Much like an up-Island road, the lead-up to Rachel Markey and Zack London’s wedding took many twists and turns. For one thing, Rachel hadn’t expected to get married at all.
“I have always done things in an unconventional way,” she said. “I just figured [Zack and I] would have this amazing partnership…and that would be our life.”
Zack evidently felt differently. They dated for several years and had a son, George, in 2020. In September of 2022, while on vacation with Rachel’s family on Martha’s Vineyard, Zack popped the question. Since the 1960s, her family has spent summers at the Tower House, a landmark Victorian home in Chilmark.
The location was especially fortuitous, because although Rachel had written off marriage in adulthood, as a child she always thought she would get married at the Tower House.
Almost a year later to the day, Rachel and Zack tied the knot on the home’s hilltop lawn, Menemsha Pond behind them. Planning had gone off without a hitch, Rachel said, thanks in part to Jessica Shai of GATHER Event Company and the immense creativity of the groom’s family.
For decades Zack has worked as a woodworker, so when it came to his own wedding, he called upon his years of craftsmanship to create everything from cocktail stirrers to table lanterns to a hand-carved hydrangea photo backdrop. His mother, a ceramicist, made the table vases, adorning them with hydrangeas and dragonflies – a signature motif of the bride.
Rachel was the creative director behind the day’s handmade details, she said, outlining her visions for Zack and planner Shai to turn into reality. Her own DIY touch came in the form of arranging the flowers with her bridesmaids – bought in bulk from Morrice Florist in Vineyard Haven and supplemented with wildflowers from various Island farm stands.
The one requirement Zack had was to hire a live band. After much searching, the couple selected The Jon Bates Band. Their repertoire turned out to be perfect for Zack, he said, incorporating all his favorite bands – from Dire Straits to Fleetwood Mac – into the set list.
The music was even infectious enough to get then three-year-old George out of his shell. “He generally does not like attention,” Zack said. “[But] when we walked into the tent for the reception, he was just right out on the dance floor dancing with everybody. It was among my favorite things of the night.”
Details
Wedding Date: September 9, 2023
Ceremony + Reception: Tower House
Photographer: Randi Baird
Wedding Planner: GATHER Event Company
Flowers: Morrice Florist + DIY
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterers: CP Provisions + Smoak
Dessert: Back Door Donuts
Music: The Jon Bates Band
Signage: London Woodworks
Bartending Services: Social Coast
Tech Support: Event Power MV
Portables: MV PhotoBus – Luxury Restroom Trailers
