Massachusetts Weddings

Combine sweetly classic details with carefully crafted nautical stylings and the results are a seriously stunning affair we can definitely get behind.  From the lovely bride in her Hayley Paige gown to the gorgeous Eastern Yacht Club setting to the navy blue stripes filling the party with seaside-inspired pretty. See it all captured beautifully by Rachel Red Photography in THE VAULT.

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From Rachel Red Photography… In August 2014, Phil proposed to April under a 300-year-old oak tree while they were on vacation in Les Baux-de-Provence, France. The proposal was simple and romantic, despite the fact that it took Phil three attempts to coax April into joining him in the picturesque spot under the tree where he planned to pop the question.

Phil and April were married on July 11 in Marblehead, Massachusetts at St. Michael’s Church, the oldest episcopal church in New England. The wedding weekend involved numerous festivities, including a lobster bake rehearsal dinner at the Arnold family’s Marblehead residence, a reception at the Eastern Yacht Club and an after-party on the Hannah Glover, a ferry which took guests on a leisurely ride from the yacht club back to the hotel.

Planning to take their wedding photos at a historic location, Phil and April headed to Marblehead’s seaside Fort Sewall, where they got a little more history than they bargained for. Unbeknownst to them, there was a Revolutionary War reenactment going on at the fort that day. This led to some truly memorable moments, such as the regiment’s fiddler welcoming them with his rendition of the Wedding March, a chance for the couple to fire off a revolutionary cannon and unique wedding photos.

After they arrived at the yacht club by launch for the reception, the staff invited Phil and April to set off the club’s cannons for “colors,” which initiates a moment of silence while the sun sets behind Marblehead Harbor and the American flag is lowered for the night. “How could we turn down participating in such storied tradition, not to mention firing two cannons on our wedding day?”

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See more Nautical Weddings in THE VAULT!

Photography: Rachel Red Photography | Coordination: Masterfully Planned | Floral Design: Flowers By Darlene | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Julie Deffense Artistry | Ceremony Venue: Saint Michael's Church | Reception Venue: Eastern Yacht Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Hair And Makeup: Twisted Elegance | Band: Sultans Of Swing | Groomsmen Attire: Marblehead Greens | Transportation: The Original Party Trolley | Ferry: Mahi Mahi Harbor Cruises And Events | Glass And Tableware: Peterson Party Center | Guest Accommodations: Harbor Light Inn | Guest Accomodations: Salem Waterfront Hotel | Rentals: The EVENT Company | Robes: Silk And More

We’ve seen starfish and classic shells galore, but how about the shiny mussel shell for a seaside celebration? These pretty little pieces inspired everything from the color palette to the branding and invites for this Marblehead wedding, led by Always Yours Events. Your old school nautical Pinterest boards are about to get a stylish update with all the picture perfect details captured by Ned Jackson – more in our VAULT right this way!

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From Always Yours Events… This wedding will forever be a favorite of mine as it included some of the most personalized and bespoke details and touches, depicted through the gorgeous light and airy images by Ned Jackson Photography. Eastern Yacht Club was a meaningful venue for the bride, as her parents were married at the same venue 38 years earlier. Tori spent her childhood sailing the coast with her family from the EYC, so the club was without a doubt the ideal venue for the Cruice Wedding. The inspiration for the wedding design came from the gorgeous navy, cerulean, slate blue and mother of pearl coloring of a mussel shell. We enlisted the help of Kearsley Lloyd to create a unique and bespoke wedding brand incorporating the mussel shell and chic monogram for Tori and Blake’s wedding day. Kearsley’s watercolor designs became the central theme of the wedding, which we incorporated into the invitation suite, day of paper and signage, the wedding website, rosemary sea salt escort card favors (handmade by the bride and groom), the cake design, tabletop decor, floral designs, and more. Florals featured gorgeous all white blooms including dinner plate dahlias and clear floral vessels filled with mussel shells. The ceremony took place at the iconic Old North Church in downtown Marblehead. Post ceremony guests lined the cobblestone pathway for a white garden rose petal toss, and were ultimately surprised with an unique second line style parade out of Old North Church and down to Marblehead Harbor led by the lead trumpeter of the Ward Eights. From there, the wedding party traveled by boat to the EYC for the festivities. Guests cocktail-ed and dined on the open air deck and ballroom, and danced in the outdoor pavilion overlooking Marblehead Harbor. Tori and Blake honored “Colors” during the cocktail hour by firing the canon at sunset, a daily EYC tradition. The newlyweds danced the night away to Motown hits performed by the Ward Eights, and we ended the evening with a sparkler send-off leading down to the docks where Tori and Blake made a victory lap on the family boat to bring their perfect wedding day to a close.

From the Bride… Blake and I met in 2008 at college and got engaged on Labor Day weekend in Nantucket after six years of dating. We always knew that we wanted to have our wedding on the water in my hometown of Marblehead. Marblehead has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not only where I grew up, but also where my parents grew up and also got married 38 years ago. Marblehead embodies the quintessential seaside elegance I wanted our wedding to represent.

