding plan that encouraged guests to take advantage of the grounds, the tent, and the interior of the school.

The first step in the planning the projects was to determine a color scheme. The bridesmaid dresses in clover set the color palette for all remaining projects. Photographer Tyra Bleek captured many of our do-it-yourself projects, including:

– Numerous signs on chalkboards (to unify the space and tie into the school venue).  DIY TIP: instead of chalk, use a marker designed for use on clay pots.
– Handmade table linens to add a pop of color to the center of each table. COST SAVINGS TIP: purchase designer fabric – 54” wide – at discount prices and create 24” squares as a cost-effective alternative to high priced table linens.
– Hand painted cornhole set. DIY TIP: personalize your board using painter’s tape, an Xacto knife, and custom paint color.
– Handmade nautical monkey fist knots holding “Tied the Knot” table numbers. DIY TIP: to prevent rolling, screw a wooden disc to the bottom of each knot.
– Clay pots with annuals from the local garden center served as an inexpensive alternative to floral centerpieces on the high tops. COST SAVINGS TIP: look for clay pots in the off-season for discounted pricing.
– Cut flowers in simple vases for tables. COST SAVINGS TIP: order from the local florist and arrange by family members in simple vases for tables.
– Birdcage for cards, painted in clover and lined with the fabric from the table linens to keep the cards from slipping through.
– Children’s activity books and crayon holders.  DIY TIP: use the bride and groom’s names in the activities you design, such as dot-to-dot, coloring, word search.
– Rubber stamping on various signage (bathroom baskets, guest book, buffet) to add color and unity among spaces.
– Guest book calendar, requesting that guests sign in on their birthdate.
– Escort cards in calligraphy by the mother of the bride, attached with clothespins to an antique quilt rack.
– Ceremony programs featuring three layers and clover ribbon.  COST SAVINGS: Design, print, cut, and tie ribbon ourselves rather than paying for them to get made.
– Handmade pew bows for the church.  COST SAVINGS TIP: layer two different types of ribbon as a cost-effective way to incorporate some of a more expensive product.
– Hand embroidery in the bridal gown lining, stitched by the mother of the bride: a unique “something blue” which includes names and date.
– Jars of handmade pickles as favors, made by the groom (a chef); jars were embellished with a ribbon and a “made with love” custom label.

Photographer: Tyra Bleek | Videographer: Madeline Stephenson | Florist: Lisa Greene, Gordon's Florist, Ipswich | Dress: Justin Alexander | Cupcakes: Cakes for Occasions | Invitations: Crane & Co. | Church: First Baptist Church In Beverly | Reception Venue: Governor's Landing at the Landmark School | Makeup: Alicia Ward | Hair: Mount Tabor Park | DJ: Hank Morse | Tuxedos: Men's Wearhouse | Alcohol: Depot Liquors | Chalkboards: AC Moore | Chocolate Rocks: Fiesta Candy | Flip Flop Favors: Old Navy | Groom's embroidered socks: Wedding Party Celebrations | High Top Cocktail Table Fabric: Joann Fabrics | Hydrangea Rubber Stamp Set: Julie Wood | Mini galvanized pails: The WebStauraunt | Paper Straws: The Party Fairy | Pickle Jars: Ball 8oz Regular Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Mason Jars from Ace Hardware | Rentals: Events for Rent | Ribbon: Offray | Table Centerpiece Fabric: Waverly Luminary

I love a Bride with a vision. One that weaves beautiful details throughout her big day to really tell a story that reflects their style as a couple. This is just such a Bride. As she describes it, her wedding to her handsome beau was traditional with a twist, but we just call it fabulous. See all the gorgeous images from Douglas Levy Photography right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…Although we didn’t officially start dating until November 2010, Ryan and I actually had our first date in August 2010 not far from the spot where we were married! One of my dearest friends from growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts and one of Ryan’s friends from Assumption College, also in Worcester, had tried to set us up for years. Neither one of us was really into the idea of a “set up”, but one night we happen to run into each other and the rest is history! With so many Worcester connections, the choice for our wedding locale was obvious! It’s the place where we had our first date and where we bought our first home.

Because I’m a designer, a perfectly styled (no detail too small!) wedding was important to me. But a wedding that was fun and where our friends and family could really cut loose was important to both of us. Being in the wedding industry, I’m exposed to beautiful images all day long, but it was my favorite pair of rose gold Steven Madden sequins ballet flats that became my inspiration for the day!

Much like a lot of my work, our theme became “traditional with a twist”. Classic with a fresh and modern flair—like my sequins shoes! We wanted the day to have a light and airy feel: romantic flowers, flowing blush bridesmaids dresses and pops of gold to liven things up. From the gold ribbon on the groomsmen’s boutonnieres that gave a nod to our gold foiled invitations to the perfectly pale pink garden roses in our arrangements to match the pink of the bridesmaids’ dresses – even the smallest detail played an important role.

All of those small details and how amazingly perfect the weather was and how completely and utterly accommodating the staff at Cyprian Keyes helped to shape an absolutely perfect wedding day for me and Ryan. The day was exactly as we had envisioned it: surrounded by our closest family and friends, in the city that is now our home and where we will start our lives together. Lot of love, lots of laughter, a true celebration of what’s to come!

Photographer: Douglas Levy Photography | Cake: Sweet Worcester Bakery & Bar | Reception Venue: Cyprian Keyes Golf Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Calligraphy: Megan Chapin Calligraphy | Bride's Dress: Essense of Australia | Invitations + Paper Goods: Dear LC | Photographer for Escort Cards and Table Numbers: Eric McCallister | Second Photographer: Eric McCallister

As a New England girl who just survived the longest Winter known to mankind, I feel like this Summery Marshfield shoot from Shannon Grant is exactly what the doctor ordered. Sunshine, smiles and romance for days – all mirrored to achieve the same vibe that the couple is planning for their big day. Click here for even more.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From photographer, Shannon Grant…When Jillian (a local floral designer) contacted me about shooting her Engagement Session, I was on board right away! She mentioned wanting to incorporate their beloved pets into the session. Also, that she wanted something rustic and organic in nature to mirror what she had in store for the wedding. We chose a nearby field to hold the session in and it was perfect! I focused on creating images that were candid, romantic, and full of that glowing pre-sunset lighting that is just so glorious. Also, we decided on using film for the session as Jill used to photograph weddings and loved the look film brings to the table. Now she is a super talented floral designer for Beach Plum Floral Design but will always appreciate her photography roots.

Photography: Shannon Grant Photography | Floral Design: Beach Plum Floral