![bride and groom share a romantic kiss following their wedding ceremony during their intimate coastal cottage wedding](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-166-681x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom share a romantic kiss following their wedding ceremony during their intimate coastal cottage wedding](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-166-681x1024.jpg)
While I love a big party, I can’t help but feel that COVID has brought many of us back to where we belong, shifting our focus from extravagant celebrations to intimate occasions full of meaning, and most importantly, the people we love. Few weddings have reminded me of that shift more than Mackenzie and Micah’s intimate coastal cottage wedding, which, in addition to being full of personality, was surrounded by a small but dear group of family and friends who heaped love and admiration onto the couple at every turn.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-603-1024x681.jpg)
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-603-1024x681.jpg)
A Meaningful Venue
Mackenzie and Micah chose a venue that was dear to their hearts. The Warwick River is a place the couple has spent many hours kayaking, paddle boarding, and watching sunsets.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-32-682x1024.jpg)
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A Coastal Cottage Wedding Vision
The natural beauty of the Warwick River helped the couple spur a simple coastal cottage wedding theme. The color palette of blue and white provided a stunning neutral palette that contrasted beautifully against bright spring flowers, creating an overall sense of whimsey. Edison string lights and lanterns added soft whispers of romance, while perfectly imperfect coastal cottage themed décor helped tie the entire event together without feeling too stuffy or contrived.
![detail shot of a gold wedding ring in velvet navy blue box surrounded by other small details of the cottage wedding in the background](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-21-1024x683.jpg)
![detail shot of a gold wedding ring in velvet navy blue box surrounded by other small details of the cottage wedding in the background](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-21-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-41-683x1024.jpg)
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The First Look
The first time a couple sees each other on their wedding day is such a precious moment, and a thrill to capture.
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![Portrait of the groom standing in his navy blue attire and light blue tie in front of a large body of water smiling on his wedding day](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-168-683x1024.jpg)
![Portrait of the groom standing in his navy blue attire and light blue tie in front of a large body of water smiling on his wedding day](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-168-683x1024.jpg)
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It’s the perfect opportunity to separate oneself from the worldliness often associated with weddings, and take a moment to reflect on the true importance of the day.
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![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-72-1024x681.jpg)
The looks on their faces say it all.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-81-681x1024.jpg)
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![Bride and groom share a sweet kiss outside after he sees her in her strapless wedding dress and veil for the first time](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-88-1024x681.jpg)
![Bride and groom share a sweet kiss outside after he sees her in her strapless wedding dress and veil for the first time](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-88-1024x681.jpg)
Straying from Tradition
One of the things I truly loved about Mackenzie and Micah’s wedding day was that they weren’t afraid to stray from tradition a bit. Mackenzie’s mother and father walked her down the aisle. Both bride and groom chose to have non-gender specific wedding parties; Mackenzie’s brother, Shane, was her Man of Honor and Micah’s sister was his Best Woman. The couple wrote their own vows.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-108-683x1024.jpg)
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The couple also chose to forego booking many of the traditional wedding vendors, opting instead to do it themselves or enlist the help of friends and family. While this can get tricky for larger weddings, it was the perfect option for their intimate celebration! For example, a friend of the Bride’s helped with hair and makeup. Friends and family all pitched in to decorate the venue. Micah’s aunt and mom lovingly prepared delicious key lime cheesecakes in lieu of a traditional cake. Rather than hiring a DJ, Micah and Mackenzie prepared a mood setting own playlist using Spotify. The delicious dinner was catered by Bonefish Grill, but served by close friends who wanted to pitch in. Everyone came together as a team to make Mackenzie and Micah’s wedding day absolutely perfect from them; you could truly feel the love emanating from every guest in attendance!
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-121-683x1024.jpg)
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![Groom holds his bride close at the waist as the holds her wedding bouquet down at her side and her veil floats behind her in the wind](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-137-682x1024.jpg)
![Groom holds his bride close at the waist as the holds her wedding bouquet down at her side and her veil floats behind her in the wind](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-137-682x1024.jpg)
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The Ceremony
Micah couldn’t stop smiling as Mackenzie walked towards him and the rest of their life together as husband and wife.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-244-681x1024.jpg)
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The bride and groom stood beneath an expertly-decorated greenery-covered arch with blue flowers.
![bride and groom stand together in front of an intimate gathering of family and friends as they prepare to be married at their coastal cottage wedding](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-399-1024x681.jpg)
![bride and groom stand together in front of an intimate gathering of family and friends as they prepare to be married at their coastal cottage wedding](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-399-1024x681.jpg)
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Dolphins made a surprise appearance during the ceremony. Surely that’s a sign of good fortune for the years to come!
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-410-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-410-683x1024.jpg)
The Reception
Rather than a big dance party immediately following their ceremony, Mackenzie and Micah opted to create a dinner-party atmosphere (complete with Spotify playlist to set the mood) to truly connect with their cherished guests. It was the perfect time gather around a delicious meal and soak in the company of friends and family!
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-534-1024x683.jpg)
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The Getaway
A sparkler exit to a fun green vintage car, dubbed “Pea Soup,” wrapped up the evening.
![black and white photo of the bride and groom after their reception as their guests surround them with celebratory sparklers to send them off](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-712-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white photo of the bride and groom after their reception as their guests surround them with celebratory sparklers to send them off](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-712-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-725-682x1024.jpg)
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From the Couple’s Point of View
Whatʼs one word you would choose to describe your wedding day? Magical
Do you have any advice for couples planning their big day? It is easy to get caught up in expectation. Remember to include details that are meaningful to you and don’t get to caught up in creating a movie perfect wedding. Make it your day. If you are having a larger wedding (which we didn’t), I would recommend having a matron of ceremonies or day of coordinator. Plan early if you can and give yourself time to relax before the wedding day.
![](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-557-681x1024.jpg)
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![Bride and groom stand out on a dock together during their cottage wedding to share an embrace as they touch foreheads and noses](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-587-683x1024.jpg)
![Bride and groom stand out on a dock together during their cottage wedding to share an embrace as they touch foreheads and noses](https://emmiclaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Micah-587-683x1024.jpg)
The Vendors
Photographer EmmiClaire Photography
Wedding Dress Here & Now Bridal
Veil Blush Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire JC Penny’s
Florist The Gardener’s Workshop
Caterer Bonefish Grill
Invitations Canva
Bride’s Hair Angel from Animare Salon & Spa
Ready to book your wedding photographer?
Are you looking for a wedding photographer who captures authentic moments that speak to the the heart of your wedding day? Contact EmmiClaire Photography today!
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