A Vintage, Nautical Wedding on a Boat in Greenport, New York

Updated on September 20, 2018

Erin and Mike

Erin Fitzpatrick opened her general store, Fork & Anchor, on the North Fork of Long Island, New York. That very same day back in 2011, Mike Johnson walked in, sparks flew, and one year later they were engaged. The bride put her hospitality prowess to use planning their June 22, 2013, wedding. The intimate, relaxed vintage nautical soiree kicked off on a boat, continued with a ride around Greenport Harbor and Southold Bay under the summer sun, and ended in the boathouse with great food and wine.

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The Invite

The groom drew the invite, which was laced with seaside, maritime, and salty motifs. Calligrapher Linda Pasca of Pen & Paper Design wrote the couple's names in an Olde English style, to feel like an old captain's log.

Erin had the invite framed as a wedding-day gift to her groom, to commemorate the occasion and his talent.

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The Ceremony Setting

Erin has long envisioned hosting a party on the Plum Isle barge, docked in the boatyard in Greenport, New York, since her first time aboard. Owned by a friend who generously lent her to the couple for their wedding day, the floating venue showcased the authentic energy of the locale and why Erin and Mike love the area so much.

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The Bride's Entrance

Erin's father walked her down the dock as a traditional Irish piper played "March of Laois." The bride's bouquet was composed solely of lilies—the couple's favorite bloom.

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The Ceremony

During the late-afternoon ceremony, in front of 55 loved ones, Erin and Mike exchanged vows they'd written, and a friend who made the wedding bands presented the rings right before the couple exchanged them.

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Anchors Away

Customized nautical cocktail napkins by With Love and Ink were paired with each drink during the cocktail-hour sail.

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Cocktail-Hour Sail

During the time out on the water, guests enjoyed drinks (like rhubarb margaritas and dark 'n' stormies), canapes, and Latin music.

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The Guests

Chic guests donned hats and graphic prints at this summer fete.

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Picture Perfect

A 1951 Ford F5 truck that Mike bought in 2008 and fully restored provided a great backdrop for a casual portrait of the bride and groom. Mike sported a Billy Reid suit and shirt, blue linen tie, and Allen Edmonds shoes. Erin wore a billowing soft-rose pink Morgane Le Fay dress, Christian Louboutin peep-toe pumps, and her mother's diamond earrings and necklace.

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The Reception Location

After returning to the boatyard, guests entered the boathouse for the reception.

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The Reception Decor

Lilies also played a major role in the reception decor, with the pink variety dotting the tables in vintage vases alongside brass candlesticks, both atop flax-colored linens. Straw chairs were the finishing touches at the long tables. "We wanted to create the feeling that you were at a feast on an old ship and having the best dinner party," Erin said.

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Heirloom Inspiration

Old nautical gear, paintings, oars, ropes, and other bric-a-brac fills the boathouse and added to the wedding celebration's ambience.

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The Menu

The menu's design tied in with the invitation suite, using Olde English calligraphy and the illustrated lily once more.

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The Fare

"Seriously good food and wine were of high priority at our wedding," Erin said. So guests feasted on salad of baby lettuces, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice; Treviso endive, mizuna, parsley, Gorgonzola, Sicilian pistachios, and garlicky dressing; 30-day dry-aged cote de boeuf; tomato and red onion salad; asparagus with mimosa egg; corn with onion butter; and fregola with scallions and pine nuts.

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