Gabriella Riggio had never been to a wedding before she planned her own. “I didn’t want to think about it, because in my mind it was bad luck,” she said. “I wouldn’t look at anything related to a wedding ever.” But as soon as she got engaged to Samuel Crisafulli in December 2022 during a chilly morning stroll beside the Edgartown Lighthouse, she knew she needed to put the ocean at the top of the invite list.
The couple met at a toga party while students at Boston University. Dressed in the proper attire for the affair, the two said sparks flew. From then on, they saw each other almost every day. Gabriella grew up in Florida and Samuel summered on the Vineyard at his parents’ home in Katama, where he spent ample time at the beach. Their shared love of the ocean was one of the many things the two talked about in their early days as a couple.
After touring multiple Island wedding venues, they decided the lush green lawn at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown was where they wanted to exchange their vows. “If you listened closely enough, you could hear the waves crashing,” Gabriella said.
They hosted every event during their wedding weekend at the Winnetu, which combines New England charm with picturesque coastal views. Nestled just steps from South Beach, the resort offered a serene and intimate atmosphere. Samuel said their older relatives appreciated the ease of not having to travel far. Not having to coordinate transportation for their guests helped the couple enjoy the day.
Gabriella and Samuel advised others who are planning a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard to use local vendors, not only to support the businesses, but for the convenience and reliability they offer. Given the Island’s unique geography, logistics can quickly become complicated, whether it be sudden ferry cancellations, unpredictable weather, or both. Local vendors are best equipped to navigate those challenges. “You’re working with someone who knows everybody in town,” Samuel said. “They’ve got connections, they’ve got the tech. They know how it all works and they’re here.”
The couple shared that, ultimately, it’s the personal touches that elevate a wedding – the heartfelt conversations with guests and the moving speeches. Their Martha’s Vineyard wedding was so special, they want to do it all over again.
“I kept saying to everybody, ‘Same time next year?’” Samuel said.
Details
Wedding Date: September 14, 2024
Ceremony + Reception: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Photographer: Jessica K. Feiden
Wedding Planner: Marc Crisafulli
Day-Of Coordinator: Makenzie Wall
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Caterer: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Hair: Sea Spa Salon
Makeup: KoreanKandy
Cake + Dessert: Val Cakes + Back Door Donuts
Ceremony Music: Naavi Strings
Reception Music: DJ Dern
Stationery: Zola
Signage: Etsy
Rehearsal Dinner: Alchemy
Post-wedding Brunch Caterers: The Food Truck + Mad Martha’s + Stoney Hill Pizza
Accommodations: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
This article appears in Summer-Fall 2025.