Carolina Loubach grew up on Martha’s Vineyard, part of the close-knit community of Brazilians that have lived here for years. While attending college in Brazil, she met Fagner Batista. He won her over when he planned a date to a little island, complete with a picnic that included a spread of chocolates made from cacao grown on his parents’ farm.

Years later, another island played a major role in their lives when the pair tied the knot on Martha’s Vineyard.

Carolina and Fagner planned their wedding day with clear priorities: family, friends, color, Brazilian heritage, and dancing. Carolina was grateful to Aubrey Sirois, of Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s, for the bountiful arrangements of bright summer flowers, and for moving them from the ceremony site at the Chappaquiddick Community Center to the reception at their home on Chappy. “They looked great at the back of the dance floor. Everything was very colorful,” she said.

Carolina and Fagner also enjoyed working with Leila Gardner, of Summer Solstice Beverage Co. (formerly The Cocktail Caravan), who owns a mobile bar. “We are not big drinkers, and we didn’t know what to choose for our guests,” explained Carolina. “I gave [Gardner] some flavors, like passion fruit and strawberry, and they created three cocktails.” The bright, tropical drinks could be made with different types of liquor, or as a mocktail. When the mobile bar arrived, it created an instant party atmosphere for the guests.

Fagner’s striking dress uniform drew as many compliments as Carolina’s elegant gown. The uniform was custom-made in Brazil, where Fagner previously served in the Brazilian military police. His mother brought it with her, leading to an unusual amount of pre-wedding tension around the groom’s attire.

To honor their Brazilian heritage, the couple included an amusing tradition of cutting the groom’s tie for money, much to the delight of the guests. “People put money in a box in exchange for a piece of tie, and then everyone was laughing, trading pieces. The groomsmen played it up, so it was very funny,” Carolina said. “We made real money from it – more than $2,000!”

Another favorite memory was just after the pair officially said “I do” when colored smoke in blue, pink, orange, and yellow was released behind them. “It added beautiful color to the photographs,” Carolina said. And made for some striking images to last a lifetime.

Details

Wedding Date: September 2, 2023
Ceremony: Chappaquiddick Community Center
Reception: Private Home
Photographer: David Welch
Second Photographer: Astrid Tilton
Wedding Planner: Island Dreams Event Design
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: Square Rigger Restaurant
Bartending Services: Summer Solstice Beverage Co.
Libations: Your Market
Cake: Sweet Dreams Bakery
Music: Music Martha’s Vineyard + DJ Mateus
Hair + Makeup: Talita Destefani Beauty Lounge
Calligraphy + Stationery: Gabriela da Mata