When Carolina Cicero first met Laddie Trees in 2019 while preparing to open the new Four Seasons in Boston, she knew he felt like home. What she didn’t know was how much she’d fall in love with his own home on the Island. Wearing hard hats and work boots they broke the ice, and quickly started dating. Soon after that, Laddie introduced her to Martha’s Vineyard, and Carolina introduced him to her dog, Yams.

“It felt truly magical,” she said of her first time visiting the Island. “I’m from Texas, where things are very dry and flat and brown. I had no idea places like this existed outside of TV.”

When the pandemic hit and lockdowns were put into effect, they, like many others, looked to the Island as an escape. They frequented Laddie’s favorite spots – from Lambert’s Cove Beach in West Tisbury to the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs – which soon became Carolina’s favorites too. Over time, he also taught her how to play golf and tennis like a true Vineyarder.

Once engaged, the Island was a no-brainer for their wedding destination to honor Laddie’s upbringing and Carolina’s newfound love of the place. “We wanted an outdoor venue overlooking the water that was able to host a big wedding,” Carolina said. “We toured the Allen Farm [in Chilmark] after Thanksgiving with all the sheep running around free, and who can say no to those adorable faces?”

When the couple tied the knot in early September, the weekend became an opportunity to share their love of the Vineyard with others. Especially Carolina’s family, who live in Mexico City, and had never visited the Island until then. “It meant so much to be able to show them everything I had been telling them about,” she said.

Carolina was also able to bring a bit of Mexico to the Island. When the pair exchanged vows, they did so wrapped in a floral lasso created by Krishana Collins of Tea Lane Farm in Chilmark. “It was actually Christine [Varney], my officiant’s, idea,” Carolina said. “She knew that it was important in Mexican culture and so she asked me if I wanted to include it, which was really touching.”

Another nod to her heritage was a well-stocked tequila bar at the reception. “The tequila was great, but by the end of the night I’d have no idea if I was drinking a good tequila or a bad one,” Carolina laughed. “It was a huge hit.”

Carolina and Laddie now live in Boston, with Yams, but they visit the Island as often as they can.

“Laddie’s next big thing...is teaching me how to sail,” she said. “He’s many years ahead of me, but I’m determined to catch up.”

Details

Wedding Date: September 3, 2022 
Ceremony + Reception: The Allen Farm
Photographer: Tim Correira
Wedding Planner: With Grace
Flowers: Tea Lane Farm
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering & Party Design
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Cake: Val Cakes
Music: Vineyard Violin + The Sultans
Transportation: All Star Tours
Stationery: Fête
Signage: Minted
Portables: MV PhotoBus – Luxury Restroom Trailers
Accommodations: Hob Knob Inn + Summercamp