Wanting to make their wedding day unique, Christi and Richard rented a house in Cape Cod, filled it with their closest family and friends, exchanged their vows in a sunrise ceremony, and celebrated with brunch and an impromptu pool party. Despite the early morning wake-up call and some unexpected hiccups, the couple turned their nuptials into a week long celebration with their loved ones, making their wedding day a truly unforgettable affair!

Special thanks to Kathy Davies for sharing all the stunning photos with us!

Cape Cod Wedding

Christi, 30 & Richard, 31

Cape Cod, MA

Wedding Date: September 6, 2014

Number of Guests: 15

Wedding Cost: $5,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Knob Falmouth, MA

Wedding Reception Location: Moonakis Cafe, Falmouth MA

wedding dress on custom hanger

bride looking out to the sea

bride portrait in front of the sea

groom portrait by the sea

bride and groom standing on rocks

bride and groom walking down to the beach

wedding portrait by the sea

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

It was important that we keep it about the two of us and having an intimate wedding allowed us to do just that. We both knew we wanted something unique so I came up with the idea of a sunrise ceremony. Our family and friends are truly the best and we were very grateful they went along with our crazy idea!

cape cod home

wedding dress hanging up

bride's accessories

bride's blue shoes on chair

bride being zipped into dress

bride getting ready

bride putting on shoes

bride talking to flower girl

bride in mantilla lace veil

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?  

One of the hardest things for me was finding a salon that was willing to open at 3:30am so I could get my hair and makeup done. Another challenge for us wasn’t exactly in the planning, but in the execution. We didn’t receive our rental farm tables for our reception forcing us to come up with an alternative plan the night before the wedding.

groom tying his tie

groomsman helping groom with tie

groom helping groomsman with tie

groom by the pool

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Not particularly. We only invited immediate family and a few close friends.

groom portrait

groom portrait

bride portrait

bride portrait

groom with father

flower girl portrait

ring bearer portrait

bride with flower girl and ring bearer

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

We didn’t have any issues when it came to our guest list. Our friends and family were very supportive and understanding of our vision.

Cape Cod outdoor ceremony site

groom and best man waiting by the sea

bride walking with her father

bride and father walking to ceremony

groom waiting at the altar for his bride

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

There were so many meaningful moments throughout the ceremony – we had the most stunning location, having my Dad walk me down the aisle, writing our own vows – but most importantly having everyone we love in one place as we became husband and wife.

outdoor cape cod wedding ceremony

outdoor cape cod wedding ceremony

outdoor cape cod wedding ceremony

bride wiping away groom's tears

outdoor cape cod wedding ceremony

bride and groom first kiss

What were the highlights of the reception?

We decided against a traditional reception. Instead, we took our guests to one of our favorite restaurants for brunch. Being able to sit back, relax, and spend time with everyone was really special. After brunch we all went back to the house for an impromptu pool party!

bride and groom portrait

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

bride and groom embracing

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

bride and groom walking down to the sea

bride and groom kissing by the sea

bride and groom walking towards the sea

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Having the wedding we really wanted. To keep costs to a minimum for our guests, we rented a house so everyone could stay with us, turning it into a week long celebration!

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

intimate wedding portrait by the sea

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Do it! If you follow your heart and do want you want, you’ll have the wedding of your dreams.

bride and and groom portrait by the sea

Vendors:

Gown: Amy Michelson from The Gown Shop

Veil: Handmade by Karen Gasiewski (the bride’s sister)

Jewelry: Vintage 1920’s pearl bracelet found on Etsy

Hair and Makeup: Headlines Salon and Spa

Groom’s Suit: J.Crew

Shoes: Allen Edmonds

Watch: Vintage Omega Seamaster

Florist: Verde Floral

Officiant: David Plunkett (friend of the Bride and Groom)

Music: The Mozart Academy of Music

Photographer: Kathy Davies Photography