I consider my style to be very simple and classic. I spent a lot of time curating and coordinating each component of our wedding from the trumpet parade and petal shower to the boat ride arrival and cocktail hour raw bar. Keri was a lifesaver bringing all my ideas to life. She calmed my nerves and made sure all the details were perfectly translated through the whole event.

I used a navy and white color palette, but let the nautical elements from the yacht club carry throughout the day. Kearsley’s beautiful watercolors became the theme of our wedding. My mom even handpicked mussel shells from the beaches of Marblehead put in the centerpiece vases. We knew our wedding would be formal being at the Eastern Yacht Club, but we also wanted it to be fun for all of our guests. The trumpeter leading a parade through the streets of Marblehead and onto the boat really set the stage for a fun night! 

I always envisioned myself in an elegant, ball gown with a cathedral train and was so excited to find the beautiful design from Mikaella. The illusion lace off the shoulder with the deep low back and long train made for my dream dress. My veil was my aunt’s from her wedding day and held an extra special place in my heart. I felt like it was the most beautiful part of my dress.

Looking back at our wedding photos, I can’t help but feel the absolute joy we felt on that beautiful September day. Ned did an outstanding job capturing every sense of emotion we were feeling. The amount of support and love we felt from our friends and family was overwhelming. We are so grateful and will forever cherish the day we become Mr. and Mrs.

Peruse more New England weddings here!

Photography: Ned Jackson Photography | Event Planning: Merren Events | Event Planning: Always Yours Events | Floral Design: Flowers By Darlene | Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal | Cake: Topsfield Bakeshop | Invitations: Albertine Press | Ceremony Venue: Old North Church | Reception Venue: Eastern Yacht Club | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Ann Taylor | Catering: Eastern Yacht Club | Hair: Jennifer Tawa | Calligraphy: Posh and Prep | Band: The Ward Eights | Favors: Made By New England | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bowties + Cuff Links: Collared Greens | Branding: Kearsley Lloyd Designs | Bridal Boutique: Madeleine's Daughter | Knot Bracelets: Shore Knots | Makeup Artistry: Rouge | Rentals: Peterson Party Center | Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box

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A good old fashioned nautical New England wedding will always rank among my favorites. And after taking a look at Studio Nouveau‘s gorgeous image below, it’s pretty easy to see why. With perfectly chic nods to all things nautical, this gallery is inspiration overload for anyone planning a similar fête.

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From The Studio Nouveau…There was no detail too small for Kate & Erik’s breathtaking yacht club wedding. From the personalized maps on the invitations, to the illustrated day-of timeline, to his custom cufflinks with a local nautical chart, to the organic wedding cake, to the sailor’s knots on the back of the reception chairs…we could go on and on. Absolutely nothing was overlooked! Although it was in mid-October, it was one of those spectacularly warm & sunny New England autumn days that made it feel like summer. And there were so many standout moments – the bagpiper playing the recessional, the breeze that made Kate’s floor-length veil into a flawless sail during their portraits – but our favorite had to be the bridal party post-ceremony toast on the yacht club’s private skiff. It was the perfect way to have a few moments of private celebration amongst their close group of friends, and to kick-off the incredible party that was had at the reception! From The Bride…I have a very special memory of looking up at our wedding venue with the bagpiper playing over the water and our guests waving to use from the deck. It wasn’t all ‘smooth sailing’ planning our wedding, but we were both able to take a moment alone that evening and remind each other to cherish each other, everything and everyone that celebrated our wedding day with us.

Photography: Studio Nouveau | Floral Design: Orchid 'N Blooms | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: Hippie Chick Bakery | Invitations: Chelsey Emery | Ceremony Venue: Crocker Park | Reception Venue: Boston Yacht Club | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Hair & Makeup: Eye 4 Beauty | Band: The Pulse of Boston | Bagpiper: Boston Pipers | Custom Crest: Happy Menocal | Custom Cufflinks: White Truffle | Earrings: Kate Spade

This is one of those totally fun weddings that I sooo wish I had been invited to.  A seaside extravaganza that is one seriously pretty party.  I’m talking the fab stylings of LoLo Event Design, a breathtaking backyard ceremony and a bride and groom who really know how to celebrate saying “I do.”  See every vibrant moment captured by Zev Fisher right here.

From LoLo Event Design… Lizzy and Alec are a classic college love story, yet with a dedication and respect for each other that makes them wise beyond their years.

The couple approached LoLo Event Design looking to create a wedding that reflected not just their seaside venue, but their personal fun, whimsical style. Instead of a strict color scheme we explored a mix of vibrant patterns layered with nautical touches.

We created an intimate ceremony, held at the bride’s childhood home, through the use of mixed Adirondack seating and a ukulele player. Pinwheels, custom made from Orla Kiely wallpaper, lined the aisle to the tree under which Alec and Lizzy would say I do. A tree adorned with DIY embroidery wheels of mixed fabric.

