Sperry Tents are the world’s most elegant rental tents.
sperrytents.com
PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Eric Brust-Akdemir
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Danielle Raciti
Jennifer Sperry
PROOFREADER
Jennifer Sperry
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Bilodeau Photography
Matthew Gardner (The Goose Creative)
Kate Rogan (Ellie Finn Photography)
Sarah Murray Photography
Joe and Kristen Navas (Organic Photography)
CONTRIBUTING PLANNERS
Cape Cod Celebrations
Elegant Engagements of Cape Cod
JOSEPH BRUST
joe@scortoncreekmedia.com 203.993.9126
Advertising Account Executive
LINDA GARDNER
linda@scortoncreekmedia.com 508.212.9217
Advertising Account Executive
LISA HOUSE
lisa@scortoncreekmedia.com 971.275.3363
Advertising Account Executive
KATHY RUSINOSKI
kathy@scortoncreekmedia.com 508.971.4643
Advertising Account Executive
WE'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE.
As we transition from the 2024 wedding season into the landscape of 2025, there's a sense of excitement in the air. After a well-deserved winter respite, our incredible network of wedding professionals stands ready to transform your dreams into unforgettable celebrations.
In my recent conversations with wedding professionals across our coastal communities, I've been consistently moved by their genuine enthusiasm and dedication. We're in the business of making dreams come true. From Cape Cod to Boston, Newport to Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard to Providence, I'm continually amazed by the exceptional talent that calls our region home.
The preview issue you hold in your hands represents a journey five years in the making. What began as an ambitious vision in January 2020, complete with planned photoshoots, blog posts, and social media campaigns, faced an unexpected pause during the pandemic. Yet, like many love stories, ours persevered. Today, I'm proud to have personally overseen the printing of this preview issue, made possible by early supporters and advertisers who share our vision.
Special thanks to Danielle Raciti and Jennifer Sperry for their invaluable contributions to Coastal Celebrations. This magazine is our love letter to weddings in Newport, Boston, Cape Cod, and the Islands – a celebration of the magic that happens when couples choose our shores for their special day.
Stay tuned for our expanded full issue later this year. We hope this preview issue captures the essence of what makes our coastal wedding community truly extraordinary.
Warmest regards,
Eric Brust-Akdemir Publisher & Creative Director
COVER PHOTO: Kate Rogan (Ellie Finn Photography) at Pelham House Resort. Flowers by Dandelion House Floral Design. Dress from Modern Vintage Bridal. Model, Brennan Peppard.
Something Blue, Something True, Something Beachfront Just for You
Customize your beachfront wedding with us. On-site catering, Private beaches, Indoor pool, Outdoor Pool, Spa
Choose from: Oceanfront Lawn, The Pavilion on the Sound, On the Beach or Driftwood Ballroom
1 S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth, MA 02664
For inquiries reach out via email: sales@redjacketresorts.com or phone 508.398.6941 option 6
Scan to learn more
Organic Photography
Alex Paul Photography
Laura Lacik Photography
Alex Paul Photography
GATHER TOGETHER OUTDOOR TABLESCAPES
Sarah Murray Photography at Chatham Bars Inn
There’s no place likeWatson’s
After over 70 years of offering high-quality clothing that Cape Cod men have come to expect, Watson’s Men’s Store is an Orleans landmark.
BY DANIELLE RACITI
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Kate Rogan
@elliefinnphotography
MODEL:
John dePreaux
@johndepreaux
FLORALS:
Dandelion House Floral Design @dandelion_house
WEDDING BAND:
Roberto Coin Boutique @roberto_coin
WATSON’S MEN’S STORE 34-A Main Street Orleans, MA @watsonsmens
(508) 255-3003 watsonsmensstore.com
Nestled on the corner of Main Street in the Orleans historic district, Watson’s Men’s Store is within walking distance of some of Cape Cod’s best beaches and wedding destinations. Because of its coastal location, some of Watson’s earliest owners assembled what we know of today as the “Cape Cod look.” In true nautical fashion, this style consists of a navy blue blazer accented with nautical brass buttons, a white shirt, tie and khaki pants. In addition to their coined style, Watson’s is also home to over 80 brands of casualwear, resortwear, formalwear and ruggedwear. Their extensive line of clothing is celebrated by many grooms searching for year-round wedding and honeymoon apparel.
