The first time I spoke with Lindsey and Brent about their plans to elope on Nantucket, I knew I wanted to work with them. There was not a doubt in my mind that they would be an absolute blast of a couple to spend a day with, and that we would be a good fit both in terms of personality and our shared vision for their day. These two lovebirds had met in college and seemed to know very early on that they’d stumbled into something very special: they were soulmates. And they were going to follow both their hearts and their instincts as they navigated their future lives together.

After several years living their best lives together in Providence, Rhode Island, this fun, spontaneous, and oh-so-in-love couple knew it was time to make it official. After having recently attended a large family wedding, Lindsey and Brent realized that what felt most authentic to them was something much smaller … ideally just the two of them, and maybe their dog Brody too. Some of you reading this may be wondering … wait, doesn’t Kristen also have a dog named Brody?! If that’s you, five gold stars!! And yes, as you might imagine, there was a lot of bonding on our intro call over our love for pups and the shared name. It might even be what tipped the scales in my favor and convinced L&B that they could trust me to help them plan and document their most special and intimate of Nantucket wedding days.

Lindsey was super organized in her planning, and with a few recommendations from me, she firmed up the vendors she and Brent would need to create the perfect wedding day, with the island itself as their venue. Side note: Not having to book a venue is one of the key factors that makes it both possible and reasonably affordable to elope on Nantucket, even on relatively short notice. The beaches on the island are public, and provide the most beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony that you could ask for. As long as you have a back-up plan of some sort to account for rain, an actual venue is absolutely nonessential for a Nantucket elopement.

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain

When the big day arrived, we started photography coverage in the couple’s hotel room at The Faraway Hotel. Sierra of Styles with Sierra had already come and gone, giving our gorgeous brunette bride the perfect half-up do with soft curls for her long locks, and Paolina of Paolina Beauty was at work on Lindsey’s makeup. As soon as I arrived, Lindsey had a few critical updates for me. For one, Lindsey and Brent had made a last-minute call not to bring Brody after all. The weekend was expected to be extremely hot, not ideal for a doodle on a day that was going to involve a lot of time outdoors; they also weren’t sure he’d tolerate all the sitting still that we might ask of him if he’d tagged along for their ceremony and photos. And there was another major change of plans as well: while Brent had brought a formal suit and Lindsey had chosen a stunning full-length elopement gown designed by Jenny Yoo, on the way over, a bit worried about the heat, they’d decided that it just made more sense for them to keep things more casual. So Lindsey opted to wear only the super chic mini dress by Anthropologie Weddings that she’d brought for their elopement night dinner at Topper’s at the Wauwinet, and the good people at Murray’s Toggery were able to help Brent out with a new, much lighter AND cooler outfit for the day, completing some tailoring he needed overnight. Absolute MAGIC. As you’ll see below, both bride and groom looked totally stunning, extremely cool (this came naturally, of course), and exuded island elopement perfection all day long.

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain

After getting ready and a first look at The Faraway, we headed out to ‘Sconset, delighting locals and tourists alike when they realized Lindsey and Brent’s wedding was happening at just about that very moment. On our way down to the beach, where the ceremony would be held, we happened to bump into Marla, the owner of a seriously cool blue Bronco that was parked just short of the beach entrance. After the kindest of well-wishes, Marla suggested to Lindsey and Brent that they should take the Bronco for a spin after the ceremony. After all, they needed a little something blue. This kind act added the most special element to L&B’s afternoon in ‘Sconset. It was such a joy to witness Marla’s generosity and the joy it brought to this deserving couple. I had the chills — magic, again.

Nantucket Town Clerk Nancy performed a short and sweet ceremony for the eager and emotional bridge and groom. Lindsey’s short white dress and veil and Brent’s light ensemble from Murray’s stood out perfectly against the clear blue skies we were blessed with on that very hot first day of summer: also the first day of forever for this sweet couple from Providence.

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain

Of course a wedding day isn’t complete without cake, and Lindsey had very smartly ordered from the best. Nantucket Bake Shop made the most beautiful little heart-shaped cake, which they enjoyed on a bench in front of their hotel, as passersby oohed and aahed when they noticed what was happening.

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain

After a little break to cool off and refresh, Lindsey, Brent, and I met up again at Old North Wharf, where we got a few more pictures (we absolutely had to take advantage of the hydrangeas, which were just beginning their short, regal display) before heading over to Straight Wharf to catch a boat to The Wauwinet for L&B’s wedding dinner at Topper’s. Clouds were starting to roll in a bit in town before we took off, but by the time we arrived at the resort, we were completely surrounded by wet fog. Visibility was almost non-existent and the scorching day was suddenly damp and, dare I say, even cold. A classic Nantucket day for this wonderful couple, who got to enjoy the best of what Nantucket has to offer in the most intimate of ways.

Congratulations, Lindsey and Brent. You were a dream to work with.

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain

Elopement vendors and styling:

• Bride’s attire: Anthropologie Weddings
• Groom’s attire: Murray’s Toggery
• Photographer: Kristen Swain
• Bridal Makeup: Paolina Beauty
• Bride’s Hair Styling: Styles with Sierra
• Flowers: Flowers on Chestnut
• Officiant: Nancy Holmes, Town Clerk
• Hotel: The Faraway Nantucket
• Cake: Nantucket Bake Shop
• Dinner: Topper’s at the Wauwinet

Nantucket Elopement / Photography by Kristen Swain