Jen and Brendan’s story began on the University of Virginia swim team, where early mornings, shared dedication, and countless hours together laid the foundation for a lasting connection. After graduation, the couple navigated years of long distance between Boston and New York, proving that their relationship could go the distance. When Brendan later moved to San Francisco, Jen followed a year later, and together they built a life by the ocean—the same place where Brendan proposed. Their Cape Cod wedding felt like a full-circle moment, bringing their story back to the water that has played such a meaningful role throughout their relationship.
When it came time to plan their wedding at Wychmere Beach Club with the help of Jessica Hennessey Weddings, Jen and Brendan envisioned a celebration that felt timeless, elegant, and deeply connected to the coast. Inspired by their love of New England summers, ocean living, and classic coastal design, they created a wedding captured by Meredith Jane Photography that beautifully blended modern elegance with traditional New England charm.
Coastal wedding design inspiration
The aesthetic for the wedding celebration was modern elegance meets New England traditional. Every detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s love of the coast while maintaining a refined and timeless atmosphere.
Timeless New England bridal style
Jen’s bridal style embodied the same timeless elegance that defined the overall celebration. She wore a custom Anne Barge gown crafted from floral-embossed jacquard fabric featuring a classic A-line silhouette, an arched strapless neckline, a signature cuff detail in pearl, a front slit, and buttons extending to the hem. Originally designed with straps, the gown was custom-created as a strapless version with the cuff detail, resulting in a look that felt both classic and uniquely her own.
One of the most meaningful details was hidden within her bouquet. Wrapped around the stems was her baby bonnet, handmade by her great-aunt, honoring a cherished Irish family tradition and creating a beautiful connection between generations.
Amsale bridesmaids dresses
The bridesmaids complemented the wedding’s coastal palette in Amsale gowns in the color Dusk. Crafted from textured faille fabric and featuring a natural waistline with a trumpet skirt silhouette, the dresses added sophistication while reinforcing the timeless New England aesthetic. Together, the wedding party created a cohesive and elegant visual story that felt perfectly suited to the coastal setting.
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Waterfront ceremony design
The ceremony embraced the beauty of the waterfront setting while remaining true to the couple’s vision of timeless coastal elegance. Surrounded by loved ones and framed by the natural beauty of the water, the ceremony felt intimate, romantic, and deeply personal. Every detail reflected the couple’s desire to create a celebration centered on family, tradition, and meaningful connection.
Timeless floral style: blue and white hydrangeas
The floral design by Beach Plum Floral was lush, abundant, and effortlessly romantic. Blue and white hydrangeas anchored the arrangements, joined by roses, garden roses, sweet pea, and delphinium. The layered floral palette enhanced the coastal color story while adding texture, movement, and softness throughout the celebration. From the ceremony florals to the reception arrangements, the flowers felt timeless and elegant while remaining perfectly in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
New England-inspired cocktail hour
Cocktail hour fully embraced the flavors of New England and the couple’s love of coastal entertaining. Guests enjoyed an impressive raw bar featuring shrimp and oysters alongside passed hors d’oeuvres including baked scallops, tuna poke nachos, classic crab cakes, tender chicken skewers, Mediterranean grilled lamb lollipops, clam chowder shooters, and an abundant charcuterie display.
A signature cocktail also celebrated their shared love of Cape Cod and summer. Guests enjoyed a Cape Cod Lemonade crafted with Tito’s Vodka, native blueberries, and agave—a refreshing coastal-inspired cocktail that perfectly complemented the setting.
Sand dollar escort display
Some of the most memorable design elements were also the most personal. At the escort wall display, sand dollars served as place card holders, a meaningful nod to Jen and Brendan’s love for the ocean and Ocean Beach, where they live. The couple personally collected each sand dollar, transforming a simple escort display into a thoughtful reflection of their life together.
Reception design: coastal sophistication
The reception carried the same balance of coastal sophistication and welcoming hospitality. The reception design centered on a palette of coastal blues and crisp whites, layered with linen textures and soft floral accents throughout the room. Blue and white hydrangeas served as the foundation of the floral design, creating a romantic aesthetic that perfectly harmonized with the water views surrounding the celebration. The result felt breezy yet polished, coastal yet classic—a perfectly balanced wedding where every element worked in harmony.
Layered linens, blue and white florals, and petite floral arrangements throughout the room created an atmosphere that felt polished yet approachable. Every design element contributed to a celebration that was elevated without feeling overly formal.
Dinner featured a refined menu of steak and fish, allowing guests to enjoy a classic and satisfying dining experience while celebrating alongside family and friends.
Detail we love: late-night surprises
As the evening continued and the dance floor filled, the couple surprised guests with a series of late-night favorites passed on silver platters. Cheeseburgers, hot pretzels, pizza, and fries kept the energy high and gave guests a nostalgic and delicious way to continue the celebration. The playful late-night offerings perfectly reflected the couple’s desire to create an event that felt welcoming, joyful, and memorable from beginning to end.
The takeaway: a timeless waterfront celebration
From hand-collected sand dollars and lush hydrangea-filled florals to meaningful family traditions and coastal-inspired cuisine, every detail of Jen and Brendan’s wedding reflected their story. Rooted in New England tradition yet elevated through thoughtful design, the celebration felt elegant, personal, and effortlessly timeless. Most importantly, it reflected the life they have built together by the water—making their Cape Cod wedding a beautiful full-circle beginning to their next chapter.
