“John and Megan met in 2010, about a year after Megan moved to Massachusetts from Illinois, chasing her love for the sea. They had a long courtship with a relationship based on adventure, travel, the beach, Marvel, pizza and of course love and friendship. They got married on May 12, 2017, on the Nantucket Sound in Falmouth Heights, Cape Cod, the same town they had their first date in seven years ago.

All the invitations, programs, seashell escort cards, thank you cards, guestbook, centerpieces, signage, cake toppers etc was done DIY by Meg the bride {who is an uber creative and graphic designer}. All the littlest details where thought out, from the groomsmen’s Avengers cuff links and socks, to the rope knotted boutonnieres, the bridesmaids gold starfish hair jewelry, to the pastel and free-flowing design of the bridesmaid dresses.” –Ashley Tilton

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Every time we think back to this day, we remember something different that made it so special! From the look on my husbands face during our first look, to dancing back down the aisle to “Everything is Awesome”. Our cake cutting with a sword, Keytar Bear, our surprise guest entertainer {Boston street musician, he’s amazing!} to our last dance where we were encircled by all our family and friends.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

This day was so special to us, we had been planning for close to two years! We worked so hard to plan a day that reflected our love, with all our favorite people in one place.

We got married on the Nantucket Sound in Falmouth, Cape Cod, the same town we had our first date in seven years ago. We wanted a small intimate wedding, that reflected who we are as a couple. We both have a connection to the ocean so it was only natural to get married in the sand, overlooking the sea. I wanted the decor to be natural to its environment. I used driftwood as signs. The circle we stood in was designed by our florist, and featured seashells, rope, driftwood, and greenery.

Our ceremony was short and sweet, personalized to the very last detail, such as when we exchanged rings and said “By the sea, I pledge my love to thee” We did an Irish hand fasting to honor Johns Irish heritage and grandfather, but used a nautical rope to represent the sea. The DIY ceremony programs stood in a treasure chest in the sand, where they were rolled, tied with rope, and designed to be like a treasure map.

The decor inside the reception reflected our love for the sea and travel. We opted for centerpieces that featured books on the sea/travel and our love for whales and ships vs the traditional flowers. We had a lot of fun weekends searching old bookstores for the centerpieces, and the books are still a part of our library today. We had personalized drinks inspired by us and the sea {John was a Dark and Stormy, I was a Light and Breezy}. Our love for cake was featured in multiple personalized cakes, and John’s love for Game of Thrones and Vikings inspired the sword-cutting.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Focus on making this day about you and your fiancé! It’s okay to stray from traditional, and do something more personable and meaningful, it’s what’s going to make your day more special and memorable to you {and your guests as well!} -Megan, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Ashley Tilton // Photography Second Shooter: Gene Bergeron // Venue: Soprano's Casino by the Sea // Wedding Invitations, Signage + Calligraphy: The Bride // Officiant: William Candler // Florist: KJ Floral Designs // DJ + Photobooth: Cape Tunes // Entertainment: Keytar Bear // Cake: Artisan Bake Shop // Bride's Attire: Sposabella Bridal // Bride's Shoes: DSW // Bridesmaid's Attire: David's Bridal // Hair: Just Hair // Make-up: Make-up by Nicole Pierce // Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Warehouse