Childhood Memories made this Bride’s Big Day

Weddings

Check out this adorable June wedding in Edgartown.

June 3rd, 2023 turned out to be a colder day than typical on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. The winds were howling. Boats were being diverted from Oak Bluffs in Vineyard Haven, which means the seas were rough. But when Heather and Ryan stepped outside on their Edgartown wedding day, the whole Island felt electric. Their love was so magnetic, everyone gravitated toward them.

First Look

They started their day off with their first look in the gardens of l’etoile. This was a surprise for the groom, the way Heather imagined it. So much hype is placed on the groom’s reaction, she thought it might be best that he had no idea.

That meant I got the fun joy of lying to the groom on his wedding day! The hotel the Groom and Groomens were getting ready in was just behind the first look location, so it made things really easy. “We moved the vans up in front of the building since parking is tight back here.” I tried saying with a straight face. Knowing full well his bride was perfectly positioned and waiting for him just around the corner. “Just right through here.”

His face says it all.

Flying Horses

Heather grew up visiting the Island with her family. Year after year they’d visit the Island, most of the time in the fall. Those visits meant her entire family had fond memories throughout the Island. One of thos places holds the title for “Oldest Carousel in America”, the Flying Horses was high on the list for family photos for Heather.

Following their first look, Heather, Ryan, and their closest family members piled into van from Resortman, and drove the six miles to Oak Bluffs, where the couple had the town to themselves. Because of the high winds and the lack of boats docking in town for the day, they had the place practically to themselves.

Everyone took a ride on the carousel together, making a brand new memory and tradition for two families that became one on that day.

Afterward, the group headed back into Edgartown for the family photos

Bride and Groom spent a few moments to themselves at the newly renovated Memorial Wharf in Edgartown on their wedding day,

Ceremony

Afterwards, it was time for the ceremony at St. Andrew’s Church.

Then the bride and groom took the lead in walking to their reception at Atria Restaurant. The quarter mile walk took them down Main Street in Edgartown.

Reception

At last, they made it to their reception! The Bride and Groom took the time to greet all 73 guests as they walked into Atria’s outdoor patio for their cocktail hour. After a busy day the spaned two towns, they deserved some time to celebrate with their beloved guests.

Their reception was decorated with beautiful bud cases by Louise Sweet of Flowers on the Vineyard. Each vase was filled with white and blue flowers, inspired by sea glass. The Bride and her mother provided tons of sea glass that they had collected throughout the years.

Their first dance was choreographed via personalized youtube videos. Followed by dances with Ryan and his mom, Sharon and Heather with her dad Karl.

To continue the night, Heather’s maid of honor and sister, Taylor, gave a loving speech cherishing the memories she had with her sister, and now with her new brother-in-law. Nelson, the best man and good friend of the groom followed with the great memories that got some laughs from the crowd. Next up was Ryan’s dad, Thomas with a heartfelt speech in which he thanked every family member who had a hand in raising Heather and Ryan. Finally, Heather’s dad Karl closed the speeches off with an endearing speech about the budding love story of this lovely couple.

The couple cut their cake on the front porch of Atria. It was topped with a custom topper of their dog Gus, who was back at the Airbnb. The cake was strawberry whip cream cake from the Black Dog Bakery.