A Charming Rustic Destination Wedding in Massachusetts

Amy and Kevin's modern-day romance began with an online courtship in 2007. At the time of their marriage, the couple were living in Boston (now they're in California) and wanted to plan a destination wedding at their favorite vacation spot, Martha's Vineyard. The October 17, 2009, wedding took its cues from the classic New England autumn setting and mixed in rustic and preppy elements.

Goosefish Press designed the letterpressed invitation suite, and included an icon of the reception venue on the save-the-date and menu.

Amy used her eye for style (she owns an interior design company, Amy Meier Design) to create the floral elements, including her own bouquet. She wrapped the arrangement of ranunculus, roses, dahlias, and berries with trim from M&J Trimming and added a button embroidered with the letter A.

Amy made twine-tied boutonnieres of red ranunculus blooms and gomphrena. Kevin gave his groomsmen pocket squares monogrammed by Amy's mother, Sherry.

The bridesmaids wore gingham A.B.S. dresses from Bloomingdale's, J.Crew cardigans, and shoes from Guess and Ted Baker. Like the bride's, their bouquets sported buttons embroidered with their first initials.

Amy and Kevin's four nieces acted as flower girls. They wore Velvet and Tweed dresses, red Mary Jane shoes from Nordstrom, and hand-knit sweaters made by the bride's mom. Each girl carried a nosegay of ranunculus.

Amy wore an Anne Barge gown, Valentino shoes, and a headpiece from L'elite Boston.

A pianist playing George Winston's arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" accompanied the bridal party's entry.

The groomsmen wore red pants, blue-checked shirts, and navy blazers from Brooks Brothers. Their navy polka-dot ties were from Lands' End.

Amy's father, Bruce, walked her down the aisle of the historic Federated Church.

As Amy and her father entered the church, two of the bride's childhood friends sang John Hiatt's "Have a Little Faith" from the balcony above.

Amy and Kevin exit the church as newlyweds.

Photographer Eric Laurits took portraits of the family outside the church. It was a perfectly crisp autumn day.

A trolley took everyone to the reception venue.

DIY escort cards were made with manila paper and a circle punch. Fabric that matched up with the corresponding table-number card was slipped behind each open circle, then attached to a crab apple with a miniature clothespin and red-and-white striped ribbon.

A wreath of seeded eucalyptus made by the bride, her family, the bridal party, and the groom hung on the door of the reception venue, the Grange Hall.

The couple's new joint monogram was displayed on the porch with wood letters.

The old agricultural hall has an exposed-beam ceiling and wide-plank floors. Above the tables, seeded eucalyptus wreaths hung like chandeliers. Rustic rope and burlap tablecloths complemented the assortment of blue vintage advertising tins that held the centerpieces.

Amy's collection of vintage napkins was put to use -- each of the 100 place settings received one.

Guests dined on clam chowder, lamb chops with chutney, mashed potatoes, beet salad, haricots verts, and corn bread prepared by Annie Foley Catering.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Meier's first dance was to George Strait's "I Ain't Never Seen No One Like You" and included some fancy footwork (and a dramatic dip).

Photography: Eric Laurits
Rentals: Big Sky Tent
Hair: Boucle Salon and Spa
Engagement Ring and Bride's Wedding Band: David & Company
Groom's Wedding Band: Bruce Rogers Jewelry