Photo: Christian Oth Studio
When Meghan Brophy and Rick Persutti first met during the Dean’s welcome speech on their first day of college at Holy Cross in 2004, neither could have guessed that 10 years later they’d still be side by side. But in May of 2014, Rick popped the question over after dinner drinks while on vacation in Bermuda, and the rest was history. Although their courtship was long, the couple wasted no time in beginning to plan their September 19, 2015, wedding — especially since the bride-to-be already knew where she wanted to say “I do.” “My family has been going to Nantucket since I was born and many of my most cherish moments have taken place on the island,” Meghan says. “When the time came, it was nearly impossible picturing tying the knot anywhere else. I knew from a relatively young age that Nantucket was where I wanted to get married.”
With the help of Nantucket Island Events, the future Mr. and Mrs. dreamed up a sophisticated and elegant seaside affair, including a church ceremony and tented reception on the beach. Read on to see how their day came together, as captured by Christian Oth Studio.
Photo: Christian Oth Studio
The couple’s 160 guests were welcomed to the island with bags full of goodies. A watercolor map, list of activities, snacks like Cape Cod potato chips, and mini hangover kits made for a fun surprise for traveling friends and family.
Meghan’s French lace Monique Lhuilier wedding dress could not have fit her more perfectly. A sweetheart neckline and cascading skirt added the perfect dose of personality to her otherwise classic gown. The bride had her seamstress sew a piece of fabric from her mother’s wedding dress inside her own skirt.
For her bouquet, the bride knew she wanted an imperfectly round shape in neutral hues of white and cream with subtle pops of blush and blue. The mix of garden roses, ranunculus, dusty miller, astilbe, and muscari Meghan toted down the aisle was exactly what she wanted.
Per Irish tradition, Meghan also kept a five pence coin in her shoe.
Rick and his groomsmen went island classic for the wedding. The men all wore a dark blue dinner jacket with cream trousers and a black satin bowtie. Custom-made navy blue velvet smoking slippers were a fun finishing touch. Meghan’s ‘maids all wore blush gowns with an airy tulle overlay in a variety of different necklines.
The bride and groom exchanged traditional vows at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church. “They technically don’t do destination weddings,” Meghan says. “You have to be a resident of Nantucket or have a significant connection to the church in order to get married there. A fellow parishioner usually has to vouch for you if you don’t live on the island full time.”
Guests waved streamers as the couple ran towards a vintage car (decorated with cans!) for their ceremony exit.
The party then moved to Galley Beach, where guests gathered under a tent to celebrate with the ocean just feet from their tables. “Nantucket isn’t just important to my family,” Meghan says. “The island slowly worked it’s magic on Rick, too. He visited me there during the summers throughout college and several years after. So really, at the end of the day, there was no better setting for our party.”
Inside the tent, chandeliers of greenery were suspended from the ceiling while round tables were adorned with low arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, orchids, and thistle.
Gold laser cut table numbers and lots of candles lent a touch of glamour to the seaside space. “We wanted pops of ocean blue throughout the day,” Meghan says, and they got just that with thistle tucked into each menu. “Every single detail we picked was meant to reflect our personality as a couple.”
The tree-tiered wedding cake was decorated with sand-hued fondant and plenty of fresh flowers.
Photo: Christian Oth Studio
After sharing their first dance to Brett Eldredge’s “Mean To Me,” the duo opened up the dance floor to their friends and family.
Photo: Christian Oth Studio
The party ended on a high note: Guests waved off the newlyweds (who honeymooned in Bali!) with glowing sparklers. “Soak it in!” Meghan reminds future brides. “The time will fly and you’ll wish you could do it all over again.”
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church || Reception Venue: Galley Beach || Wedding Planner: Nantucket Island Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress, Veil & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier || Groom’s Attire: John Robert Custom || Flowers: Soiree Floral || Photographer: Christian Oth Studio
Did you love this Nantucket wedding? Then get inspired by another couple’s beach wedding in the video below.