Martha’s Vineyard has always been a special place for Bess Chudnow. Chilmark was the site of childhood vacations; Lambert’s Cove is where her parents built their dream home; and the Beach Plum Inn was the location of her older sister’s wedding. The Island is also where her now-husband, Jason Blydell, first said “I love you.”
I had in mind ‘rustic elegance,’” said Bess, a veterinary nurse, of her wedding plans. “I wanted to keep things pretty natural and organic.” She'd always liked the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, and decided it would be the prefect place to tie the knot. Jason, a former Marine, agreed.
Their original vision included saying “I do” under two trees in the field next to the hall, but in June the field was overgrown and couldn’t be mowed. They quickly adjusted and moved the ceremony in front of the barn.
“It actually turned out better,” said Bess. It enhanced the rustic elegance of the day, with the aged wood as a backdrop, half-barrel planters of baby’s breath lining a center aisle strewn with petals, and white pews for the guests.
The minimalist theme continued inside the Agricultural Hall, where lights were draped from the rafters and muted floral linens covered the tables. The classic programs, table numbers, and seating chart added a personal touch – Bess did the calligraphy for each one.
“I’m not really a big color person,” she said, so her bridesmaids wore blush dresses and held bouquets of white and blush flowers. Jason and his groomsmen wore gray suits with pale blue ties.
In honor of loved ones lost, one of the groomsmen walked down the aisle with Jason’s father’s baseball cap, while Bess wore her Nana’s pearls and hairpin. A bunny sculpture sat at the altar, also one of Nana’s possessions. Bess’s aunt served as officiant; her cousin’s two children, Bella and Zack, stole the show as the flower girl and ring bearer.
Out front, an American and Marine Corps flag flapped in the wind to honor Jason’s service. Inside, the large group danced away to tunes from Search Party, a Boston-based band, and were treated to a choreographed first dance by Bess and Jason to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” As their perfect day faded into night, the couple added another special memory to their time spent on the Vineyard: becoming husband and wife.
DETAILS
Date: June 18, 2016
Ceremony + Reception: Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall
Day-Of Coordinator: MV Event Planning
Photographer: Jocelyn Filley
Videographer: Weddings MV
Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
Cake: Diane Welch
Libations: Beverage Events
Music: Search Party
Flowers: Island Ambiance
Transportation: Atlantic Cab
Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Tablecloths: Table Toppers of Newton
Hair + Makeup: Maggie’s Salon
Guest Accommodations: The Oak Bluffs Inn
After Party: Sand Bar & Grille
Rehearsal Dinner: Private Home
Rehearsal Caterer: Catered Creations
Brunch Caterer: Back Door Donuts
Honeymoon: St. Martin