Following the ceremony guests were treated to lemonade as the wedding party boarded a boat, named “Elizabeth M” which was changed to “Elizabeth R” (the bride’s new initial) for the recessional trip. Even the boat running aground couldn’t put a damper on the mood. The bride and groom posed with a “Just Married” life preserver diy-ed by LoLo Event Design.

At the reception the pattern theme continued with blue and white striped napkins and flag table numbers accented by bright pink menu cards. Custom DIY escort cards were created to be reminiscent of nautical knots.

The bride and groom danced the night away with family and over 30 friends from Union College.

Photography: Zev Fisher Photography | Event Design: LoLo Event Design | Florist: Wedding Flowers by Annette | Wedding Cake: Jenny's Wedding Cakes | Reception Venue: Corinthian Yacht Club | Groom's Suit: Bonobos | Ceremony Music: Jeff Buckridge | Groom's Tie: Vineyard Vines | Linens: Party Designs | Photo Booth: The Portrait Lounge | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

Nautical weddings hold a special place in my heart. They are so perfectly New England, and their classic style always leaves me weak in the knees. And if I were to dream up such a fête, a wedding like this one from Ned Jackson Photography would pop in my brain. Sweeping views with sailboats a’plenty, a crisp color palette, and timeless style. It’s Nautical perfection, and you can soak it all up right here.

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From the Bride…Mike surprised Kate in December 2011 with a romantic proposal at the W Hotel in Boston.  Before Kate was able to get swept away in the wedding planning they discussed what their vision of the wedding would be – classic, comfortable, and with a nod to Marblehead’s nautical surroundings. They also talked about what elements they could not live without – good food, an open bar, and music to get the dance party started.  Both Kate and Mike are from towns north of Boston, so it was a no brainer that they would marry in Kate’s hometown of Marblehead in the same church that her parents married in 31 years earlier.

To keep the day stress free and fun the girls gathered at the bride’s parent’s house for hair and make-up while the guys spent the afternoon hanging out at the Salem Waterfront hotel. The wedding ceremony took place in June 2012 at the beautiful Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Kate and Mike’s mothers both recited readings and Keros Entertainment played beautiful music throughout the ceremony.  Once Kate and Mike had exchanged their “I Dos”, the bridal party boarded their trolley to Crocker Park, which overlooks Marblehead harbor, to take in the picturesque views – the perfect backdrop to for bridal party and family photos. We made our way back through the historic town to the reception at Tedesco Country Club where the cocktail hour was in fully swing. While listening to the live Jazz music, guest mingled on the outdoor patio overlooking the golf course and enjoyed the numerous passed appetizers, including Kate and Mike’s favorite – tomato soup with a grilled cheese crostini. Soon guests made their way towards dinner, which was held in a sail cloth tent illuminated by a canopy of white, baby blue, and chartreuse paper lanterns of varying sizes.

The bride chose navy has her primary wedding color with pops of green accents to bring in a little nautical feel. The navy table linens made the the lush flower arrangements in the center, really pop. The table numbers were navy and green and held upright by adorable nautical monkey-knots. During the delicious dinner of either filet of beef or locally caught baked haddock, Marblehead is a fishing town after all, Kate’s father, her sister who was also her Maid of Honor, and Mike’s Best Man gave heartfelt speeches. It was apparent how important friends and family are to Kate and Mike especially in light of the difficult year they had faced leading up to their wedding – one which brought on a serious and unexpected cancer diagnosis which Mike was able to courageously overcome with the support of Kate, his family, and friends who help him to always look for the positives in life. Both Kate and Mike felt incredibly lucky to have been able to share their wedding day with seven of their grandparents in attendance in addition to their families and close friends.

Kate and Mike’s warm and upbeat energy made everyone feel welcome all night. Kate was clearly happiest on the dance floor. After cutting the cake, Kate and Mike had their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s ‘You Are The Best Thing’ followed by the father daughter dance to Frank Sinatra’s ‘Summer Wind’. The music kept the party going and the newlyweds had so much fun dancing the night away. Their wedding day could not have been more perfect and they feel truly blessed and happy to have been able to work with so many great vendors who made their vision come to life. It was a night they will always remember!

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Wedding Photography: Ned Jackson Photography | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Marblehead, MA | Reception Venue: Tedesco Country Club, Marblehead, MA  | Wedding Videographer: MapleLoft Studios | Floral Design: Flowers by Darlene | Letterpress Stationery: Goosefish Press | Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Keros Entertainment | Make-up Artist: Cynthia Klocek | Tent and Lighting: Exeter Events & Tents | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor |Groomsmen Ties: Tommy Hilfiger | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Nautical Monkey-Knots and Table Numbers: 2hands studios Etsy |Ceremony Programs and Escort Cards: William Arthur | Trolley: Salem Trolley | Wedding Cake: Cakes for Occasions | Chocolate Party Favors: Harbor Sweets