1. Real Weddings

A Nautical, Military Wedding at Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts

In a classic modern love story, Kendall Stratton (32, a veterinarian) and Gregory Kotowitz (30, a pilot in the Coast Guard) owe their beginning to Mat

In a classic modern love story, Kendall Stratton (32, a veterinarian) and Gregory Kotowitz (30, a pilot in the Coast Guard) owe their beginning to Match.com. "We had both been active in the online dating scene and were about to throw in the towel when a wink from vetgirl0607 and an email back from isthis4real2284 started a relationship unlike anything either of us had experienced before," says Kendall. After a seven-month whirlwind romance, Greg asked Kendall to marry him on a dock in Nantucket. "I immediately burst into tears and dropped to the ground with him," Kendall recalls. "Of course my answer was yes!" When it came time to plan their wedding, they were determined to use their day as an opportunity to share the beauty of their beloved Cape Cod with their guests. Once they stumbled upon Chatham Bars Inn, their nautical theme fell naturally into place. ?A preppy color scheme of navy blue, coral and gold tied it all together and let the stunning beachside setting take center stage.

"One of the most important things was finding a venue that embodied the essence of Cape Cod, and we found it at the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts," says Kendall. "After finding a location, we were able to plan everything else around this breathtaking back drop."
Crystal and Fabric Flowers Bridal Hair Accessories
Kendall wore a silk, one-shoulder wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid silhouette by Maggie Sottero. Its pure white color matched Greg's military whites.
"We've both always loved the beach and Cape Cod and really wanted this to show through on our wedding day," says Kendall.
Navy J. Crew Bridesmaid Dresses
Coral Rose Bridal Bouquet
The groomsmen who were not in their military whites wore tan suits with navy bow ties and matching pocket squares.
Kendall and Greg Military Uniform Wedding
Kendall and Greg Wedding Ceremony Vows
Chatham Bars Inn Wedding
Each of the reception tables were named after a different Cape Cod town.
Kendall and Greg's cocktail hour included a combination of passed hot hor d'oeuvres along with a seafood station of oysters, crab legs and shrimp.
"All decor was minimal," says Kendall. "Given the beauty of the location, not much in the way of decorations was required."
Blue Reception Glassware
All of Kendall and Greg's stationery included an original illustration of two Adirondack chairs overlooking the ocean designed by Serendipity Beyond Design.
A nod to Greg's career as a coast guard pilot, the couple had their guests sign a nine-foot wooden propellor in lieu of a traditional guest book. "This now hangs above a window in our living room, where we can view it every day," says Kendall.
Kendall and Greg First Dance
The couple's Adirondack cake topper mimicked the custom illustration used throughout Kendall and Greg's wedding stationery.