Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

This chilly weather got us thinking about what makes this time of year so great.  Hot cider, peppermint cocoa, chai tea lattes, mulled wine – the list goes on and on.  This time of year allows winter brides to bring a unique touch to their big day.  Wouldn’t it be great to have some of these drinks set out for guests at your winter wedding?  They smell delicious and they help warm up your guest’s hands as they head in from the cold for a night of great food and music as you dance away your reception.  Talk to your caterer about incorporating one or more of these for a truly unique beverage bar.  Brilliant!

photos courtesy of brides.com

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

We all know our ‘friend’ Earl is heading up the coast and plans to visit us here in Nantucket.  With wedding nuptials this weekend, couples are turning to their vendors for guidance, reassurance, and to put that Plan B in to action.  For all of you who have weddings coming up in the next few weeks, this serves as a good reminder that it is always better to have a plan b in place (and hopefully not have to use it) than to be scrambling around at the last minute figuring things out.  Watch this clip as one Nantucket bride talks about her weekend plans, and see how the island’s vendors are handling Earl’s arrival.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/24860371/?taf=bos

P.s. – they say stormy weather is good for a marriage.  It certainly gives you great stories to tell for years to come!  Best wishes to all island wedding couples this weekend and their vendors.  Let the spirit of Nantucket shine this weekend!

Often times, we get asked by clients if we know of a special gift idea that they can give to each other as they start a new chapter in their lives.  We have a little secret, and this gift keeps on giving.

You chose to have your wedding here on the island – you love the landscape, the grey shingled homes, the cobblestones and the rolling grassy hills.  Why not buy a custom portrait or print from artist Christopher Wheat?  You can peruse his website to look at prints, or hire him to do a custom portrait of a particular landscape you like, a seascape, even your home if you happen to have a little getaway here.

This is the type of gift you can treasure forever.  Having something to look back on to remind you of your special time on island, your special day, and lifetime of happiness making memories here every time you visit.

print by Christopher Wheat

print by Christopher Wheat

You’ve worked hard to make sure every little detail is set for your special day.  Your planner has meticulously combed over your time line for the day, the cake flavors have been chosen, your favorite blooms will grace the tables, your bridal party looks stunning in their attire, and you’ve even worked it out to have your four legged friend(s) join you for portraits on the beach.  Don’t forget to think about your exit as you leave your reception site!  Sparklers are a great way for your guests to send you off, and they make for a fantastic photo!  Be sure to coordinate with your photographer so they know where to be to get that magical shot.  Visit Sparklers online to create that little bit of fun everyone will enjoy at the end of the night.

Photo Courtesy Brea McDonald Photography

Today Sarah from A Private Concierge is back to talk about wedding venue locations.  First up, Nantucket Yacht Club.  Take it away, Sarah:

You always knew you wanted to get married on Nantucket, even before you met Mr. Right.  You envisioned a September day with the harbor backdrop at the Nantucket Yacht Club for your pictures, but maybe you aren’t a member at the Club. There are two ways to go about getting your dream wedding venue. The first option is having a member sponsor or host your wedding event at the club. The Yacht Club can fill you in on all the details.

A Private Concierge offers up another great tip – did you know that even though you are not a member of the Yacht Club you can still get married on the property (except mid-June to mid-September due to club events).

The Ballroom offers enough room for all of your guests and a classic charm that welcomes parties of all sizes.  This is a flexible space perfect for your wedding of any size.  Located at the heart of the Yacht Club, the Ballroom has a breathtaking view of the water.  French doors open onto the waterfront patio and invite guests to enjoy the splendor of an evening under the stars.

A Private Concierge can help arrange your accommodation and book all travel and accommodations for you, the bridal party and your family.  Before anyone arrives we will stock your accommodations with food, wine/beer/spirits and any other item needed. A Private Concierge will also handle any dinner reservation, activities that you or your guest may like while on island.  If you are shipping any items for the wedding to your accommodations before you arrive, we can be on-call to receive the packages to ensure you don’t miss them!

A Private Concierge can arrange, manage and take care of all of your Weekend-Of wedding 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.

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

We spotted this gem of an inspiration board over at Snippet & Ink. They call it China Cabinet but we thought it was a perfect twist on the hydrangea color palette. What do you think?

For all the details & credits click here: Snippet & Ink

Monique Lhuillier knows how to dress a bride! All her beautiful little feminine touches and stunning fabrics can make anyone feel like a queen. Her recent runway show at NY Bridal Fashion week was highly anticipated and we caught a glimpse of it over at WhoWhatWeddings.com.

Click the link to watch a short video of her 2010 fall collection on the runway:

http://vimeo.com/7365562