Real New England Weddings: Melissa Deland & Julie Bourquin

July 9, 2011, Private Residence, Marion, Massachusetts

Photograph by Person + Killian

Photograph by Person + Killian

Growing up, Melissa Deland considered “Camp Granny” — her grandparents’ house on the ocean in Marion, Massachusetts — a slice of paradise.

[sidebar]It’s no wonder, then, that two years after meeting Julie Bourquin on Match.com, she proposed by the dock over Memorial Day weekend 2010. Julie returned the favor a couple weeks later back in Boston. “We both feel like every girl should experience the excitement of a marriage proposal,” they explain.

For the wedding, they returned to their go-to getaway and paid homage to the site’s natural beauty with a ceremony in Melissa’s grandmother’s flower garden and a waterfront reception. Julie, a senior associate director of admissions at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, and Melissa, who works for Genzyme Biosurgery, each had eight attendants; the group wore blue and green to complement the ocean and the grass.

The day had several hilarious moments, from a wardrobe malfunction during the couple’s first dance (Melissa’s twin sister and childhood friend were the only witnesses, thankfully) to skinny-dipping guests. And there were heart-tugging ones, too, like when Julie’s brother performed a song he had written for the occasion.

“From the spectacular weather to the amazing vendors and having all of our most beloved family and friends in attendance, we really could not have asked for a more memorable or special day,” Melissa says.

Photograph by Person + Killian

Photograph by Person + Killian

Melissa’s grandmother’s garden, surrounded by a stone wall and trellis, was replanted for the big day.

Photograph by Person + Killian

Photograph by Person + Killian

The couple used A Wareham Florist, the same vendor who created the arrangements for Melissa’s parents’ surprise 35th anniversary party three years earlier.

Photographs by Person + Killian

Photographs by Person + Killian

(From left, top to bottom) Julie and Melissa chose celadon green for the tablescapes to avoid competing with the blue of the ocean.

“Camp Granny” made for an idyllic wedding venue.

Golf-ball favors incorporated the wedding colors and reflected the couple’s love of sports.

Photograph by Person + Killian

Photograph by Person + Killian

The Sperry tents were set up next to the beach so guests could enjoy the spectacular waterfront views.

Photograph by Person + Killian

Photograph by Person + Killian

Both Julie and Melissas bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses and carried hydrangea bouquets.

The File

Gowns: David’s Bridal

Music: DJ Deja Vibeology and the Andrew Stern Jazz Band

Hair and makeup: Sister’s Salon

Bridesmaids: J.Crew

Menswear: Vineyard Vines ties with Brooks Brothers shirts and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers pants

Flowers: A Wareham Florist

Catering and cupcakes: East Meets West

Tents: Sperry Tents