HI 4 Wedding 2004 - The Inquirer and Mirror

Page 4 Published by The Inquirer and Mirror
Wedding Mecca
From simple to lavish, tying the knot on Nantucket is a memorable experience
By Hadley St. John
I&M Staff Writer
N
Photo by Claudia Kronenberg
There’s something special about a Nantucket wedding. For one, the setting is impossible to beat.
antucket has become
what many might call a
wedding Mecca. Among
the 173 couples who married on the
island in 2002 were residents of
Washington, D.C., Albuquerque,
New Mexico and Chicago, Illinois,
according to the most recent town
report.
“I feel like it’s such a positive
part of our shoulder season,” said
photographer Claudia Kronenberg.
Unlike the bulk of the tourism economy, most weddings are held in the
spring and fall and provide essential
money-making opportunities for
island businesses in May, June,
September and October.
They also give wedding parties a
glimpse of the island’s beauty at a
less hectic time of year.
A big part of the wedding business is dedicated to catering to people from off-island, Kronenberg said.
The photographer added that she
enjoys fulfilling people’s requests –
many of which take her to the
beach.
“All the bridesmaids and
groomsmen wanted shots with fishing poles. All the guys had fishing
poles and the girls were in between
them in the water pulling up their
dresses,” she said of one wedding
party.
While simple logistics dictate
that getting married on Nantucket
will probably cost more than it does
on the mainland, the range of costs
varies greatly depending on the size
and opulence of the event.
Those who want to get married
with all the bells and whistles on
Nantucket will pay a pretty penny.
Let us put our knowledge of Nantucket and expertise
into planning your special event.
FOR BRIDES
THE ISLAND WEDDING SHAWL
100% HANDWOVEN SILK
FOR BRIDESMAIDS
SHAWLS IN CUSTOM COLORS
THE PERFECT NANTUCKET GIFT
FOR YOUR WEDDING PARTY
508-825-9771
Unique Nantucket
Event coordinating from intimate dinners to elaborate weddings.
Custom-made invitations and wedding programs.
We create memories by making your dreams come true!
508.228.9292
Nicole Whelden
uniquenantucket.com
A Nantucket Wedding 2004 Page 5
By Hadley St. John
I&M Staff Writer
N
antucket has become what
many might call a wedding Mecca. Among the
173 couples who married on the
island in 2002 were residents of
Washington, D.C., Albuquerque,
New Mexico and Chicago, Illinois,
according to the most recent town
A big part of the island’s
wedding business is catering
to people from off-island.
Among the 173 couples who
were married on Nantucket
last year, some came
from as far away as
Washington, D.C.,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
and Chicago, Illinois.
report.
“I feel like it’s such a positive part
of our shoulder season,” said photographer Claudia Kronenberg.
Unlike the bulk of the tourism economy, most weddings are held in the
spring and fall and provide essential
money-making opportunities for
island businesses in May, June,
September and October.
They also give wedding parties a
glimpse of the island’s beauty at a
less hectic time of year.
A big part of the wedding business is dedicated to catering to people from off-island, Kronenberg said.
The photographer added that she
enjoys fulfilling people’s requests –
many of which take her to the beach.
“All the bridesmaids and
groomsmen wanted shots with fishing poles. All the guys had fishing
poles and the girls were in between
them in the water pulling up their
dresses,” she said of one wedding
party.
While simple logistics dictate
that getting married on Nantucket
will probably cost more than it does
on the mainland, the range of costs
varies greatly depending on the size
and opulence of the event.
Those who want to get married
with all the bells and whistles on
Nantucket will pay a pretty penny.
Victoria Hentrich of Creative
Consultants based out of Austin,
Texas plans weddings for people all
over the country. She said Nantucket
wedding budgets can run in the
$150,000 range.
Tuxedo Rentals
“The mystique of it – it’s so beautiful. It’s every bride’s fantasy to fly
over on a private jet and get married
by the ocean,” she said of her upscale
customers.
According to a survey of bridal
magazine readers by Condé Nast,
the national average spent for a wedding is $22,000.
Starting with the rings, costs add
up quickly. Michael Schwed owns
Diana Kim England Goldsmiths with
his wife of the same name. Schwed
said wedding bands average in cost
from $150 to $2,000. Engagement
rings cost anywhere from $3,000 to
$15,000 on average, he said. “People
are very emotional about it. They
like to take their time and look
around and that sort of thing,” he
said.
Many people spend the bulk of
their wedding budget on the reception.