Since August 1951, Watson’s has been the destination for all men’s clothing needs, specializing in dress and formal outfits for proms and weddings. The store was first purchased over 70 years ago from Charles Watson and has remained a privately owned family business ever since. Current owners Lynn and Dan Eberly take pride in providing customers with their expertise, personalized attention and careful measurements, ensuring the best fit for each individual. The couple agrees, “Our goal is to make you look better than you expect because you will be wearing the ‘Watson’s reputation’ at your special event.”
The history of the store has led many loyal customers to their door. “Grooms and groomsmen regularly say they are back because their first experience with Watson’s was when they
needed a tuxedo for their high school prom. Even fathers and grandfathers reminisce about how they came to Watson’s for their suit or tuxedo when they got married,” says Lynn. “They look forward to visiting.”
Watson’s aims to create the best experience possible for brides and grooms who are planning their destination wedding on Cape Cod. Whether a couple is looking for something more traditional or something more contemporary, they will arrange for any style of formalwear to make it happen. No matter the request, Watson’s is there to work with you when you need them most.
Says Lynn: "It's not unusual for someone to walk through our front door and exclaim in a panic, ‘I have to be at a wedding in two hours, but I left my tuxedo back home! Can you help me?’” As she explains, Watson’s is equipped with a complete run of classic black tuxedos in all sizes, perfect for last-minute problem solving. “Many times, we've sent a very happy customer dressed in a tuxedo on his way to an event within 45 minutes.”
The historic men’s store goes above and beyond to uphold their reputation. Wedding parties are promised easy pick-up and returns in-store to eliminate packing, shipping, loss or misplacement of any items, one of many benefits to shopping with a local business when planning your nuptials.
Whether you choose to don a navy blazer and khakis or something more classic for your wedding, you can stand comfortable and confident at the altar knowing Watson’s dressed you.
A series of specialty ties designed in fun florals and prints offer the perfect pinache to accentuate a simple dress shirt or jacket.
EXPERIENCE THE REWARDS OF THIS CARIBBEAN GEM.
BY JENNIFER SPERRY
nown as the “Spice Isle” for its nutmeg plantations, Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s Windward Isles. Colonized by both the British and French throughout its history, it is comprised of one large island and six smaller ones (including Carriacou and Petite Martinique). The main island is lush and hilly and punctuated by the capital of St. George’s, known for its Easter egg-colored buildings and cerulean harbor.
In fact, it’s an exciting time to visit Grenada, as the island is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence from the United Kingdom. In February 2024, a delegation from the Grenada Tourism Authority traveled to Boston for commemorative events celebrating the strong ties between the island and Massachusetts, made all the stronger by JetBlue’s year-round, nonstop route out of Logan International.
Part of JetBlue’s Mint premium travel experience, the BOS–GND service operates weekly on Saturdays, departing BOS at 8:00 a.m. and arriving at GND at 1:43 p.m. The return flight departs GND at 3:03 p.m. and arrives in BOS at 7:04 p.m. This route marks JetBlue’s second nonstop route to Grenada, joining the existing daily nonstop service from JFK.
But easy access is not all that’s new. This April, the wellness-focused resort Six Senses is opening in the traditional fishing village of La Sagesse. Built around themes of luxury and sustainability, the resort will include 56 pool suites (each with a private plunge pool) and 15 hillside and beachfront villas.
Another destination worth researching is the Silversands Beach House, a sister property to the sleek Silversands resort. This 28-room stunner blends St. Barth cool with a hint of Polynesia and beckons with both cliffside and beachside rooms.
Besides its natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, Grenada is home to a truly unique art experience. Its Underwater Sculpture Park is the first of its kind in the world and was designed to engage the public with the underwater environment. The under-sea sculptures are beautiful and haunting—plus five new installations are now viewable. This park is a can’t-miss memory-maker. puregrenada.com
Susan Peavey, owner of Susan Peavey Travel, is no stranger to the wonders of Grenada, and she and her team are on-hand to help plan a vacation that best fits your speed. Reach out to learn more about travel specials: Susan Peavey Travel, Inc.
Models from SIGNED by Erin Scimeca @signedmgmt EMILY P., AVA R., and TARRIS G.
Left: MADI LANE SYLVIE Center: MADI LANE JAYE Shown with removable pearl cape by COASTAL COUTURES by Coastal Bridal Boutique
Right: MADI LANE KEEGAN
WEDDING GOWN
Anna Kara - Parvin
WEDDING GOWN
Madi Lane JESSE
WEDDING GOWN
Abigail also comes in the sister short Abby dress.
