She: 
29, from Guilford, CT
He: 
29, from Madison, CT
Now reside in: 
Weymouth, MA
 
The Details

Ceremony: St. Andrew Church

Rehearsal Dinner & Reception: 
The Cushman House at Mansion Beach

Reception Catering: Block Island Gourmet

Rehearsal Catering: 
Catering by Kimberly

Welcome event: 
The Surf Hotel

Photographer: Isa Images

Tent: Block Island Rentals


Music: 
Rizzo’s Dilemma, originally from Guilford, Conn.

Flowers: Simply Rooted Designs


Cake: Food Glorious Food, Pittsburgh PA

Transportation: Block Island Taxi & Tours, The Oyster Truck
 
 
 

Before the Ring and Proposal
Natalie and Matt met during their college summers working at a restaurant in Connecticut. They were just friends for the first years, not thinking until their senior year, in 2010, that things might work. Matt moved to Costa Rica and Natalie took off for South Africa — only to come back together the following summer and move out to Block Island to work. One fall afternoon, at the boat launch in Madison, CT where the couple had spent many late nights during their younger years, Matt proposed to Natalie.
 
Block Island because……
Both Natalie and Matt had separately spent their summers vacationing on Block Island and it held a special place in both their hearts.  

The Day and Design
With the ceremony at St. Andrew Church, many of the guests commented on how high energy and fun the ceremony was, which Natalie and Matt feel symbolizes their life and relationships. It meant a lot to the couple to be able to recite their own vows to each other. Natalie and Matt knew they wanted the reception to be somewhere that wasn’t typical or traditional for Block Island weddings — The Cushman house was just that and more. The location provided the laid-back feel they had envisioned. The food, served family style, of braised short rib or cod with beet truffle chips from Block Island Gourmet was delicious, and the band played for a solid six hours, keeping everyone dancing. The late night bonfire on Mansion Beach allowed for the party to continue with acoustic music played and sung by family and friends.

The Wedding Weekend
Aside from renting The Cushman House, Natalie and Matt rented several houses close by for the bridal party, and then some a little farther away for family — one being the Hygeia House — which guests said was a fabulous experience. A rehearsal dinner was held on Thursday evening on the porch of The Cushman House, with dinner provided by Catering by Kimberly. A welcome event was held on Friday evening at The Surf Hotel on the patio and porch overlooking the beach and harbor. After the wedding reception, they had a late night bonfire on Mansion Beach, courtesy of Block Island Bonfires.

What was the most Block Islandy thing about your wedding?
“We had oars as our guestbook, however, they were custom painted by Matt’s father. One was of the Spring House Hotel, the other The Cushman House. They were titled “The Hamb-OARs”.”

Top 3 pieces of advice:

1.    Make sure you either get a planner or a day-of person. As much as you think you can handle it all yourself, you can’t and you deserve to feel at ease on your big day.
2.    Plan early and shop local. We are strong believers and supporters of using as many resources on island as you possibly can, Support B.I.
3.    For any weddings, be sure to create a detailed list of all the photos you want captured. You won’t regret it.