Beach Bliss: A Romantic Lakeside Engagement Shoot in Milton, Vermont

Posted on August 29, 2023

What’s more romantic than walking on the beach and popping some bubbly? Lindsey and Ben recently celebrated their next chapter with a lakeside engagement shoot on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain (complete with their adorable dog Tito!) Continue reading for all the details and images captured by Courtney Cania Photography.

Capturing The Magic of a Lakeside Engagement Shoot

When planning their engagement shoot, Lindsey and Ben knew they wanted something easy and relaxed. Ben’s family owns a house in Milton, Vermont just off the shores of Lake Champlain. The couple both have many sentimental memories at this location and knew it would be the perfect place to capture even more memories

Vermont is home to many beautiful lakes, ponds and swimming holes that each provide a relaxed and romantic backdrop. (It’s no wonder that these locations are a popular choice for couples!) Complete with champagne, outfit changes, and pretty sea glass the couple found while walking this is the perfect lakeside engagement shoot.

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Looking for other ways to incorporate your favorite spots in your engagement photos? Check out this blog post!

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Meet Wedding Photographer, Courtney Cania

Posted on July 13, 2023

One of the most exciting tasks on a wedding planning ‘to-do list’ is choosing a photographer. How do you want your special day captured? How will your love story be told? Finding a photographer that matches your vision is so important! We recently sat down with Vermont wedding photographer Courtney Cania Photography, whose galleries are filled with authentic and inspiring light and love. Continue reading to learn more about Courtney and her work!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I photographed my first wedding in 2009 at Eolia Mansion in Waterford, Connecticut. An acquaintance from a college digital photography class loved my work and asked me to capture her wedding. I knew I wasn’t qualified and set expectations pretty low. However, I felt compelled to shoot the wedding despite not having any experience and the right gear. It all turned out okay, and I loved every moment!

As more and more friends and family asked me to capture their weddings, I launched a website “just to have a presence”… and inadvertently launched a business! I photographed a handful of solo weddings, then spent a few years second shooting and shadowing talented wedding photographers. I made my return to solo wedding photography in 2021, and couldn’t be happier.

How would you describe your style?

I capture weddings with a blended lifestyle and documentary approach. I step in with direction and guidance when needed, and document all those wonderful unscripted moments as they unfold. I have a timeless, light-inspired aesthetic. My goal for my editing style is to reflect the wedding day accurately. I keep color tones a bit muted to avoid neon hues, but stay true-to-life.

What inspires your work?

Inspiration comes to me in many different forms. I’m inspired by beautiful light, the moment, and the energy of the scene. I draw inspiration from art, other photographers, and trends, however, my creativity is guided by one rule: look inside, then look outside. This helps me keep my work authentic to me.

Any special tips for couples for choosing or working with a wedding professional like yourself or a wedding tip in general?

My biggest tip for choosing a wedding photographer is to trust your instincts. There’s lots of practical advice out there on this topic, and I have even blogged about how to choose a wedding photographer. To sum it up, allow your intuition to navigate the process.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

Weddings are full of incredible heartfelt moments, all of which hooked me as a wedding photographer. I am a sucker for portraits. I love the first look because it gives couples precious alone time on their day, and more time with family and guests after the ceremony. I love the joyful “just married” moment when a couple processes down the aisle. And I love the great times on the dance floor.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

Spending time at farms or wading in the many brooks and swimming holes we have here in Vermont are highlights for me. I grew up next to a river with beautiful waterfalls. Spots like these feel like home. Also, I love to indulge in a maple creemee!

If you weren’t a wedding professional what would you do?

Before becoming a wedding photographer I worked in marketing and web development. Experience in these fields has helped a great deal in the daily management of my business. I love running a business as much as being out in the field photographing. Someday I’d like to help aspiring business owners gain the confidence and skills to set out on their own.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

As a kid I envisioned a life traveling to meet different people in unique circumstances to listen to their stories. I believe strongly that we benefit from hearing and sharing different perspectives. Perhaps not in the way I expected, being a photographer mirrors this vision.

Thanks, Courtney! View more of Courtney’s beautiful work by visiting her profile in our Vendor Guide.