WEDDING GOWN
Madi Lane JAYE
WEDDING GOWN
Madi Lane SYLVIE
WEDDING GOWN
Madi Lane SELBY
All pieces included. Three different looks in one.
VINTAGE GOWN from the 1940s
WEDDING GOWN
Serene by Madi Lane GREER
Red Jacket Beach Resort brings to life your dreams of a coastal wedding.
Red Jacket Resorts
1 S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth, MA
For inquiries reach out via email: sales@redjacketresorts.com or phone
508.398.6941 option 6
What makes Red Jacket Resorts' beachfront location uniquely suited for couples looking to plan their dream beach wedding, and how do you help couples take full advantage of the oceanfront setting?
Red Jacket Resorts offers a perfect beachfront location for couples seeking their dream beach wedding. It's one of the few venues on Cape Cod where you can exchange vows with your toes in the sand or choose a scenic lawn ceremony overlooking the ocean. The breathtaking views create stunning photo opportunities, and cocktail hour takes place in a beautifully appointed tent with water views. To make each celebration truly special, we host only one wedding per day, ensuring each couple receives our full attention and can fully embrace the beauty of the oceanfront setting for their special day.
With many couples and their guests traveling to Cape Cod for destination weddings, how does Red Jacket Resorts help create a full wedding weekend experience, and what local attractions or activities do you recommend for guests to make the most of their time on the Cape?
Red Jacket Resorts creates a memorable full wedding weekend experience by offering everything couples and their guests need onsite. The fully renovated property includes a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a pickleball court, and a spa, ensuring plenty of relaxation and fun. With rooms available for all wedding guests, as well as options for rehearsal dinners and post-wedding breakfasts, the resort makes it easy for everyone to stay and celebrate together.
For guests looking to explore the Cape, there are plenty of nearby attractions, including whale watching, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, shopping, museums, and excellent restaurants. Red Jacket Resorts truly offers a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience, with activities and amenities that let everyone enjoy the beauty and charm of Cape Cod.
Many couples worry about weather contingencies with outdoor ceremonies. How does Red Jacket Resorts help couples plan for and handle various weather scenarios while still maintaining the beach wedding atmosphere they envision?
At Red Jacket Resorts, we’ve got you covered—literally! In case of rain (which is said to bring good luck!), our oceanfront tent is ready to host your ceremony while still offering stunning views of the ocean. This ensures that your beach wedding atmosphere is preserved, no matter the weather. You can rest easy knowing that your special day will be just as beautiful, rain or shine.
Beyond the ceremony itself, what unique reception options or packages do you offer that incorporate the beachfront setting? Are there special sunset photo opportunities or ways to integrate the ocean views throughout the celebration?
We offer a range of wedding experiences, from romantic elopements to grand celebrations for up to 190 guests. For more intimate gatherings of 80 or fewer, our charming Pavilion on the Sound provides a picturesque reception space with breathtaking ocean views. In the summer months, guests can enjoy a memorable cocktail hour right on the beach, adding a touch of coastal magic to the celebration. To top it all off, stunning sunsets over the river create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos and cherished memories.
Paige David
A Cape Cod girl at heart, Paige had always dreamed of a waterfront wedding. When choosing their venue, Newport called them back like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore. It felt poetic to begin their next chapter in the city where their story first began.
OceanCliff captured their hearts instantly. The majestic ballroom, with its crackling fireplaces and sweeping ocean views, felt like a fairy tale castle where Paige could truly feel like a princess. The historic stone walls seemed to whisper stories of countless romances.
On October 15, 2023, their dream day arrived. During their first look, when Paige tapped David's shoulder and he turned to see his bride, the world around them melted away. Walking down the aisle took her breath away. With her father beside her and soon-to-be husband waiting at the altar, surrounded by OceanCliff's grand architecture and endless ocean horizon, Paige knew this was the perfect beginning to their greatest adventure.
October 15, 2023 » OCEANCLIFF, NEWPORT, RI
PHOTOGRAPHY SHORESHOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY
LM PRODUCTIONS
PAIGE MCATEE
DAVID MCATEE
VIDEOGRAPHY
HAIR SHELBY WHITE BEAUTY MAKEUP HERE FOR THE GLAM BY JENNA IRVING FLORALS: CHERRY HILL FLOWERS BAKERY: WRIGHT’S DAIRY FARM & BAKERY
Quyen Hoan
September 29, 2023 » Chatham
Massachusetts
Bars Inn, Chatham,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE BRAZZLE PHOTOGRAPHY
FLORIST LESLIE LEE FLORAL
FLOWER WALL ELEVATED IMPRESSIONS
CEREMONY CHAIRS PARTY CAPE COD
QUYEN TRAN VUONG
HOAN MANH VUONG
When it was time to decide on a location for their nuptials, Quyen and Hoan knew they wanted something unique for their wedding.
