Shannon and Dustin’s Cape Cod Micro Wedding was, like so many 2020 couple’s, their plan B. They had originally planned for a July 4th bash at a restaurant on the water in Falmouth with over one hundred of their family and friends there to celebrate with them. But even though their wedding was downsized to micro status – it was such a wonderful day big on love, big on joy, and big on celebration and sunshine, that it’s safe to say these two ended up with something even more special than they had originally planned.

How They Met

Shannon and Dustin are teachers at the same high school. Shannon teaches French and Dustin teaches History. When I found out they were both teachers I knew we were going to get along great! They met on the job and their friendship and work as colleagues blossomed into a deep love for each other.

Their Cape Cod Proposal

These two love the Cape and have made many wonderful memories there. So it was the natural spot for Dustin to propose. They enjoyed a perfect early summer day doing some of Shannon’s favorite things and then took a sunset walk on the beach with their dog. That’s when Dustin got down on one knee and asked Shannon to marry him! Back at school everyone was thrilled for them and their principal announced their engagement over the loudspeaker to help them celebrate and spread the word to their colleagues!

Getting Ready

Ultimately, Shannon and Dustin decided they didn’t want to wait to be married. As they pivoted to a micro wedding with family and a few close friends on the guest list, they focused on bringing personal touches to their day. They held their wedding on Cape Cod in the backyard of a home on the water.

They wanted a reveal moment during the ceremony so they didn’t see each other the morning of the wedding. Dustin got ready in the main house and Shannon got ready in the guest house. Dustin wore a bright blue suit perfect for summer and I was able to snap a few photos of him getting ready before I headed to the guest house to see Shannon. Shannon wore a stunning sheath dress with a beautiful low back and bow that tied at her waist. She got ready with her mom and a few of her bridesmaids and had a special reveal moment with her dad before walking down the aisle to marry Dusty.

Cape Cod Micro Wedding Ceremony

When they knew they were holding a micro wedding, they asked Shannon’s older brother to officiate. He got a license to marry them and did a wonderful job officiating the ceremony. He knows them both so well that he was able to make the ceremony really personal to the two of them. The sun was just starting to dip behind Shannon and Dusty as they read the vows they wrote to each other. And of course, their pup was with them as well!

Portraits On The Beach

We headed down to the small private beach for photos after the ceremony. The light was amazing and the wedding party members who were able to attend all joined us for some fun photos together. Dustin claimed he was awkward in front of the camera, but that was not the case at all. He and Shannon smiled and snuggled and laughed together the whole time and were generally perfect!

Al Fresco Dinner Reception

The setting for the reception was beautiful and they made it festive with paper lanterns strung between the trees and crisp white linens with beautiful floral centerpieces on the tables. They did their first dance on the lawn at the end of golden hour. They chose the perfect song, too – “What A Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke. Here’s how the song starts:

Don’t know much about history / Don’t know much biology / Don’t know much about a science book / Don’t know much about the French I took / But I do know that I love you / And I know that if you love me too / What a wonderful world this would be

It was seriously the cutest first dance! Then Shannon’s dad gave a toast as dinner was served. Dusty’s best man and Shannon’s bridesmaids also gave toasts to round out the evening and they dined al fresco as the sun sank below the horizon.

Vendor Team: Cape Cod Private Dinners & Party Cape Cod