Maeghan: 27, from Indiana

Andrew: 27, from San Diego, CA   

Now reside in: Cranston, RI

The Details

Ceremony & Reception: Block Island Maritime Institute
Catering: Catering by Kimberly
Rehearsal Dinner: Held at a private residence
Photographer: Aaron Collins Photography
Videographer: Back Story Videography
Music: DJ Libre (Danielle Duffy) 
Flowers: Stop & Shop, arraigned by a friend.
Cake: Misty Seekins 
Transportation: Block Island Ferry Bus

Before the Ring, and Proposal
Meaghan and Andrew met at a party held by two of their friends at a local bar. After finally being introduced that evening, Andrew didn’t ask her for her number, but over the next few weeks at another get-together,  Andrew finally asked Meaghan for a date. They have been inseparable ever since. After a nice dinner in Providence one evening, Andrew suggested  grabbing an after-dinner drink, and a walk along the Providence River. It was there that Andrew pulled off Maeghan’s hood (it was 20 degrees and she was bundled up like an Eskimo), and held out a ring.

Block Island Because...... 
Meaghan and Andrew choose Block Island because it holds a special meaning for both.  Andrew and his family would spend summers and vacation time on the island, and now some of his family are residents. Once they started dating, the couple would spend almost every weekend in the summers on the island, as well as off-season major holidays. Having a Block Island wedding allowed them to share their favorite place with their nearest and dearest. 

Wedding Day
The ceremony was held in the backyard of Block Island Maritime Institute. Everything about the wedding was DIY. The bridal party was a huge help with all the details, set up, breakdown, and everything in-between. One bridesmaid did all of the flowers (centerpieces, bouquets, and boutineers); Andrew made the mixed drinks ahead of time, and the groomsmen set up everything the morning of the wedding. Friends of the couple, Nick and Alisha, officiated the ceremony. Rather than favors, the couple sent the reception guests to McAloon’s in a chartered bus for drinks, after-party snacks, and live music by Kelly and the Cunningham’s.

Wedding Weekend 
The entire wedding party came out the Thursday before the wedding, and had a welcome party and family dinner at a private residence, after the weather changed their plans from a beach bonfire and barbecue. Later that night, after everyone else left, the bridal parties had a pool party — a great way to celebrate and let loose before wedding stress and duties set in. A light farewell brunch was held at the bridal party house before guests said farewell.

Top 3 pieces of advice for having an island wedding:
1. Involve the island and its treasures in your wedding weekend, if possible. Make it an experience!
2. At the wedding, an open bar and yard games will never be a bad time.
3. Understand that “island time” is a real thing, and adjust accordingly. However, don’t assume that minimal communication means things are on track. Check in with your vendors.