An Organic Wedding on the Beaches of Massachusetts

A Beach House Beginning

Both Elaine and David got ready at their friend's home, conveniently located on Wingaersheek Beach.

Simplicity Is Key

Elaine wore a BHLDN wedding dress that matched the beachy New England theme. She kept her accessories simple and walked down the aisle barefoot sans headpiece or veil.

His Suit

As for David's big-day attire? He went with a suit from Keezer's—a well-known store in Cambridge that's been around since 1895.

New, Blue, and Borrowed

The couple incorporated something new, something blue, and something borrowed into their nuptials. Elaine got David new cufflinks from Cartier and wore her mom's earrings during the ceremony. Their something blue was David's eyes—"and they are something," says Elaine.

The Wedding Bands

Three weeks before the wedding, Elaine and David realized they still hadn't picked out their wedding bands. "We almost forgot!" the bride remembers. They ended up choosing the rings during a lunch break, but Elaine still had time to get David's ring engraved with the phrase, "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain," which means, "I love you more than yesterday, but less than tomorrow."

An Organic Aesthetic

Natural and seasonal touches served as the inspiration for the big day's aesthetic. The colors of the dunes and wheat that framed the aisle, Elaine's neutral dress, and the dark blue water played off one another.

Staying Warm

Elaine and David wanted their friends and family to be comfortable, so they offered blankets during the ceremony and reception—they were perfect for guests who got cold on the beach.

First Look on the Beach

On the morning of September 22, 2018, the weather was windy and cold, but the sun came out just in the time for the 4 p.m. ceremony. Guests gathered on the beach to watch Elaine and David say "I do."

Elaine walked down the aisle, lined naturally by the dunes, to the sound of acoustic guitar and bongo drums. It was David's favorite part of the day.

A Special Celebrant

Elaine's best friend's husband took courses so he could officiate the wedding. "It made that day even more personal and special to have our friend be the master of ceremony," says Elaine.

Finally Married

With a love story nearly 20 years in the making, Elaine and David were married at last—after sharing a kiss, they walked back up the sandy aisle to applause from their loved ones.

Throwing the Bouquet

After the ceremony, Elaine's friends eagerly gathered on the beach to catch her bouquet by Les Fleurs.

Cocktail Hour

During the cocktail hour, guests feasted on mini lobster rolls and mini gazpacho shooters and drank Veuve Clicquot.

The Reception

The reception took place under a tent on the beach. The natural space was filled with organic elements, including simple flowers and tonal seashells. Marble dinnerware and pillar candles housed in hurricanes polished off the earthy look.

Personality Abounds

Every detail that went into the celebration was personal—even the minutiae (each setting was marked by a shell, for example). "Everything had our touch," says Elaine.

Elaine and David kept their place cards, which featured barely-there calligraphy by Kerianne Nelson, minimal.

Subtle Florals

The centerpieces, comprised of white and blush roses and blue thistles, were a nod to the event's neutral color palette.

A New England Menu

The five-course dinner began with a choice of salad; later offerings included New England staples, like clam chowder, trou normand, and either sliced sirloin or baked stuffed haddock.

A Special Sunset

Guests enjoyed a picturesque sunset, which signaled the end of Elaine and David's celebration.

Sources

Photography, Sasha Smolina for READYLUCK

Event planning, Margaret Cally Events

Catering, Eventfully Yours, Joseph Grella of Custom Eats and Sweets

Flowers, Stationery, and Calligraphy, Kerianne Nelson of Les Fleurs

Bride's gown, BHLDN

Groom's suit, Keezer's

Groom's accessories, Cartier