The internship: according to maeve

Each year, Cape Cod Celebrations brings on talented, passionate college students to learn from and support our planners. This year, Maeve ​Connolly came to use from UMass Amherst with spunk and infectious energy that kept us laughing in the office and on site. A Theater & English major, Maeve took the time this season to put her experience into words. Enjoy the journey below!

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​​​I love the small details of a wedding. Whether it’s the linen covered tables strewn with a mosaic of glasses or the candles flickering in the breeze that carries the sweet smell of roses, peonies, and dahlias, I love seeing the smallest touches make a whole. My favorite part, however, is the community of people: some are blood-related, newly introduced, or some are friends so close they’re confused with family. I’ve seen people dread their speeches but stumble through after a glass of bubbly and some encouragement from a cheering crowd. I have seen a circle of adoration arrange itself around the bride and groom - completely content with watching the swaying couple swirl around the hardwood floors to the beat of their chosen anthem.

Photo// Alex Paul Photography

​But, after the cake has been cut, the dancing has commenced, and I’ve headed home for the night, I can’t wait to tell my family about the great people I’ve just met. It is a true privilege to be invited into such a special day for a family, especially when the couple knows this day is just as much theirs as it is about their families uniting. I sit on the couch and gush to my mom about how I held the train of a bride’s dress as she and her father took a moment to tell each other they loved one another. I talk about how I hugged the father of the bride because I was so happy to have helped him that day. I talk about how thoughtful the bride and groom were to write handwritten notes to all of their guests and how happy they were to be in each other’s arms.

Those quiet and intimate moments are the most worthwhile in my eyes. It’s what will create a lasting impression on people’s hearts when thinking back to the celebration of those two people, myself included.

I was a part of a celebration that will be remembered as the start of their lives, their families, and one day their kids will see those special photos of their parents. Whether it’s in a frame on a desk, on top of the mantle, or maybe even stumbled upon while cleaning out a drawer, when they see those photos, they’ll ask their parents about that day. I hope that they will begin to reminisce about their perfect wedding, cherishing the memories of the vows, the flowers, the dancing, the cake, but most of all how happy they were to marry each other in front of their family and friends. Though I didn’t know these couples for an extended amount of time, the happiness and warmth I felt for them as they said “I do” is immeasurable.

Photo// Alex Paul Photography