Summer Soirée

This tented party combined Cape Cod chic with Caribbean fun.

by Jennifer Sperry

Photographs by Jason Kan, Kan Photography

What’s better than a late summer party under a Sperry Tent on Cape Cod? That’s exactly what luxury event planner Allison Wildes delivered for newlyweds Lily and Bradley Shepherd.

Shaking up the typical progression of a wedding weekend, the couple decided to start off on Friday with a ceremony at sea followed by an intimate reception. For Saturday, with the formalities out of the way, they envisioned a laidback, backyard celebration at Lily’s family home in Hyannis Port.

“Leading with the ceremony took all the pressure off the bride and groom for Saturday’s party,” explains Wildes, whose firm, Elegant Engagements of Cape Cod, specializes in creating luxury weddings and events of all styles. Wildes manages all the working parts of a successful occasion—tents, party rentals, décor, catering, music, and more—with expert efficiency, imagination, and creativity.

Using the property as a blank canvas, Wildes placed a 46’ round Sperry Tent just off the existing barn. Guests grabbed drinks inside the barn and then dined and danced under the tent. “We love the handcrafted quality of a Sperry Tent,” says Wildes of the preferred vendor. “Also, a tent gives you the opportunity to illuminate your event, creating an environment that feels more intimate than an open-air arrangement.”

To Wildes’s delight, her clients wanted a Caribbean theme: “We went with tropical décor like bamboo lanterns and chairs, and everyone dressed for the part, complete with lei,” notes the planner. Branded cups held signature cocktails while branded koozies kept guests’ beers and seltzers cool during the warm evening. Colorful prints on the table linens and tropical-inspired florals added to the festive feel.

Couple and client kept the food options similarly informal, creating a “food truck party” with trucks serving up pizza, tacos, raw bar, and bite-size desserts. “We wanted it to feel effortless,” notes Wildes. “We wanted everyone to graze at their own pace and choose what they want. The goal was a hangout party, not a formal reception.”

While the moon rose over the water, a local rock band kept everyone up and dancing. “It was a picture-perfect party from start to finish,” says the planner.