Every person planning a wedding knows there is the day you envisioned in your head, and the one that actually happens. On Martha’s Vineyard, where couples may face adverse weather and convoluted travel itineraries, that is especially true.
What is also true, as Christina Guthman and Lucas Schandelmeier found out, is that the wedding that happens, even if it unfolds unexpectedly, can still take your breath away.
Christina and Lucas first met while studying at Providence College in Rhode Island, and decided to tie the knot on the Vineyard, where she grew up spending summers. “I wanted an intimate, backyard wedding,” Christina said – but her parents wanted a larger guest count. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown became the obvious reception venue as it offered the small wedding feeling Christina wanted by allowing their guests to stay on one campus, but also gave them room to invite the whole family (and then some).
Although the final celebration was picture-perfect, the weekend had its share of close calls. Dense fog prevented several guests from landing at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, but luckily the passengers managed to convince the pilot to land in Boston instead of turning back around to New York. “They ended up taking Ubers to Woods Hole and getting on the very last ferry,” Lucas said.
Christina had also ordered custom hydrangea-patterned linens from a small business based in India, but days before the reception, the package had not even crossed the ocean. Luckily, the staff at Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals, Atria in Edgartown, and The Beach House boutique in Vineyard Haven all pitched in to fill the gap with new linens for events throughout the weekend.
“A lot of people worked together to save the day,” said Christina.
From there, everything fell into place. Even forecasted rain dissipated by morning. Christina fondly recalled taking her mind off the weekend’s stresses by laughing and having fun with friends and family while getting ready for the ceremony, which took place at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.
Her favorite part of the day, she said, was seeing Lucas in his suit for the very first time. “Our first look meant so much to me,” Christina said. “I had so much energy and adrenaline leading up to it, but then I saw him and he was tearing up a bit and I remembered what we were here for. This is what was really important.”
Details
Wedding Date: October 7, 2023
Ceremony: Old Whaling Church
Reception: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Photographer: Elizabeth Cecil
Wedding Planner: Plan It Martha’s Vineyard
Officiant: Rev. Vincent G. “Chip” Seadale
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Cake: Val Cakes
Ceremony Music: Yaeko
Reception Music: The Vine Shakers
Videographer: Ben Gibson
Transportation: ResortMan + Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Calligraphy + Stationery + Signage: Madeline Ramsey
Bridal Party Gifts: The Beach House
Rehearsal Dinner + Welcome Party: Atria
After Party: The Newes From America
Accommodations: Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites + Winnetu Oceanside Resort
