Gabriella and Eric’s love story began in 2018 when they met at a bar and talked all night. Life took them in different directions, and they lost touch, but fate had other plans. A year later, they reconnected at a graduation party for a mutual friend. “We didn’t remember how we’d met before, but the connection was immediate,” Gabriella shared. As they got to know each other, they realized they had unknowingly crossed paths many times before. “It was like the universe had been quietly nudging us together all along.”
Their White Elephant Nantucket wedding was a vibrant, floral-filled affair that perfectly blended the elegant aesthetic of Bridgerton with the laid-back charm of coastal New England. Gabriella, who planned the wedding herself while studying for the bar exam, infused every detail with personal touches. From the invitations to a weekend-long celebration, every moment reflected the couple’s love story and style.
What We Love About This White Elephant Nantucket Wedding:
- Gabriella planned every detail of the wedding herself while studying for the bar exam
- Choosing a private first look and personal vows gave the couple more time to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests
- The festivities spanned four unforgettable days, featuring gourmet meals, lively parties, and coastal charm
- A live artist captured guests in beautiful sketches and watercolor paintings, creating unique, one-of-a-kind mementos
A Bridesmaids Brunch, Tapas-Style Rehearsal, and Nautical Welcome Party Kicked Off Their White Elephant Nantucket Wedding Weekend
The wedding festivities began long before the ceremony. Gabriella hosted a brunch for her bridesmaids as a heartfelt thank-you for their support. “It was a really fun way to enjoy each other’s company before the wedding,” she said.
On Thursday, the couple held an intimate rehearsal dinner at The Proprietors, a tapas-style restaurant in Nantucket. The evening featured vibrant farmers’ market florals, delicious food, and cocktails with their closest friends and family. The next night, they welcomed all their guests at the famous Cru Oyster Bar, setting the tone for the celebration ahead. “It was fantastic to be surrounded by everyone we love.” The night ended with spontaneous bar hopping in downtown Nantucket, adding to the weekend’s fun atmosphere.
Featured Vendors:
A Wardrobe Fit for a Wedding Weekend: Custom Suits, Dream Dresses, and Statement Shoes
With a four-day wedding weekend came multiple outfit changes. Gabriella had so many ensembles that she and her mother had to bring a second car onto the island just for her wardrobe!
“I knew I wanted my dress to be unique. I didn’t want a plain white dress, but I also didn’t want anything too colorful,” she explained. She found her dream gown at Lelite Bridal in Boston, a stunning piece adorned with handmade florals. To complement it, she wore custom-made shoes from Bella Bridal Shoes, intricately designed with beaded fabric butterflies.
Eric, who is 6’5”, struggles with off-the-rack suits, so he opted for custom attire. “Because of the garden party aesthetic and bright colors, he wore a navy suit to the rehearsal, a tan suit to the welcome party, and a blue and black tuxedo to the wedding,” Gabriella said. All his looks were tailor-made in Boston.
The bridesmaids embraced a mismatched lilac theme, selecting dresses they felt beautiful in, while the groomsmen sported classic black tuxedos, allowing Eric’s bold blue tux to stand out.
A First Look, Private Vows, and More Time for Cocktails
Gabriella and Eric decided on a first look to maximize their time with guests. “We’re big foodies, so when we heard that doing a first look meant we’d have more time to enjoy our cocktail hour, we were sold!” she laughed. The moment was emotional, and private vows made it even more intimate. “I was worried it would take away from the aisle moment, but it absolutely didn’t. If anything, it added to the anticipation and excitement.”
Gabriella also shared a first look with her father, a moment she cherished deeply. “He made the entire wedding happen and never asked me to contribute anything. Having a quiet moment with him away from the chaos was incredibly special.”
A Private Church Ceremony and a Childhood Dream Wedding Come True
Before their wedding, Gabriella and Eric had a small church ceremony near their hometown with just immediate family. They followed it with a big Italian dinner at her parents’ house.
The White Elephant Nantucket had always held a special place in Gabriella’s heart. “I had been visiting for years and distinctly remember eating there with my father. He once told me he hoped I’d get married there one day.”
With their love for the beach and many guests flying in regardless, a destination wedding on the island was the perfect choice. The stunning natural beauty of Nantucket, especially the White Elephant, made for an unforgettable setting.
Handcrafted Invitations, Live Art, and a Feast to Remember at Their White Elephant Nantucket Wedding
Every detail of the wedding was thoughtfully designed, including their invitations and save-the-dates. “We worked with a fantastic artist who collaborated with us every step of the way,” Gabriella said. The final designs included custom illustrations of their favorite island spots.
To incorporate her love of art into the wedding day, Gabriella hired an artist to create live sketches of guests, giving them a one-of-a-kind watercolor keepsake. Another artist painted on oyster shells, which doubled as table decor.
The couple put equal effort into curating the menu. “We love to eat, so making sure we had an amazing dinner was really important to us.” They opted for a large head table instead of a sweetheart table. “Some of my favorite moments were sitting there, surrounded by our best friends,” Gabriella shared.
Their celebration drew loved ones from around the world, with guests traveling from 12 states, as well as Australia and Italy. The party lasted well past midnight, thanks to the incredible Boston Common Band. “We were supposed to leave by 12, but we kept dancing until 1:30 a.m.!”
The festivities wrapped up with a Sunday brunch, a final opportunity to spend time with guests before they headed home. “It was such a beautiful way to end the weekend.”
Finding the Perfect Vendors, Balancing Budget, and Embracing Wedding Day Surprises with Grace
Planning their White Elephant Nantucket wedding came with its challenges, including hidden import fees and island costs. “I knew I wanted to focus the budget on the venue and florals. Once that was set, everything else fell into place,” Gabriella explained.
She found most of her vendors through Instagram and Zola, choosing those whose work resonated with her. “I spent so much time looking through portfolios to find people who could make our dream day come to life.”
The morning of the wedding, unexpected guests meant there weren’t enough of the gold chairs Gabriella had rented to match the tablescape. “My vendor swapped them out on the spot, and now I can’t imagine the wedding without them. Everything worked out as it was supposed to.”
Her biggest piece of advice? “I had so much anxiety the morning of my wedding. I wish I had trusted that everything would be perfect and just enjoyed the moment. Eventually, the stress faded, and we had the most incredible day.”
