WellWed - Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket

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Welcome to the place where

STORYBOOK WEDDINGS

begin

Weddings by the sea

a view of the sea.

Timeless settings.

A historic Mansion.

5 0 8 . 6 2 7 . 6 3 6 0 | h a r b o r- v i e w. c o m Create the perfect Vineyard wedding with breathtaking views, epic culinary creations, and all the best the Island has to offer.

A wedding on Martha’s Vineyard is an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Harbor View offers the best selection of indoor and outdoor locations with enchanting harbor and garden views.

Discover our new, elegantly appointed ballroom for your wedding celebration or rehearsal dinner with fine dining experience, impeccable service & warm personal attention, Ocean Edge is the place for your most memorable occasion.

800.811.3457 | oceanedge.com Brewster, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

with love, Cape Cod & the Islands THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE SUMMER ON THE EAST coast. And there may be no better place to enjoy it than where sea meets sand, where long sunny days unfold at an almost dreamlike pace, attuned to the rhythms of the waves and tides, the world beyond but a distant memory. Those who know the Cape and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard understand that world-apart feeling well. With its signature blend of wild beaches, historic villages, quiet ponds, and fresh breezes, if the world ­offers a more romantic wedding destination, we have yet to discover it. For those who haven’t yet ­discovered this special place—or are considering it anew through the eyes of a bride-to-be—we invite you to explore, and to be swept away ... again.

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Photo by Amy Dykens Photography

www.chathambarsinn.com 1-800-527-4884 • 508-945-0096

297 Shore Road, Chatham, MA 02633

BOUTIQUE WEDDINGS . PERSONAL ATTENTION   .    .     |    .    .      . 

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spectacular seaside weddings on

We understand that a wedding is one of the most memorable events of a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Our unique location combined with superlative culinary presentations and services truly capture the romance of a seaside wedding. Together we will plan and flawlessly orchestrate your dream wedding. wychmereharbor.com | 508.432.1000 x 150

fresh, whimsical & beautiful images

laurie richards - nantucket, ma pixel-perfect-images.com | 508.325.7270

contents {one}

SPRING/SUMMER 2009

Cape & Islands Fresh Unveiled: Behind the scenes with Patrice R. Milley Floral Designers.... {74} Pick Your Palette: Color schemes and decorative complements.. ............. {81}

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The Table: Ship to shore...................................................................{133} Green Weddings: Simple, sustainable choices for stylish brides........... {143} Wedding Weekends: Dream getaways near and far.......................... {176}

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{swept away} 17 pages of the latest summer gowns

COVER: JOE MIKOS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gown by LEA ANN BELTER

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For your perfect Martha’s Vineyard wedding

TWO STUNNING LOCATIONS - ONE PERFECT MARTHA’S VINEYARD WEDDING

One located on the water in Edgar town offering majestic views of the historic harbor; the other a picturesque private Tennis Club, set amongst manicured lawns and terraced patios; both offering 5 star dining and exceptional ser vice.

contents {two}

SPRING/SUMMER 2009

Tips & Advice “I Do” Etiquette................................. {34} Style File Décor & Flowers..................... {155} Style File Cakes & Cuisine.....................{165} Made in the Cape and the Islands............ {184}

Additional Resources More..............................................{187} Advertiser Directory........................... {190}

Fabulous Cape Weddings Mollie Glick to Benjamin Hughes.. ........... {44} Sara Mann to Alex Eusebio.................... {50} Erin to Paul...................................... {56} Christen Cheek to James Peterson............. {62} Piper Warlick to Mark Dunn.. ................. {68}

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{new} noteworthy Wedding news from CAPE COD, MARTHA'S VINEYARD, NANTUCKET, and beyond david seaver

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cape cod • nantucket • martha’s vineyard Editor in Chief: Krista Washburn Photos: KML photography

