A Boston destination wedding was perfect for newlyweds Jenna and Thomas because the groom grew up there and past generations of his family had gotten married there as well. “They were so excited and loved the idea of an east coast clambake destination wedding,” says the bride.

“The first time I ever had a clambake was when my husband took me to meet his amazing family in Boston,” Jenna says. The experience was so delicious and fun that the couple wanted to incorporate it in their wedding for their guests back home to try.

In order to keep everything organized, the pair received help from their wedding planner and family members. Because Thomas’s family lived relatively close to the venue, they were able to assist with vendors and other recommendations.

Additionally, the bride says her wedding reception was the first to be held at Fort Heath Park, meaning the newlyweds had to get permits for running water and electricity there. “It helped that I had boots on the ground,” says Jenna. “My mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-laws helped me get permits.”

Because of the abundance of flights to the East Coast, the pair says they had no trouble with transportation. “It was easy to get cabs and Ubers,” they say. “Plus, we provided trolleys day-of.”

Communication was also a breeze for the couple, especially because they were able to visit the location multiple times. “I visited Boston three times before the big day to organize, coordinate, have a makeup trial, have tastings, etc,” the bride says. Emailing, texting, calling and FaceTime was also helpful for communicating with vendors.

The planning process went so smoothly for the couple they wouldn’t have wanted a wedding anywhere else, even back home, where they feel they wouldn’t have had an authentic clambake and they would not have been able to stay by the ocean. “I had a specific vision that could only work if it was on the East Coast,” says Jenna.

By the end of the journey, the bride recommends staying true to your desires and making decisions that have meaning to you and your significant other. “Have a wedding that is about you and your husband,” she says. “Pick the venue, food and music that is special to you and your husband. Your wedding will end up being unique as a result of it.”

Vendors: Photographer: Collin Pierson, Wedding Planner: Michelle Durpetti, Ceremony & Reception Site: St John the Evangelist Church & Fort Heath Park, Florist: Lumiere Lauren, Stationery: Clementine Ink + Paper, Cake: Jenny’s Wedding Cakes, Hair & Makeup: Lori Rada and SlaywithJ, Gown Designer: Valentini Spose, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Formally Modern Tuxedo, Catering: Compton Clambake and Catering, Tent: Sperry Tent, Tables, Chairs & Tableware: Peak Event Services, Bar & Liquor: Premier Liquors, Band: Flipside, Bagpiper: Campbell Webster, Organist: Eric Anderson, Jr., Trumpet: John Mahoney, Violin: Adam Vaubel, Videographer: Epic Filmmakers