Jana Halîrová and Michael Lynch had no preconceptions about what they wanted their wedding to look like, but soon discovered they had similar ideas. They wanted their wedding to be small and casual – an intimate evening with close family and friends, rather than a big event. And yet they didn't want the celebration to be without beauty and glamour: a picturesque outdoor ceremony, flowers adorning almost every surface, a canopy of twinkling lights.
To put the plans into motion, they relied on Michael’s mom and wedding planner Patrie Grace. Point B Realty helped them locate homes for guests as well as the wedding venue, settling on a property in Chilmark overlooking Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. “We came across it soon after we started and kind of knew it was the one,” Jana said.
Not wanting to look like a typical bride, she chose a Mark Zunino white gown with black embroidery. It “kind of expresses my personality: sexy tomboy," she said.
It’s a good thing she felt comfortable during the ceremony: her in-laws’ cockapoo, Calvin, who followed her and her dad down the aisle, stepped on her veil and pulled it off. “I left it behind and everyone had a good laugh.”
Given the small guest list, the couple was able to provide a premium dining experience. Guests enjoyed cocktails at dusk followed by a five-course tasting menu from Suzanna and Kevin Crowell, owners of Détente restaurant in Edgartown. Rather than several small tables, they set up one long table en plein air. Pianist Jeremy Berlin serenaded the crowd under a nearby blue tent.
Along with a flower-strewn wedding cake, the couple served Michael’s favorite dessert, bread pudding, and a traditional sweet reflecting Jana’s Czech heritage, which she had baked the day before the wedding with friends and her mother. “The wedding was a reflection of both of us,” Jana said. “We got to enjoy some amazing food and the company of our closest family and friends.”
As for why they chose the Vineyard, that was easy. Michael's family has owned a home in Edgartown for thirty years. In 2013, Jana and Michael made the move together to the Island, setting up camp for six months. It was the first time they lived together as a couple.
Now it will be known as the place where they became husband and wife. Said Jana: “It is a very special place for both of us.”
details
Date: September 9, 2017
Ceremony + Reception: Private Home
Photographer: Mikos Photographers
Wedding Planner: With Grace
Caterer: Kevin + Suzanna Crowell of Détente
Cake: Val Cakes
Music: Jeremy Berlin
Flowers: Tea Lane Farm
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Hair + Makeup: Bouclé
Guest Gift Bags: The Black Dog granola bars + By the Sea Salt + Edgartown Historical Museum Map + Vineyard Golf Club phone cases + Wheel Happy bike rental vouchers
Accommodations: Point B Realty rental homes
Rehearsal Dinner: Atria
Honeymoon: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Their Best Advice: Hire a planner. “They really are pros – Patrie Grace made everything so easy for us.”