Quyen is a member of Love + Sparrows Events, a wedding planning team in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She was familiar with Texas's beautiful venues but desired a coastal/beach setting.
Hoan vetoed Hawaii but showed interest in Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, possibly influenced by watching the TV series Wings years ago. The couple sought a destination that was both charming and elegant. After months of searching, they found themselves drawn to the New England coast and Cape Cod and to the history, lighthouses, hydrangeas, wood shingle homes, seafood, and boats in the harbor excited them about having a Cape wedding.
Alyssa Brenna
October 7, 2023 » Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS & AMANDA PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMS
BRIDAL GOWNS HEAD OVER HEELS & FLAIR BOSTON
HAIR + MAKEUP STYLIST KELSEY MASNYK BEAUTY
ENTERTAINMENT HANG BY THE MOON
BAR RI CRUISIN' COCKTAILS
As the creative forces behind Organic Photography, Joe and Kristen Navas capture love stories with a documentary-style eye that lets genuine emotions unfold naturally. During our conversation with the duo, they open up about their journey from early photography enthusiasts to sought-after wedding photographers and share insights into how they create such compelling visual narratives for couples.
Q. Besides the iconic lighthouses and beaches, what are some of hidden gem locations on Cape Cod that you've discovered for creating unique wedding portraits?
A: Well, we’re a bit like fishermen in that sense (we jest), but truly, we attempt to keep our fragile landscape lightly tread on, so we mix it up a lot as there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots here. We always begin by asking our couples what their Cape Cod is, what it feels like to them and what resonates about this special place. We take their vision and vibe and narrow it down to a few places we love. It all depends on the couple, the time of year, what the foliage is up to, what the light is doing and even the timing of the tide.
Photography: ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Q. How does the changing seasonal light on the Cape influence your photography style, and do you have a favorite time of year for capturing weddings here?
A: The light and the length of day and seasons very much influence our choices for what we do where, but, for us, each season provides a distinct opportunity to get the true personal feel of someone’s wedding day. A mid-July wedding in Chatham may give us a lot of bright landscapes and skies; the early spring brings lush, vibrant greens and blues. Meanwhile, an October wedding in Wellfleet or Provincetown can be rich and textured and give us longer golden light. We have shot at virtually every venue on the Cape, so we know quite instinctively where the light will be best at what time of the year at any given location.
Venue: HALCYON FARM
Floral Design: HALCYON FARM
Videography: JASPER
Catering: BLACKFISH, LOCAL 186
Bar: DANDELION BAR CAR
Desserts: SUNBIRD, HANGAR B, HOLE IN ONE
Wedding Dress: ANTHROPOLOGIE WEDDINGS
Jewelry: PAUL WALLACE, JEWELRY STUDIO OF WELLFLEET
Menswear: SUITSUPPLY, PUMP HOUSE SURF SHOP
Ride: CAPE DESTINATIONS
Q. When documenting a couple's story, what unexpected or unscripted moments do you find yourself most drawn to throughout the wedding day?
A: Frankly, all of them! That’s sort of how we’re wired, to be aware of the possibility of anything happening and have our gear and our senses ready. We put the most importance on people feeling free and easy and natural, so we’re always being attentive to how we can encourage that environment. Real interactions, authentic joy, real contemplation. The calm anticipation in the morning as people are starting to get ready, the buzz before the ceremony, friends seeing each other and recalling stories and milestones and jokes, soft moments amidst wild chaos. We are enamored of real human experience and find that, on a wedding day, it’s there in spades, waiting to emerge at all times. We aspire to simultaneously stay out of the way and be right there to document it.
Photography: ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Planner: JESSICA HENNESSEY WEDDINGS
Q. Having shot many Cape weddings, how do you keep your creative perspective fresh and avoid falling into familiar patterns with popular locations?
A: We end up at a few particular venues (that we love) often each year, but we make sure that even at these frequented places we don’t have a pattern or an automatic go-to. While some elements may end up being consistent, we always insist on treating each couple individually (which our favorite venues do as well!) and that virtually guarantees that there will be something quite personal and different about how a couple’s day integrates with that space.