Executive Editor: Adam Bluestein Marketing & Sales Director: Athena Scott-Rublee Design Director: Sarah Premo Designer, Display Advertising: Michele Frye, Nicole Santerre Account Executives: Judy Robinson, Erin McKenna, Caroline Smith Office Manager: Sally Washburn Assistant to the Editor: Alison Graddock

exquisite

floral

event design

Fashion Coordinator: Sara McDonald Design Intern: Melinda Doyon Printing: Villanti & Sons, Printers Design Consultant: Deborah Kehoe Circulation Consultant: Circ. One Inc. Contributing Photographers David Seaver, Joe Mikos Photographers, Nicole Friedler Contributing Writers Amy Brayfield, Jane Jarecki, Katey Gordon, Kinsey Labberton, Stacey Cheng Special Support Alison Bucholz-Ellis, Amy Parker, Austin Family, Baked Beads, Barrie Fisher, Belinda Norris, Casey Stabile, Christy & Brian Beltrami, Deborah Kehoe, Darkstar Lighting, Fox Printing, Green Mountain Floral Supply, Gwen & Minner Hobbs, Harry Washburn, Irene Beshaw, Irene Maston, John Crabbe Jr., John Scheer CPA, Katey Gordon, Kathy Rose, Kate Villa, Keith McManis, Lynda, Jay, Kelsey and Phoebe Dandeneau, Mason Brothers Architectural Salvage, Mike Doolan, Nicole D’Agata, Rachelle Howard, Randi Nonni, Riann Washburn, Stillwater Graphics, …and Rocco

rtn Cou

ey’s Floral Creati ons

508.540.1488 courtneysfloralcreations.com

Editorial & Advertising Offices WellWed - Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard PO Box 8076 Essex, VT 05451 Tel 866.595.9221 Fax 802.419.5344 wellwed.com info@wellwed.com

WellWed is a semi-annual publication available at fine retailers, advertiser locations, and at wellwed.com.All ­ aterials herein are protected by copyright laws. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent m of WellWed is strictly prohibited. WellWed reserves all rights. Statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication, its editor or its staff. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information contained in this publication, WellWed disclaims all responsibility for omissions and printer’s errors.

from the editor {issue no. } 1

little over a year and a half ago, the Vermont wedding industry lost one of its most valued and talented wedding professionals when veteran floral designer Lynda Dandeneau decided to relocate out-of-state. Lynda was instrumental in the launch of our sister publication Vermont Vows—through her creativity, her constant support, and her unflagging belief that the state’s unique wedding venues and talented wedding professionals deserved a worthy showcase.

Even after Lynda had settled in her new home, Martha’s Vineyard, it was impossible to forget about her. No doubt this had something to do with her constant, (politely) nagging phone calls, encouraging me to create a new publication dedicated to the venues and wedding professionals of—you guessed it—Cape Cod and the Islands. A quick trip to Nantucket with my sister sealed the deal, and soon enough, WellWed - Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket was in the works.

Today, I am pleased to present you with our premier issue. Here you will not only find the names of the best, most-respected wedding professionals southeast of the Cape Cod Canal, but you’ll see their work, too, in all its full-color glory. I invite you to take some time getting to know them. I am confident that you will be inspired by their creativity, not to mention the breathtaking locations where I was fortunate enough to shoot this issue.

No matter which area or professional you decide on, I am confident that your experience will be unforgettable. Enjoy!

JO EM

Warmest regards,

IKO S PH

OTOG RAPHE RS

{my favorite pages} K RISTA JA NE WA SH BUR N

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pp. 92, 142, 150, 160, 183

Beltrami Studios

contributors {wellwed – cape cod & the islands} Olive Chase, owner of The Casual Gourmet, has been in the business of delighting customers for more than two decades. The Casual Gourmet offers world-class cuisine as well as preferred status to many premier Cape Cod venues.

After two decades as Vermont’s premier floral designer, Lynda Dandeneau, owner of Dandeneau Flowers, now brings her stunning signature designs and personalized service to Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard.

Photographer Nicole Friedler has been capturing blissful wedding moments on Martha’s Vineyard for 10 years. With an infectious spirit and keen eye, Friedler makes would-be fleeting moments last forever.

For invitations, save-the-date notes, and everything in between, brides need look no further than fine paper designer Marty Kelly of Marty Kelly Paper. Whether whimsical or subtly sophisticated, Kelly’s work never fails to impress.

