From the newlyweds:
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What inspired you to have a Cape Cod wedding?
Our heart is on the Cape, and always has been. We were both born and raised here. This is where we belong and always want to be. When it came down to choosing where we would be married, there wasn’t any question, it’d be on Cape Cod surrounded by our dearest friends and family, most who reside here as well. We looked at several venues up and down the cape, always thought we’d be married toes in sand.. but as soon as we visited Willowbend we fell in love. I mean, how could you not? It was meant to be.
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What was your favorite thing about your reception Venue? What are some of the best memories of your wedding day?
How do you choose one thing? Our venue was absolutely stunning. Between the flowers and decor throughout, all of our personalized touches which made it that much more special, the PEOPLE who filled the room with so much love and joy, the brightness, music, and packed dance floor all night, the list goes on. Willowbend stands out in so many ways. We loved having the blank canvas of the ballroom. It was beautiful even without decor, so bright and airy, such a large space to fit our 200 guests. We could do anything with the room, so adding our personal decor, color, flowers, etc, made it truly come to life.. it was MAGIC. Their outdoor space on the golf course is so peaceful and romantic. The perfect setting for a perfect day.
Grooms favorite memories: so many things. Getting ready with the guys, reading the letter from my bride, and driving to the venue with my father. Seeing the venue before Samantha arrived and cheers-ing with my brother/best man. Having my father officiate the ceremony was extremely special to both of us. Seeing all the girls walk down the aisle, and to top it off Samantha as she walked down the stairs to one of our favorite songs. Getting to marry my best friend. Joining the sand from
the beach I grew up on with the one she grew up on into one. Wipping the golf cart. The feeling of Samantha’s gown. Listening to the best man and MOH speeches. Just seeing how happy all of our guests were and how much fun they were having.Brides favorite memories: Getting ready with my favorite ladies. Standing in the golf shop waiting for ceremony to begin and peeking out the window with my MOH at all of our guests being seated. The moment I was at the top of the stairs and made eye contact with Pete for the first time and seeing how handsome he looked. Dancing down the aisle after we were married to Sign, Sealed, Delivered. Coming up to cocktail hour from taking photos to all of our guests cheering for us still gives me chills. Seeing the decorated venue for the first time brought tears to my eyes. Listening to such heartfelt speeches, and how my father said some words I wasn’t expecting. Walking back into the ballroom from taking photos and realizing all of these people are here for US. The dancing.. and how all the Gilrein’s started the dance party before dinner with Scenes from an Italian restaurant! Taking in every little moment with the love of the life. It was all one big memory.
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What were some special touches / details for your wedding day?
We went for a rustic chic look for our wedding. Pete is a merchant mariner so we wanted to add nautical without being too cookie cutter. We did some decor with nautical rope and twine. Guests were greeted by a handmade wooden sign by Modern vintage Design that says, “It was always you” which was the perfect saying for already sharing 10 years together. Whiskey barrels marked the aisle with white hydrangeas in cylindrical bases.A chalkboard sign welcoming guests to our wedding. Lots of flowers, eucalyptus,, candles, votives. Rustic wooden shutters were used for seating arrangements. Each guest table was named after something that shaped our relationship, examples being, Wells Beach, ME where we were engaged, Nauset Outer, Porch nights, St. Thomas, Woodview Drive, our first house together, to name a few. A long farm table as the head table was absolute perfection, and named the Park and Ride which is where we met in high school. Our signature cocktail was a twist on a Bellini, we called it the “Gil-rini.” Instead of a guest book we had Modern Vintage Design make a beautiful wooden sign with our last name and est. 2017, that everyone signed.
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What were your wedding colors for bridesmaids dresses and flowers. Any special wedding party gifts / favors?
Bridesmaids wore Sorella Vita gowns in “vintage rose.” Wedding colors were cobalt blue (men), blush, pale pinks, whites and ivories. Flowers were white hydrangeas, different shades of pale pink roses, blush and white peonies, white ranunculus, and eucalyptus.
We went all out with wedding party gifts!! Bridesmaids, flower girls, and moms, all got beautiful robes from Plum Pretty Sugar. Flower girls also got personalized totes with their names on them. Littlest got a few activity books in hers. Oldest got a embroidered handkerchief from us that she will use as her “something old” on her wedding day someday. Bridesmaids and moms each got a Kate Spade purse, MOH got a matching wallet with hers. Our parents each got a bottle of wine with a personalized label with a message from us on it. All groommen got cooler bags and engraved leather wallets with their last names on them. Dads got the same plus a engraved pocket knife or watch. Best man also got an engraved pocket knife. Junior groomsmen got a watch! Ring bearer got an engraved hockey puck and tee-shirt, “I dig being the ring bearer” with a front end loader on it, and sunglasses.
The fabulous wedding professionals:
Coordination & Planning: Terry Morris, Willowbend
Florals: Beach Plum Floral Design
Hair: Tjona Storm with True Style Hair
Makeup: Jessica (Bobbi Brown)
DJ: Cape Tunes
Photography: Amanda & Michelle for Shoreshotz#joyfullygilrein #martinaliana
