Real Wedding: Julie & Brendan
Every once and awhile a wedding comes around that is so perfect, it simply must be shared. From the location to the dress to the color palette, the nuptials of Julie Ryder and Brendan Lammers at the Commandant’s House in Charlestown, Ma., in September was just that sort of event. We here at Newport Wedding Glam were IN LOVE with how this beautiful bride executed her “something old” concept by having her talented florist from Studio 123 string her father’s World War II dog tags into her gorgeous bouquet. We are tearing up just thinking about the significance and emotionality of such a gesture. The couple chose Melissa Mermin to photograph their special day and you can see for yourself the stunning job she did.
Other details that we thought were so neat were the hand-made (by the bride and bride’s maids), nautical-themed coasters that the couple passed out as favors. In Julie’s own words the coasters contained images that were “mainly of Charlestown Navy Yard and Boston Harbor, but some are different for guests who come from or vacation in coastal towns i.e (the) bride’s sister lives in Plymouth, Ma., (so) her coasters are of Plymouth Harbor. (The) groom’s family is from Weymouth, (so) theirs are of Weymouth Harbor, etc.”
Every detail of the fete was executed perfectly. The couple’s ring bearer carried a pillow made from a recycled sailboat and all of the tables were named either after ships build in the Charlestown Navy Yard or after vessels that contained personal significance to guests. For example, Julie’s father served on the LCM 803 during WWII so his table was named for that ship. One last detail we wanted to draw your attention to is the oyster boat from Island Creek Oysters the couple had out for guests enjoy. What a perfect addition to any New England wedding!
Click here to see the full, glamorous gallery of images!
“Brendan and I got married in September 2011 at the Commandant’s House in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA. We picked the locations because, while we wanted a wedding outside and near the water, we didn’t want all of our guests to have to fight Cape Cod traffic, and wanted something a little different than a standard beach wedding. The location was beautiful—city and sea views, the history and charm of the USS Constitution in the background, and perfect for a nautical themed wedding.
Brendan and I loved planning every detail of our day. From the invitations (made by a friend) to the wedding favors (made by me and my family) we had so much fun working on every little thing. We tried to make it as personal as possible—tables were named for US Naval ships meaningful to our guests, our dogs were prominently displayed on wine bottles on each table, the interior of the house was decorated with family wedding photos, and the nautical map coasters that served as favors were personalized to reflect where guests lived or vacationed.
Brendan and I had one goal—make it a party our friends and family would remember. I think we accomplished that (in large part thanks to our band Sweet Tooth and the Sugar Babies who were fantastic and kept the party going.) We have also been complimented a few times that the food was the best anyone had seen at a wedding. (Thanks Gourmet Caterers). Most importantly, Brendan and I had the time of our lives and were so thrilled our friends and family could celebrate the day with us. The day was the perfect start to many happy days together, and we are very fortunate to have Melissa Merman’s beautiful photos to remember our day.”
Credits: Photographer: Melissa Mermin Florist: Studio 123, Wedding Planner: Ronda Flashen, Entertainment Concepts Inc., Caterer: Gourmet Caterers, Cupcakes: Five Bites Cupcakes, Lighting: Peterson Party Center, Band/DJ: Sweet Tooth and the Sugar Babies, Oyster Boat: Island Creek Oysters
Thank you so much for including me on Newport Glam! I’m so proud to be featured!