Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Finally, a solution to the question “who is going to bring the dog to the beach for our portraits?” We love that Marisa understands that your four-legged friends are part of the family too and has put together a little package to help couples manage this fun element for their wedding day!

Introducing Marisa Fiumara of Stella & Stanley Dog Walking, LLC and her special “Bark & Snap” package to make sure all four-legged friends don’t miss out on the wedding photos!

Dogs are considered by most to be a part of the family. Stella & Stanley are to me.  They are not only my babies, but they are grandchildren to my mother and niece & nephew to my brothers and they most certainly will not miss my wedding day photos.

Even though we all want our dogs to take part in our wedding photos, it can be a challenge to get them to the location and then back home afterwards for their close up.  And unfortunately, most wedding venues won’t allow our four-legged friends to stay for cocktail hour.

So in order to ensure your dog gets into your wedding photos I have created the “Bark & Snap” package which includes:

Transportation to and from the groomer (if needed) the day before
Transportation to and from all locations necessary for photos
(2) one-hour walks on your wedding day
Up to 2 feedings on your wedding day

For pricing on the “Bark & Snap” package and dog-walking needs in Nantucket or Boston please email me at Marisa@stellaandstanley.com or call (617)-710-9727.

Photo By Brea McDonald Photography

Considering a rental home for your Nantucket wedding reception and ceremony? We asked the team at Great Point Properties to share some insight on how to book a home for your island wedding venue.

Great Point Properties represents over 650 rental properties, but of those only a very small handful will even consider renting to a wedding party, so you need to plan well in advance. We do not want to be discouraging but our experience is that 99% of the homeowners run for cover when they hear that we are calling them with a wedding venue inquiry. If you are having a small intimate gathering than your odds get a bit better but it is still very rare that a homeowner will allow a ceremony to take place at their property. So, first word of advice: do not waste a lot of time looking on line at homes for your dream wedding; call us and we can steer you to a select few homes that may work for you.

One popular rental venue is Elliots Way in the Tome Nevers area of the island. There are three homes on the property and a breathtaking view of the water. You can house your family and wedding party on location and take advantage of the beach just below your bluff. This location works out well for couples looking for a tented wedding and outdoor ceremony. Your guests can take in the stunning view and your photographer can utilize the amazing location for your family and couples portraits. A stellar option for an island wedding venue but limited to only a handful of events a year so planning is key! Contact Great Point Properties to find out more about Elliots Way for your island wedding or to inquire about one of the other properties that may work for your wedding event.

The view from the deck of #1 Elliots Way

One of the bedrooms at #3 Elliots Way

#3 Elliots Way house and #3A in the background left.

Today we have guest blogger Marty Kelly of Marty Kelly Papers giving us the 411 on how she came up with her designs.

When WellWed told me they would be shooting a tablescape on Nantucket in a sorbet color palette, I knew my designs would have to be super summery, fresh, and fun. For the menus and escort cards I chose beach umbrella and flip flop motifs, reminiscent of carefree moments in the summer sun. Knowing that sorbet was being served, I designed some colorful personalized word cloud cone wrappers. On each wrapper I printed the couple’s names and all sorts of loving sentiments and sweet nothings, like “joy, hope, smiles, forever, friendship, and family”.  Summer loving at its best!

photo by Zofia Photography

photo by Zofia Photography

This beautiful cake was created by Jodi of Jodi’s Cakes:

photo by Zofia Photography

These amazing, creative and fabulous tasting appetizers (trust us, we sampled them ALL) are by Kim Reed of A Taste of Nantucket:

photo by Zofia Photography

Great inspirations for your summer Island wedding!

We are happy to welcome new guest blogger Sarah Uhran of A Private Concierge.  Sarah is here today to tell us all about her company and we look forward to her helpful tips in the coming weeks:

A Private Concierge is here to take the stress out of your wedding weekend, leave the “where to stay, where to eat, who will watch the kids if we take them, who will walk the dog, if he comes” questions from your guests and family to us at A Private Concierge.

We offer the services you and your guests require to enhance a Nantucket wedding.  Planning travel to and from the island whether it be by boat, plane or private transportation service. We stock homes, cottages, and hotels with every necessity before you arrive, including groceries, wine/beer/spirits, baby rentals and any other items that you may need for your stay. We will also book reservations for activities including fishing, golf, bike and car rentals, pet services and secure reservations at local favorite restaurants. If the little ones are guests too, we can arrange for babysitting services.

Our services are unlike any you may have experienced and we look forward to exceeding your expectations. We will tailor a package specifically to fit the needs of each couple and their guests because we know each wedding needs a personal touch.

