Ariel Carlson & Brad Marthens June 8, 2019 She: 28, from Cheshire, CT He: 29, from Block Island Now reside in: Block Island and Rumford, RI
Photos by Trevor Holden Photography
The Details Ceremony: The Atlantic Inn Reception & Catering: The Sullivan House, Block Island Gourmet Rehearsal Dinner: The Atlantic Inn Photographer: Trevor Holden Photography Music: Island Wedding Entertainment Flowers: La Bella Rose Hair & Makeup: MakeMeUpRI Cake: B.I. Bakes Favors: Blocks of Fudge Transportation: Various island taxis
Before the Ring, and Proposal Ariel and Brad met on Block Island in 2013. It was Ariel’s first summer working on the island, and one night out, her cousin Jake introduced her to his friend Brad. The rest was history. On their third year anniversary, Brad took Ariel to dinner at a very fancy restaurant in Providence. With a table by the fireplace, Brad and Ariel shared fabulous wine and conversation. After finishing dinner, Brad quietly grabbed a box out of his coat, held it up, and asked Ariel to marry him. Block Island Because...... Anyplace other than Block Island wouldn’t have made sense for Ariel and Brad — the island is Brad’s home, where the couple works, and where they met. Ariel and her family would visit the island on their boat each summer to see her uncle and cousins that live on the island. Wedding Day The wedding ceremony took place on The Atlantic Inn’s lawn, and Ariel’s cousin Jackie, officiated. The arch that the newlyweds were married under was made from Block Island drift wood, and the “guest book” was a nau-
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tical map of the island that guests signed. The reception was held under the tent at The Sullivan House where guests enjoyed delicious food and a spectacular sunset. There was no seating chart and no sit down meal, letting guests flow through the reception and choose to sit where they wished. The DJ kept everyone dancing all night long. Wedding Weekend Ariel and Brad had a barbecue and lobster bake at the rehearsal dinner, followed by a welcome party for all at The Atlantic Inn. Brad’s parent’s are the innkeepers of The Atlantic, and it’s also where the couple works. DIY creations included whiskey bottles with string lights, Mason jars filled with island sand and tea lights for the tables, and tiny glass jugs and jars that Brad’s mom filled with tiny flower arrangements with flowers from her own garden. A fun “rap style” farewell brunch was held for guests on Sunday morning, With perfect weather for each day, magical sunsets ended each day. The couple built a wedding website to help guests with boat schedules, plane rides, accommodations, and babysitting, as well as a list of the weekend activities.
Block Island Weddings