Coastal weddings are having a moment, but we rarely come across one with a fall palette—and this couple totally nailed it! Soft pastels mingled with deep, earthy tones, creating the perfect blend of the classic coastal aesthetic and the season. Keep scrolling to see every last detail from this beautiful day, from the vineyard ceremony to the tented reception, captured by the talented Rachel Pearlman Photography.
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The Proposal
In the fall of 2023, Emily planned a full itinerary for a couple’s weekend getaway to Charleston—a city close to her heart from her college years. “Little did I know Brett had very different plans!” she shared. Upon arrival, Brett mentioned he had a surprise in store: a sunset boat ride before dinner at one of their favorite spots. Emily, surprised that Brett had arranged this on his own, felt a fleeting moment of suspicion. When the boat pulled up to a sandbar near the Morris Island Lighthouse, Brett dropped to one knee and proposed. The weekend that followed was filled with joy and celebration. “I still don’t know how Brett managed to pull off this incredible weekend full of the best surprises,” Emily said.
The Vision: Fall Coastal Chic
With help from Cristina Calvert Weddings, Emily and Brett’s wedding captured the soft, seaside charm of Cape May—a dream come true for Emily, who had always envisioned marrying in this beloved New Jersey town. Set at the Isaac Smith Vineyard, their celebration embodied a “fall coastal chic” aesthetic, blending natural elegance with warmth and ease. The ceremony took place beneath the trees, which the couple described as “effortless.”
The reception, held beneath a sailcloth tent, embraced the vineyard’s natural setting with fall-toned florals, grapes, and seasonal fruits adorning the centerpieces. The florist, Wild Indigo, even created 18-foot “trees” that wrapped around the tent poles, adding an organic, immersive touch. White and blue striped linens introduced a preppy yet polished element, while the glow of table lamps, flickering candles, and live music transformed the evening into an intimate, feel-good dinner party.
The Stationery
The epitome of Southern elegance, the formal invitation suite featured the couple’s monogram and watercolor illustrations of the weekend’s venues and events. They continued the motif throughout, using the florals from the linens on the velum envelope and the monogram and florals on the wedding programs.
The Fashion
Emily wore a timeless A-line ballgown with an empire waist and square neckline. Her bridesmaids were radiant as well, in an array of magenta and pink floor-length dresses. For the black-tie affair, Brett donned a classic tuxedo in an unexpected color: navy blue! Later that evening, when it was really time to break it down, Emily changed into an adorable beaded mini dress.
The Flower Girl
The wedding party made their way through the vineyard beneath a lush canopy of branches, while the couple’s English bulldog, Cholula, charmed guests as the “flower girl,” riding down the aisle in a white wagon.
A Nod To Heritage
After the ceremony, the sound of bagpipes led guests to cocktail hour—an homage to Emily’s parents and her Scottish heritage, who had a bagpiper at their own wedding.
The Cake
The couple cut into a simple yet elegant three-tiered wedding cake with buttercream frosting. The classic cake was topped with fresh flowers to complete the look.
