Just in time for the long-anticipated arrival of spring, we’ve decided to resurrect a few events from our archives that serve to remind us of the joys of warm weather. Alexandra and Jeffrey’s classic New England wedding on Nantucket is the first in this series to evoke the feeling of sun on our faces and the smell of salt in the air. All this to say, hang in: summer’s just around the corner!
In planning your wedding, what did you do to infuse personal notes into your day?
Alexandra: We used the food and drink as a way to add personal touches. When we first started dating we would get oysters every Sunday and bonded over our love of shellfish. When Jeffrey proposed, he used a Pocomo oyster (our favorite) to hold the ring, so we filled our raw bar with them as a nod to that special moment. We tried to make our menu as local as possible. We also decided to have signature drinks to add a fun personal note. All of the alcohol was selected from or inspired by places that were significant to us. For example, for the “his” cocktail, we served Mexican Mules (made with tequila instead of vodka) since Jeff grew up in Mexico.
Jeffrey: We ensured the festivities reminded everyone, including us, about small things we enjoy. If one of our guest had been placed into our wedding at random, then they would have no doubt it was mine and Alex’s party.
What did you most enjoy about the whole planning process?
Alexandra: The best part of the process was having a good excuse to visit Nantucket as much as we wanted!
Jeffrey: I’ll be the first to admit—she planned 98% of the wedding (and that might be a generous 2% I am giving myself). I enjoyed discussing details with her and watching the excitement build as the day approached. I also enjoyed the many compliments on the reception chairs, as that was my 2% contribution.
It will be the best day ever and you won’t think about anything else other than how ecstatically happy you are.
Alexandra
Did you learn anything about yourselves as a couple?
Alexandra: I learned what a great team we are! About a month before the big day I traveled to Rwanda for my graduate research in humanitarian aid. Jeff stepped right up to the plate and communicated with our vendors, learning about a year’s worth of planning in just a few days!
Jeffrey: In the year leading up to the big day, I learned that we help each other handle stress extremely well and can remain positive through trying times.
Do you have advice for brides- and grooms-to-be on their big day?
Alexandra: I couldn’t say it any better. It will be the best day ever and you won’t think about anything else other than how ecstatically happy you are.
Jeffrey: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Actually, don’t sweat anything at all. Enjoy it – it flies by.
Our favorite moment was right after the ceremony when we had time to be with each other without guests. We loved driving around in the Defender for our creative shoot with Ira. We got to play music and hang out in the back just us two and our dog, Penny.
Alexandra
The best part of the process was having a good excuse to visit Nantucket as much as we wanted!
Alexandra
When we first started dating we would get oysters every Sunday and bonded over our love of shellfish. When Jeffrey proposed, he used a Pocomo oyster (our favorite) to hold the ring, so we filled our raw bar with them as a nod to that special moment.
Alexandra
What were some of your favorite moments from your day?
Alexandra: I think we both agree that our favorite moment was right after the ceremony when we had time to be with each other without guests. We loved driving around in the Defender for our creative shoot with Ira. We got to play music (Pitbull, of course) and hang out in the back just us two and our dog, Penny.
Jeffrey: Yes, without a doubt that was the best time of the day. This was 30 minutes of time we had to ourselves right after the big moment.
What qualities do you admire most about each other?
Alexandra: I admire his positive attitude that provides me with so much support on a daily basis. He never lets anything get him down and always knows how to pull me out of a slump. He is caring, hard-working, and always lifts up the people he loves.
Jeffrey: I admire her for her backbone. She sticks up for what she believes in and for those she loves. She is smart, thoughtful, and personable. I noticed all of this early on in our relationship and knew she was a keeper.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Actually, don’t sweat anything at all. Enjoy it—it flies by.
Jeffrey
She sticks up for what she believes in and for those she loves. She is smart, thoughtful, and personable. I noticed all of this early on in our relationship and knew she was a keeper.
Jeffrey
Credits
- Second Photographer Virginie Carolina
- Planner Maggie Stewart
- Ceremony First Congregational Church
- Reception Westmoor Farm
- Dress Carolina Herrera from Mark Ingram Atelier
- Floral Design Soiree Flora
- Lighting Billy Voss Productions
- Music Robby Behrman, Jordan Deiphos and Sultans of Swing
- Hair RJ Miller Salon
- Makeup Yolanda Grant
- Stationery Parchement Nantucket
- Video Meg Simone