Whether you want an elegant interpretation of a classic or an out-of-the ordinary dessert inspired by a swatch of vintage lace, Jodi Levesque, of Jodi’s Cakes, can create it and make it scrumptious.

Alison Liset, owner of Elegant Engagements, was the first full-service wedding and event planner on the Cape. A decade later, Elegant Engagements remains the premier source for local and destination brides.

Katie McConnell, owner of Wild Bunch Studio in Chatham, has been providing small-town warmth and grand arrangements as a full-service florist for 14 years.

Named “Best Caterer” in 2006 and 2007 by CBS-4 Boston, James Messinger, president of The Crazy Chefs Caterers, and his staff take pride in their impeccable four-star cuisine.

Photographer Joe Mikos is passionate about his work, and his love for the art form comes through in his breathtaking images. He’ll travel virtually anywhere to capture your wedding for a lifetime of memories.

Patrice R. Milley Floral Designers makes your fantasy floral arrangements a reality. With custom floral designs as her specialty, Milley ensures that your flowers set the right tone for your big day.

Pastry chef and Food Network regular Lisa Raffael, owner of Delicious Desserts, has been creating ­nationally renowned wedding cakes and specialty desserts for more than 15 years.

With 30 years’ experience and one of the best commercial kitchens on Martha’s Vineyard, Chef Dee Smith of Tealane Caterers, is known for exquisite food made from scratch—never prepackaged or frozen.

Nantucket photographer Zofia Waig uses her background in fashion and fine art to transform wedding ­pictures from everyday to extraordinary, deftly capturing the unique beauty of each bride.

*For advice from some of the top wedding professionals, on the Cape and the Islands, visit wellwed.com.

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THE CAPE & ISLANDS

On March 7, 2009, brides and grooms from around the country will flock to Ocean Edge Resort for the first annual Wedding Affair in the Cape & the Islands, a bridal event like no other. Here, some scenes from the Vermont Wedding Affair on November 1, 2008. photography DAVID SEAVER & DAria bishop

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Would you like the chance to sample food from local caterers and cake makers, meet wedding pros in person, and survey the best in everything the Cape and Islands have to offer, from fine table settings to elegant bridal fashions? Then mark your calendar, because WellWed is excited to announce a very special bridal show in the Cape this winter, our first in the region. Featuring lavish decor, innovative floral and tabletop designs, a dazzling runway show of bridal couture, planning ­s eminars, makeovers and manicures, and even a groom’s lounge, this is sure to be an “affair to remember,” an intimate and inspiring alternative to the typical expo-style bridal fair. We look forward to seeing you there!

CAPE & ISLANDS EVENT SPONSORS

Event RENTALS RENTALS UNLIMITED rentals-unlimited.net decor & props Williams-Sonoma williams-sonoma.com Flowers Dandeneau Flowers marthasvineyardweddingflowers.com Flowers PATRICE R. MILLEY patricermilley.com Location OCEAN EDGE RESORT oceanedge.com media Plum TV plumtv.com Spirits Korbel korbel.com Valet Parking VALET PARK OF AMERICA valetparkofamerica.com

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Mollie knew that she wanted the wedding to reflect the romance of an English country side where her courtship with Ben had Mollie Glick to Benjamin Hughes June 29, 2008 Wequassett R esort and Golf Club Cape Cod

begun, and so an Englishw Bello Photography

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ollie Glick thought she'd find her own mr. darcy

during her studies abroad at Oxford. Instead, she ended up falling for the boy next door—literally. Ben Hughes, another American abroad, was her rowhouse neighbor, and soon after they met, the two were inseparable.

Their courtship continued when they returned to school in the States. After they graduated they moved to New York City so Mollie could become a literary agent and Ben could pursue a ­career in advertising and several years later the couple started looking for an apartment to buy in Brooklyn.

