Good luck, good communication, and plenty of time to plan allowed Arika Horn and Gerald “Jerry” Vissers to host a June 2021 wedding that reflected their classic yet unique style.
During their four years of courtship, the couple’s weekend and week-long trips to the Vineyard became a way for them to relax and connect. Together, they created good memories of driving out on the Chappy beaches and enjoying romantic dinners at Atria in Edgartown.
In August of 2019, Jerry proposed on the beach while they were visiting his family on Chappy. “He popped the question and surprised me with having my family fly out,” said Arika. “Martha’s Vineyard and Jerry’s family had always played a big part in our relationship. We couldn’t think of another place to get married.”
To celebrate their engagement, the next night they ate at Atria. “It clicked while we were sitting at dinner that it would be a perfect place for our wedding,” she said.
“The best luck of all was that when we checked with Atria about our preferred date, a week before July 4th, it wasn’t available for 2020. But the date was available for 2021,” said Jerry. “I looked at Arika and asked her if she would be okay with that long of an engagement. She said yes.”
The long engagement turned out to be a blessing, and gave the couple time to coordinate their casually elegant white, gold, and green color scheme, which they carried over into the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s suspenders. Atria owner Greer Thornton provided a preferred vendor list to guide the couple in making decisions. “We had time to focus on all the details, and time to get the money together for the vendors,” said Jerry. “It really worked out well.”
The months of planning resulted in a perfect day, with one unexpected delight, suggested by their photographer Mila Lowe. She recommended a walk down Main Street right after the ceremony. “That was one of the best parts!” said Arika. “It was just Jerry, myself, and Mila. It was like a mini-parade, just thirty minutes together to calm down before we went to the reception.”
The honking and applause for the couple was so loud that shopkeepers came out to see what was happening. “I’ve never felt so important in my life,” Jerry said with a laugh. “It was so much fun.”
Details
Date: June 26, 2021
Ceremony: St. Elizabeth Church
Reception: Atria
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Caterer: Atria
Cake: Stop & Shop
Music: Joshua Keeney
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs
Party Rentals: Tilton Tents & Party Rentals
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Favors: Val Cakes
Accommodations: Edgar Hotel + Harbor View Hotel
Honeymoon: Napa, California + Maui, Hawaii
Their Best Advice: “Following vendors on social media was a huge help. We are not from the Island, so following them helped us see how our day might come together.”
