Denise & George’s Magical Cape Cod Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / MASSACHUSETTS & BEYOND

Denise and George’s Cape Cod elopement, which included their two kids, was such a heartfelt and adventurous day. When Denise first called and mentioned they’d love to adventure on the Cape, my first thought was this remote and secluded lighthouse that was only accessible via a 4x4 vehicle and a permit. They were completely game and even went a couple of days early to make sure they could secure the permit and test drive the route to see if their vehicle could make it! Needless to say, they accomplished it, and what followed was an incredibly beautiful and adventurous day with their two kids along for the ride.

At this point in their relationship, Denise and George had been together for over a decade and had known one another even longer. They wanted a day to truly celebrate their “little love pack” and include parts of the adventure that everyone would enjoy while keeping the focus on their union with one another. They visit the Cape every year, so this year they thought they would go one extra time and include a special day for celebrating their love.

The kids were totally game to enjoy the day with them and had an absolute blast the entire time. From running around in the sand to seeing a seal to eating lobster rolls it was their idea of a great day too. The fog rolled in during the evening ceremony, and although we didn’t get a dreamy sunset we did get a really cool misty aura that surrounded us. I like to tell my couples that every type of weather is truly special and memorable if you go into it with the right attitude. In fact, it’s some of the “bad weather” days that make for the best days in my opinion, and some of the perfectly sunny days that make for the toughest lighting conditions as a photographer. They had a great attitude and even managed to sneak in an outfit change in the middle of the day.

The drive out on the 4x4 road wasn’t too bad, just a little soft and deep in a few places. But George kept his speed through those spots and managed it perfectly. We found a little spot on the dunes with both views of the lighthouse and the ocean for the ceremony spot. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows and the kids looked away when their parents shared their first kiss as married people. Everyone ran down the dune after, ready for some celebration dinner, and spotted several seals bobbing in the water checking out what was going on. There was only one other car way down the beach and almost out of sight. It truly felt like they had a private beach completely to themselves for their day.

We laid out a picnic blanket and watched it get dark while enjoying the sounds of the ocean and the food. Then we started the drive back, making a stop at the lighthouse for some photos, before doing the rest of the 4x4 drive. Luckily, we didn’t get stuck, as digging out in formalwear would have been a unique challenge. All in all Denise and George created a day that they will remember for a lifetime, and their kids will as well, no doubt.