1. Real Weddings

A Bright Rustic Wedding at Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Jessica Jones (26 and works in non-profit development) and Will Rogers (25 and an electrician apprentice) met one summer through mutual friends while

Jessica Jones (26 and works in non-profit development) and Will Rogers (25 and an electrician apprentice) met one summer through mutual friends while they were both working on Martha's Vineyard. They hit it off right away and were pleasantly surprised to discover that they went to the same school, UMASS Amherst, where Jess was starting her senior year and Will his Junior year, just a couple weeks later. The two hit off immediately, becoming close friends and eventually more. A litter over a year after they started dating, Will decided to pop the question. When planning their wedding, Jessica and Will decided to host the event where their relationship began — Martha's Vineyard. They settled on Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs, MA, which offered an expansive lawn with spectacular views of the Atlantic for the ceremony and a spacious hall for all of the reception that fit perfectly with wedding's rustic chic theme. Instead of an evening soiree, the couple opted for a brunch reception, breakfast being their favorite meal, that allowed Jessica's father to attend. Jessica and Will filled the day vintage elements, bright colors and plenty of DIY touches like their hand-crafted wedding arch to give the day personality.

Jessica knew that finding one dress to suit all nine of her bridesmaids would be a formidable task. Instead of choosing a style that might make some of her girls uncomfortable, she opted to go the mismatched route. "I wanted them to feel beautiful and be able to wear the dress again," says Jessica. "We were in a sorority, so they'll probably be in a lot of weddings over the next few years."
Jessica carried a bouquet of roses, lisianthuses, delphiniums and stock down the aisle in a mix of purple, pink and blue hues.
For the groomsmen, the couple decided to keep things casual. Lightweight gray trousers and classic white shirts kept the guys cool and comfortable. Bright blue and purple plaid ties complemented the bridesmaids' dresses, creating a comprehensive look.
Jessica and Will transported their wedding party to the ceremony in festive rustic style — on the back of a tractor-drawn wagon.
Jessica and Will handcrafted their wedding arch using branches and trees sourced from Martha's Vineyard. On the day of the wedding, they draped the rustic arbor with airy tulle and garlands of greenery and bright purple flowers.
Purple and Ivory Program Fans
"Martha's Vineyard is a very special place for both of us," says Jessica of their wedding's locale, "and considering we first met on the island, it was a given that this is where our wedding should take place. The wedding venues on the island are beautiful, but many of them are expensive resorts or hotels. Neither one of us wanted to have that kind of a wedding, nor was it in our budget. The Sailing Camp was the first and only venue that we looked at. Not only had Will learned to sail there as a child, it was exactly what I had always pictured for my wedding. The beautiful lawns overlooking the water made for a perfect ceremony location."
In addition to the guest book, the couple asked their family and friends to write down fun date night ideas for them to try. Each guest wrote one idea on a popsicle stick and put it in the designated mason jar, which the couple could then draw from whenever they needed a little inspiraiton.
While Jessica and Will took pictures, guests enjoyed cocktail hour out on the lawn, complete with passed champagne, mimosas and bellinis, plus plenty of lawn games, like croquet and corn hole, to play.
Will's grandmother hunted down vases during the months leading up to the wedding, cleaning each and bringing them to the florist to use for the centerpieces.
Bright Purple and Mint Reception Tables
Vintage Family Photo Reception Decor
Jessica and Will's First Dance