Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Being that Nantucket is an old school whaling town there is a ton of history in the island air. From the Nantucket baskets, wooden sailboats and all the vintage pieces you can really feel as if you are stepping back in time. We thought we would honor this history with a simple inspiration board that ties it all together. You can have that vintage island feeling at your wedding by adding in a splash here and there.

Top Row L to R: Nantucket Bride in Codfish Park circa 1885, available at the NHA; Rainbow Fleet rounding Brant Point; Peter Beaton Hat.

Row 2: Navy & yellow table setting by Soiree Floral, photo by Brea McDonald; Navy & star sailing cloth tent by Sperry Tents.

Row 3: Beaded dress by Carolina Herrera; Gold Compass available via Soiree Floral; Nantucket Baskets at the Basket Museum.

Bottom: Nautical Chart table linens available at Placesetters; Custom designed invitations available at Griffin-vites.

We sent out a note to ask past and upcoming Nantucket brides what music they played (or want to play) to get people up and out of their seats at the reception.  Regardless of having a band or a dj, some of the musical choices were a big standout.  Here are a few of our favorites:

Music to get the ladies out on the dance floor:

*I think we’re alone now (by Tiffany)

*Single Ladies (put a ring on it)

Songs to get Mom and Dad on the dance floor:

*The Way you Look Tonight – by Frank Sinatra

*Just the Way You Are – by Billy Joel

*Sway – by Michael Buble

Tunes to get everyone on the dance floor:

*Sweet Home Alabama – by Lynrd Skynyrd

*Hey Ya! – by Outkast

*Sweet Caroline- Neil Diamond

and the ALL TIME FAVORITE to end the evening -

*Don’t Stop Believin’ – by Journey

Something Old…..every bride ponders her ’something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’ – we received a GREAT tip from a past Nantucket bride, Melissa, who was married this September on the island.  From Melissa:

“for my something old, I glued two pennies to the bottom of my shoe.  One with the year that I was born, and one with the year that my husband was born.  It made for great photos, and when my family and friends saw the photos after the big day, my phone rang off the hook.  A lot of people were not aware I did that, and they thought it was a fun idea.”

Thanks for sharing Melissa!

Brides carrying blooms with a little frangrance seems to be a trend that will carry well in to 2011.  Of course, every bride wants to have her own unique scent as she walks down the aisle – something that may be crafted from a childhood memory, or something she has grown in to as she finds her personal style.  In either case, you can’t go wrong with one of these delicious perfumes.  A little something for everyone.  Enjoy!

Geranium Bourbon is for the traditional bride who wants to feel alive and invigorated.  Deep and rosy, a blend of cassis berries, lemon, geranium and Turkish rose creates the scent of an English garden after a summer rain.  Available at Sephora.

Photo courtesy of Miller Harris

Island Bermuda by Michael Kors has tropical notes of hibiscus and passion flower which form this summery scent.  Perfect for a June/July bride.

photo courtesy of Michael Kors.com

Noted as elegant, natural, and spontaneous, Flora by Gucci is scented with the unique osmanthus flower that gives this fragrance a sophisticated edge.  Available nationwide mid-September.

photo courtesy of Sephora

We spotted this image over on Martha Stewart, and it is all about Nantucket Style for your wedding.  Have a little fun with your guests and give them something sweet at the end of the evening to remember your fun-filled day.  You can get these lobster suckers at The Chocolatier downtown.  Add a thank you tag with ribbons in your wedding colors for a personal touch.  You can have fun displaying them in ’sand’ (brown turbinado sugar) or buy a nautical map as your backdrop.  A lollipop is sure to make every guest feel like a kid again.

photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Many Nantucket couples come to get hitched here because of the tranquility of the beach.  If you are choosing to hold your rehearsal dinner or reception on or near the beach, carry out Mother Nature’s treasures up on to your tabletop.  You can rent rattan chargers, napkin rings, bamboo silverware and even basket weave plates from Placesetters.  A shell linen completes the look.  Ask stationer Marty Kelly to design your menu’s and escort cards with a shell motif in your colors.  You can complete the look by using scallop shell or quahog shells to hold salt and pepper.  A seaside inspired table sure to excite your guests!

photo by Schylur Shepherd

photo courtesy of The Chanticleer

Holiday Magazine was quoted as saying, “Here in ‘Sconset, between the cranberry bogs and the rose-grown bluffs, is one of the most beguiling villages in the world.”  Sconset is a very quaint and unique part of Nantucket and a hidden gem to many that travel to the island.  A Private Concierge knows that the beautiful village of ‘Sconset offers many opportunities for the most gorgeous wedding views and venues including the chapel, beaches and the well-known Chanticleer.

