Marie Slone and Thomas “Tommy” Folliard had their vendors selected, a location secured, and were counting down the days to their Island wedding when stay-at-home advisories and coronavirus protocols threw a wrench into their plans. Like so many couples slated for weddings in 2020, they knew they would have to adapt.

“Originally, we had a 200-person celebration planned at the Edgartown Field Club in June, but due to Covid we moved that to October,” said Marie. “When things were still looking iffy for October, we decided to scratch that plan and do something intimate in the backyard.” They opted for an August celebration.

Despite having to reschedule twice due to safety concerns, they were determined to keep their original vendor team intact. “We had moved [the wedding] to October 17, and that was the only date that worked for all of our vendors,” Marie said. “And then the same thing when we moved it [up] to August; that was the only date that worked.” 

From Plan It Martha’s Vineyard and Aubrey Maria Designs to Premier Chef Services and Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals, the couple fully credits their vendors for bringing their vision to life. “I just knew that I wanted it to be black and white,” Marie said about the overall theme. “I kind of just said that I trust you….I knew that they were the creative ones, so I just let them do it.”

With their help, the backyard, which overlooks Edgartown Harbor, was transformed into a formal space with a leisurely vibe. Strings of lights were hung from above and comfy couches and benches were brought in for additional seating. Tables with black cloths and white flower arrangements completed the look.

In the days leading up to their wedding, Marie and Tommy decided to forgo a tent because the weather report was showing clear skies. The morning of the wedding, however, it shifted. “Our vendors set up the backyard beautifully with our flowers and table settings, and then it poured rain and everything had to be replaced with a couple of hours to spare,” said Marie. The wind was so high that the original flowers that Aubrey Sirois and her team had made for the tables had to be switched out for smaller arrangements. But she had backups “because she is so prepared,” said Marie.

Tommy echoed his wife’s praises for all of their vendors: “The level of service was kind of ridiculous.”

Details

Wedding Date: August 15, 2020
Ceremony + Reception: Private Home
Photographer: Jocelyn Filley
Wedding Planner: Plan It Martha’s Vineyard
Officiant: Jacalyn Kane – My Vineyard Elopement
Videographer: Gearshift.tv
Caterer: Premier Chef Services
Cake + Dessert: Cakes by Liz + Back Door Donuts
Music: Sam Rothberg – The Dukes of Circuit Avenue
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Libations: Al’s Package Store
Welcome Bags: The Black Dog bags + Morning Glory Farm zucchini bread + Murdick’s Fudge + Martha’s Vineyard Distilling Company hand sanitizer + Soft As A Grape Island masks
Signage: Order She Wrote
Invitations: Mark Harris Stationers
Landscaping: Donaroma’s