Wedding at Independence Harbor || Jackie and Alex
“And I have made the most important discovery of my career, the most important discovery of my life. It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reasons can be found.” - A Beautiful Mind
I am very excited to share this amazing wedding! Jackie and Alex had a beautiful October day for their wedding at Independence Harbor, a wedding venue south of Boston. Such a gorgeous spot! And I had so much fun - I felt like one of the family, hanging out with Jackie and Alex’s loved ones all day.
Ceremony and Reception at: Independence Harbor, Assonet, MA
I love this story of how Jackie and Alex got engaged!
Alex and I had talked about marriage in our relationship so it wasn’t a surprise that Alex proposed in a general sense but I was surprised the day it did happen if that makes sense? Alex used to work offshore so he would be home for short spurts and gone for sometimes weeks to a couple months at a time. The day we got engaged Alex was literally in town for THE DAY before he had to go back out to sea. We went out to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner, Doc’s, and part of me had a feeling that maybe this would be the night but I looked at his pants pockets and didn’t see the outline for a ring box so I kinda shrugged it off.
After dinner we decided to go for a walk on the beach which wasn’t an unusual thing for us to do so I wasn’t on high alert or anything. As we’re driving on the beach to find a place to park I see some.... stuff in the distance on the beach and I go to Alex “what is all that?” And he was like oh I dunno. At first I thought it was trash and started ragging on how disgusting people are and can you believe they left all their stuff on the beach? And Alex just made some noncommittal noises but I was on too much of a tear to notice. Then as we got closer I noticed everything was laid out in a sort of pattern and that there were flowers so I was like “oh no Alex. It’s not trash. I think there might have been some sort of memorial service here!” And again I got some noncommittal noises. So we park and get out of the car and see a sign that says “where we met” and I go “wait no! I think it was a wedding! These people met where we met!” At this point I don’t know why Alex just didn’t call the whole thing off and be like wow this chick is dumb. Eventually I realized it was all set up so Alex could propose!
I have asked Jackie some questions about the wedding day, her answers are in italics throughout.
I love being there, and having the time, to get these candid moments of Jackie and her bridesmaids/man getting ready. It can be a little chaotic with so many people getting ready in a hotel room, but I embrace it!
I didn’t have too many expectations for the wedding because on the chance that something didn’t go go plan I didn’t want to be upset and let it affect the day. My vision/expectations were really just to have a wedding that wasn’t really pomp and circumstance and just wanted everyone to have a nice day.
Oh the things we must do to prepare for the big day!
This was my first time at this southshore wedding venue, Independence Harbor. I’m glad that I had some time before the ceremony to look around - it’s a beautiful spot - and this was a perfect October day to be outside to enjoy the immaculately landscaped grounds.
For me I felt like the most anticipated part of the day was walking down the aisle to Alex. It felt like a moment with a lot of build up.
Jackie had her bridesmaids wear fascinators, and encouraged the women guests to wear them as well. So many people did! It was so great.
During the ceremony I was nervous but they were good nerves. I was especially nervous about my vows. I’m not typically the most effusive when it comes to talking about my feelings so saying my personally written vows in front of everyone was a big deal for me.
Jackie and Alex’s wedding party was so much fun!
I was afraid, not so much with you specifically but wedding photos as a whole, that they would feel very disingenuous or forced but it didn’t turn out that way at all! I felt like you gave enough direction that we didn’t feel like we were floundering but no so much that things felt stiff.
You were so relaxed! And that was really great because I felt like I was stressed about getting all the right pictures and you were just like “we’ll get them, don’t worry” and that helped REALLY put me at ease!
Some hilarious toasts! Reaction shots are my favorite.
I love that Jackie did a special dance with both her mom and her dad.
The party was great! But definitely went by WAY TOO QUICK. Like. 5.5 hours went by and somehow I felt like I didn’t get a chance to talk to everyone somehow?? But it was still a really great time.
This was such a fun exit, lots of noisemakers and cheering :)
And then Alex surprised Jackie with this cool vintage getaway car!
Congrats, you two! Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of your gorgeous wedding at Independence Harbor!
What is one suggestion you have for other couples who are planning their weddings?
If you’re planning your wedding yourself like I did (as opposed to hiring a wedding planner) writing a weekly to do list is a big help!! I’m pretty Type A so I was constantly writing to do lists at LEAST every week, sometimes writing new/updated ones every couple of days and it really helped me stay on top of what needed to get done and who I needed to email/contact.
The awesome vendors that made this wedding at Independence Harbor happen :)
Florist: Green Akers Florist
Cake: Dessert Works
DJ: Victor Barruzza (Entertainment Specialists)
Officiant: Rev. Deborah Hoch
Jeweler: Hefez and Sons (Mansfield MA)
Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Style and Grace Salon (Raynham)
Suit/Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
While you’re here, check out these other weddings on Boston’s south shore!