If ever a wedding could perfectly encapsulate Cape Cod – which, in our minds, means being both classically sophisticated, and relaxed and beachy all at once – this one might be it. Destination wedding photographer Rebecca Arthurs captured the whole day with stunning attention to every beautiful detail, and we are so grateful to her for sharing some photos with us here.
Liz and Dan’s seaside nuptials at the Chequessett Yacht and Country Club were made particularly special by the fact that the groom’s family live just next door, so they were able to get ready at home, share a first look and pose for photos in the family’s garden. The groom looked dapper in a crisp black suit, but kept things comfortable by ditching the tie and sporting faded blue boat shoes. The bride positively radiated in a sweetheart neckline strapless gown with a delicate lace overlay, but also incorporated a nautical vibe with her jewelry. A short and sweet trolley ride by Cape Destinations later, and they were ready to walk down the aisle at Chequessett.
The two exchanged vows on the yacht club’s private beach, at the very edge of the tideline, with sweeping views of Wellfleet Harbor behind them. The ceremony was touching and highly personal: the bride’s father officiated, and the couple stood beneath a Chuppah made by the groom’s father and uncles out of driftwood collected from that very beach.
Following the ceremony, driftwood signage directed guests to food and festivities in looping white calligraphy, first to the rustic and fun boathouse for cocktail hour, with a raw bar – fittingly in the shape of a sailing sloop – on the deck. Passed hors d’oeuvres included coastal classics, like Mini Lobster Club Sandwiches, with tasty spins on American comfort food, like Buttermilk Fried Chicken over a Cheddar-Jalapeno Waffle.
Then, after a short stroll up to the clubhouse, guests were seated on a tented porch with breathtaking sunset views for dinner. Long, farmhouse style banquet tables, antique white chairs, and driftwood centerpieces kept things coastal and casual, but were accented by elegant gold flatware, copper lanterns, and beautiful florals in peach, cream and pink by Sweet Annie Floral Design.
The night continued with dessert, dancing and a photo booth back in the club house, and even included mini ice cream cones to keep everyone well fuelled for lots more dancing, strolls on the moonlit beach (it was a super moon that night!) and a breathtaking sparkler exit for the happy couple.
Liz & Dan’s Menu
Pre-Ceremony Refreshments: Lemonade, Ice Tea and Water.
Raw Bar: Wellfleet Oysters & Shrimp, shucked to order and served with Cocktail Sauce, Lemons & Wasabi, attractively displayed with our Cape Cod décor.
Butlered Hors d’oeuvres: Buttermilk Fried Chicken over a Cheddar-Jalapeno Waffle; Lobster, Bacon & Corn Quesadilla; Mini Lobster Club; “Fish & Chips” Maine Russet Potato Gaufrette with Potato Crusted Sole & Downeast Slaw; Bacon Wrapped Sriracha Chicken Bite; Spicy Thai Summer Roll with Mango Dipping Sauce
Sit Down Dinner:
First Course: New Wave Caprese Salad
Red & Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes and Buffalo Mozzarella Tower
with Micro Arugula, Grilled Foccacia, Aged Balsamic Syrup & Basil Oil
Entrée: Rosemary & Black Pepper Grilled Filet of Beef with Madeira Sauce and House-made Worcestershire Butter; George’s Bank Seared Scallops served on a bed of wilted spinach with a Lemon-Pinot Grigio Beurre Blanc; or Zucchini Rollatini with Braised Spinach Quinoa and Roasted Red Bell Pepper and topped with Summer Tomato Basil Relish (vegan & gluten free)
Late Night Snack: Mini Ice Cream Cones in chocolate, mint chocolate chip and raspberry sorbet
COMPLETE VENDOR LIST:
Vendors:
Photography: Rebecca Arthurs
Videography: Ink Spot Crow Films
Paper Goods: Gus and Ruby Letterpress
Entertainment: Wilson Stevens Productions
Planning: The Little Things
Floral Design: Sweet Annie Floral Design
Catering: The Casual Gourmet
Hair and Makeup: B Lovely Beauty
Calligraphy: Lettering by Liz
Lighting: Ryan Designs, LLC
Transportation: Cape Destinations
Venue: Chequessett Yacht and Country Club
Rentals: New England Country Rentals
Photobooth: New England Photobooth
Desserts: PB Boulangerie