Venue: WILLOWBEND COUNTRY CLUB
Floral Design: BEACH PLUM FLORAL
Cake: MONTILIO’S BAKING COMPANY
Videography: SALT & PINE FILMS
Beauty: MY BIG HAIR DAY, BEAUTY BY MARIA CHRISTINA
Rentals: PEAK EVENT SERVICES
Ride: ROCKSTAR LIMO A A METRO TRANSPORTATION
Photo Booth: LUKE RENCHAN ENTERTAINMENT
Q. Can you tell us about a challenging weather situation you encountered during a Cape Cod wedding and how you turned it into a creative opportunity?
A: We’ve had weddings during full-on hurricanes and outdoor ceremonies with 30+ mph winds and all-day torrential rain that have caused us to get creative with light and go to local secret spots with overhangs, tunnels or porches. Though, thankfully, these scenarios are infrequent. One of our favorites from last year was when the forecast called for rain. It was a warm June day and the couple decided that, no matter what, they were going to go with the outdoor ceremony plan. Our gear is weatherproof, and when it did start to rain, we simply cranked up our shutter speed to freeze the motion of the rain as it came down, as it shook off the attendees, people laughing through it, the bride and groom being soaked and dancing down the aisle. It was a rare and beautiful thing and we relished being able to take full advantage of the weather with people having the time of their lives. We’re also not afraid of any lighting scenario and have had a handful of weddings where it was virtually impossible to go outside, so we simply made good use of window light, our own lighting setups and various interior spaces.
Photography: ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Planner: CAPE COD CELEBRATIONS
Q. What's your approach to balancing the classic formal shots that families expect with your unique artistic vision?
A: We’re rather Type-A with our pre-wedding prep, and one of the key things we do is send our couples a questionnaire where we ask them to outline all of the family groups they’d like. Generally when everyone is together right after the ceremony, we can make it fun and efficiently get all those formal family portraits.We always scope out where the best location will be for the light and background as soon as we arrive. We take a similar but somewhat more adventurous approach with the wedding party, and then everything else is decidedly more of a spontaneous style. We’ve asked our couples so much about what they envision that we shape our approach based on balancing what we know about our people with what the environment is providing us.
Reception Venue: BRIDGE STREET WEDDINGS
Florist: FANCY FLOWERS
Caterer: THE CASUAL GOURMET
Beauty: ARTWORX BRIDAL
Rentals: TRUE NORTH EVENT RENTALS WHITE'S WATER CLOSETS
Ride: CAPE DESTINATIONS
Bride’s Dress: MADISON JAMES BRIDAL
Faith & James CHATHAM
Q. Could you share a story about a particular shot or wedding moment that stands out to you as especially meaningful or innovative?
A: Where do we start? Just about every wedding gives us something that will stay with us forever. It’s often when we’re aware of a particular story about a couple and you see the emotions and the rhythm of the day all arrive in perfect light and everything lands on the head of a pin. Even trying to pick one is nearly impossible, because we’re constantly almost moved to tears by something for which we are immediately grateful, grateful for our couple and our skills and privilege to witness and document it. It could be resting a camera on the table and shooting through a glass of champagne as the couple wells up while hearing their friend speak about how much they love them. We’ve set up a softbox on an iconic street to get a bride and groom epically dipping amidst the neon glow of signs and streetlights.
Photography: ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue: GIFFORD HOUSE
Q. How do you incorporate the Cape's natural elements – like dune grass, weathered wood, or ocean mist – into your compositions?
A: We value these elements so very much, so we try to never take them for granted. We love dune bowls and shooting through grass, getting close with textures like old shingles and rock walls and old decks and boats. We watch out for well-timed appearances of animals like birds, foxes, or even deer. We also love how impermanent all these elements are and always try to somehow capture that sense of change and movement.
Caterer: DELICIOUS LIVING NICOLE CORMIER
Bar: KEGGED COCKTAILS NOR'EAST BEER GARDEN
Wedding Dresses: JANE BOURVIS LINDA ROENE
Transportation: MAYFLOWER TROLLEY & EXCURSIONS FUNK BUS
Q. What's your philosophy on directing versus documenting? How do you decide when to guide a moment and when to let it unfold naturally?
A: This is the most fundamental of all the elements of our approach. We’re perpetually gauging the couple’s level of comfort and ease and letting them know that they’re bringing it. We feel like the people we are photographing are enough. We’re skilled at and willing to direct people into certain spots or movements, so we do have gentle ways of instigating or sparking a moment. We aspire to have everything unfold in a way that is simultaneously cinematically epic and beautifully simple and real.
