Welcome to this month’s installment of the “I Do” Interviews! This month our wedding series features a stunning couple, Caroline and Dan, who said their vows on a lovely fall day in October 2024. They chose to celebrate their ceremony on the lawn and reception with us in the Harborview Ballroom with their 150 family members and friends who all shared in their joy.
This interview series is meant to give future couples a chance to hear the wonderful details of wedding experiences from those who have recently been there. Our lovely couples have agreed to share their stories so others can learn everything about their one-of-a-kind wedding and the planning process.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Caroline & Dan
Wedding Date – October 2024
Event Space – We had our ceremony on the lawn and our reception in the Harborview Ballroom.
Where are you originally from?
Dan and I both are from Bradford, MA. We ironically grew up only minutes from each other, but didn’t meet until we were in college!
What do you do for work?
I am a Corporate Wellbeing Specialist and Dan works in digital marketing as a Paid Search Manager.
How did you meet your bride or groom?
Ironically, despite growing up in the same hometown, we met on Bumble.
What made you choose Danversport, and this venue/room specifically?
We both love being on the water. Our favorite moments together include time spent on the lake, a beach, or just strolls through coastal towns. Because of this, we knew we wanted to get married on the water.
The water location and the ballroom with the beautiful chandelier really sold us. I’ll never forget touring this venue with my mom and Dan. The second Dan saw the chandelier he said, “This is it.” It was also really important to me to have everything in one big room so everyone was together.
How many guests did you have in attendance roughly?
We had 150 friends and family at our wedding.
What did you offer for food/drink catering?
During cocktail hour, we served Hors d’Oeuvres and an Artisanal Cheese and Vegetable grazing table. We also had a Sparkling Station that served guests chilled Prosecco and Rose when they entered the outside deck.
For our dinner, our first course was Italian Wedding Soup, followed by the Autumn Salad. Our main courses were Tuscan Stuffed Chicken and Braised Short Rib. Everyone raved about the food! For dessert, we had a Funfetti cake and the chocolate fountain!
Our signature drinks were an Aperol Spritz (my favorite) and an Old Fashion (Dan’s favorite). We also had a Shirley Temple signature drink, called Prelsey’s Shirley Temple, named after our Pup, Presley, who was there for the ceremony. We also had tableside wine service during dinner and an open bar.
What was the most magical, moving, or special part of the wedding for you?
Our most magical part was our first dance. We took dance lessons at First Dance in Andover. Nothing compared to dancing together, surrounded by our friends and family, yet feeling like we were the only two in the room. We also had Cold Sparks that went off during our dance, which really added a “wow” element. After our first dance, we went outside just the two of us for sunset pictures and it was just so special. A moment we will never forget.
What was the song you danced to for your first dance?
Our first dance was “Lifetime” by Justin Bieber. We both have always loved this song, so it was an easy choice.
What style was your dress?
My dress was a fit-and-flare that was custom-made at Paul Francis in Haverhill, MA. My dress was made out of my mom’s wedding dress. Every piece of lace, the train, and the high neck were all from my mom’s dress. This was something I dreamed of doing since I was a little girl. I kept this a secret from everyone except my mom and during the reception, I dedicated my bouquet to her and shared the story of my dress with our guests. The day wouldn’t have been possible without her help planning, so I’m happy I could give her this moment.
Did you have a wedding theme?
Emerald Green and Gold was our theme.
We spent a lot of time on sentimental details, too. We had a table honoring loved ones who couldn’t be there, a generation of love table showing past wedding photos of our guests, and a special table in memory of Dan’s dad.
Who walked you down the aisle?
My dad walked me down the aisle to “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, which was my parent’s first dance song.
Dan walked his mother down the aisle to Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” which was his parents’ first dance song.
Both were performed live by a cellist who performed at our ceremony and cocktail hour.
What are/were your plans for your honeymoon?
After our wedding, we went to Newport, RI for a few days. It was unseasonably warm for October- 80 degrees! So we got to spend a lot of time outside. After our time in Newport, we also went to NYC to see The Great Gatsby on Broadway.
In May, we will go to Naples and Ischia, Italy for our big honeymoon!
Happily Ever After
Congratulations to Caroline and Dan as you begin your married life together! We are so happy that we were able to be a part of your special day. We wish you much happiness in the years ahead.
