South Dartmouth Private Residence Wedding: Anne Marie & Ben
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Anne-Marie and Ben’s wedding was my first private residence wedding of the year and it made me remember how incredibly special weddings are when they are held at the family home, or in this case, the summer home. This gorgeous property belongs to the groom’s parents, and it is where they have vacationed for many years. The residence is located on the coast of southern Massachusetts, in a tiny community known as Padania (or South Dartmouth for those not in the know!)
I started my day with Anne-Marie, her mom and sister, new mom-in-law Dora, and the bridesmaids. They were getting ready at a neighbor’s summer home just up the street, and it was yet another gorgeous place, full of beautiful antiques. The girls were spread through several rooms, doing their hair and makeup, and I was also delighted to find a couple of dogs joining in. I suggested the majestic drawing room on the first floor for Anne-Marie getting into her dress and I just adored this space with its huge windows and rich wood.
The ceremony was held on the huge lawn at Ben’s parents’ property, between two charming trees, and overlooking the sea. What a place! To hear and smell the sea while you are saying your vows – just perfect. There were some really cute kids involved in the ceremony too and I loved the floral wreaths made of Baby’s Breath on the little flower girls. The entire wedding party looked so stylish, in fact: Anne-Marie with her incredible vintage style gown, the girls in their mis-matched vintage dresses in various pastel hues, Ben in his seersucker suit for that Cape feel, and the guys in their own suits. It had a real garden party vintage chic feel (and it also felt very British – Anne-Marie definitely brought the English feel with her from home; she, like me, is from the UK).
During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed popcorn, a raw bar, and lobster rolls, while I headed down to the rocky beach for portraits with the bride and groom and wedding party. The sky was a soft, deep blue (my favorite kind) and the beach was picture perfect. We used a bench which had been gifted to Anne-Marie and Ben for some of the wedding party photos. The reception was held in a tent that was filled with gorgeous floral arrangements by Stone blossom Floral, and lit up beautifully by a huge glowing tree, and twinkle lights galore. It was so pretty! The evening was spent feasting family-style at the lovely farm tables from New England Country Rentals, and dancing to the band. The entire event was coordinated to perfection by Brandi at Blissful Events and other vendors included Newport Tent Company and Laura Hooper Calligraphy.