In addition to being a great place to live, Ben knew that the borough was also the perfect place to propose. So, instead of apartment hunting one day, he whisked Mollie away for a whirlwind tour of the Brooklyn spots they loved best—including a DUMBO bar where they sipped sangria; Jacques Speci al Torres Chocolates, where they picked up chamBen and Touch: pagne truffles; and Five Front restaurant, where M surprise they shared a romantic dinner in the garden. d Molli ollie e’s paren by playi Strolling back home across the Brooklyn Bridge, t n Ben stopped mid-span, and proposed. song f g their wedd s

or the s ing at the re econd dance ception.

While they considered a trip to City Hall as a modern alternative to a more traditional wedding, in the end Mollie and Ben decided that a “proper” wedding would be a wonderful excuse to bring together their friends and families for a celebration. And although they fell in love in Oxford and lived in Manhattan, they both knew they wanted to celebrate their wedding in Cape Cod, which has been a special place for both of their families. Mollie’s parents have a home in Harwich, and Ben’s grandparents for many years ran a dairy farm in Edgartown. Ben’s parents had even celebrated their own wedding on the Vineyard.

Mollie knew that she wanted the wedding to reflect the romance of the English countryside where her courtship with Ben had begun, and so an English garden theme was a natural fit. Mollie has a background in costume design and a very specific aesthetic, and she brought Jennifer at Clementine Floral on board to help make her vision a reality. While Mollie bid on rusty watering cans on eBay and borrowed old birdcages from her grandmother, Jennifer scouted vintage teacups at local antique stores and

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;To reflect the English countryside where their courtship began, an English garden theme was a natural fit.â&#x20AC;?

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discovered a moss-covered stone bust for the cocktail reception.

The result was a scene straight from a British pastoral wedding: A path lined with pink rose petals led to a flower-covered huppah, baskets dripping with fresh flowers hung from the backs of chairs, and exquisite ivory pin-tucked linens and fragrant bouquets in chipped china teacups transformed the wedding into a shabbychic afternoon tea celebration. Even the coconut cream wedding cake was bedecked with fresh peonies.

Mollie encourages other brides to stay true to their vision of their wedding and not to compromise. “You’ll spend the same amount of money whether you personalize or don’t, so you might as well reflect your tastes,” she says In an old-fashioned gesture, Ben and Mollie refrained from seeing each other on their wedding day until the actual ceremony began.

To communicate with each other, they passed notes through members of the wedding parties. “It meant we had to take more pictures after the ceremony, but seeing the look on Ben’s face when I walked down the aisle with my dad was well worth it,” says Mollie. And Mollie and Ben agree that the extra photo time gave them an opportunity to connect as a couple between the emotion of the ceremony and the party at the reception.

{

Featured PROFESSIONALS} CaKE: Delicious Desserts deliciousdesserts.net (Page 33) rehearsal dinner: Ocean Edge Resort & Spa oceanedge.com (inside back cover) photography: bello photography bellophoto.com

Other PROFESSIONALS}

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band: night shift floral design: clementine floral invitations: kate's paperie

The reception was full of special moments, like Ben’s Uncle ­Charlie surprising the couple with a banjo serenade. Mollie and Ben honored Mollie’s parents by playing their wedding song ­during the father-daughter, mother-son dance, letting Mollie’s mom cut in to dance with her dad. In a nod to their old Oxford classmates, the play list also included Belle and Sebastian’s “Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying,” a song they had played on repeat throughout their year in England.

Mollie encourages other brides to stay true to their vision of their wedding and not to compromise. “You’ll spend the same amount of money whether you personalize or don’t, so you might as well reflect your tastes,” she says. By choosing a theme that celebrated their relationship, and bringing together family and friends in a place that had real meaning for them both, Mollie and Ben were able to exchange vows in a ceremony that felt absolutely right.

And the day after the ceremony, when the celebrants gathered at Mollie’s parents home for a post-wedding brunch, everyone present had a favorite moment from the wedding to share.

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During the ceremony, Sara and Alex performed a Spanish wedding ritual called “Las Arras,” in which the groom gives the Sara Mann to Alex Eusebio August 24, 2008 Private R esidence Martha’s Vineyard

bride ten coins that represent w photography Nicole Friedler

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a r a m a n n a n d a le x eusebio' s rom a nce h a s been

nothing if not delicious. When they met, he was the executive chef of a new Los Angeles restaurant; she was the floor and office manager. They spent many late nights working together, and Alex would often try out new dishes on her before putting them on the menu—they joke that he cooked his way into her heart, while she organized her way into his.

