A Classy Cape Cod Wedding

On Saturday June 27th Vanessa and Jason pledged their love to each other in front of their closest family and friends. What was originally meant to be a big, beautiful wedding in NYC, then Virginia, turned into a special and intimate ceremony and reception on the Cape hosted by all of their loved ones. Vanessa’s father and godfather, both well-renowned French chefs, prepared all of the meals and appetizers (and might I add, the food was exceptional!), a group of Vanessa’s girlfriends designed the bouquets and flower arrangements, and many others pulled together to help plan and execute this dream in just a month’s time! The results are absolutely stunning, and I’m so excited to share their day with all of you.

Notice anything special about those adorable La Vie en Rose shoes?! Yes! The bride and I both have a special connection to that saying! It was the song I danced to at my wedding and Vanessa actually wanted that to be her song, too! Vanessa, born in France and raised in the French culture while growing up in NYC, has a love for her heritage and showcased that as the theme for her wedding day; delicious wines paired with beautiful French melodies and the sweet sound of her native language floating in the air gave the impression guests were dining and mingling along the place de tetre in Paris; which, just so happens to be Vanessa and Jason’s favorite place to visit!

Some of Vanessa and Jason’s family and close friends could not be there to help them celebrate due to the pandemic, but they were there thanks to Facetime! How lucky are we to live in a time where technology is such a major part of our lives? I know it meant the world to all of them that they were able to still be connected. The two bridesmaids that were not able to be there still wore their getting ready shirts and their dresses! That made my heart so happy, and I’m sure it helped to fill the void Vanessa was feeling.

I just LOVE first looks! The bride and groom rarely have time to themselves during their wedding day, and incorporating a first look is a great way to ensure a little time for the couple to savor one another and really take in the fact that today is the first day of the rest of their lives. Plus, it’s one of the sweetest moments of the whole day!

How gorgeous is this garden at The Dan’l Webster Inn in Sandwich, MA?! Just wait until you see how amazing the inside of the Inn is! It definitely makes for some stunning portraits! Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite images of the day!

that just married feeling!

Would it even be a COVID wedding without a surprise drive-by parade?! Jason’s father is a retired Sandwich Fire Chief, so no Russell wedding is complete without a send off from the Fire Department! Being part of the fire family IS pretty cool!

After the parade I brought Vanessa and Jason inside to do some portraits. If you’re looking for pure elegance, this is the place to be. I’m in love with these shots we were able to get while we waited for the rain to take a break.

Is rain forecasted on your wedding day? Embrace it, and make sure you get a few umbrella shots! They’re ADORABLE! And no matter what, take time for your Mr. and Mrs. portraits! We traveled just a few minutes out of the way to snag these at the Sandwich Boardwalk. Worth it, don’t you think? When you’re getting married on such a beautiful place like Cape Cod, make sure Cape Cod is in your photos!

We kicked off the evening with a champagne saber, followed by dancing and heartfelt toasts. Truly a perfect day, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it!

Congrats to The Russells!

Eat, drink, and be MARRIED!!

with love from the lens,

ashley