When it came to planning their wedding together, there were a few things about which Meg Cronin and Brandon Taylor refused to compromise. One was music: the two live in Meg’s hometown of Philadelphia, and they brought along a Philly party band – and their excellent Springsteen covers. Another was the venue: the minute the couple set foot on the Allen Farm property in Chilmark, they fell in love. They knew they would celebrate their wedding there rain or shine.
“We just decided that regardless of the weather, it was such a beautiful setting and we would make the best of the situation,” Meg said. “If that meant partying in the rain, then we would throw the best party in the rain.”
But as their September wedding day approached, so too did Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm with an unclear trajectory along the East Coast. They obsessively tracked the storm’s every move.
“We were looking at probability cones and hurricane tracking maps. I think I [now] know more about hurricane meteorology than normal people,” Brandon joked.
The storm made landfall farther south, and some guests were unfortunately waylaid. But on the Island, the couple was treated to four days of perfect weather.
“It all really ended up working out in the end,” Meg said.
Their ceremony took place in the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, and guests migrated up-Island for dinner and dancing under tents at the Allen Farm. Meg and Brandon took the ride in a 1940s wood-paneled Oldsmobile owned by Island photographer Bob Gothard. For decorations, the couple kept things simple, opting to highlight the natural beauty and ocean views with an ivory color palette.
Throughout the day they took pains to incorporate their history and their heritage. More than forty friends from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, the couple’s alma mater, came to the wedding, all gathering and taking a photo with the university’s flag. Beer from a brewery in Brandon’s hometown of Cincinnati was served. And they incorporated Russian Orthodox traditions and wore the same ceremonial crowns that Meg’s parents wore at their wedding. “Those are the details that really matter,” said Brandon.
Details
Ceremony: Old Whaling Church
Reception: The Allen Farm Sheep and Wool Company
Photographer: Jocelyn Filley
Wedding Planner: With Grace
Caterer: Annie Foley Catering & Party Planning
Cake: Val Cakes
Music: EBE Events and Entertainment
Flowers: Island Ambiance
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Transportation: ResortMan + Bob Gothard
Hair + Makeup: Lizzie Kent + Stephanie DaRosa
Calligraphy + Design: Maidenwood Press
Accommodations: Ashley Inn + The Christopher + Kelley House + The Richard + Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites
Rehearsal Dinner: Atria
Honeymoon: Spain + Portugal
Their Best Advice: Familiarize yourself with Martha’s Vineyard. “Do not forget that it is an island – this impacts transportation, costs, accommodations, etc. All this should factor into your decision.”