But with the long hours they both worked, Sara was concerned about their dogs, each stuck alone in their separate apartments.

Sara’s solution: sneaking away from work to bring Alex’s English bulldog over for play-dates at her place with her yellow Lab. When Alex closed the kitchen at night, he’d stop by to pick up the dog—and after three short months, decided he’d like to move in, claiming that he didn’t want to separate the dogs.

The marriage proposal came on a trip the couple took to visit Sara’s sister, Tannis, who was studying in Paris.

Sara’s parents were also visiting at the time. But after Speci a l To the flight from California—during which Sara sugS a ra and uch: gested that if Alex wasn’t ready for “the next step,” Alex perform then perhaps he should move out—Sara had no e d reason to suspect the surprise that was in store for wedding a Spanish ritual her, which is exactly what Alex wanted.

“Las A

After a romantic week spent discovering the City of Lights together, Alex proposed a quiet, ­romantic dinner—away from her parents. Sara was reluctant—she had a cold, she was tired, and she was even tired of eating.

Alex insisted, though, and spent 20 minutes in the bathroom preparing, which only irritated Sara more.

calle rras.” d

Over a multi-course meal in a charming old Parisian restaurant, Sara found herself pondering the evening’s many peculiarities: Why had Alex spent so much time in the bathroom? Why was he still wearing the same jeans he’d had on all week? Why did her mom encourage her to go out tonight when she obviously needed sleep? And why, just as her cold medicine was starting to set in, did the server insist they have dessert?

Soon enough—as Alex gestured to a tiny silver cloche near her untouched chocolate mousse—she found out. “What’s under the silver thing?” Sara asked. Alex kneeled as she lifted it from

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orange and red summer blooms fill antique turquoise and mercury-glass vessels.â&#x20AC;?

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the ­table to reveal the ring, which had been pinned in his pants ­pocket for the past five days. In an instant, Sara’s crankiness turned to overwhelming joy. “I don’t remember much of what he said,” she recalls. “I was crying the whole time and apologizing.”

Sara’s advice to other couples: Say hello to everyone you can—people traveled a long way; leave a bag of goodies in guests’ hotel rooms; and be sure to savor every lovely moment!

Alex, who had been selected as a contestant on the reality show Top Chef, was away filming until the day before the wedding, so most of the planning fell to Sara. Having spent summers on the Vineyard with her family since 1990, she dreamed of a “backyard” harbor wedding. And with Alex’s family in New York and the Dominican Republic, marrying on the East Coast—rather than near the couple’s home in L.A.—would make a more relaxing weekend for them.

{

Featured PROFESSIONALS} Floral Design: Dandeneau Flowers marthasvineyardweddingflowers.com (Page 4) Photography: Nicole Friedler friedlerphotography.com (Page 90)

Other PROFESSIONALS}

{

Entertainment: mike benjamin catering: truly scrumptious event rentals: seaside celebrations

For a beachy, Latin feel, Sara and Alex chose coral and turquoise as wedding colors, weaving them through the celebration, right down to an all-turquoise candy bar featuring apothecary jars filled with turquoise M&M’s, lollipops, gummy sharks, and even Tootsie Rolls, plus blocks of local Murdick’s Fudge in Cape Cod cranberry and chocolate.

During the ceremony, Sara and Alex performed a Spanish ­wedding ritual called “Las Arras,” in which the groom gives the bride twelve coins that represent qualities such as money, love, faith, and strength. Among Sara’s other favorite memories of the day are the song she performed for her groom, the rose-ball ­bouquets floating near her father’s sailboat at sunset, dancing sideways on the sloping dance floor, the clambake rehearsal dinner by Truly Scrumptious, and wedding-morning lattes with her sister.

Sara’s advice to other couples: Say hello to everyone you can— people traveled a long way; leave a bag of goodies in guests’ hotel rooms; and be sure to savor every lovely moment!

