A Nantucket Wedding Day Filled With Heart
There’s something undeniably special about weddings on Nantucket, and Katharine and Christopher’s celebration at 17 Hulbert Ave captured everything we love about island gatherings—historic charm, ocean air, and a crowd ready to dance from the moment they arrived. From the ceremony at First Congregational Church on Centre Street to a tented reception overlooking the water, every part of this day felt warm, heartfelt, and full of energy.
The Ceremony at First Congregational Church
Although East Coast Soul wasn’t involved musically in the ceremony itself, our horn section played a special role immediately afterward. The church—one of Nantucket’s most iconic buildings—set the tone with its elevated coastal beauty and historic white steeple.
As soon as Katharine and Christopher recessed, the horns gathered outside to greet guests with a bright, celebratory Second Line. The moment the first notes rang out, the crowd lit up. Guests fell in step behind the horn trio, waving programs and dancing through the streets of town as they made their way toward Hulbert Ave.
Halfway through, the horns shifted seamlessly into “When the Saints Go Marching In,” keeping the energy high for the entire seaside walk.
Cocktail Hour on Hulbert Ave
Cocktail hour took place across the street at 19 Hulbert Ave, just steps from the reception tent. The setup overlooked the harbor, catching the soft early evening light as guests arrived from town.
We kept the atmosphere relaxed and coastal with a sax/guitar/bass trio, playing a mix of jazz standards and breezy instrumental tunes that fit perfectly with the setting. With boats drifting in the background and Nantucket’s signature grey-shingled cottages lining the street, it felt like the quintessential island summer scene.
A Tented Reception by the Water
The reception tent at 17 Hulbert Ave was designed for effortless summer elegance—sweeping sailcloth, ocean views, and a layout that kept dinner intimate but the dance floor open and ready.
Introductions
At 6:00pm, we kicked things off with a warm, upbeat entrance for the newlyweds, set to Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life.” As soon as “Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time as a married couple…” rang out, the whole tent erupted.
First Dance
Their first dance, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was performed live and felt like a perfect fit for a summer evening on Nantucket. After the first chorus, the couple invited everyone to join—which immediately filled the dance floor and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Parent Dances
Katharine and her father shared a joyful, high-energy dance to “Last Dance,” transitioning right into the fast section—an unforgettable twist that had the entire room cheering. Mike and his mother followed with a heartfelt rendition of “How Sweet It Is.”
Dinner & Toasts
Dinner began around 6:30pm with a small instrumental combo providing a warm, soulful backdrop—trombone, keys, bass, and drums. The music leaned into soft soul and jazz while guests enjoyed dinner from Nantucket Catering Company.
Toasts were delivered by family members, each heartfelt and personal, and the evening’s flow remained smooth and relaxed. The couple requested a private, intimate cake moment without an announcement, allowing the evening to unfold naturally.
The Dance Floor: Pure Energy Until Last Call
Once we kicked off dancing around 7:45pm, the floor never emptied—not even once. This crowd came ready.
The setlist focused on timeless classics and high-energy soul—just the way the couple envisioned. Their must-plays kept the momentum sky-high:
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
- September
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Every one of them hit exactly the way you’d hope. The Hora brought all generations to the floor, and by the time we reached the last hour, it felt like the entire tent was moving as one—dancing, singing, and celebrating right to the edge of the island’s quiet-hour limits.
Just before 10:30pm, we wrapped up with a final burst of energy, leaving the newlyweds surrounded by dancing friends and family, the ocean breeze rolling in from the harbor.
A Perfect Nantucket Wedding
Performing for Katharine and Christopher on Nantucket was such a joy. From the church bells on Centre Street to the sailcloth tent glowing over Hulbert Ave, the day felt effortlessly beautiful at every turn. We’re grateful to have been part of it—and already can’t wait for our next trip back to the island.