To create a package for your Nantucket wedding needs please contact us at (508)-332-9422 or sarah@aprivateconcierge.com.  We look forward to hearing from you.

photo courtesy of A Private Concierge

Hello everyone.  Sorry for our delay in posting today - we have been experiencing technical difficulties  (we’re blaming it on the full moon last night).

Unlike your typical “expo style” bridal events, The Cape & Islands Wedding Affair provides you with an intimate & lavish setting in which to meet Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyards’ most celebrated & sought after wedding professionals.

WellWed in Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard - The Cape & Islands’ boutique Wedding Magazine cordially invites you to attend the areas signature bridal event - The 2010 Cape & Islands Wedding Affair. The hint of winter provides an icy theme for decor with innovative floral & tabletop designs…ice sculptures pouring peppermint martinis…and a dazzling runway of couture.

This one-of-a-kind bridal event is dedicated to catering to local & destination couples that want to experience the BEST Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. From planning seminars & decor workshops to makeovers & manicures, The Cape & Islands Wedding Affair will introduce you to the products, people & places that create the area’s most talked about events.

Morning Everyone! It’s Brea here, and I just couldn’t resist talking about one of my favorite wedding elements this morning.

So, I have a thing for tented weddings. You may have noticed this from my website or if you are a fan of my Facebook page that I have a slight thing for those evening tent shots. I photograph a lot of tented weddings and I must say I get excited for that special glow that comes along with a stunning tent. It’s like a world of it’s own under there!

When one of my favorite tent companies was looking for some new photos for their catalog I of course e-mailed a few right over. (lets just say I had a couple of shots to share) And then a few weeks later received a package in the mail with copies of their shiny new catalog. I was super excited to see several of my tent photos featured on the stunning pages of their latest creation. But beyond that was some stellar information for those planning a tented wedding. All the details from the various types of tents to possible floor plans are laid out on the pages. It just goes to show what a professional company this is and the best part…. these tents are available on island at Nantucket Tents! They really know how to create an amazing space for your special day.

If you are planning a tented Nantucket wedding visit their website and take a look at all they have to offer. And check out a few shots of their Sperry Tents brochure below.

Phone : (508)228-5645
Email: Andegrennan@nantuckettents.com
www.nantuckettents.com

Today we welcome a new guest blogger to our team here at Nantucket Weddings Unveiled. Heather is from NannyTucket, a fantastic service for any family visiting the island. Don’t forget your littlest guests when putting together the details for your wedding weekend. Here are a few tips from Heather.

Planning a wedding on the island is “no walk in Stanford farm”. Often times, some little things that help to make the day run smoothly are overlooked- like finding a fantastic babysitter for any friends/family that decided to bring their little toe heads to the island.

Whether it is a sitter for the little ones at your wedding reception or those at your home or hotel room consider forwarding our website and email address to your guests. We will be sure to guarantee that any one of our 180 top notch sitters take charge of all the little ones so that your guests can be that…guests!

You want everyone to be relaxed and enjoy all the efforts that you have put into planning the most important day of your life. NannyTucket can turn a traveling, frantic mother into a relaxed guest by sending a background checked, reference checked, interviewed and trained sitter to her door.  She can even see the sitter’s photo and view their profile on-line prior to arrival. NannyTucket can also drop off mint condition strollers, beach toys and car seats! Let us do all the research too, our complimentary NannyTucket membership allows parents to see all the kid-friendly activities and restaurants on the island.

You have many questions to focus on from now to “then”, which Nantucket beach has the worst undertow, should not be one of them. They can contact us for all their child related questions and needs. We are more than happy to help!

photo courtesy of HGTV

Today Dawn Kelly from Soiree Floral is taking over the reigns to talk about one of her favorite subjects - COLOR!  At this time of year, many couples are newly engaged and jumping right in to the details of the big day.  Whenever I meet with a client, one of the first questions I ask is ‘Do you have the bridesmaid’s dresses picked out?” - believe it or not, this really helps drive the final color scheme and sets the tone for the formality of your event.

Pantone has picked their color of the year as Turquoise.  I was a bit taken aback by this.  I feel like we have seen a lot of turquoise already in the past two years.  From table linens to dresses, it has definitely been present.  It’s safe to say it is not going anywhere anytime soon.  In recent years, I’ve seen it paired with lots of bright, cheery yellows and white to smooth it all out.  This year, brides are being a little more daring and I think this next color combination has a lot of potential for a wedding any time of year.  Think tomato red, turquoise, and apple green!  As long as you keep the colors in the same saturation you can’t go wrong (don’t mix a pastel with a bright color for this - it won’t look good!).

color tiles by Soiree Floral

Think turquoise for your vases, table linens, or napkins.  Placesetters even has some great beaded napkin rings in this turquoise color.

rentals by Placesetters, photo by Soiree Floral

The red and green can certainly come from Mother Nature - anemones, roses, natural greens, mosses, granny smith apples - the possibilities are endless.  I’m a huge fan of using color.  Color evokes emotion and when your guests walk in to the reception, you are sure to make mouth’s drop.

