There is something so fresh, so beautiful about this Martha’s Vineyard wedding snapped up by Kelly Dillon Photography. It’s overflowing with sweetness and filled to the brim with all the things that make me head over heels in love with summer soirees – but it’s the blushing Bride and the dapper Groom that really pull the hardest at my heart strings. Their sweet kisses and warm embraces are enough to sweep you off your feet this Monday morning, so make sure you are sitting before diving into the full gallery…
From the Bride… David and I met in 2005 at a Santa Monica restaurant known for its lively bar scene. It was the night the Patriots won the 39th Super Bowl, and as a proud New Englander, I was donning my Boston gear… as was David. A catcall from me (“Hey, Boston…”), a round of drinks from him, a date the following night, and a long distance relationship sparked. I soon relocated to Virginia where David, a combat Navy officer, was stationed — and from then on, there was no city we couldn’t conquer! After David returned from a tour in Iraq, we took on Newport, Rhode Island, then Manhattan for graduate school, and then we finally made our way back home to Boston. About a year after we settled into Boston, and on my (gasp!) 30th birthday, one of our weekend hikes became a bit more memorable than all the rest. Alongside Pete, our chocolate lab, and among the birds and trees and nearby a serene lake, David asked me to share forever with him. Not on bended knee — I’ve never understood that tradition — but standing face to face as loving equals. David still laughs that through all my joyful tears and vertical head nodding, I never quite managed to actually say the word yes, which resulted in him having to ask “So is that a yes?” Yes! Yes times a thousand!
And so that started the almost year-long wedding planning process. We always knew that when the day came for us to “make it official,” it would have to be on Martha’s Vineyard. David’s family has had a house in Chilmark for about thirty years, and it’s a special place not just to him, but for me too after years of visits. It doesn’t get any more magical than the view from the Allen Sheep and Wool Farm, so we were ecstatic to learn that they would accommodate our wedding. Once we had the venue, it was time to settle on the feel of the wedding. We really wanted it to be romantic, intimate, and above all else, just downright pretty! So with that in mind, we started pulling together a vintage-glam home concept. We rented farm tables, mismatched china and silverware, lace runners and overlays, crystal chandeliers, vintage furniture and added a few DIY touches to pull it all together. We fashioned and built our escort card display after board-and-batten shutters you’d see on a house, and I hand-stamped (letter by letter!) the escort cards as I would if we were hosting a dinner party. I also wrapped the wood table numbers with yarn to give them a more homey feel (be aware – they take a LONG time to do!). As the finishing touch, our florist worked her magic and used china casserole dishes and teapots, along with vintage silver pieces, to house all the flowers.
We couldn’t be happier with the way things came together – even the weather cooperated! The beautiful, intimate feel we were going for was definitely achieved, and we were so lucky to share such an incredible day with our closest friends and family.
Wedding Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography / Wedding Venue: Allen Sheep and Wool Farm in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (508-645-9064) / Floral Design: Island Ambiance / Wedding Day Coordination: With Grace / Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons / Dessert Bar: Cakes by Liz + Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013) / Bar: Our Market (508-693-3000) / Wedding Stationery: à deux: bespoke bridal paper / Ceremony Music: Yaeko Miranda Elmaleh / Reception Band: Sultans of Swing / Tent + Rentals: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals / Vintage Rentals: New England Vintage Rentals / Chandelier Lighting: Revelation Productions / Bathrooms: Dottie’s Potties (508-693-1135) / Guest Book: M-square Press / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Madeleine’s Daughter / Bride’s Belt: Martina Liana via Madeleine’s Daughter / Bride’s Shoes: Custom by Giuseppe Zanotti / Bride’s Earrings + Bracelet: Judith Jack via Nordstrom / Hair: Sea Spa Salon / Makeup: Zoe Loves Makeup / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Siri via Flair Boston / Groom’s Suit + Men’s Ties: Brooks Brothers / Rings: Custom by Barmakian Jewelers