Julia Nazarenko and Zach Ritter were close friends in high school, but it wasn't until they were in their thirties that they realized they could be more than friends. Julia moved to Texas to be with Zach after just six months of dating and they were engaged later that year. Last summer, they got married in an outdoor ceremony overlooking Lagoon Pond at the Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs. The couple decided to get married on the Vineyard because Zach grew up summering here, and his parents now live on the Island full-time. Since the couple’s family spans multiple states, guests would have to travel regardless of where the two got hitched.
At the reception, tables were draped with light green cloth and chairs were decked in white, an elegant touch to the rustic setting. Small lights were wrapped around the rafters and hydrangeas from Morrice Florist adorned the tables.
The couple didn’t use a wedding planner – they relied on help from friends and family. That work included the wedding arch, which Zach’s dad made from driftwood. The arch, which served as the centerpiece for their ceremony, now stands in his parents’ yard in Oak Bluffs, a reminder of the big day.
“He did a fantastic job, and it’s now a centerpiece in their garden,” Zach said. “It’s nice seeing it when we visit.”
Gifts had a personal touch too. The couple gave out matchbooks Zach designed. An outline of the Island was flanked by bluebells symbolizing Texas, where they live, and a sunflower, emblematic of Julia’s native Ukraine.
They had Polaroid cameras and Sharpies out during the reception so friends and family could take photos and leave notes. It was a chance for guests to bring part of the wedding home, or to leave memories for the couple afterwards.
“Instead of people signing a book, [we thought] it’d be fun for people to take pictures,” Julia said. “It was nice because that way people could also take something home as a memory themselves.”
The reception menu featured traditional lobster rolls. Zach said that if people were willing to make the trek to the Island, they had to try the New England classic. Julia and Zach kept the music at the reception simple with a Spotify playlist, which meant that guests could request songs to keep the party going.
“It is such a special place for Zach’s family. I really enjoy going there with him since we got together,” Julia said. “I wanted to share it with people. It was an excuse to get our loved ones to come see the Vineyard.”
DETAILS
Wedding Date: September 14, 2024
Ceremony + Reception: Sailing Camp Park
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Officiant: Solange Minstein
Wedding Planner: DIY
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Party Supplies: Seaside Celebrations Tent & Party Rentals
Caterer: Clean Plate Catering
Cake: The Black Dog Bakery Café
Music: DIY
Transportation: MV Sightseeing
Stationery + Signage: Minted
Rehearsal Dinner: Nancy’s
Post-Wedding Brunch: Nomans