Best of 2022: Readers Choice Awards

Posted on January 31, 2023

For the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting a few of the incredible Vermont weddings from 2022 in our annual Best of Vermont Weddings series. New this year, we asked you, our devoted readers, to vote for your favorites in our first ever Readers Choice Awards. Today we’re sharing your favorites as we wrap up this series and get excited for 2023!

Thousands of you voted for your favorites – and the polls were very close – and we’re excited to celebrate these winners!

Best of Cakes & Drinks: Wildflower Wonder

This pressed flower cake by Blue House Bakeshop, which matches the bride’s dress, took the cake as your top pick.

Photographer: Rodeo & Co

Best of Style: Black and White Beauties

These brides’ style was stunning and you agreed! The classic white gown, the killer black beaded jumpsuit, the wildly lush bouquets by M’s Wedding Flowers … it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Photo: Colette Kulig Photography

Best of First Looks: All Grown Up (Readers Choice Award)

This dad was brought to tears when he sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day, and honestly, so am I watching this clip!

Film: Beyond Bliss Films

Best of Ceremony Details: Pretty in Pink

You loved this beautiful ceremony at the Inn at Weathersfield! From the bold pink floral aisle decor, matching ceremony arch, and coordinated petal drop as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds – it’s unforgettable!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Best of Florals: Falling in Love

You swooned for these orange and corals fall bouquets by Fleur Du Nord Farm. They perfectly pop against the dark green bridesmaid dresses and are the sweetest nod to the beautiful Vermont foliage at Sterling Ridge Resort.

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Best of Venues: Sterling Ridge

Sterling Ridge Resort, a log cabin resort hidden in the mountains, provides a unique, private space for couples to celebrate with loved ones for an entire wedding weekend. You crowned this spot your top pick this year!

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Best of Dogs: On the Run

Cheddar the dog was thrilled to be included in his parent’s big day. His “my-humans-just-got-married” excitement caught your hearts!

Photo: Kate Seymour Photography

Best of Reception Details (Tie!): Chopped

This couple included a friendly axe throwing competition for their Mansfield Barn wedding reception, and it slashed through the competition to the top!

Photo: Juniper Studios

Best of Reception Details (Tie!): Ring Ring

This champagne welcome that Sara Judith Events helped design, deserves a cheers of its own!

Photo: Adam Michaels

Best of Elopements & Microweddings: Boho Beautiful

You loved this couple’s microwedding at Sugarbush Resort, with so many beautiful boho details!

Photo: Rae Ann Photo LLC

Best of Champagne Pops: Smoke & Spray

You loved this unique take on the famous champagne pop photo!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Best of Just Married: The Aisle Kiss

This couple was so excited to be married, they barely made it to the end of the aisle before stealing another kiss! In turn, they stole your hearts!

Photo: Courtney Cania

That’s a Wrap on Best of Vermont Weddings 2022

Thank you to everyone who voted in our Readers Choice Awards! And a huge congratulations to every featured member in our Best of Vermont Weddings series! 2022 was an amazing year, and we can’t wait to celebrate along with you all in 2023!

Loved this post?

Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for more inspiration and actionable tips (plus spreadsheets you can use to get organized immediately) to plan your dreamy Vermont wedding!

Best of 2022: Just Married Moments

Posted on January 24, 2023

Can you believe this is our final installment in our Best of 2022 series?! It’s been an amazing year, and we can’t think of a better way to wrap things up than a look at one of our favorite parts of any wedding: those precious just married moments.

Editorial Picks for Just Married Moments

The emotions of being pronounced newlywed is unparalleled, and while many of these features could fit under several categories, we think this important moment deserves to be celebrated in it’s own right! Check out our editorial picks for the best just married moments of the year, and see who you picked for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

Smiles & Sunshine

Everything about this moment at Sterling Ridge Resort is bright and sunny: the weather, the traditional Bengali wedding attire, the sunflower wedding arch by Flower Power VT, and of course, the couple’s beaming smiles.

Photo: Elizabeth Rogers Photography

Cruisin’ Together

These two outfitted their old military style jeep with a “just married” sign, and took off for a drive together after the ceremony. You can feel that just married excitement in this clip!