Q. Outside of traditional wedding photography, what other subjects or styles inspire your work, and how do you incorporate those influences into your wedding photography?
We do a lot of portrait work, both studio and environmental, and are constantly looking for ways to explore and innovate. Joe works with a number of musicians, both local and otherwise, as well as numerous artists and beloved people in our community and we love that we have become documentarians of this place we are so grateful to call home. Kristen has a lifelong passion for design, identifying styles and nurturing a reverence for innovation and cohesiveness. We are also deeply, actively passionate about music and film as well as food and design, and all of this constantly feeds and shapes our obsession with the human condition and how we can better photograph it. We both find it remarkable that all of these intense interests have somehow informed us perfectly to have this career we never tire of. Above all else, we are in a perpetual state of gratitude for what we get to do and excitement for what it will bring next.
Photography: ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue: OCEAN EDGE RESORT
Florals: BLOSSOMS FLOWER SHOP
Videography: DAVID PÉREZ PICTURES
Band: THE KG EXPRESS
Dress: DANIELLE FRANKEL STUDIO
Bridesmaids: REVELRY
Tuxedos: PURITAN CAPE COD
Taylor & Wyatt BREWSTER
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the private strip of beach, where an intimate gathering had assembled for a wedding. Coastal Picnic Cape Cod had transformed the shoreline into a dreamy escape, with low tables stretched across the sand. Plush ivory cushions invited guests to settle in for an evening of celebration.
The table settings were a vision of coastal elegance. Gauzy table runners rippled gently in the salt breeze, anchored by The Cape Cottage Garden's stunning floral arrangements. All the blooms were gathered earlier that morning from their local cutting garden.
The bride emerged from behind the dunes, a vision in her Modern Vintage Bridal gown – a flowing silk creation with vintage lace details that seemed to dance with each step. Her hair and makeup were by Michelle Smoller of Michelle's Hair & Beauty Bridal. The groom waits in his bespoke shirt by Zavia Walker. Its pale blue, lightly textured, and relaxed fit embodied the ease of a perfect summer evening.
As the ceremony concluded and the small group of loved ones settled onto their cushions for dinner, the sky painted itself in brilliant shades of pink and orange. Wine was poured into delicate coupe glasses, and plates were filled with local seafood. Stories and laughter floated across the tables as the stars began to appear above, mixing with the sound of gentle waves meeting the shore.
In the end, it was exactly as they'd dreamed, not a grand ballroom affair, but something far more precious: an intimate celebration where the beauty of Cape Cod's natural landscape merged seamlessly with thoughtfully curated details. The result was an evening that felt both effortlessly elegant and deeply personal.
Photos by Kate Rogan @elliefinnphotography
Photos by Kate Rogan @elliefinnphotography
Models from SIGNED by Erin Scimeca @signedmgmt
Fatih G. and Kam B.
Hair and Makeup by Michelle's Hair & Beauty Bridal @michelleshairandbeautybridal
Wedding gown Angela by Calla Blanche provided by Modern Vintage Bridal @modernvintagebridal
Bespoke men's shirt provided by Zavia Walker @zaviawalkerzw
Picnic table setting by Coastal Picnic Cape Cod @capecoastalpicnic
Flowers and bouquet by The Cape Cottage Garden @thecapecottagegarden
Gathering at the
If you're looking to level up your casual Cape Cod dinner experience, The Pheasant is a chic and welcoming option. It delivers sustainable, locally sourced cuisine and custom cocktails in a warm, inviting setting. Seasonally driven, these dishes are a delicious combination of light and local fare, perfect for any celebration.
oysters
Fresh and local oysters straight from Dennis shores.
Food by Executive Chef Andrew Reilly
Sourdough with koji seaweed butter, flaky sea salt
Grilled halibut with kohlrabi, sea lettuces, scallions, dashi, Coq au vin, wild mushrooms, cipollini onions, rutabaga
Pork chop with gigante beans, escarole, sunchoke puree, shaved radish and apple
drink
Accompanying cocktail specialties include a summer negroni and spicy margarita.
OUTDOOR TABLESCAPES
Ashley Bilodeau Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Murray Photography
LOCATION
Harborview Lawn
Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham
STYLIST
Elegant Engagements of Cape Cod
TENT
Sperry Tents
FLORIST
Flowers by Meredith
RENTALS
True North Event Rentals
TONES OF AMBER
A table design that embodies Gatsby-like flair with pops of amber and lush greenery. Twinkle lights underneath the tent canopy create a magical atmosphere when day turns into evening.
