Trust and collaboration is key when it comes to creating the perfect wedding day. As an engaged couple, you impart your vision to your vendors in the hopes that they will understand it and know just what to do. If you hired the right team, chances are you will be blown away by the outcome.
For the past ten years that I have been a part of the editorial staff of this magazine, two of which I’ve served as editor, I’ve seen hundreds of couples put their trust in vendors both on and off the Island who then collaborate with one another to make dreams come true. I am consistently amazed by the beauty that is created when people with their own unique sets of skills come together.
Recently, art director Jane McTeigue and I were able to witness this firsthand when we tasked a group of incredibly skilled Island vendors to help us with a styled photo shoot, which appears in this issue.
It all began with an idea from floral designer Aubrey Sirois, of Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s: unconventional ways to wear flowers.
This past winter we met with Aubrey inside her Edgartown workspace, where she presented her grand vision – including a dress made of flowers. I knew then we needed to make it happen for the Summer-Fall issue.
Unfortunately, time was not on our side. Jane and I had about a month and a half to assemble the vendors, coordinate logistics, photograph and edit images, and design the pages before the issue went to press.
Having never planned a styled photo shoot before, we were admittedly out of our league. We secured Christine Sargologos as the photographer, the West Chop Club as the venue, and procured a suit from Tommy Bahama through The Green Room. Aubrey, meanwhile, enlisted designer Gareth Brown, of Rooey Knots, to create a few outfits. But we still needed models, rental items, jewelry, and a makeup artist to really make this photo shoot stand out.
Thankfully, planner Jessica Shai, of GATHER Event Company, stepped in. Through numerous Zoom and email updates, Jessica let us know that she had obtained everything we needed (and items we didn’t even know we needed), coordinated with all involved, and, most importantly, gave Jane and I peace of mind.
On the day of the photo shoot, I was truly amazed. We had put our trust in Aubrey to create stunning and unique items – from a floral lapel and bow tie, to cuffs, a belt, and, of course, a dress. But Aubrey and her team far exceeded our expectations, crafting additional items such as headpieces, earrings, suspenders, and rings.
Meanwhile, designer Gareth was busy styling each look she had created, while makeup artist Cinnamon White got model Bernica Wilcox ready. Christine walked around with her camera, making sure the lighting was just right. Model Lou D’Agostino kept everyone laughing. Jessica made sure we stuck to the timeline.
I would have dedicated this whole issue to the photo shoot if I could have. I look at the images and can’t help but smile. (I also can’t help but wish that I had utilized some of these ideas on my own wedding day.) That was the goal, really – to inspire planning couples to think outside the box.
And yet it has another, unexpected benefit: it helped highlight what happens when the vendors you entrust with your vision collaborate to make something unforgettable.
I hope you find your dream team of vendors.
