Thanksgiving on Martha’s Vineyard has always been a special time for Sophia Tabrizy. Her family has spent every holiday here since she was born. In 2021, when she brought her boyfriend, Andrew Wellman, to the festivities, he made the time even more special by proposing in Chilmark. Lovers of the cold weather, despite being from southern California, they envisioned a romantic winter wedding on the Island the following year.

Back home in California, they spent their year-long engagement planning the event. The Edgartown Lighthouse has always been Sophia’s favorite Island view. So they chose the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown – which overlooks the lighthouse – as their all-in-one venue. “Since most all of our guests were traveling far to be here, we wanted it to be easy for them to get to all of our events,” Sophia said.

As guests gathered on the hotel’s porch with hot apple cider, Sophia and her family arrived in a horse-drawn carriage for the outdoor ceremony. “Each chair had a custom blanket to keep them warm and cozy,” she said. With Andrew’s uncle serving as their officiant, the couple exchanged their vows with Sophia’s favorite view in the distance.

Inside the hotel, surrounded by seasonal décor and a fitting color palette of winter white, cream, gold, and Christmas tree–green, guests located their tables by finding escort cards on pine cones hanging from a Christmas tree. Once seated, they read personalized notes from the couple. “We wanted to show everyone how special they are to us with a personal touch and note of why we love them and are so grateful to have them in our lives and here on our special day,” Sophia said.

When it comes to planning, Sophia advises other couples to begin well in advance, especially if doing it from a distance. She also emphasized the need to use local vendors. “I reached out to many vendors…and ended up going with the vendors we connected with the most and the ones that understood our vision,” she said. “Our vendors felt like they became our friends through the whole process. It was really sweet!”

With an early December wedding date – and many guests traveling to Martha’s Vineyard from warmer climates – Sophia and Andrew made sure they were prepared for the winter weather. On their wedding website they declared: Bring your furs and good vibes!

Details

Wedding Date: December 2, 2022
Ceremony + Reception: Harbor View Hotel
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Wedding Planner: Vineyard Weddings
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Cake: Val Cakes
Ceremony Music: Dan Flonta
Reception Music: DJ Smooth B
Videographer: KMH Films
Horse-Drawn Carriage: Sonnyside Rides
Rehearsal Dinner: The Black Dog Tavern
Rehearsal Dinner Music: Mike Benjamin
Accommodations: Harbor View Hotel