Building on the success of the first annual Martha’s Party Wedding + Event Conference last spring, local and regional wedding professionals gathered on Martha’s Vineyard at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown for the second annual conference. Over the course of the three-day event – held May 13 to May 15, 2024 – attendees gained insight from panelists and speakers, all while networking with vendors from on and off the Island.
The panels featured vendors with Island ties to help advise those looking to plan a wedding or event on Martha’s Vineyard. Topics included event design and resources, trends in event cuisine, event photography, and permitting in the various towns. Speakers covered broader topics focused on the industry as a whole, such as networking, storytelling, and how to be an architect of your event. Nicole Fullin, editor of Island Weddings magazine, and Pamela Rothbard, editorial director for PartySlate, spoke on the topic of getting work published and the benefits of doing so.
Conference attendees heard from various panelists, including (left to right) Makenzie Wall, Pearl Farquharson, Jessica Shai, and Jessica Barry. Photographer: So Focused Photography
Off-site excursions included a tour and cheese tasting at The Grey Barn & Farm in Chilmark as well as a tour of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum venue in Vineyard Haven. During the opening Havana Nights–themed party at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, a diverse group of Island vendors showcased their offerings through drinks, small bites, and entertainment.
Following the conference, attendees left with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to plan their own event on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond.
If you are interested in participating in next year’s conference, email marketing@vineyardgazette.com. To view more photographs, visit marthasparty.com.
Conference Details
Flowers: Lexi Palumbo Florals
Rentals: BBJ La Tavola + Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Libations: Everybody Water
Tech Support: A2D Productions
Videography: Key Moment Films
Content Creator: Follow the Bride
Welcome Bags: Enchanted Chocolates + Forever MV + Island Outfitters + Martha’s Vineyard Baskets + MV Salads + Sanctuaire + Sunshine Tienda + The Tiny Tassel
Experiences: The Grey Barn & Farm + Martha’s Vineyard Museum + Rockfish + Yoga on the Vine
A Havana Nights–themed party at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown helped kick off the conference.
Photographer: So Focused Photography
Havana Nights Details
Planning + Production: HoverFly Events
Caterers: Back Door Donuts + Black Joy Food Love + Chef Deon + Catboat Coffee Co. + Goldie’s Rotisserie + Harbor View Hotel + The Loud Kitchen + Mad Martha’s + On Time Catering + Orange Peel Bakery + S&S Kitchenette
Libations: Angels & Cowboys + Cannonball + Cape Cod’r + Everybody Water + Island Cocktail Company + Lyre’s + Uncle Nearest
Tent + Party Supplies: BBJ La Tavola + Dez Collective + Tilton Tents and Party Rentals
Photo Booth: Ike’s Atomic Photo Booth
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Entertainment: Andy Herr & Alejandro Carreño + DJ Valentina
The following night, conference attendees enjoyed an Under the Tuscan Sun–themed dinner at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
Photographer: So Focused Photography
Under the Tuscan Sun Dinner Details
Planning + Production: KG Events & Design
Flowers: The Wild Dahlia
Calligraphy + Signage: Order She Wrote
Rentals: BBJ La Tavola + Kadeema
Entertainment: The Sultans
