A "Backyard Boho" Wedding on the Bay in Massachusetts

The Dress of Her Dreams

Though Fergie began shopping for her wedding dress by visiting several Boston boutiques, she couldn't find her perfect look locally. "All the gowns were really beautiful, but I just didn't feel like a bride in them," she says. She began scouting Instagram for more options, and "instantly loved" the Made with Love collection—especially the "Stevie" dress, with its handmade lace and plunging back. She paired the gown with art deco jewelry from Retro Vintage Weddings.

Neutral Territory

Fergie wanted her bridesmaids' gowns to coordinate without matching exactly, so she gave them plenty of freedom when it came to shopping—requesting only that they choose a pale neutral shade. "In keeping with the boho spirit, I had given my girls a color palette to work with," she says, "and left the dress decision to them."

Arm in Arm

Rob's darker-toned Zara suit and maroon tie from The Tie Bar created an elegant contrast to Fergie's gown; the gray Men's Wearhouse suits the groomsmen wore actually complemented the bridesmaids' neutral dresses. The 11-person bridal party felt like the perfect size, says Fergie: "We didn't want a big bridal party, and we really wanted friends who were with us through the highs and lows of our life."

Blooming Beauty

The cream, blush, and peach shades in Fergie's bouquet, which was designed by florist Petal and Wren, were set off by darker accents, like rich greenery and pampas grass.

Grass and Sky

The ceremony setup—behind the Crane Estate house—included wooden benches and an organic display of pampas grass, creating the low-key vibe the couple hoped for. "I knew I didn't want something overly traditional or elaborate," says Fergie. "I desperately wanted pampas grass and it proved difficult for a few local florists to find, but Petal & Wren came through."

Fergie and Rob were lucky enough to get "the most perfect New England summer day" for their event, which was set up outdoors. "All our guests could not get over the view," says Fergie. "It made such an amazing backdrop for the whole day."

Their First Look

As Fergie's father escorted her down the aisle to "Lovely" by Michelle Tumes, the bride and groom saw each other for the first time that day. "When it came time for us to decide if we wanted to do a first look, I really couldn't make up my mind," she says. "But we ultimately decided to go the traditional route. As soon as I walked out and saw Rob, it hit me all at once and the tears started flowing."

An Emotional Experience

Fergie's walk down the aisle was an unforgettable moment for Rob, too, says the couple, who cite "making eye contact for the first time" as their favorite part of the day: "As soon as we saw each other, we couldn't help but cry."

With This Ring

Fergie and Rob asked their pastor, Larry, to oversee their religious ceremony and exchange of vows—since Larry and his wife had also worked with the newlyweds on pre-marriage counseling during their engagement.

Something Borrowed

After the ceremony, the newlyweds recessed down the aisle to "Let's Get Married (Remix)," while Fergie's veil fluttered in the breeze. "My mom had a Princess Diana-inspired wedding in '92 complete with a cathedral length veil and headpiece," says Fergie, who wore the heirloom as her something borrowed. "I love how it complemented my dress."

Petal Pushers

Guests scooped up small cones of berry-toned petals displayed at the ceremony, sprinkling them over Fergie and Rob as they walked back up the aisle as newlyweds.

So in Love

After the service, the couple posed for portraits around the estate while their guests enjoyed a charcuterie and tapas spread during the cocktail hour. This time together allowed them a few quiet moments to take in the weight of their ceremony. "The best piece of advice I received was, the flowers, the tables, tablecloths, décor, won't matter a year from now," says Fergie. "Focus on being present, focus on your marriage and spending the rest of your life with your best friend."

Under the Tent

Under a tent decorated with string lights, long wooden tables were paired with wood folding chairs, creating an unfussy but polished reception space. "When we sat down with our planner [from Sable and Blush Events] to discuss our backyard boho wedding dreams," says Fergie, "she took our ideas and ran with it." Garlands of greenery ran down the length of the tables, creating a cohesive floral moment.

The Party

Large-scale displays of pampas grass, greenery, and flowers hung over the tables, adding color, texture, and intimacy to the space.

For dinner, the couple served seafood, meat, and vegetable paella from Sensational Paella, owned by a friend of Fergie's. "I met Julian at a wedding we were both working, and told him the food he made that night was the most delicious food I ever had at a wedding," she says. "As soon as I had the ring on my finger, I reached out and booked him."

Mug Club

The couple held to their "true boho style" with mason jar mug favors.

Sweets and Sparklers

At the end of the night, the couple left the reception under a halo of sparklers—but not before treating guests to fresh apple cider donuts from Russell Orchards, picked up that morning, instead of cake.

Sources

Photography, Catherine Coons

Location, Crane Beach Summer Estate

Event planning, Sable and Blush Events

Catering, Sensational Paella

Flowers, Petal and Wren

Videography, Jonny Havens

Rentals, The Event Co.

Bride's gown, Made with Love

Bride's jewelry, Retro Vintage Weddings

Makeup, Beauty by Claxx

Groom's suit, Zara

Menswear, Men's Wearhouse

Groom's accessories, The Tie Bar

Donuts, Russell Orchards