A Bright Waterfront Wedding at Popponesset Inn in Mashpee, Massachusetts

Melanie Ahern (35 and a literary coach) and Michael Morrison (36 and a locomotive engineer) knew they wanted to be married at the beach. "I described what I wanted as having the ocean as a guest at my wedding," Melanie says. The couple had their wedding at the Popponesset Inn in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Their ceremony and reception took place under a tented structure by the water. "The venue is called a tent, but it's a permanent wooden structure with a canvas roof and half-walls that open to the beach," Melanie says. The couple chose a modern color palette of green and purple, and their decor was beautifully captured by House of Lubold Photography. Floral design at this vibrant wedding consisted primarily of green and purple chrysanthemums and viburnum, which wreathed the dining tables and looked beautiful in the bridal party's bouquets. At their wedding, Melanie and Michael honored their family members who had passed away. "We had a head table that left a seat empty next to Mike with a photo of his brother to mark his place," Melanie says. "I had a slide show to honor not only my father, but also to honor the men in my life who have 'fathered' me in his absence, and I surprised my mom with a mother-daughter dance."