Gerry and JeanE from the Century House shares tips for lodging and a venue option for an intimate Nantucket Wedding.

Choosing the perfect place to have your wedding can be exciting.  Nantucket could not be more perfect for a destination wedding! Initially, the couple must decide their desired experience and budget — will you opt to simply elope or go for a large or small wedding? A private celebration or lavish and over the top?
Century House is located at 10 Cliff Road just steps from Nantucket Town.  We host weddings privately, and one at a time.  This inn is the oldest continuously operating guesthouse on Nantucket.  Built in 1833 Century House has evolved through many restorations with its latest elegant renovation completed just this year. Sixteen luxurious guestrooms, all with private baths, await our guests. Each room is decorated with the guest in mind and features a beautiful mix of antiques and luxurious details…even in the bathrooms! The sunny veranda is filled with flowers and perfect for a simple yet sophisticated bride. This is not your cookie cutter hotel.
Enjoy breakfast and the Nantucket breezes on our wrap-around veranda.  Flowers bloom everywhere in the season and here you will be soothed by the aroma of the flowers. Our famous “Gerry’s Berry Buffet Breakfast” is a bountiful choice of various berries cascading on his famous granola and other fresh fruits. The perfect way to fuel up for a day of island adventure.

For those looking for an intimate Nantucket wedding spot in a serene location, the entire Century House can be made available for a wedding or special event. Century House can provide the ideal backdrop for 25 - 35 guests during the periods of 15 May to 15 June; and, 15 September to 15 October, the ideal times for both privacy and access to Nantucket’s charms. Century House’s historic location - coupled with the surrounding historic sites offers an ideal setting.

You will likely never forget the charm Nantucket has to offer. Stay at the Century House and with our friendly staff we will help you discover the secrets of the island. Please contact us as soon as you begin your planning, so we can set aside time for your special affair.  508-228-0530

Red Dahlia Room

The Century House B&B

We are calling on the rental team at Great Point Properties to bring us the dish on how to rent a home on the island for family, friends or for yourself! Thanks to Laura and Greg for taking the time to provide some insight into how it all works.

Nantucket Weddings are a truly special experience but as is the case with most special experiences they often come with added hurdles. One of the major hurdles that individuals planning a Nantucket wedding come across is finding accommodations. It’s an island… there are only so many locations to stay!

You may want to consider renting a home to house your nearest and dearest. People often think that because Nantucket is a “Destination Wedding” that they will see some level of attrition from their guest list. Not always the case, Nantucket is a special place and those long lost aunts, uncles and college roommates, whom you have not spoken with in years, will be there. So you need to start helping guide them towards appropriate accommodations as soon as possible. Prospective tenants begin booking homes for the next season pretty much as they are packing to leave the island. So, people looking for rentals need to begin working on finding homes in the early fall to have the largest selection. Many of clients simply list Great Point Properties phone number and website on their save the date cards. We can help your guests find accommodations without your assistance, all the better, as you have a lot of planning to do!

Van Fleet Circle Rental

Once you have decided to book a home you should contact a real estate office directly. While there are sites that can help you find a rental without working through an agency, we offer expertise and guidance that will keep you from ending up in something awful. We are also an on-island point of contact, very helpful to your first time visitors. We also are very familiar with weddings on Nantucket and can help you find accommodations that are best suited to your family, the location of the ceremony and reception, etc… Just call us and tell us what you are looking for and we will send you a selection that is appropriate for your needs. Rentals on Nantucket can range from $1,500 a week for one bedroom cottages to $45,000 a week for estates so let us know your budget as this will be one of the primary determining factors.

Cliff Road Rental

One thing that must be kept in mind is that the majority of rentals run Saturday to Saturday. So, if you are getting married on a Saturday you will need to find a rental that turns over on Sunday, this can be quite rare. Should you be getting married in early June or late September, you may find homeowners who are more receptive to having a different turnover day but if its in the high season (mid June to mid September), it will most likely be a Saturday.

The long and short of it is that at we know that this is a special occasion and if you contact us we will do all that we can to make your, or your wedding guests stay on Nantucket a special one.

North Beach Street Rental

All photos are courtesy of Great Point Properties. If you see a rental that interests you please contact them directly at 508-228-2266.