Living on the east coast, a love for all things nautical comes with the territory, and I happily oblige. Give me some navy and gold anchors, and I’m a happy gal, so this classic seaside celebration not only made me smile but also yearn for summer days. This Bride and Groom did no wrong, from their chic, preppy attire to the romantic beach portraits captured by Rachel Pearlman. See this all and more right here.
From Rachel Pearlman Photography…Please enjoy this laid back, yet stylish, nautical wedding in Rehoboth Beach, DE from September 6th, 2014. Great features of this wedding include a reception tent from Sperry and catering by Sugarfoot Fine Foods (owned by the groom’s sister). After a brief Catholic ceremony at a local church in Rehoboth, Erin and Marshall headed to their summer home for portraits on the pier. Sailing and boating are among their favorite pastimes, and Marshall is an expert waterman. Cocktails and the reception were held at The Shell House, a stunning private home owned by the groom’s mother. A Sperry Tent greeted guests, who sipped on signature drinks (The Sugarfoot Swizzle) and local beer from Twin Lakes Brewery to keep cool in the 100 degree plus temperatures. Erin’s stunning bouquet featured ferns, hydrangea and anemones. Her Nicole Miller gown (purchased at BHDLN), was simple, yet perfect for the beach setting. Portraits of the bride and groom at sunset were taken on a private beach, where Erin and Marshall spend their summers together. Erin’s dear friend and graphics-savvy bridesmaid designed the couples’ monogram, which was featured on signature glasses and napkins and added a personal flair. Their adorable instagram hashtag, #setsailwiththejenneys, paid homage to the couples’ favorite past-time. At the end of the night, extreme thunder and lightning cut Erin and Marshall’s sparkler exit short, but this super-in-love couple didn’t seem to mind one bit.
From The Bride… Marshall and I both spent childhood summers along the shore line between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey, DE, but never crossed paths until the beginning of the summer of 2011. I typically spent weekends sitting on the beach with my family, but when an unexpected heat wave hit, I was invited to lounge poolside at Marshall’s house. As it happened, I had recently become friendly with Marshall’s sister, Caroline, in Wilmington, when we realized we shared a common interest in going to the beach each weekend. When I arrived at Marshall’s house, I didn’t think much of the introduction to Caroline’s brother, who promptly left to windsurf on the bay. But, Marshall was intrigued by my smiling eyes and easygoing demeanor. The next week, he invited me to attend a cocktail event benefitting a non-profit, organized by his mother. Although somewhat nerve-wrecking to meet a first date’s family and friends, I was my regular outgoing self, and made several new friends. I liked seeing Marshall socializing, enjoying the party, and supporting his mother. After the event, Marshall was the perfect gentleman and gave me a ride home, and we shared a first kiss.
Additional dates over the summer followed, and we found that we had wide-ranging interests in common, such as reggae music, biking, the Henlopen City Oyster House, and white wine. Soon, we rarely spent a minute apart, and began discussing the future. Two years later, Marshall proposed while he and I were boating in Nantucket, MA and stopped off at a private beach for a picnic.
To pay tribute to their shared love of the beach, we knew immediately we would be married in Rehoboth Beach, at Marshall’s mother’s home on Silver Lake. I chose navy, white, and gold as the color palette for the event, and used many nautical-inspired items for decor, including seashells, driftwood, ferns, and fisherman’s rope. Small touches like Twin Lakes beer added local personality to the event. When my Nicole Miller wedding gown got in the way of getting down on the dance floor, I changed into a shorter, white party dress by Parker. At the end of the night, a “sparkler send-off” had us leaving in style for the Starboard to continue celebration with family and friends.
Photography: Rachel Pearlman Photography | Event Planning: elevee events | Floral Design: Flowers By Yukie | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Cake: Quiet Elegance Bakery | Invitations: William Arthur | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Sugarfoot Fine Foods | Hair: Bad Hair Day Salon | Band: All About Me | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Venue: Private Estate | Tent: Sperry Tents | Earrings: BHLDN | Groom's Cufflinks: Jordann Jewelry | Groom's Wedding Band: Tiffany & Co. | Reception Dress: Parker | Wedding Gown Belt: J.Crew | Wedding Rings: Graff Diamonds