Welcome to this month’s installment of the “I Do” Interviews! This month our wedding series features a beautiful couple, Emily and Mike, who said their vows on a beautiful summer day in July 2023. They chose to celebrate their ceremony on The Lawn and reception with us in the Harborview Ballroom with their 175 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.
Emily & Mike
Wedding Date – July 2023
Event Space – We had our ceremony on The Lawn and then used the stunning Harborview Ballroom for our reception.
Where are you originally from?
We are both from Dracut, Massachusetts.
What do you do for work?
Mike works for Raytheon and I teach first grade.
How did you meet your bride or groom?
We went to high school together, but we were not high school sweethearts. In college, our friend groups merged and we became best friends. This even included playing wingman for one another!
Mike waited it out in the friend zone for quite some time before some of our friends worked some magic for us to finally end up together.
What made you choose Danversport, and this venue/room specifically?
Danversport crossed everything off our checklist. I always dreamed of a waterfront wedding, but we wanted a space that was just as beautiful inside as out just in case of a rainy wedding day. We could imagine our ceremony both inside and out at Danversport.
We fell in love with the high ceilings, chandeliers, sundeck, and comfy seating choices… all overlooking the harbor. Everything about Danversport took our breath away, even on a cold day in December. After leaving, we knew we found our venue, even though we still had one more tour that day!
How many guests did you have in attendance roughly?
We had approximately 175 of our family and friends at our wedding reception and ceremony.
What did you offer for food/drink catering?
Our guests are still talking about the food! For our cocktail hour, we opted for the charcuterie display and the classic package. We also had the Sparkling Station (named after our cat Sylvie).
For dinner, we chose filet mignon and herb-roasted chicken. And for dessert, we offered cupcakes for our guests, but also the chocolate mousse!
What was the most magical, moving, or special part of the wedding for you?
We truly had the best day with the best team of vendors to keep everything going smoothly!
2023 might have been the rainiest summer ever, but we somehow had a rain-free day. It was overcast most of the day, but as my dad and I turned to walk down the aisle, bright sunshine appeared, everyone still talks about that moment.
In addition to the amazing sunshine, the speeches, our parent dances, and our first and last dance are special memories. We had the best time dancing the night away with our closest friends and family. It truly is magical to have all the people you love in one room.
What was the song you danced to for your first dance?
Our first dance was Pushing Up Daisies by the Brothers Osborne. Our last dance was All Your’n by Tyler Childers, which we had decided from the moment we got engaged.
What style was your dress?
My dress was an ivory, chiffon, a-line dress with a scoop neck by Lillian West from Chantilly Place in Chelmsford MA. It had a cathedral-length train with cutout lace. I added custom, thicker straps.
Who walked you down the aisle?
My father walked me down the aisle.
What are/were your plans for your honeymoon?
We left for Aruba the Monday after our wedding. We spent 11 days on the beach relaxing and reminiscing on our perfect day.
Happily Ever After
Congratulations to Emily and Mike as they begin their life’s journey together. We are so happy that we were able to be a part of your momentous day. We wish them much happiness as they begin their life together!