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The two met while working in New York Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial world, and the connection they established kept the relationship strong Erin to Paul May 10, 2008 The White Elephant Nantucket

through the years when work photography Claudia Kronenberg

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ELEBRATING THEIR WEDDING ON NANTUCKET WAS A NATURAL

choice for Erin and Paul, who have spent nearly every s­ ummer vacationing there since they began dating 11 years ago.

The two met while working in New York City’s financial world, and the connection they established kept the relationship strong through years when work led them off in different directions— sometimes on different continents. Finally, during a vacation in Argentina in spring 2007, Paul proposed that they settle down— as in always and forever. Her answer, of course, was yes.

As their wedding day approached, the couple relied on their ­wedding coordinator, Aisling Glynn of Acktivities, to ­manage three days of events for 230 people—and she came through, ­pulling it all off with complete ease and calm despite some big challenges. Foremost among those challenges was a Nor’easter that rolled in—after days of gorgeous spring weather—just as guests were arriving. Flights all Speci a l To over the East Coast were cancelled, as were ­several u E r i n a ferries to the island. Amazingly, all but one nd Pa u c h: l offered a second ­couple invited to the wedding eventually made , l a t e it to Nantucket.

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The storm worsened on Friday, the day of the rehearsal dinner, which had been planned as a lobster bake in a large tent, preceded by cocktails and a raw bar served on the beach. When the wind became too strong for tents, Glynn successfully transferred the entire dinner (for 100) into nearby Topper’s restaurant. Most guests never even knew about the change, as Glynn and florist Dawn Kelly managed to accommodate everyone and still use the centerpieces, linens, and other décor elements they had planned for outside. The result: A very cozy dinner in front of the fireplace. The rain and dark skies continued until the moment Erin and Paul stepped out of the church following their ceremony, at which point the sun broke through the gloom and continued to shine for the remainder of the weekend.

The bride and groom chose a brown and blue palette that evoked sand and water. The flower arrangements were white, brought to life with a touch of sparkle by Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, who also blew guests away with a giant carnation topiary in the image of the couple’s dog, complete with an embroidered silk collar— a special request from Erin as a surprise for Paul.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intricate sugar flowers adorn the stunning all-white cake.â&#x20AC;?

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The wedding weekend represented a graceful merging of Erin and Paul’s family traditions and embraced their shared Irish ­heritage. The priest who married them, Father Patrick ­Collins, has been a friend of the bride’s family for over 40 years. The ­popular Irish violinist Patricia Treacy traveled all the way from ­Ireland to play at the rehearsal dinner, during the church ceremony, and at the brunch. Her music set a beautiful tone for the celebration, enhancing the many other fine details that made this wedding special. But, perhaps the most memorable moment of all was when the groom’s 92-year-old grandmother surprised everyone by getting up on stage to sing “Danny Boy” with the band.

By the time she finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

This couple’s advice for a successful wedding: Choose a wedding planner and vendors that you like, because you’ll spend a lot of time ­together.

Trust your planner’s recommenda­ tions and go with the flow—nothing should ruin your wedding!

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Featured PROFESSIONALS} Cake: JODI'S CAKES JODiscakes.com (Page 80) LOCATION: THE WHITE ELEPHANT whiteelephanthotel.com (Page 37) VIDEOGRAPHER: Nantucket Event Media Inc. nantucketeventmedia.com (page 111) wedding coordination: Acktivities acktivities.com (PAGE 100) event rentals: Chase Canopy LLC chasecanopy.com (PAGE 111) photography: claudia kronenberg claudiak.com

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invitations: dauphine press Floral Design: Soiree FloraL

This couple loves food, especially on Nantucket, and they ­wanted their guests to try many local specialties. After hors d’oeuvres, heavy on local seafood and produce, a fairly traditional meal was served. To lighten things up and sustain the revelers as the party rolled on, Erin and Paul offered a second, late-night meal of “gourmet junk food” like seared tuna burgers, cones of truffle fries, Gruyère macaroni and cheese, and bite-size donuts.

