Lou Bartolo and Anthony Giarrusso met at a Bourbon Street bar in their hometown of New Orleans in 2001. After twenty years together, they were ready to get married. An elopement made sense as many of their loved ones were spread across the country, and, more importantly, they wanted an intimate day to focus on each other.

Why did you decide to elope on Martha’s Vineyard? “We started visiting a few years back and knew immediately that [the Island] was going to be the location,” said Lou. “The magic of the Vineyard is unexplainable.”

Tell us a little about your day: “The morning was so relaxing,” remembered Lou. “The temps were warm for November, so we could sit outside on the rockers and just reminisce and take in that after twenty-plus years together, we were finally getting married.” After getting ready, they were transported to their ceremony site in style with a horse-drawn carriage. “Taking the ride through Edgartown was oh-so romantic while hearing the clackety clack of the draft horses’ hooves and jingling harness,” said Lou.

Following the ceremony, they rode through the streets of Edgartown. “As we passed in the carriage by [The Wharf]...the staff came running out to wish us well wishes,” he said. “You have to ask yourself: ‘Where else can you experience this type of magic for an elopement?’”

DETAILS

Wedding Date: November 12, 2022
Ceremony: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Dinner: Bettini Restaurant
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Day-of Coordinators: Rosemary Blair, Khalid Essobh, Allison Hines, and Maria Krusas of the Harbor View Hotel
Officiant: Father Vincent G. “Chip” Seadale
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s
Cake: Val Cakes
Ceremony Music: Charles Rus + Vineyard Violin + Jessica Sanseverino
Horse-Drawn Carriage: Sonnyside Rides
Accommodations: Harbor View Hotel