RUSTIC FALL WEDDING AT THE MANSFIELD BARN

Posted on March 31, 2020

Lacey and Max, both from New York, knew they wanted to tie the knot in Vermont, during the fall, in a big barn. “After doing much research, we found The Mansfield Barn and fell in love!” says Lacey. The couple says the Barn was the perfect backdrop for their vision of a rustic, casual but elegant celebration.

One of the couple’s favorite memories was sneaking away for a private moment after dinner. “We could still hear our friends and family laughing, and it made us really happy to see everything we’d been planning come together,” says Lacey. “My husband smiled at me and said, “We throw one helluva party, don’t we?!'” Check out Lacey and Max’s celebration below.

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

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Wedding Venue: THE MANSFIELD BARN | DJ: SUPERSOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT | Photography: LA BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY & MAKEUP ARTISTRY | Bouquets: THE FLOWER PATCH | Videographer: VIDEO MEMORY

GET TO KNOW DJ ROME OF 802 WEDDING SOUNDSETS

Posted on March 26, 2020

After months of planning, many couples look forward to busting a move with friends on the dance floor, which is why selecting a wedding DJ is an important choice. DJ Rome knows that it’s a big decision, which is why he started Wedding Soundsets. With over 20 years in the industry, Wedding Soundsets offers top rate DJ services, wedding planning, photo booth rental, lighting, slideshow/projector services and karaoke services to enhance a couple’s big day.

DJ Rome sat down with Vermont Weddings to share a bit of his background and his team’s signature style.

What brought you to Vermont?

I came to Vermont in 2005 to attend Saint Michael’s College. I got a job during the winter of my senior year in college, so it made it easy to decide where my next home would be! I’ve been here ever since.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

My first experience with deejaying was at a talent show at Framingham State in which I was performing with my brothers, Chris and Corey. I remember watching the DJ (DJ Che Boogie) at the after party; seeing the crowd react as he switched from song to song really drew me in. As we were packing up, I found myself behind the turntables playing with the slip mats, and the rest is history!

What are a couple of the most important factors in selecting a DJ?

It really depends on what a couple cares about. Our team thrives on having an organized approach to working with clients. Our signature style is providing the etiquette of a black-tie dinner and the energy of a club dance floor.

What makes for a great dance party at a wedding?

The people! As the DJ, our team shows up ready to do our part, but what really makes the day special is the couple and their loved ones.

What are a couple songs that you find get everyone onto the dance floor?

“Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars always gets the dance floor rocking, and “September” by Earth Wind and Fire is just timeless.

Any recommendations for a kickass last song?

I think “Closing Time” by Semisonic is one of the best last songs to play.

Thank you, DJ Rome! Learn more about Wedding Soundsets.

How to Postpone Your Wedding Due to COVID

Posted on March 20, 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus has had far reaching impacts over the past few weeks. And, for many individuals, it’s personal. From weddings to celebratory showers and planned trips, COVID-19 has forced couples to postpone or cancel long-awaited events. Navigating the logistics and etiquette of handling these decisions is stressful during an already confusing time.

Vermont Weddings sat down with Wedding and Event Planner Leah Stewart of Black Dog Affairs for a professional’s guide to handling these situations. “To start, please let me extend a virtual hug,” says Leah. “Try to find peace in knowing that for the first time in our lifetime, we are figuring out the unknown together.”

Our hope is that this guide provides couples with some comfort and a starting point to move forward.

Note: This guide is based on the professional advice of the experts mentioned, and current recommendations at the time of publication. This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. With information changing rapidly, couples should refer to the most current federal/local guidelines and speak with their contracted wedding professionals. Thank you!

It’s okay to be upset when you postpone your wedding due to COVID

Before we dive in, take a moment. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or nervous. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay. Let yourself feel your emotions so you can move forward.

When you’re ready, take a deep breath and continue.

Please remember to be kind

We are all in this together. “It’s important to remember the three principles of etiquette: respect, consideration and honesty,” says Leah. “This is certainly an emotionally-charged time; showing compassion as you communicate with your vendors and guests will go a long way.”

