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Tori + Blake {A Mussel Themed Seaside Wedding}

Nov 13, 2015

Mussel shells, cerulean watercolor, mother of pearl, white garden roses and Dutch hydrangea — these are the makings of a classically gorgeous New England seaside wedding. 

This past September, AYE had the privilege of planning an incredible wedding alongside chic East Coast gal Tori Snow Cruice, the heart of the lifestyle blog Made by New England. When I met with Tori and Blake at the Taj Lounge in Boston, I felt like I was meeting old friends. Together the three of us sipped champagne and spent a few hours chatting about their wedding vision and plans for a seaside wedding in Marblehead, MA at the Eastern Yacht Club. Between Tori and Blake’s impeccable and classic taste and their love for what is sentimental, I knew this wedding would be remarkable.

Tori and Blake selected the Eastern Yacht Club because of it’s meaning to Tori and her family. Tori spent her childhood summers sailing in and out of the EYC to Nantucket and along the coast with her family. And even more importantly, it’s the venue where Tori’s parents were married 30 years ago.

Wedding design inspiration came from the gorgeous coloring of mussel shells. With the help of wedding brand artist and graphic designer Kearsley Lloyd, Tori had a bespoke watercolor wedding brand (complete with a perfectly chic monogram) created, which set the tone for the Cruices’ Wedding Day. From the lush and bountiful white blooms (including our favorite dinner plate Dahlias), to a white rose petal toss, a victory lap and champagne toast on the EYC boat, the firing of the cannon at sunset, to the sparkler send off, Tori and Blake’s wedding was the perfect seaside fete. And our talented photographer Ned Jackson captured the day with hundreds of ethereal photos of every curated detail.

Tori and Blake, your wedding was filled with so much love, meaning, hospitality and exciting surprises for your guests! Working with you to create a day that speaks volumes about who you are as a couple was such an incredible honor. I am forever grateful for you.

Tori’s dress will forever be an AYE favorite. Spoiler alert: the back had everyone swooning! 

This wedding party was one of the BEST I have ever encountered. Lively, hilarious and punctual is a rarity! 

That envelope liner though! 

This unique wedding party parade through the street of Marblehead was hands down my favorite part of Tori and Blake’s wedding. Lead trumpeter from the Ward Eights led our bridal party and guests to their transportation; an open air trolley for guests and a gorgeous launch boat for the bridal party!

Every single mussel shell used at this wedding was handpicked by the lovely mother of the bride. Adding them to the guest table centerpieces was the perfect touch, bringing the design full circle.

Tori and Blake lovingly made rosemary local sea salt as escort cards and favors for their guests. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, and salt, of course, was a token from the quintessential seaside town.

The back of Tori’s dress — no words.

Friends, I hope you loved the details and design of this wedding as much as I did. I can safely say that this one will always be at the top of my list.

Have a lovely Friday! Cheers to a wonderful weekend! 

XO

Event Planning: Always Yours Events || Photography: Ned Jackson Photography || Venue + Catering: The Eastern Yacht Club || Ceremony: Old North Church, Marblehead || Floral Design: Flowers by Darlene || Wedding Branding: Kearsley Lloyd || Entertainment: The Ward Eights || Transportation: Beantown Trolley and Marblehead Harbor Launch || Calligraphy: Posh and Prep || Invitations: Albertine Press || Wedding Dress: Mikaella from Madeleine’s Daughter || Bridesmaids Fashion: Ann Taylor || Groomsmen’s Fashion: Men’s Warehouse || Bowties: Collard Greens