Diane Coombs picks couples up
at the church in style. Between the
1926 Franklin and the 1970 Rolls
Royce, Coombs’ company Highland
Drivers rents the cars out between
$150 and $200 an hour.
At the reception, music can
sometimes make or break the celebration.
Andy Bullington of The Atlantics
Mecca Continued on page 6.
PAEONIA
Christina A. Loucks
Wedding and Event
Planning
Design Consulting
Floral Design
508.257.9768
845.926.2451
[email protected]
“I thought you
had the rings.”
There are very few things we can’t help you with on
your wedding day at the Point Breeze Hotel.
Call us to set up an appointment or to receive our wedding
information packet and find out what else we have to offer.
All designer styles available
P O I N T BR E E Z E
Hotel
NOBBY CLOTHES SHOP
71 Easton Street Nantucket MA 02554
Phone 508 • 228 • 0313 FAX 508 • 325 • 6044
ESTABLISHED 1930
508/228-1030 FAX 508/228-6568
NANTUCKET
TOLL FREE 1• 800 • 365 • 4371
[email protected]
Page 6 Published by The Inquirer and Mirror
Mecca
Continued from page 5.
By Hadley St. John
I&M Staff Writer
N
antucket has become what
many might call a wedding
Mecca. Among the 173
couples who married on the island in
2002 were residents of Washington,
D.C., Albuquerque, New Mexico and
Chicago, Illinois, according to the
most recent town report.
“I feel like it’s such a positive part
of our shoulder season,” said photographer Claudia Kronenberg. Unlike
the bulk of the tourism economy,
most weddings are held in the spring
and fall and provide essential moneymaking opportunities for island businesses in May, June, September and
October.
They also give wedding parties a
glimpse of the island’s beauty at a less
hectic time of year.
A big part of the wedding business is dedicated to catering to people
from off-island, Kronenberg said. The
photographer added that she enjoys
fulfilling people’s requests – many of
which take her to the beach.
“All the bridesmaids and groomsmen wanted shots with fishing poles.
All the guys had fishing poles and the
girls were in between them in the
water pulling up their dresses,” she
Photo by Claudia Kronenberg
After all the hustle and bustle of the big day, there’s always time on Nantucket for the bride and groom to share a private moment.
Ideal for
Wedding Families
or Wedding Guests
HIGHLAND DRIVERS
Austin Princess Limousine, 1964
is a small family company that provides
exceptional transportation in classic cars. We are happy to
work with any special request.
With each reservation, we provide a small personal
Nantucket remembrance.
Hulbert Avenue Waterfront Home
Available on a weekly basis
(mid-week to mid-week o.k.)
in September through mid-October.
Fully furnished and equipped.
Sleeps eight (one queen, two twins,
two singles), plus three full baths.
No pets and no smoking.
For further information contact
508.228.0258
Nantucket, MA
Our drivers are members of our family and are concerned
with your personal comfort and enjoyment.
Prices and availability upon request.
Diane Coombs, owner
44 Union Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Livery Service 508-228-9556 or cell 617-417-1331
www.highlanddrivers.com
A Nantucket Wedding 2004 Page 7
Invite them to stay at
The Beachside
Nantucket
NANTUCKET ISLAND
RENT A CAR
Y
our wedding guests will
enjoy the charm, comfort
and convenience of The
Beachside at Nantucket.
•Jeeps [with beach permits]
•Mini Vans
Local: 508 228 9989
•Compact Sedans
Toll-Free: 800 508 9972
•Mid Size Sedans
Int: 011 508 228 9989
•Convertibles
•Pick up anywhere on the island!
•Group rates available
•Located at the Nantucket Memorial Airport
Located in scenic Brant Point,
just a short walk from Main Street
and Jetties Beach, this hotel offers
90 perfectly-appointed guest
rooms and suites.
Our welcoming staff will be happy
to arrange island activities for
your family and friends. With your
wedding and a stay at The
Beachside, their visit here will be a
memorable one.
All major credit cards accepted. 30 Macy Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554
•Visit us online: nantucketislandrentacar.com
30 North Beach Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
www.thebeachside.com
email: [email protected]
Reservations & Information 1-800-322-4433
Wedding
Packages
S
pa Bachelorette Evening
For two and one-half hours you
will have an area of the salon or
spa for your party. Each of you will enjoy
a stress break massage, a manicure and
an aromatherapy pedicure. Bring your
favorite bubbly and we will provide the
champagne glasses along with a fruit and
cheese platter.
117 pleasant st. nantucket, ma. 02554
508-228-0024 800-540-0524
www.nantucketspa.com