This couple’s advice for a successful wedding: Choose a ­wedding planner and vendors that you like, because you’ll spend a lot of time together. Trust your planner’s recommendations and go with the flow—nothing should ruin your wedding, ­especially something like weather, which is beyond your control. And remember to make the most of it—there will likely never be another opportunity for you to gather this many of your friends and family together in one place again.

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The wedding it self was everyt hing Christen an d Brad ha d hope d for—a warm, won d er fu l day filled wit h love, friends, and Christen Cheek to Brad Peterson June 28, 2008 K eith Farm Martha’s Vineyard

family, some w ho’d come tow photography Joe Mikos

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LANNING A WEDDING ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD FROM

another country was not exactly a scenario that Christen Cheek had envisioned for herself, but since meeting Brad ­Peterson, her life had been full of interesting surprises.

For starters, there’s the way they met. “I never thought I would meet my husband in a bar, but it happens!” says Christen, who met Brad at a bar in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood when he approached her with a charming—and unusual—pickup line.

One of Christen’s friends had brought her husband to the bar that night, and the way Christen and her friends were standing made it look as though they were all lined up to talk to him.

“Brad came up to me and asked who was this guy that we were all standing in line to talk to,” Christen remembers. He offered to join her in line, and soon after that night they started dating.

Brad wasn’t done with surprises. Christen knew a ­proposal was on the horizon—after all, they’d been ring shopping together and were getting ready to Speci move to Switzerland—but after a romantic weekal C hristen Touch: end at the posh White Elephant Hotel on Nanmade ja and Brad tucket, full of proposal-perfect moments, passed jam to g rs of strawberr by without event, Christen thought she would y i v e t o th have to wait until they got to Switzerland. But e guests a s favors. she didn’t have to wait nearly that long. When they were packed up and ready to head back to Boston, Brad suggested they take a walk for a farewell view of the harbor—during which he dropped to one knee and asked Christen to be his wife.

Christen had dreamed of getting married on Martha’s Vineyard since vacationing there as a child with her family. The fact that Brad was attending business school in Switzerland, thousands of miles across the ocean, wasn’t going to get in her way. Fortunately, Christen found that the Cape was full of professionals who made long-distance planning easy. “I thought that planning a wedding from another country and meeting the vendors only once would be stressful, but it really wasn’t,” Christen says. “Our caterer and her assistant were fantastic.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A honey bee-themed cake sat center stage at the reception and created quite a buzz. â&#x20AC;?

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Christen honored her late mother through the décor, which ­reflected her mother’s classic, under­stated taste. To Christen’s delight, her ­florist was able to find peonies in exactly the shade of pale pink Christen’s mother had adored.

The wedding itself was everything Christen and Brad had hoped for—a warm, wonderful day filled with love, friends, and ­family, some who’d come to the United States for the first time to share in Christen and Brad’s joy. “It sounds like a cliché, but just ­having everyone you love in one room is such a wonderful ­feeling,” says Christen, who loved seeing the little boy she’d nannied during her grad-school days grinning at her from his post as ring bearer as she walked down the aisle. The church was crowded, but as they spoke their vows, Christen and Brad felt as though there was no one else in the world.

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Featured PROFESSIONALS} CAKES: VAL CAKES (page 189) caterer: tealane catering tealanecaterers.com (Page 132) event rentals: big sky tent & party rentals bigskytent.com (Page 42) photography: joe mikos photographers mikosphotographers.com (Page 43)

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Entertainment: sultans of swing Floral design: flowers on the vineyard

Christen honored her late mother through the décor, which reflected her mother’s classic, understated taste. To Christen’s delight, her florist was able to find peonies in exactly the shade of pale pink Christen’s mother had adored. “I felt like my mother had chosen them herself,” said Christen.

invitations: alex cheek wedding coordination: christy lynn designs

Tradition also played an important role in Christen and Brad’s other wedding choices. Because Christen’s dad is famous for his annual jam making, Christen joined him in the kitchen to make jars of strawberry jam to give to the guests as favors. The jam also was layered with honey inside the beehive cake Christen and Brad had chosen because the beehive symbolizes cooperation and luck.

Who knows what surprises lay ahead for Christen and Brad.

One thing’s for sure, though—they’ll be diving headfirst into them together.

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