Film: EightZero2 Productions

Party Parade

Following their ceremony at Inn at Weathersfield, this couple led their guests in a parade to their reception! This is such a fun way to get the party started!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Sunset Dip

This photo is all romance! The couple stole away for some evening portraits, and the groom practically swept his bride off her feet! Won’t lie, we’re swooning a bit.

Photo: Love Wins Photography

The Flip

This couple walked into their Mansfield Barn ready to start the party with a very impressive flip and a shot! Talk about a memorable, fun entrance! We can only imagine how fun the rest of the night must have been!

Lifted High

One of the most iconic moments at a Sugarbush Resort is the “Just Married” private chairlift ride after your ceremony! It’s an amazing opportunity to soak in the day privately with your partner, and get some killer photos!

Photo: Oliver Parini Photography

The Aisle Kiss (Readers Choice Winner)

This couple was so excited to be married, they barely made it to the end of the aisle before stealing another kiss! Too sweet!

Photo: Courtney Cania

Sparkling First Dance

NJOY Weddings & Events planned this stunning Indian wedding celebration, which featured one of the most epic first dances we’ve ever seen! Sparklers and smoke surround the elegant couple, but they only have eyes for each other…this just married moment is straight out of a movie!

Photo: Virdee Films

Arriving in Style

This couple arrived to their Farmhouse Flowers VT in style on a motorcycle complete with streamers! We love this fun, unique entrance!

Wildly in Love

I love the expressions on their faces following their Wild Sugar Homestead ceremony! You can just feel their “oh my gosh, we did it!” excitement. Such a beautiful moment of pure joy.

Photo: Hallie Jade Pictures

Romance in the River

This couple stole away for a private moment during their Lareau Farm Inn wedding to explore the area together. It’s a great reminder to take a few minutes on your wedding day with just your partner to check in, soak it in, and steal a kiss!

Photo: Colette Kulig Photography

Confetti Blast

This post-ceremony confetti blast at ECHO is one of the most epic we’ve ever seen! The colors, the applause, the passionate embrace…we’re giddy just looking at it!

Photo: Sam Simons

Streaming Love

This couple ran through a tunnel of streamers after their ceremony, resulting in some huge smile and amazing photos! This is a great, unique alternative to a flower toss!

Photo: Hannah Photography

A Cheeky Farewell

The bride’s makeup, courtesy of Jennifer Perellie, was the only thing left on for this late night, naked pond dive! It’s a cheeky, very fun, and (we’re guessing) refreshing way to end a wedding night and celebrate the start of the next chapter!

Photo: Carl Heyerdahl

Loved this post?

Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for more inspiration and actionable tips (plus spreadsheets you can use to get organized immediately) to plan your dreamy Vermont wedding!

Best of 2022: Wedding Cakes & Drinks

Posted on January 10, 2023

From the initial cheers to cutting the cake, food and drink are major part of a wedding celebration. This year, couples expressed their individual styles through their wedding cakes and drinks, resulting in some truly amazing (and amazingly delicious) displays!

We served up lots of inspiration below in our editor’s picks for Best of 2022 Wedding Cakes & Drinks, and you voted for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards – scroll to see the winner!

Wildflower Wonder (Readers Choice Award Winner)

Pressed flower cakes had a moment in 2022, and this one by Blue House Bakeshop is one of my favorites. Not only is it stunning, but it matches the bride’s floral wedding gown!

Photographer: Rodeo & Co

Something Blue

This 3-tier cake by Cronin Cakes & Sweets boasts a variety of textures with small sugar flowers, real flowers from Tipsy Tulip Designs, rustic buttercream edges, and a soft blue ribbon. It’s elegant, sweet, and the perfect addition for a spring wedding!

Photo: Courtney Cania Photography

Flying (Sugar) High

This 3-tier butterfly cake made by The Goose Chase Cake Design is so unique! It rises above the display of equally unique meringue mushrooms, arranged on wood tree cookies and decorated with twinkle lights. The overall design is whimsical, magical, and woodland chic!

Raise the Bar

A bar that doubles as decor? Yep! VT Mobile Spirits converted an antique horse trailer into a fully mobile event bar, and I love the look in this vintage wedding set up!

Photo: KLenhart Photography

Loved this post?

Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for more inspiration and actionable tips (plus spreadsheets you can use to get organized immediately) to plan your dreamy Vermont wedding!