Julia & Kyle in Harwich Port

A grand waterfront home, its shingles weathered to the perfect shade of silvery gray. A backyard overlooking the water, brimming with just-bloomed hydrangeas and sea grasses. A bride who just couldn’t seem to stop smiling. A handsome groom in a bespoke blue suit — no tie, thank you very much. Beach-chic details that were well thought out without ever feeling too precious.

When it came to capturing the essence of everything a Cape Cod destination beach wedding should be, Julia and Kyle absolutely nailed it!

Held at the bride’s family’s summer house on a July afternoon, the big day began with nearly 200 guests arriving via shuttle for the couple’s 4:00 pm ceremony. Summer days, even on the water on the Cape, can be a bit sultry, so Julia and Kyle kept things casual, not just for their own effortlessly elegant outfits — she in a sleek sleeveless sheathe, he missing the aforementioned tie — but for their guests’. The invitation made it quite clear that this day was about love, fun, and great food, not nylons, high heels, and buttoned-up suits.

One daring man donned a kilt. Another wore Bermuda shorts (paired with a navy blazer…natch). A sea of sundresses gave the seated guests the look of a field of flowers. An array of straw hats added a dapper touch.

Prior to the ceremony, Kyle was instructed to position himself at the end of the home’s dock, facing the water, so that his beloved could approach unseen for their “first look.” Love the love on his face!

After spending a few minutes with their photographer, Lane Caroline, Julia slipped unseen back into the house. Kyle made his way the edge of the lawn, where grass gave way to sand dunes and the ocean served as the perfect backdrop for what was already shaping up to be a perfect day.

The beaming bride was escorted down the “aisle” by her mother and father, where she joined hands with Kyle for a brief yet deeply personal ceremony.

And just like that, two became one.

By 4:30, the cocktail hour had begun. Julia and Kyle opted for very few formal portraits so that they could join their loved ones and enjoy the party. Guests mingled and congratulated the new mister and missus as servers passed white wine and signature cocktails. A raw bar set up off to one side proved especially popular.

As afternoon gave way to evening, guests were invited into the tent. Rather than do a big “ta-dah” moment and be announced in, Julia and Kyle walked into the tent along with their loved ones, so they could all be wowed at once by what awaited.

Wedding planner Allison Wildes of Elegant Engagements of Cape Cod and Kristyn Joyce of KJ Floral Designs absolutely outdid themselves with a look that felt polished yet relaxed, and cohesive without being too matchy-matchy.

A mix of farmhouse and round tables draped in blue toile floor-length linens gave the entire space a vibe that was vintage beachy. Oversized woven light fixtures swayed in the sea breeze. There were floral arrangements everywhere, no two of which were exactly the same. Even the place settings varied slightly from table to table.

As servers quickly made sure everyone had an ice-cold flute of bubbly in hand, the couple took to the dance floor for the first dance. Father of the bride and mother of the groom soon joined them. Heartfelt toasts followed. After that, guests were asked to be seated for a sumptuous dinner.

With vows exchanged and traditions honored, it was time for an evening of dancing and laughter. Julia and Kyle snuck away at the golden hour for a few photos. They also opted for a “stealth” cake cutting, which kept their guests dancing and allowed them to savor the moment for themselves.