Nestled on the shoreline of Nantucket, Emily and Trevor celebrated their marriage with family and friends at Nantucket Yacht Club. Nantucket holds a special place in Emily’s heart. “My family have been long time members of the Nantucket Yacht Club and have been coming to Nantucket for many generations! My grandparents even met there when they were younger and reconnected after their first marriage.” Her family’s history on the island spans back even further, to the Ship Essex. “My g-g-g-g (4 greats) grandfather, Captain Daniel Russell, was captain of the Ship Essex before the voyage of Moby Dick. He was given a promotion on a larger ship and gave his command to his first mate George Pollard. There is a ladle from the Essex and a portrait in the Nantucket Whaling Museum that used to be displayed in my grandparent’s house for years.”
Trevor and Emily’s love story began their Sophomore year of college, when they were both attending SMU. “Apparently, this meetup was planned by one of our mutual friends, but I had no idea! We have been together ever since, a total of 8 years!” During Emily’s birthday weekend in 2021, Trevor popped the question at the Houston Arboretum. She emphatically said “yes!” and the wedding planning began. It was no question to Emily as to where the wedding would take place. “When I was little, I used to stand on the same lawn where we had cocktail hour and tell my grandparents that I was getting married there no matter what. Nantucket is my happy place and when Trevor and I first started dating I quickly told him that if he didn’t love it then we had a problem… luckily it is hard not to love! After 8 years he has made his own list of favorites and memories on the island so there was no question when we got engaged that we would get married there.”
Emily and Trevor were pronounced husband and wife in an intimate ceremony held at St. Paul’s Church. Emily wore a beautiful off the shoulder gown by Lela Rose, which she complimented with Loeffler Randall heels and pearl earrings. After the ceremony, Emily and Trevor took a cruise on the water past Brant Point Lighthouse. This was a special moment of the day since Emily’s parents were engaged there. Light reflected off the water as the sun began to set during their boat ride. Guests awaited their arrival on the lawn of Nantucket Yacht Club. Mr. and Mrs. Walter entered their reception amidst a shower of rose petals. A tradition at Nantucket Yacht Club is to fire the canon at sunrise and sunset. The American flag is simultaneously lowered as a sign of respect. “When I was growing up this was my favorite part of eating dinner at the club. This is because when the cannon is fired everyone stands up and is silent until the commodore or highest-ranking club officer says, “As you were ”. I love tradition and I was so happy to share this special one with our guests.” Emily and Trevor had the honor of lighting the cannon the evening of their wedding day!
For the reception, Emily changed into a strapless mini dress for the remainder of reception festivities. A special moment of the evening was when Emily’s 90 year old grandfather took the stage to play the drums. “Don Russell, my Gops, had his own orchestra that played at all the big society balls and events on the East Coast including a few presidential inaugurations. He recently retired, but somehow I was able to convince him to play for us. We even got my uncle up on stage to sing with him as well! Another fun fact was that Perry Rossi, our wedding band, started out in my grandfather’s orchestra many years ago.” After a night of fun with family and friends, Emily and Trevor shared one final dance in private. The evening ended with a sparkler send off. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Walter!
