Many conversations and many choices – a year’s worth, to be exact – went into creating Sam Brooks and Luke Markham’s June 2024 wedding. Fortunately for the couple, the conversations were productive because they were talking with Sam’s sister, wedding planner Sandy Brooks-Kovacs, owner of Timeless Event Planning.

Sam, a wedding and portrait photographer, has worked alongside her sister at Island weddings for years. So, between the two of them, there were almost too many good ideas to consider. “It was hard to stop with all the details, all the things we wanted to do,” said Sam. “In the end, Luke and I tried to make our wedding about us.”

A scallop shell theme evoked the coastal vibe of Edgartown, where the couple tied the knot at the Old Whaling Church followed by a reception at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House next door. The color scheme of the day, which featured sage green and white with pops of bright orange and yellow, was highlighted in the flowers, bridesmaids’ dresses, stationery, table settings, and even the custom pajamas for the bridal party, which were designed by Little Island Club, Brooks-Kovacs’s other business.

Sam and Luke tapped additional family members as valuable resources too. Luke’s father, the Very Reverend Ian Markham, married the couple, while his mother helped him with travel logistics to make sure friends and family from England and California arrived without any issues. Sam’s mother helped her with many aspects of planning as well, from dress and shoe selection to picking out the rings and flowers. And at the ceremony, Sam’s uncle gave a speech about how well-suited the couple is for each other.

Working in tandem as the planner and matron of honor, Brooks-Kovacs brought to life the colorful and elegant atmosphere of the wedding day, taking some of the stress off her sister and Luke. In the end, to Sam’s surprise, she was able to let go of noticing every detail. “It surprised me that I could, but I totally just enjoyed the day,” she said.

But there were some aspects she couldn’t quite let go of as a wedding photographer herself. Sam naturally had suggestions and requests for Anya Kernes, who the couple had hired to capture their day. Sam said that Kernes was receptive, but at a certain point said, “I got this, you can trust me.”

In the end, Kernes was right. “Every single photo is like a work of art,” said Sam.

Details

Wedding Date: June 1, 2024
Ceremony: Old Whaling Church
Reception: Dr. Daniel Fisher House
Photographer: Anya Kernes
Wedding Planner: Timeless Event Planning
Flowers: Morrice Florist
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
Cake: Val Cakes
Music: The Dukes
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Videographer: City Point Films
Invitations + Menus: Gus & Ruby Letterpress
Day-of Stationery + Bar Decals: Lauren Q Design Studio
Audio Guestbook: The Other Line
Bridal Party Gifts: Little Island Club
Photobooth: MV PhotoBus
Rehearsal Dinner + Brunch: Atria
Welcome Party: Nomans
Accommodations: The Richard