Gabrielle Muzzarelli and Matthew Planell spent their college years at the University of Notre Dame in neighboring dorms, but never crossed paths. After graduation, Gabrielle, a fitness instructor, and Matthew, an accountant, both moved to New York, met at last, and connected over their shared love of food, travel, and their alma mater’s football team. On their first trip as a couple to the Island, they added Martha’s Vineyard to that list.
Once engaged, they looked at venues in Chicago, where Gabrielle is from; New York City, near to where Matthew grew up; and the Vineyard. “From the moment we stepped off the ferry it was like, ‘This is clearly it,’” said Gabrielle. “It just felt so right in a way that anywhere else we had looked hadn’t.”
As for the location, the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown fit the bill. “One of the things we wanted was a venue that had indoor space so that we didn’t have to have any concerns about the weather,” Matthew said. Which was a good call – just days before their wedding a nor’easter hit, cancelling ferries and flights, and stranding guests in Woods Hole.
If they had needed to transition inside for their ceremony, they could have. But Mother Nature was on their side. On their wedding day they were able to take their first-look photos near the Edgartown Lighthouse and marry outdoors.
As for their reception, a whimsical, boho, and industrial theme played out across the tables in a palette of whites, soft blues, light pinks, eggplants, and lots of greenery. Gabrielle and Matthew took a hands-on approach with their décor, sourcing and creating many of the items. “We blended geometric and industrial pieces, like our copper pipe sign holder, geometric candle votives, and acrylic signs with whimsical items like candlesticks, gold flatware, flowy BHLDN bridesmaids’ dresses, and flower crowns,” Gabrielle said.
The couple fondly remembers many aspects of their wedding day, but it’s their ceremony in particular that stands out. A close friend served as officiant, and passages were read by loved ones, including a poem written by Matthew’s grandfather to his grandmother while he was serving overseas in World War II. They also had a tree ceremony, where they incorporated dirt from each of their childhood homes into the soil of a lemon tree. “It was cool to have it be so personal to us,” Gabrielle said. “That made the whole thing really special,” echoed Matthew.
DETAILS
Wedding Date: October 19, 2019
Photographer: Laurelle + Dale Photography
Ceremony + Reception: Harbor View Hotel
Wedding Planner: Makenzie Wall of the Harbor View Hotel
Videographer: Veiled In Motion
Caterer: Harbor View Hotel
Cake + Dessert: The Black Dog + Back Door Donuts
Music: Naavi Strings + The Vine Shakers
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Rentals: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Transportation: MV Sightseeing + ResortMan
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Wedding Attire: Hugo Boss + Vagabond Bridal
Groom’s Cufflinks: Stefanie Wolf Designs
Guest Gift Bags: Murdick’s Fudge + MV Island Guide + Vineyard Gazette
Getting-Ready Caterer: Rosewater Market & Take Away
Accommodations: Clarion Inn + Harbor View Hotel + Point B Realty
After Party: The Wharf
After Party Music: DJ Ricky Prime
Rehearsal Dinner: The Sweet Life
Honeymoon: Indonesia + Thailand + Vietnam
Their Best Advice: Make time to be together and soak it all in. “On the day of the wedding, try to stay together as much as possible. The day will fly by, and you will feel pulled in a lot of different directions, but ultimately, your wedding is about you and your spouse.”
