Real Wedding: Jennifer & Melissa
Coordination: Aisling Glynn
Invitations: Kiss+Tell Handmade Correspondences
Photography: Sarah Kristiansen, Sweet Jane Photography
Melissa Walsh had certainly fallen in love with Jennifer Morrison, but before they took their relationship any further, Jennifer needed to pass the "Nantucket Test."
The two had met while going out with a group of mutual friends. They hit it off initially, although Melissa was reluctant to accept the charming Jennifer's advances. But despite their differences, and an alleged "kidnapping" by Jennifer and other friends, the two have been together for eight years after those first couple encounters.
Whether vacationing on Nantucket during the summer, or retreating to the island to get away and study, Melissa has always had a special place in her heart for that locale. Holding a philosophy that people either "get it" or "don't get" Nantucket, Melissa put her partner to the test on their first visit to the island as a couple. After getting off the ferry, Jennifer took a breath of pure wonder and it was clear to Melissa that her love did indeed "get it."
While most people expected Jennifer to be the one to propose, Melissa took things into her own hands. Jennifer had already picked out a one of a kind wedding ring that was at a jewelry shop in Cape Cod, and in fact, she would "visit" the ring from time to time. The two were planning a trip to the Cape, but with Jennifer leaving early, and surely going to visit the ring which Melissa had already purchased, Melissa was forced to improvise. Acting rather strangely, Melissa stopped Jennifer from pulling out of the driveway and brought her partner inside to pop the question. Jennifer's first reaction was "Do you have my ring?" Melissa was then taken by surprise during one of their trips to Nantucket, as Jennifer presented her with a custom made ring and a proposal of her own.
The wedding took place on Nantucket, and the couple decided on holding the event at the estate where Jennifer had her proposal. Jennifer had several family heirlooms on her dress, such as a resin pin that Melissa had made from an old photo of Jennifer's mother. Jennifer was walked down the aisle by her two brother's, one leading her half way to the other, who brought her to the alter. Melissa wore a sapphire and diamond ring her mother had bought for her as her "something blue" and had the string quartet play a Frank Sinatra tune that her late grandfather always sang at family events.
With the wedding being a "four day affair," the couple was careful to choose wedding professionals who all had experience working with each other. This helped the coordination of the event and alleviated any concerns about the difficult logistics of having it on an island.
Going against tradition, the partners decided to see each other before the ceremony, and it was a truly special moment. Jennifer was facing the ocean and Melissa came up behind her and the two fell into each other's arms, not knowing that several friends and family were around to witness the joyous occasion. Another emotional moment took place during the reverend's homely, in which he announced that the wedding was the first same-sex marriage performed at the nearly 300 year old church. Tears and applause were shared by all guests during that moment. During the raucous reception, Melissa and Jennifer were able to steal away and enjoy a private moment together. The band played a huge part in the party and had guests dancing the whole time, and were even booed when they had to stop playing in order to get dinner served.
Melissa and Jennifer had wanted to mix traditional wedding styles with some modern twists to reflect their personalities, which they advise any newly-weds to do. Doing what people expect out of a wedding won't create the really organic and personal atmosphere that's important to show off on the special day. Being able to slow down and really experience your wedding is very important as well.