Fancy
PHOTOGRAPHY
Ashley Bilodeau Photography
LOCATION
The Pheasant, Dennis
FLORIST
Botanique of Cape Cod
RENTALS
PEAK Event Services
FARMHOUSE FRESH
Tucked into a beautiful outdoor alcove at The Pheasant, this tablescape is perfect for dining al fresco. Anchored by a rustic farm table, the design incorporates muted woodland tones and romantic floral arrangements.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Murray Photography
LOCATION / RENTALS
The Boathouse
Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham
STYLIST
Elegant Engagements of Cape Cod
FLORIST
The Flowering Vine
RENTALS
True North Event Rentals
SEASIDE TO SEA
Nodding to English garden, this table design sparks joy with dramatic centerpieces partnered with mini bud vase arrangements. While dining, guests can enjoy The Boathouse's scenic backdrop of dunes, beach, and harbor. For extra romance, Elegant Engagements placed the sweetheart table under an accommodating pergola.
Planning an
A How-To Guide by
Sperry Tents
By Jennifer Sperry
TENT SIZE
The initial step in a tented wedding is figuring out the right tent size for your reception. First, your Sperry office will ask for your guest count, dining style (seated, buffet), whether you need a dance floor or a stage for a live band, and if you have any additional space requirements (buffet tables, lounge area, etc.).
One large reception tent to hold dinner and dancing is a classic arrangement; however, some couples choose different size tents for different purposes, creating a series of destinations for their guests.
LIGHTING
Lighting is an important factor in your wedding’s overall style. Each Sperry office has its own distinct collection of under-canopy lighting options, with classic choices such as onion lanterns, Asian lanterns, and bistro strings. Many have different chandelier styles (crystal, wrought-iron) as well as uplighting and stage lighting in customizable colors. For higher-budget weddings, it’s not uncommon for a couple to bring in a specialized lighting or décor company to create a truly customized scheme in our tent(s).
FLOORING
You’ve seen it and you want it: the fully floored tent. It’s the ultimate in luxury for an outdoor wedding and ensures comfort under foot for everyone in attendance. A full floor is a higher budget item, and highest of all is a raised floor installed on an engineered platform to position a tent perfectly on a sloping lawn or coastal bluff. Sperry offices have floored over uneven lawns, tennis courts, and even pools…inquire if you have a special circumstance. But keep in mind that hundreds of our customers have their wedding receptions directly on lawn with plenty of dance floor to spare.
COST
It might seem counterintuitive, but an outdoor wedding often costs more than an indoor one. Why? Because a tented wedding is like building a venue from scratch. The main advantage of a Sperry Tent is the personalization factor: there’s a lot more creative freedom when you aren’t locked into the look of an indoor venue. If budget is an issue, your Sperry office can work with you on an efficient reception layout and choosing affordable lighting and flooring. And while there are more affordable tent styles out there, keep in mind that a Sperry is the only genuine sailcloth tent (versus similar looking canopies that are made from vinyl).
DEPOSITING
Planning in advance for popular wedding months is key, and reserving your tent and other outdoor rental equipment is no exception to this rule. As a geographic region’s outdoor wedding season progresses, it is possible that certain popular tent sizes will become fully booked on in-demand weekends, so deposit your desired estimate sooner than later.
RAIN
No one wants to envision bad weather on a wedding day. However, a gloomy forecast is much more manageable and much less worrisome if contingency plans have been arranged in advance. Most Sperry offices offer rain plans for rain-only rental equipment that can be reserved with a lesser deposit and cancelled before the scheduled setup day if the weather report looks promising. Typical rain items include ceremony tents, cocktail tents (so that guests don’t end up gathering in the reception tent too early), covered walkways to connect tents (for guests and catering staff), and flooring for soggy lawn areas.
LISA
COMFORT
Our standard side walls are clear except for a 20-inch skirt of ivory sailcloth along the bottom. This preserves views of the surrounding landscape even if your tent is fully sided. Sides are a standard item on rental equipment lists and should not be removed: you never know when the temperature will drop or a breeze will pick up. Sides can be installed but rolled up, leaving the tent open to the landscape until the sides are needed. If planning an off-season wedding, seriously consider reserving tent heaters in advance for peace of mind; likewise, for a hot month, don’t forget rental fans.
