Claudia + Elizabeth | a Preservation Hall Wedding in Wellfleet, Cape Cod

What an amazing wedding! I love when we get to photograph a wedding where everyone present feels like one close-knit family… this is what Claudia and Elizabeth’s Wellfleet wedding was like – intimate, fun, joyful, and full of love and style! Jonathan Raiola and his team from Dejana/Raiola Events designed and coordinated the weekend’s festivities, and Jonathan and his business partner Regina hit it out of the park! The Chequesset Yacht Club and Preservation Hall in Wellfleet were lovely settings for the weekend’s festivities.

In true Cape Cod fashion, Claudia and Elizabeth treated all of their guests to a perfectly New England style clam bake at the Chequesset Yacht Club. The rolled up sails and rigging made a beautiful backdrop for the fresh sea air and casually elegant lobster dinner. Mac’s Seafood catered both the clam bake as well as the wedding day reception, and all of the food and service was impeccable.

The wedding day was perfect – not too hot, not too cool, and most thankfully, no rain! Preservation Hall is a gorgeous venue! I was fascinated with the ornate carved wooden artwork throughout the former church, the stained glass, and the history of the building. The space is intimate yet spacious, and a perfect backdrop for a wedding. A highlight of the day for me was Mexico Lindo, an amazing Mariachi band, which led the brides into the ceremony, followed them out after the ceremony, and proceeded to sing and play for the guests during the courtyard cocktail hour. While the guests enjoyed cocktails outside, the seating was cleared from the ceremony area, and two long tables were set for the reception dinner. Jonathan and his team transformed the space with lush natural greens, white wildflowers and lilies, and lux white linens, warmed up just a touch with sparkling golden votives. Dancing followed the reception in the downstairs, which worked perfectly, because the dance floor doors opened onto the courtyard where guests could step out for some fresh air and a visit to the outdoor bar that was well stocked with several of the couple’s favorite cocktails.

Aren’t these birdies cute! And by the way, this wedding cake by Cottage Street Bakery in Orleans may be the BEST carrot cake I have EVER eaten… YUM!!!

Congratulations Claudia and Elizabeth! You and your family and friends were a joy to photograph, and I’m so happy that Tamara and I could be part of your very special day!