Kaleigh & Jared at Highfield Hall & Gardens

There are certain spring days on Cape Cod that are absolutely perfect: warm and sunny with minimal humidity, the leaves on the trees a delicious shade of just-bloomed green, lush lawns, and spring-flowering plants on full display.

Such was the day in May when Kaleigh and Jared were married at Highfield Hall & Gardens, a truly unique destination wedding venue on Cape Cod. While a May beach wedding on Cape Cod might prove a bit cool, this historic home surrounded by lush gardens was simply spot-on perfect!

After getting dressed at a nearby hotel, she sequestered away with her maids, he enjoying a drink with his groomsmen, the couple enjoyed a private moment with a “first look” on the landing of the ornate stairway of Highfield Hall, once the summer residence of a well-to-do Boston family. The beautiful bride stunned in a sheath-style gown with plunging neckline and intricate lace overlay. Wouldn’t you love to know what Jared read to Kaleigh? Such a Lost in Translation moment.

Kaleigh and Jared opted for an all-around relaxed affair. Rather than devote an hour to an extensive portrait session, photographer Alicia Petitti took just a few moments to capture a handful of not-too-formal formal portraits of the wedding party prior to the ceremony.

Personal touches were everywhere, including one exceptionally special seat. Please pass the tissues.

The woods surrounding the West Garden, where Jared and Kaleigh’s ceremony was held, created a bucolic backdrop as the couple exchanged their vows.

After a big “first kiss” and a deep breath, Cape Cod’s newest newlyweds posed for a few more relaxed portraits, with one very special photo that included two very important guests, their fur-babies, and the gorgeous grounds of Highfield Hall offering endless spots for romantic photo ops.

After enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the front lawn and wrap-around veranda, everyone moved to the terrace, where a large circular tent had been arranged overhead. The floral arrangements had a decidedly vintage look and beautifully complemented the ceremony décor and bride’s bouquet, creating a cohesive look that didn’t feel overly “matchy-matchy.”

The tables were elegantly dressed in white, floor-length linens with woven chargers adding warmth and texture, and soft blue napkins introducing a touch of coastal flair.

In keeping with the relaxed feel of the day, Jared and Kaleigh chose to have food stations rather than a sit-down dinner, such a fun choice for this oh-so-social group of friends and family.

One of the unique things about hosting a wedding at Highfield Hall & Gardens is its varied sites within one location, with the wedding ceremony in the West Garden followed by cocktails on the lawn and then dinner under a tent on the terrace. Wedding cake and dancing? For that, everything moved inside the exquisite mansion!