CATERING
You’ll want to consult with your caterer on all aspects of your tent plans. First, figure out where the catering staff will work during the wedding, whether it’s in a venue’s kitchen, a residential kitchen, or a garage. If an indoor setting isn’t possible, then you’ll need a dedicated catering/cook tent near the main reception tent. Joining the two via a covered walkway in case of rain/wind is a good idea. Overall, caterers are familiar with tented events and will offer suggestions as to their ideal cook tent size – usually about 400 square feet or more. Involve them in the process to make sure their needs are met.
LOGISTICS
Once you’ve chosen your tent(s), lighting, and flooring, you’ll need to tackle the rest of your party rentals: dining tables, chairs, linens, table décor, etc. Some Sperry offices offer party rentals; some don’t. In general, your caterer is your guide here. However, when your wedding date approaches, pay careful attention to the delivery and setup/ breakdown schedule of your various vendors. As a general rule, you want the tent up before the party rentals and décor arrive, and you want the party rentals and décor gone before the tent comes down. You also need to take into account your venue – some require a quick turnaround on tent setup or breakdown depending on how many weddings it’s hosting on a given weekend.
EVENT PLANNERS
Hiring an event planner isn’t necessary, but an experienced planner can alleviate a lot of headaches when it comes to the complexities of an outdoor wedding. The benefits to hiring a planner who has “been there, done that” include: negotiating with vendors, scheduling deliveries/takedowns, thinking of contingencies for unexpected weather (wind, cold, rain), getting creative with lighting and tent décor, reviewing rental equipment estimates and agreements, assessing power needs, and figuring out less-than-sexy logistics such as outdoor restrooms and parking. Oversights and inexperience can be costly when it comes to weddings, which is why having a planner on your side is never a bad thing.
TOWN CODES
U.S. fire codes are such that tents need to have marked exits and a certain number of mounted fire extinguishers, so don’t be surprised to see fire equipment added to your rental estimate. Also, keep in mind that most towns require a permit for a tent setup of a certain size; your Sperry office can handle the permit application for an additional fee.
POWER
Almost every vendor who makes an outdoor event happen requires power. The tent lights, catering equipment, portable bathrooms, and the band or DJ are the principal power users, and keep in mind that a couple extension cords and the available outlets in your garage might not suffice. Be prepared for each vendor’s power usage and ask how many dedicated circuits they require. As a general rule, for a private residence, it’s smart to have an electrician install a special panel for the wedding’s power use (it can be removed afterwards). Or, if the tents are placed in a field or lawn away from a power source, a generator will be required.
CREATIVITY
Arranging a variety of tents on one property for different uses is a creative way to entertain guests through the stages of a wedding day. Inventive tent uses include: a cigar-rolling and whiskey tasting station; lounge area with comfy furniture, high-top tables, and moody lighting; dessert station with espresso bar; and a kids’ tents with snacks, crafts, and games.
LACE AND Love
A COLLECTION OF BRIDAL GOWNS FOR SEASIDE CEREMONIES.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kate Rogan - Ellie Finn Photography @elliefinnphotography
BRIDAL GOWNS Modern Vintage Bridal @modernvintagebridal
FLOWERS Dandelion House Floral Design @dandelion_house
MODELS Lena Pelekoudas, Brennan Peppard, Lily R.
Wedding Dress
DESIGNER MADISON JAMES
Featuring a fitted silhouette, the gown highlights intricate lace detailing across the illusion neckline and sheer back. Delicate floral appliqués cascade down the bodice before transitioning into a smooth crepe skirt. This sophisticated wedding dress radiates timeless elegance and modern charm.
Flower Girl Dress
This charming flower girl dress is both chic and sweet. The delicate tulle cascades in layers, creating a soft, ethereal look, while the bodice features intricate floral appliqués for added texture. Soft straps and a flowing silhouette ensure comfort while also make any little girl feel like a princess.
157A Main St., Sandwich, MA
MODERN VINTAGE BRIDAL
Wedding Dress
LILLIAN WEST 66164
Feel dreamy in this feminine tulle wedding gown. Light beading blends with soft lace to embellish the plunging neckline and low back. Side cutouts and double bands at the waist complement the sexy bodice. Layers of soft English net complete this romantic look.
VINTAGE BRIDAL
157A Main St, Sandwich
MODERN
Wedding Rings
ROBERTO COIN MASHPEE Mashpee Commons 16 Steeple St. Mashpee, MA
Wedding Dress
LILLIAN WEST 66164
Show off your style in this boho chic mermaid wedding gown. Featuring a trendy strapless neckline with an illusion notch. Sequined embroidered lace appliqués are placed over a sequined net underlay detailed with a floral motif. Paired with a full tulle skirt for a dramatic finish.
