Willette's by the Water / by Jennifer Walts

September winds started painting colors of autumn, and we found ourselves back on Cape Cod to celebrate the wedding day of Amy & Michael. Their colorful day began with a ladies’ nail salon morning while the gentlemen busied themselves at a nearby bowling-alley, and I should probably mention that Michael went bowling in a suit! Even the start of their day had the makings of a wedding for a fun-loving couple. What I could feel most as I entered each space that morning was the support and pride family and friends felt for Amy & Michael- just for the pure joy that these two have found in each other.

The day involved waves of important emotions and memories of family members, present and passed. Hugs and deep breaths promoted a sense of ‘Okay. We’ve got you. We’ve got this.’ Gifts were given, and smiles were lifted. Leaving moments to feel what needed to be felt, the bride and her bridesmaids were ready for the ‘on-to-the-next’ agenda that a wedding day presents. So, down the carpeted steps to the limo they went.

I have the excited bonus of often joining the bride and her maids in the limo to the ceremony when that is a part of the plan. This day- it was. Riding to the ceremony is honestly like the top of a roller coaster. Hands up. No going back. Might as well just scream and have a good time! Cheers after cheers. Dance party after dance party. We were on our way to the top of the coaster- the beach ceremony. When we arrived at the tippity top, I got out of the limo in case anyone was holding anything back with a vendor present. The limo driver and I stepped back as the dance party literally shook the limo up and down. Beach goers and passerby Cape Codders questionably observed, but I think they were just jealous of the fun that was being had.

While we waited for a few last minute guests to arrive, we snuck our way over to the ceremony and hid behind several large trucks in the beach parking lot. In a moment that didn’t seem hilarious at the time, a gentleman left his sports car running right by the ceremony site. With no driver in sight, and while breathing in ocean air mixed with sports car exhaust, one of Amy’s fearless bridesmaids opened the stranger’s car door and turned the key off. No more exhaust. Back to breathing in the ocean breeze before the ceremony. I am consistently amazed at the lengths wedding party members are willing to go when their bride or groom friend is showing any sign of unease. I want to remind brides and grooms more often that people will work with you to make the day the absolute best for you. This is a prime example! When you’re going down the steepest hill on the roller coaster, your bridesmaids or groomsmen will grab your hand and say “Here we goooo!” instead of focusing on their own emotions they feel in those moments. It’s a special kind of showing up and being there.   

The open beach ceremony began, and I looked around at the vacationers from near and far that were also about to witness Amy & Michael’s nuptials. A casual ceremony on a popular Falmouth beach set a scene of sweetly approaching waves and rays of sun. All witnesses were encouraged to relax because of the mood set by surrounding vacationers. Happy tears, combining of sands, and exchanging of rings, and classic, nervous Amy laughter- I say this because she used to be a student of mine!- passed by quicker than the rest of the day as it always does. As the ceremony came to a close, the sunset was on our side; families started to pack up their lawn chairs, fold up their beach blankets, and awkwardly roll their items over the natural, yet somehow unnatural and bumpy, beach sand to their cars or nearby Cape cottages.

At the reception space, decorated carefully to mirror the purples and dark hues of the couples’ wedding color scheme, guests were eager to dance, eat, and celebrate. All eyes were on Amy and Michael during their first dance; they even took dance lessons to make their moment extra special for their guests. Amy took the lead, while she counted and nodded her head in the direction Michael needed to go next. I hope that they both look back at this moment and chuckle a little bit. Michael chivalrously lead Amy off the dance floor while cake cutting & evening celebrations continued. A bridesmaid even collected funds to see who would have to get cake in their face- just more evidence of the playful and fun nature of our wedding day couple.  Before our departure, we always try to choose an appropriate time to swoop in and say goodbye. It was hard to find a time in which Amy & Michael weren’t laughing with their wedding guests- a good sign for the laughter and surrounding friendship that will keep them strong through the roller coastery moments life has to offer.

Wedding Venue: The Navigator
Bridal Gown/ Bridesmaid Dresses: @davidsbridal
Hair & Makeup: Elicia Barrows & Kaitlyn Bishop
Floral Arrangements: Anna Holmes
Groom/ Groomsmen: @MensWarehouse
Entertainment: Tommy Badger
Wedding Cake/ Desserts: Nicole Humphrey
Catering/ Food Services: Roches Bros. Catering
Jewelry: @hannoushinc1
Rental services (tents, chairs, linens, etc.): @PartyCapeCod