Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

The quaint town of Siasconset is a favorite for many island couples.  With its rose covered cottages, wandering crushed shell paths, and little markets – it is a destination in and of itself.  The chapel is a favorite with couple’s looking to say their I do’s, and it books up quickly.  Take a behind the scenes look at real weddings as videographer Meg Simone, Brea McDonald Photography, and Soiree Floral capture the newly minted ‘Mr and Mrs’

Many of Nantucket’s beautiful churches have regulations about what can be tossed into the air in celebration as the happy couple exits together. For good reason of course! We wouldn’t want a flock of birds to descend or rice to create a walking hazard. We have spotted the perfect festive alternative, ribbon sticks!

These are a perfect alternative to the traditional elements and can also incorporate your wedding colors. Hand them out to your guests as they leave the church and they can wave them wildly as you exit as Mr. & Mrs. for the very first time.

A great DIY project or speak to your floral designer to discuss how you can work this festive idea into your day. My guess is your design team with have the perfect ribbon already on hand!

Mel and Sparky were married this past fall on Nantucket Island. The fall is a favorite time of year on the Nantucket for many who visit and live here. The island slows down a bit from the summer bustle and the weather is fantastic!

Mel and Sparky wanted a fun filled wedding with a laid back appeal. After their ceremony at St. Paul’s church they zipped off in a vintage Jeepster, a classic island car, and met up with their wedding party at Cisco Beach. With stocked coolers they watched the sunset and took advantage of some picture perfect light for their photos with Brea McDonald Photography. Relaxing at the beach is what Nantucket is all about so taking some down time to enjoy the scenery was a nice way to keep the photos fun and casual.

Their wedding reception was held at nearby Cisco Brewery where guest got to sample some of the islands own brewed beers, wines and spirits. But, the real excitement started when the music from Boston DJ’s got rolling! Everyone, I mean everyone was on that dance floor till the bitter end. Complete with old school dance circles, Elvis impersonators and the classic last song of the night from Journey… you know the one!

As an end of the night surprise, orchestrated by event planner Nantucket Island Events, guests lined the walkway with sparklers to send the newly weds off into the night. Perfect for a groom named Sparky!

Ceremony: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Reception: Cisco Brewery

Event Planner: Nantucket Island Events

Flowers: Flowers on Chestnut

Catering: Nantucket Catering Company

Cupcakes: Nantucket Cake Company

Tent: Sperry Tents

DJ: Boston DJ’s

“You may kiss the bride!” and applause follows. You slowly turn to see all your wonderful friends and family smiling back at you. This is one of those wedding moments you will never forget.

When exiting the church or your ceremony location we always hope for that traditional tossing of rice or flower petals in celebration. But these days many churches don’t allow such activities. Recently we have been seeing more and more of this fun festive alternative. Another wonderful way to work in texture and color to your wedding celebration too!

What do you think?

See more from this event at Style Me Pretty Photo by Millie Holloman.

Happy Stroll everyone!

photo by Cary Hazlegrove

Starting on October 15, 2009 and running through November 15th, the historic Nantucket Unitarian Church – celebrating its 200th anniversary this year – is auctioning off many unique items and services, along with special experiences. The money raised through “Nantucket Auction 2009” will be used to replenish the church’s funds, to continue its valuable programs and services to the community and to continue its global endeavors.  Take a look at the offerings – with new ones being posted every day!  You can also follow all the action, regarding the Auction, on Twitter at ACKAuction2009.

Look for travel packages, unique jewelry items for your bridesmaids and so much more.

photo courtesy of Unitarian Church

We were contacted by a couple of the churches and were asked to remind couples of the following:

When making  plans regarding the ‘reuse’ of some of your church flowers (i.e. altar arrangements) please be sure to read your contract carefully.  Many of the churches clearly state in your contract that altar flowers must be left for Sunday church service.  To keep all parties on the same page, please speak with the church director specifically about this before assuming any items may be taken with you.

Happy planning!

We posed this question to past and future brides and asked them to submit their favorites.  This poem by ee cummings was one of the most popular, and when you read it you’ll see why.  Enjoy!

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart ) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Meghan and Darryl were married on a beautiful sunshine filled day on Nantucket. The elements of their wedding stood out to us from the very start and we couldn’t resist showcasing their entire wedding.

Preparations took place at the new White Elephant residence. Meghan’s hair was done on site by Darya Salon and make-up by Lizzie from Beauty By The Sea.

Transportation to St. Mary’s church was provided by Cranberry Transportation for the bridal party and the bride and her parents arrived in the Highland Drivers 1964 Princess.

Flowers and Decor were done by Dawn Kelly and her team at Soiree Floral.

Photography by Brea McDonald Photography

Now onto the photos….. we are only getting started so stay tuned for many more great details & behind the scenes planning from this Nantucket Wedding!

Cheers erupt from the bridal party as Meghan shows off her finished look.

These three nearly stole the show as they walked down the isle together.

A special moment for every wedding, when they couple sees one another for the first time.

So happy!! As they drive away as husband and wife.

St. Paul’s Church is located in the downtown area of the island on Fair Street.  Many admire this church building, with its Tiffany stained glass windows, Richardson Romanesque architecture, and convenient location just steps from historic Main Street.

If you plan to be married at St. Paul’s Church there are several steps to get you read for the big day. Here are a few of the details to help you prepare. This information is also available on the St. Paul’s website under the “what we do” section, then follow to the “ceremonies” page and click on weddings.

Who can be married at St. Paul’s? At least one of the person’s to be wed is a baptized Christian, and one of the following: One or both are active members of a Church or One or both are actively seeking a church where they can worship.

Photo courtesy St. Paul's Church

Pre-Marital Instruction: The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and St. Paul’s Church require that couples being married within this diocese complete at least four counseling sessions of not less than one hour each with our Rector. These should be scheduled well in advance with St. Paul’s office. However, if you live off island you may seek counseling at your local Episcopal Church.

The Officiant: The Rev. Dr. Eugene McDowell, will officiate at all weddings. Other clergy, either of the Episcopal Church or of other denominations who have a special relationship with either the bride or groom, may be invited, at the discretion of the Rector, to assist in or officiate at the service.

Fees: The fee for being married at St. Paul’s is $3,000 per couple for members* or $5,000 per couple for non-members. This fee includes the Rector’s, the organist and cleaning fees but not the flowers or any special performers. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking to hold your date. The balance must be paid at least 1 month prior to the ceremony date.
*A member is someone who attends regularly and provides identifiable support to St. Paul’s

For further details about planning your wedding at St. Paul’s Church visit their website or contact them via phone at 508-228-0916.