The magnificent beachfront tableau staged for the bride and groom’s pre-wedding luncheon strikes a dramatic note. The palette: platinum, ocean blue, and hues of abalone. Bathed in sunlight, each decorative artifact featured is brought to life as if sprinkled with gold dust. The bespoke table is adorned with gleaming brass candlesticks, a marble, sterling and brass cake pedestal, and natural walnut wood and brass flatware, set alongside earthenware dishes. An ecru silk tulle runner lies beneath a sea of faux moss, artfully showcasing an exhibit of scattered oyster, cockle, conch, scallop, cerith, shark eye, and king’s crown seashells, and the perfect appointments… hand-poured oyster shell candles. An abundance of candlelight lends a romantic ambiance while natural poufs of dried sand-colored pampas grass, bearded iris, and blush mother-of-pearl roses act as the focal point of the table. The exclusive “Soleil” luncheon-for-two is punctuated with a custom sculpted cake graced with hand-painted edible sugar seashells.
Accoutrements
Guests attending this exceptional celebration were welcomed with generous custom “weekend picnic baskets” offering the “bare essentials” for two: a custom beach blanket, custom beach towels, flip-flops, sunglasses, suntan lotion, citronella sea salt outdoor incense, custom branded matchbooks, a selection of fine wine (the product of a renowned local vineyard), and certificates for the service of customized seaside charcuterie boards rendered upon request by the inn’s chef. Attached atop each picnic basket was a hand-calligraphed parchment scroll featuring the weekend’s itinerary. Detailing the wedding specifics and logistics, as well as an invitation to roam freely, the itinerary highlighted local attractions… bike rentals/paths, scenic trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, hearth-side fires and poetry readings, sunset fireside s’mores, and noteworthy weekend excursions, such as a secluded sunset sail. The parchment scroll was rolled, bound with seagrass braid and a sterling seashell, then tucked inside a glass bottle and corked.
The Ceremony
Inspired by the beauty nature effortlessly exudes, the tranquil setting for the ceremony took place on a dock surrounded by the opulence of the ocean. Guests were escorted to this enchanting site by virtue of a series of slate blue gauze flags gently waving atop bamboo poles, coaxing them to their destination. Upon meandering through a serene meadow path, to seaside sand, they encountered a stunning spectacle ideally suited to a serendipitous photo op… a custom “sailor’s swing”, fashioned by a local artisan carpenter. The swing featured an authentic boat suspended from wood framework, enhanced with custom tailored linen seat cushions, decorative gauze accents, and clusters of pampas grass. The intimate aurora ceremony captured the magnificence of the rising sun casting a lustre on all beneath it. Natural clusters of ornamental grass (dried dune grass, pampas grass, fountain grass, sea oats), local wildflowers, bearded iris, and blush mother-of-pearl roses, accentuated the dock where strung glass globe lighting illuminated the seaside stage.
The Reception
Alive with the splendor of summer, the sprawling meadow served as an elegant reception venue replete with a natural vibrant emerald carpet of grass. Here, in this haven, guests could bask in the ambiance nature provided. The abundance of natural light, lush gardens, and nearby ocean spoke to the efficacy of the design concept. A custom reclaimed wood arbor echoing the floral palette of the ceremony embraced the table set for the bride and groom. Beneath a ceiling of strung glass globe lighting, guest tables featured platinum linens and ocean-blue napkins, a nod to the native tones.
