Flowers make Megan Wholey smile.

“I buy fresh flowers every week; it’s my one treat in adulthood,” Megan, a student of fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City said. “I have always loved flowers.”

So it was no surprise to anyone that knew her, especially her fiancé Daniel “Danny” Garin, that when the time came to plan a June wedding on Martha’s Vineyard, flowers would take center stage. “Danny knows I love flowers – all flowers, any flower he gets me makes me very happy.”

The couple hired florist Aubrey Sirois of Aubrey Maria Designs, who drew inspiration from her own love of flowers and the way they can both create and evoke memories. “Aubrey played a big role,” Megan said. “I told her I wanted to incorporate a lot of different flowers for the wedding and for it to feel kind of like we were at a flower market.”

She delivered. Big blooms, tiny gypsophila, ballerina pink peonies, stems of lavender, lush roses, Island hydrangeas – “There were so many different flowers, it was perfect,” Megan said.

The bride also dreamed up a make-your-own bouquet bar for guests to take home at the end of the night. “Guests at weddings appreciate activities,” she said. “I provided vases for everyone. We bought a lot of little ones and then we lined them up next to the flowers for guests.” It was an activity, décor, and favor all wrapped into one.

The Captain R. Flanders House in Chilmark was an exceptional venue, Megan said, as the green acre farm allowed for a foolproof garden party backdrop. Other highlights included the horah, the traditional Jewish wedding dance, and mismatched china for place settings rented from Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals. “I wasn’t someone who thought about their wedding for a long time,” Megan said, so she took suggestions from vendors while incorporating her own passion for design.

She also tapped Island Alpaca to bring their furry, rentable friends to mingle with guests. “Seeing everyone enjoy the flower stand and the alpacas was very special,” she said.

When it comes to planning a wedding, Megan said to get creative and do things that will make you and your partner happy. “It’s funny because while I was planning, people would say, ’Don’t waste money on flowers, nobody will pay attention to them.’ And I would just say, ’Even if they don’t pay attention to them, I want to go all out on the flowers, this is for me! This is for us!’”

Details

Date: June 19, 2021
Ceremony + Reception: The Captain R. Flanders House
Photographer: Jocelyn Filley
Day-Of Coordinator: Vineyard Weddings
Caterer: Premier Chef Services
Cake: Cakes by Liz
Music: Dukes of Circuit Avenue
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Calligraphy + Stationery: Etsy
Guest Accommodations: Summercamp
Rehearsal Dinner: The Sweet Life
Honeymoon: Tanzania + Zanzibar
Their Best Advice: “Enjoy the process and embrace your creativity.”