Back in 2017 when Michael Hartwick and his bulldog strolled into Nicole Rideout’s family real estate firm in Boston, she didn’t imagine she’d find herself planning a wedding in the midst of a pandemic three years later. When they bumped into each other again at a bar shortly after their initial meeting, they discovered a mutual love for sailing and travel.
“Mike was relatively new to Boston and sailing became our favorite way to explore the area our first summer together,” Nicole said. “Martha’s Vineyard became our favorite spot to visit quickly. When we got engaged, we knew we wanted to do something that felt like a destination, but [also wanted] to keep it accessible for our close family and friends. The Island seemed like the perfect spot.”
After visiting Martha’s Vineyard with their parents in February 2020 to look at venues, they discussed Covid-19 on the way home. The first documented case in Boston was on the news, but little did they know that they would be in for a roller coaster ride of changed plans.
The couple chose the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown for its classic charm and its indoor-outdoor facilities, which came in handy. They intended to marry in the Old Whaling Church, but due to Covid restrictions decided to have their ceremony in the adjacent garden instead. “The garden was just so naturally beautiful we didn’t really have to do anything,” said Nicole. “That was how I felt about most of the wedding on the Island – we let the Island and its charm speak for itself.”
Nicole and Mike wanted a small wedding from the start, which helped them abide by Covid protocols, and family and friends pitched in to help with whatever they could. Kim Scott of KG Events & Design had to revise the wedding plans at least three times, but every vendor was flexible and helped to keep their planning stresses under control.
That was an important point for Mike and Nicole and a crucial reason they chose to marry on the Island. They both have hectic jobs – he is a small business owner and she manages the family real estate firm. But they found they could always relax on the Island. “The second we arrive we are always able to be more present,” Nicole said, “and that’s exactly how the wedding felt.”
Details
Wedding Date: September 27, 2020
Ceremony: Dr. Daniel Fisher House
Reception: Captain Morse House
Photographer: Amanda MacDonald
Wedding Planner: KG Events & Design
Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering + Cottage City Oysters
Cake: Val Cakes
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Music: The Vine Shakers
Tent + Party Supplies: Tilton Tents and Party Rentals
Transportation: Daisy the Wagon
Hair + Makeup: G20 Spa & Salon + Sea Spa Salon
Calligraphy + Stationery: Order She Wrote
Accommodations: Kelley House + Harbor View Hotel + The Richard
Rehearsal Dinner: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Activity: Mad Max Sailing Adventures
Brunch Caterer: Back Door Donuts + Chilmark Coffee Co. Mobile Café
Their Best Advice: “Let the Island speak for itself, and let your love and beauty do the same!”