The Chanticleer known locally as the “Ivy Covered Cottage,” is known for its rose-covered exterior, exquisite gardens and exceptional cuisine.  Its modern French menu emphasizing New England and artisan ingredients is complemented by a festive dining experience which is just one of the many highlights of the venue. Our chef works with each bride & groom to create the perfect cuisine to capture their vision and food preferences.

The Chanitcleer offers different rooms and options in order to tailor each wedding experience to each individual couple.

photo courtesy of The Chanticleer

ROSE GARDEN OR NORTH (BACK) GARDEN

This area is perfect for cocktail hours and dinner for smaller wedding receptions.  The flowers are gorgeous and make for a perfect backdrop to your event.

GRILL ROOM

This room seats 40 guests for sit down dinner and up to 80 for cocktail service.  It’s great for a rehearsal dinner or a more intimate wedding.  Add the FIREPLACE seating area to the Grill Room and the venue seats up to 50 guests.

MAIN DINING ROOM

The most popular room for a small to mid size wedding, this room can accommodate up to 76 people with the rental furniture (50 people with the venue’s current furniture).

SUN PORCH

This amazing room that overlooks the back garden (can be used for your vows) seats up to 30 people at round tables or 22 at one long table.  (This room can be combined with the Main Dining room to seat just over 100 with rental equipment.)

Let the Chanticleer and A Private Concierge make your wedding a dream come true.

A Private Concierge can arrange, manage and take care of all of your Weekend-Of wedding management needs. Contact us at info@aprivateconcierge.com or call (508)-332-9422 for more information about our services and how we can tailor them for your wedding weekend.

Last week, island vendors were busy staging a photoshoot for Wellwed Magazine’s upcoming fall issue.  While we can’t show you the pictures, we can tell you a good time was had by all!  The weather held out all morning to get every last detail shot.  It was a great collaboration among island vendors Placesetters, Jodi’s Cakes, Soiree Floral, and Marty Kelly Papers.  Last but certainly not least, the divine Zofia Photography captured all the images and a ittle goofing around.  We can’t wait to show you our inspirations!

flowers by Soiree Floral

A few weeks back A Private Concierge and Vineyard Vines teamed up to bring our bride’s a sweetheart of a giveaway.  We received word that there is a winner!  Congratulations to Maia and Michael for becoming the recipients of ties for their bridal party.  We know the colors for their wedding are deep pink and blue, their ceremony and reception will be held at the White Elephant, and Zofia Photography will be shooting all the special moments and all the details (including those ties!).  The question is – what will Maia and Michael pick? We took a peek at some of the new designs Vineyard Vines is offering and thought maybe these will make their short list.  Stay tuned……

photo courtesy of Vineyard Vines

photo courtesy of Vineyard Vines

photo courtesy of Vineyard Vines

photo courtesy of Vineyard Vines

Hi everyone.  It’s Dawn, and I thought I’d take the reigns today to talk about one of my all time favorite blooms.  LILAC!  It seems to be blooming a little earlier than normal with the warmer weather we’ve had here on the east coast (not that we are complaining!).  Lilac is one of those branchy blooms that is here for a fleeting moment and then we wait another year to smell it’s fragrant blossoms again.  For brides, you can get lilac in white (which is a little more hard to come by), lavender and a deep purple.  Purple has been such a staple in fashion over the last few seasons and this is one bloom that will give elegance, style and grace to your tables.  If you are worried about the fragrance and any allergies your guests may have, opt to use it in your ceremony altar arrangements.

In the language of flowers, purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love, while white lilacs represent youthful innocence.  Whatever their meaning, they are one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful gifts of spring!  Enjoy.

photo courtesy of Zofia Photography