Ellen Proudfoot and Justin Dier are used to hard work. Justin owns a wood flooring company on the Island and Ellen is an interior designer. The couple spends a lot of time helping each other out on projects for clients and lugging around materials, tools, and furniture in Justin’s work van. So when it came to planning their special day, they knew it would be a DIY wedding.

Following their engagement, they quickly realized what a massive project they were undertaking in doing everything on their own – they alluded to many lengthy spreadsheets – culminating right at the start of the busy summer season for both their jobs. “We were working hard, but it was for us,” Justin said. “We loved doing it together,” Ellen added.

Handmade and personalized details were everywhere at their June wedding. The ceremony, held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown, was officiated by Father Vincent G. “Chip” Seadale. Guests, many of whom share Ellen’s Scottish heritage, were tickled by the name of the church, which is the same as her hometown of St. Andrews, Scotland (she moved to the Island in 2017). The men wore Scottish thistle in their boutonnières and bagpipes were played as guests arrived.

For the reception, held at Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs, the couple customized the space with vintage furniture and décor Ellen found at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market in Central Massachusetts: an antique grain cart, a vintage bar, and large mirrors with gilded frames she painted gold. Ellen also painted oyster shells for place settings with the names of guests, and Justin and his best man built a wall to hold champagne flutes. Guests snapped Polaroids, signed them, and clipped them to a handmade display. A nook filled with framed photographs honored relatives who couldn’t be there. Oversized blooms of roses and peonies from Morrice Florist in Vineyard Haven were abundant.

After the ceremony, the wedding party and guests formed an impromptu procession as they walked from the church to the Edgartown Lighthouse to catch their buses to the reception. The walk was special as it included people who knew and loved the Island as well as overseas guests who were visiting for the first time.

The lighthouse is also where Justin had proposed to Ellen, and returning there brought them full circle. “The lighthouse is really a special place for Justin and I,” Ellen said. “It just kind of happened naturally.”

Details

Wedding Date: June 18, 2022
Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Reception: Sailing Camp Park
Photographer: Lane Caroline Photography
Officiants: Father Vincent G. “Chip” Seadale + Mike Cochran
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: Little Rock Farm Catering
Hair + Makeup: Talita Destefani Beauty Lounge
Cake + Dessert: Little House Bakery + Back Door Donuts
Music: DJ Rockwell
Videographer: Josh Jeffery Film
Transportation: MV Sightseeing
Stationery: Grainwell
Libations: Jim’s Package Store
Welcome Party: Nomans
Accommodations: Harbor View Hotel + The Island Inn + Mansion House + The Richard