Destination wedding photographer Heather Parker shared Lea & Mark’s wedding with us. Lea & Mark live in Chicago, and decided to head back to the area of Lea’s hometown for their wedding. The ceremony took place at 2nd Congregational Church, with the reception in the historic barn at The Red Lion Inn in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Lea was so kind to take the time to share some of their story with us! Enjoy!
How did the two of you meet?
Mark and I were introduced through mutual friends. Mark works in downtown Chicago in the treasury department of a major consulting firm. I teach English at high school in the Chicago suburbs. One of his coworkers, Kyle, is married to one of mine, Michelle. They thought we’d be a good match, which resulted in a first date at a Chicago restaurant. The rest is history!
Tell us about the proposal!
Mark and I both lived in Chicago at the time of the proposal. I left my apartment for work in the suburbs, and, when I got there, I had a (pretty miserable sounding) email from Mark telling me he was feeling under the weather. Being sick and staying home from work is pretty unusual for him, so I offered to bring chicken noodle soup over to his place after I finished coaching that afternoon. After school, I drove quickly back to my apartment to change clothes and let my dog out. When I got there, I found the back door open and delicious smells wafting out. Mark had stayed home to receive my ring, which was being delivered by FedEx. He wasn’t sick at all, made a fantastic dinner, and proposed over my favorite dessert—carrot cake.
What made you choose to have a destination wedding?
Though I’ve lived in Chicago for several years, coastal Massachusetts is where I’m from. While it was a destination for the majority of our guests, it’s home to me. Initially we considered having the wedding in Chicago (where we both live) or Colorado (where Mark lived and skied for a couple of years following college), but ultimately, there really is “no place like home.”
How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding?
Tough question! The Massachusetts seashore isn’t most people’s idea of a perfect destination in January (when our wedding was celebrated). We liked Cohasset because it’s close to my hometown, close to Boston, and has that fantastic, New England small town charm. The inn where we had our reception is historic and filled with character; it really serves as the hub of the town—situated in the center of the village proper. Across the street is a quaint, delicious French bakery, and the harbor is just half a mile down the hill. The barn structure at the Red Lion Inn (where we held our reception) captured the rustic, traditional style we were going for. Since it is so architecturally interesting, it required very little decoration.
What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
There are so many wonderful memories! It was incredible to see how many people were there who loved us. The smiles on the faces of our parents and loved ones and the enjoyment they took in our day was very special. Also, it’s not often that January 16th in coastal New England dawns bright and sunny! We were blessed with weather in the fifties and bluebird skies all day! I also really enjoyed the carrot cake!
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
There were several special details. I was fortunate to be able to wear a double strand of pearls that had belonged to Mark’s grandmother, who had passed away the year before our wedding. Also, because we both had grandparents who couldn’t be with us to share the day, I put together a “memory table” with each of their wedding pictures and candles commemorating the role each one played in our lives. Mark’s pastor from Omaha flew in to celebrate our wedding. As a result, the homily was beautifully personal and heartfelt. Pastor Zehnder has known Mark and his family for years, and, because we’d met together in the months leading up to the wedding, I felt he really knew me as well. The entire reception was done in navy and white—just a little bit nautical—which suited our location and our taste perfectly.
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
Being “captive” in a particular location with your closest family and friends really lends itself to a fantastic, ongoing party. On the Thursday night before our wedding, our entire wedding party gathered in Boston for a Celtics/Bulls game. The next morning, we all migrated down the coast together and spent the next two days enjoying each other’s company in Cohasset. Living at a fifteen room inn with those who are closest to you is a bit like picking your own neighbors in a college dorm. The sense of togetherness was fantastic. Because everyone feels like they’re away from home and on a vacation, they’re especially inclined to kick back, relax, and enjoy!
Did you honeymoon at your wedding destination, or go somewhere special afterwards?
Because I’m a teacher, taking a real honeymoon in January wasn’t a possibility. The night after the wedding, Mark and I spent the night at the new W Hotel Boston, then flew back to Chicago. The service at the W was top notch, by the way! We’re actually leaving on our delayed honeymoon this month—a week in the Riviera Maya (Mexico) at El Dorado Seaside Suites.
The Vendors who helped make this day special!
Ceremony Venue: 2nd Congregational Church, Cohasset, MA
Reception Venue: The Red Lion Inn, Cohasset, MA
Caterer: Joshua Botsford is the head chef at The Red Lion Inn. The food was spectacular!
Photography: Heather Parker
Ceremony Musicians: Brian Pierce, Organ and Piano; Jeff Marani and Jennifer Fearnley, Vocalists; Pat Stout, Trumpet
Florist: The Candy Jar, Pembroke, MA
Cake: Konditor Mesiter, Braintree, MA
Bride’s Dress: Pronovias “Harlem” in ivory, purchased from Eva’s in Orland Park, IL
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters and Watters, style 2422 in navy from NetBride
Groom’s Attire: Joseph Feiss cutaway morning coat tuxedos from Men’s Warehouse
Groomsmen’s Attire: As above
Stationary: Our Carlson Craft pocket invitations came from Paperelegance.com. Our ceremony programs were designed by Winsor Cobb Designs of Boston, and our nautical reception suite was produced by Etsy seller “buddyandbean.”
Cocktail Hour Musicians: Derek Van Slyck Jazz Combo
DJ: Aaron Topfer
Makeup Artist and Hairstylist: Charlotte Phinney, Scituate, MA
Jewelry – Bride’s necklace was a vintage piece from the groom’s family. Bride’s earrings and bracelet from Macy’s. Bride’s hair flower/feather from Etsy seller “VirginiaGeigerJewels.” Bridesmaids’ earrings and necklaces from Etsy seller “CindyVDesigns.”
Custom University of Nebraska/University of Illinois garter: Sew Unique Garters
Shoes: Grace “Amare” slingback heels
Transportation: Brewster Coach, Quincy, MA
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Atlantica, Cohasset, MA
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