This June I finally had my first Martha’s Vineyard wedding!  I’d been dreaming of photographing an island wedding since first moving to the Boston area, and I was not disappointed!  There’s something so magical about catching the ferry on a sunny Friday afternoon, breathing in that deliciously salty sea air, and driving through the picture perfect island countryside down to beautiful Edgartown.  The atmosphere at destination weddings is special; it’s not just a wedding weekend, it’s a vacation – and people tend to let really let loose.

My first time meeting Natalie and Mike was that Friday afternoon, at their rehearsal.  Natalie looked exquisite, like a Greek goddess in fact, and despite wanting the ground to open up and swallow me whole (I was still wearing my grungy traveling clothes) I was excited to finally meet her and Mike.  Their family and friends were charming, and so welcoming, and I knew it was going to be a lovely weekend.

On Saturday, I spent the early afternoon at one of the exquisite suites at the Harbor View Hotel, hanging out with Natalie and the girls as they prepped for the wedding.   The weather was gorgeous, so the hair and makeup team did their thing on the large porch, then Natalie headed inside to dress.  Things ran a little late so we had a brief first look right before the ceremony.  I love the photo of Natalie coming down the stairs; thanks to superstar second shooter Earl Christie for that one, as well as for several others in this set.

The ceremony was held on the verandah of the Harbor View Hotel; it’s the perfect spot for a wedding, with the beautiful views of the lighthouse, and beyond that the sea.  Natalie’s dad and brother had us all tearing up and cracking up – they’re a passionate and incredibly sweet family.  I love Mike’s expression as Natalie’s dad gives her a mini roast during the ceremony, and I love that I caught one of the bridesmaids getting choked up too.

The reception was absolutely gorgeous; Natalie’s personal style shone through, with many personal touches including the hand-painted table numbers.  The soft pink palette was a perfect fit for the elegant restaurant setting at the Harbor View.  Like the ceremony, the toasts were a wonderful mixture of hilarious and emotional – I love the photo of Natalie reacting to her best friend’s words.  Such a sweet moment.

The evening was spent dancing and drinking and sneaking off for sundown portraits by the Edgartown lighthouse.  The band was phenomenal – The Sultans of Swing – and lead singer Debbe Lewis did an absolutely cracking Tina Turner impression that made my week!  Thank you all for a fantastic wedding, and for bringing me all the way to beautiful Maratha’s Vineyard to document it for you.  I’m excited to now call myself a bonafide Martha’s Vineyard wedding photographer!