Think it’s hard to plan a destination wedding from afar? Try this: the bride, Raquel King, is a diplomat based in Jamaica; the groom, Brayny Nicudemus, is based in Belgium with the United States Air Force; and the wedding will take place on Martha’s Vineyard, where Raquel spent summers as a child. But love – plus persistence and a well-organized bride with research skills – conquers all.

With family and friends from all over the world flying in to celebrate the marriage, finding a space for a big wedding while working with Covid restrictions was a challenge. The couple chose the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown because of the size it allowed, but also for its available amenities, including on-site catering and rooms to rent for getting ready before the walk down the aisle.

Raquel and Brayny drew from vendors up and down the eastern seaboard: the cake was flown in from Florida; the bride and her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup were attended to by a Georgia-based team specializing in services for women of color; the videographer hailed from Connecticut.

But they tapped some Island vendors, too, which helped solve unexpected last-minute challenges. Raquel worked closely with Ashley Meglio at Plan It Martha’s Vineyard, who came on after the planning process was underway, and served as a supportive extra hand. “Ashley put out so many fires,” Raquel recalled. “She fixed things. I was so stressed. I’m truly thankful.”

The couple was also full of compliments for the flowers by Aubrey Maria Designs. “Aubrey was amazing!” Raquel exclaimed. “She was excited that we had a color palette of white and gold with earth tones, and a Mediterranean theme. We wanted fresh greenery and lemons incorporated. Plus, we had a lot of hydrangeas, because that’s what’s here on the Island.”

Towards the end of the reception, guests were treated to two of the bride’s favorite Island foods: apple fritters from Back Door Donuts and pizza from Giordano’s Restaurant. But sometimes, nothing beats homemade. Family members made the lobster rolls served at a welcome party at the bride’s family home in Vineyard Haven.

Now settling into a new home in northern Virginia as they begin their married life, Brayny and Raquel are full of wedding memories that solidified their own, not just Raquel’s, connection to the Island. “It creates even more memories for us,” Brayny described.

“This Island is a magical and beautiful place that brings people back,” Raquel stated. “It’s a special thing.” 

Details

Wedding Date: May 28, 2022
Ceremony + Reception: Harbor View Hotel
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Wedding Planner: Plan It Martha’s Vineyard
Officiant: Reverend Walter Silva Thompson
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals + Imperfect Wood Designs + Rustic Wood Slices + Alexis Mattox Designs
Hair: SM HairCouture
Makeup: Rumanad LLC
Cake + Dessert: LH Cakes + Back Door Donuts
Raw Bar: Cottage City Oysters
Music: DJ Luna Rósa
Videographer: Fairy Tale Studio
Transportation: ResortMan
Stationery: The Knot
Signage: Blush and Lumber
Pizza: Giordano’s Restaurant
Accommodations: Harbor View Hotel