Anyone who spends a lot of time on Martha’s Vineyard knows September is one of the best months. The summer crowds have gone back to the city, the beaches empty out, and the shortening days feel like precious stolen time. Elizabeth Russo and Josh Grasso’s September 10, 2022, wedding was a showcase of all the Island has to offer in one of its finest months.
Elizabeth, who had spent countless summers on Martha’s Vineyard learning to swim and ride a bike, envisioned herself getting married here one day. Following their August 2020 engagement at Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown, the couple, who met at work in 2015, looked at wedding venues all over the Northeast. But when they visited the Tower House in Chilmark, a roomy Victorian home with views of Menemsha Pond, they were certain. “We drove up to the house, and I was like, ‘This is it.’ I just felt it in my soul,” she said.
They held their ceremony at St. Elizabeth Church in downtown Edgartown before heading up-Island for the reception at the hilltop property. There, under hanging lanterns, 175 guests celebrated on a white and natural wood dance floor; they cheered as the couple surprised them with a mid-party outfit change.
Their florist, Heather Brown of Birds of a Flower, described the color scheme as varying pinks and peaches, with touches of yellow, blue, and green, encompassing herbs, blueberries, and peaches for a sensory feast of the last hurrah of summer.
That mélange greeted guests when they received their invitations in cerulean envelopes with calligraphy and painted flowers by Wouldn’t It Be Lovely. It suffused every aspect of the wedding weekend, from the welcome bags filled with Salt Rock Chocolate Co. goodies and Morning Glory Farm zucchini bread, to the rehearsal dinner at Atria and the farewell brunch at the Harbor View Hotel, both in Edgartown.
Elizabeth said she genuinely enjoyed planning her wedding. She praised every vendor, including Sandy Brooks-Kovacs of Timeless Event Planning, for making the preparation process manageable – even fun. “We felt completely at ease the whole day and especially so grateful for our wedding planner, Sandy, who took care of every single detail…and let us enjoy our big day!” she said.
After planning their wedding for two years, Elizabeth and Josh offer up this piece of advice: make sure your guests book accommodations and the ferry well in advance!
Details
Wedding Date: September 10, 2022
Ceremony + Reception: St. Elizabeth Church + Tower House
Photographer: Anne Lee Photography
Wedding Planner: Timeless Event Planning
Officiant: Fr. Paul Sughrue
Flowers: Birds of a Flower
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
Hair: My Big Hair Day
Makeup: Alexandra Makeup Artistry
Cake + Dessert: Val Cakes + Mad Martha’s
Ceremony Music: Peter Boak + Mara Bonde + Music Martha’s Vineyard
Reception Music: Night Shift Entertainment
Videographer: 3 Belles Productions
Transportation: All Star Tours
Calligraphy + Stationery + Signage: Wouldn’t It Be Lovely
Photobooth: MirMir
Portables: MV PhotoBus – Luxury Restroom Trailers
Tech Support: Event Power MV
Welcome Bag Gifts: Morning Glory Farm zucchini bread + Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
Rehearsal Dinner: Atria
Brunch: Harbor View Hotel
Accommodations: Edgar Hotel + The Edgartown Collection + The Harborside Inn + Harbor View Hotel + Summercamp
