Meaghan Hughes and Robbie Robinson’s January wedding proved the beauty and value of an off-the-beaten path, off-season celebration.

The Edgartown couple met after they’d both moved to the Vineyard, and they were engaged at Norton Point Beach in September 2018. For their wedding, Meaghan was inspired by winter evenings, which she loves. “I always wanted to have a winter wedding,” she said. “I had that vision: lights, greenery, a warm kind of glow.” The Agricultural Hall, their dream location, was booked for December, so they settled on early January, which turned out to be perfect timing – a celebration during the darkest time of year, and after the hubbub of the holidays.

The Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury was filled with lights and decorated with white, gold, and greenery for the sunset celebration – think twenty-five Christmas trees and some 2,000 candles. (The greens smelled “amazing,” Meaghan noted.) The bridal party wore crowns made of greens and white roses, and the couple’s boxer, Neely, walked down the aisle wearing one of the crowns as a collar.

Despite the large space and pre-pandemic guest list of more than 200 people, the event felt intimate, Meaghan said. The wedding and reception took place at the hall, with the ceremony space later becoming a dance floor. The MV PhotoBus was parked inside, and a television was set up by one of the bars so guests could watch the Patriots game.

The event also celebrated the couple’s livelihoods and Vineyard ties. A rehearsal dinner and party was held at Alchemy in Edgartown, where Meaghan is wine and events director, though the restaurant is normally closed in January. (Of course, she also had a hand in choosing the wines for the reception.) Robbie is the co-owner of contracting company Waterfront Builders, and he and his brother built bars made out of reclaimed wood. 

The off-season turned out to have many benefits. Hotels were more affordable, the winter weather held out (mist made for beautiful photos for their “first look” on the Edgartown waterfront), and they didn’t have to worry about vendors being booked. As Islanders, it was a chance for the couple to reconnect and work with friends who are busy during the summer. “We could include them in the celebration, give them the business in the off-season,” Meaghan said. “Everyone was outstanding. It made it even more special.”

Details

Wedding Date: January 4, 2020
Ceremony + Reception: Agricultural Hall
Photographer: Tim Correira
Month/Day-Of Planner: Plan It Martha’s Vineyard
Caterer: Rockfish
Cake: The Black Dog Cafe
Music: The Conniption Fits
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Party Supplies: Seaside Celebrations Tent & Party Rentals
Photobus Rental: MV PhotoBus
Transportation: Adam Cab + MV Sightseeing
Hair + Makeup: Maggie’s Salon + Glow Beauty Bar
Libations: Your Market
Calligraphy + Stationery: Etsy + Minted
Accommodations: Kelley House + Harbor View Hotel
Rehearsal Dinner: Alchemy
After Party: The Wharf
Their Best Advice: Consider the off-season. “It was as if we and our guests had the entire town of Edgartown to ourselves that weekend!”