“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
– When Harry Met Sally
Love the quote above! But we realize that your wedding day isn’t the start of “the rest of your life.” It is, however, the beginning of your life as husband and wife. Marriage makes it official; it signals the depth of your commitment, both to each other and to all who know you. And once you’ve said “Yes!” you want to say “I do!”
Soon after pandemic-related restrictions regarding gatherings were announced in March of 2020, “To postpone or not to postpone?” became a constant question for our couples. If you’ve already set a date, and spent months planning, do you keep your original date, or your original guest list?
Casey and Mike had initially planned an October wedding with 140 guests. With their “big day” drawing near, restrictions limiting the number of guests showed no signs of abating. After careful consideration, and with the blessing of their family and friends, they decided to proceed with a pared-down guest list of 50. As they were “re-planning” their wedding, they switched to a late-September date that had become available, allowing them to take advantage of the Cape’s gloriously warm early fall weather.
And so, on a spectacular September afternoon, Casey and Mike exchanged their vows at Nauticus Marina, a waterfront Cape Cod wedding venue in Osterville. Rather than regret what might have been, the couple embraced the relaxed vibe of the more intimate gathering.
Casey was beaming as her maids attended to her every need when she arrived at the marina. The jeweled detailing on the bodice of her gown glistened in the afternoon sunlight. Her attendants, dressed in shimmering sheath-style dresses in metallic hues, added to the sparkle. Once they made sure Casey was picture-perfect, it was time for her to head to the dock, where Mike awaited for his “first look.” Photographer Alex Paul was there to capture the adorable awesomeness of the moment.
With Mike suitably wowed, it was time for the big moment.
The couple made their way to the lighthouse at Nauticus, where they said their “I do’s” on the beautifully festooned stairs as their wedding party and guests looked on. It was a ceremony filled with love and laughter, which is just as should be.
After some quick portraits, all of which took advantage of the stunning venue, it was party time!
Arranged on the emerald green lawn, at water’s edge and under an arch of nautical flags snapping in the breeze, was a spacious tent, its sides rolled up to let the warm September air flow through unimpeded. Inside, farmhouse tables were spaced well apart from each other, every one topped with a trio of gorgeous floral arrangements.
Fun was the theme of the day, but Mike and Casey thoughtfully considered the safety of their guests, too. Personalized mini bottles of hand sanitizer were charmingly displayed; a face mask was at each place setting.
A dancefloor was a no-no, but the newlyweds still wanted to capture the romance of a “first dance.” Without the usual call to “join the bride and groom on the dance floor,” it somehow felt even more special: a deeply personal moment shared in front of their loved ones.
One of the many, many things that make a fall wedding on Cape Cod so special is the “golden hour,” that moment when the sun is just starting to set and everything is bathed in an ethereal glow. With their photographer in tow, Mike and Casey made the most of the magic, moving about to iconic locations in and around the venue for a series of beyond-beautiful photos.
Once the bride and groom were back at the tent, an evening of cupcakes, cocktails and conversation ensued.
The perfect way to end a perfect day? With a scene straight out of Love Actually. Hmmm… that’s two classic romantic comedy references; maybe we’re a little obsessed.
The Dream Team
Catering, Dessert, Event Planning: The Casual Gourmet
Photography: Alex Paul
Venue: Nauticus Marina
Flowers: Fancy Flowers by Meredith
Tent, Rentals: American Tent & Table
Officiant & DJ: Jason Michoski