Determine the impact of current COVID guidelines on your wedding or event

Look up the current guidelines on gathering sizes and timelines. Which event(s) are affected? This will help you to prioritize your next steps.

Recommendations are changing rapidly. For the most current guidelines and mandates please refer to:

How to Communicate With Vendors When You Need to Postpone or Cancel Your Wedding

Once you’ve made the hard decision to postpone or cancel your wedding or event, it’s time to communicate this decision with your vendors and guests.

Remember: from supplies and staffing for vendors, to accommodations, travel and gifts for your guests, these people are also invested in your event (emotionally and financially). Additionally, consider how the pandemic is affecting them beyond your event.

First, make a list of all the vendors involved in your event. Review your contracts, paying special attention to the terms for canceling or postponing your event. If you need assistance understanding the terms, ask your family attorney for guidance.

Leah recommends calling your vendors to discuss your options. Take notes and follow up with an email to ensure you’re in agreement with a plan (that you both have in writing). Here are some questions you might ask:

Are you able to make any amendments to your contract with respect to the current situation?
Is it possible to postpone services?
Would current payments be applied towards a future event?

Be prepared that each vendor may be handling this situation differently. Please be understanding and patient with vendors; they are likely answering other clients’ questions as well as yours, while trying to maintain their own livelihoods as well.

How to Tell Guests You’re Cancelling or Postponing Your Wedding

You may wonder: is there a right away to tell guests about a cancellation or postponement? Thankfully, Lizzie Post, co-author of Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette 6th edition and co-president of the Emily Post Institute (as well as the co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast) offered some etiquette advice.

First, “be prepared for a variety of responses,” advises Lizzie. You’ll have guests that are relieved and eagerly applaud your decision. While others will respect your decision, they may not be able to instantly commit to your rescheduled event. And unfortunately, you may have guests who are vocally disappointed in your decision.

Lizzie recommends taking the time to reach out to guests by phone, as written communications can be misinterpreted, especially during this emotionally-charged time.

Follow up your calls with a detailed email to your entire guest-list (bcc everyone) to communicate your decision and help guests navigate next steps. “Sending a longer message that sympathizes with your guests goes a long way,” says Lizzie. In addition to phone and email, update your wedding website with the new details.

Common Questions When You Cancel Your Wedding

Be prepared for questions and provide solutions around the following:

Travel: Most airlines are providing credits and refunds for these disruptions in travel. Recommend that guests reach out to their airline for more information.
Accommodations: Do you have hotel blocks? If so, reach out to the hotels to see what their policies are for refunds or cancellations; communicate this information to your guests. (Include this information in your website updates as well.)
Gifts: If you are rescheduling an event where gifts are common, like a bridal shower, Lizzie says it’s appropriate to address this in your communication. “I’d recommend saying something like: Many of you have called asking about gifts. If you would like to hold onto the gift until we’re able to celebrate in person, please do so. If you’d like to mail the gift, our address is _____. If you’d like to return the gift at this time, we completely understand.” Provide solutions, but ultimately leave the decision of what to do with the gift to the gift-giver.

A sample email template to guests to explain your wedding is postponed or cancelled

Here is a sample email you can use as a starting point to communicate your decision with guests:

We were so excited about the gathering to celebrate [event name], but like many other emails I’m sure you’re receiving right now, we have decided to [postpone/cancel]. This was a really hard decision for us that we made after a lot of careful consideration. We know this is the best decision with everyone’s wellbeing in mind.

[Next, address the specific details about your event. Include helpful information for guests about considerations such as accommodations, travel, and gifts, as well as a link to your wedding website if applicable.]

We feel lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive community, and we look forward to celebrating with you in the future!

Wishing everyone health and wellbeing.

Love,

[Your names]

A special note to guests

If you’re on the receiving end of a change notice, please offer sympathy and kindness to the couple. This decision is not one that couples are making lightly, and your support will go a long way. A response like “I’m sorry you’ve had to make this decision. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you in the future!” is perfect.

(Feeling like the couple could use some extra kindness? Reach out on the original date of their event to let them know you’re thinking of them.)

Now that you know how to postpone your wedding due to COVID (or other unforeseen event) we hope you can breathe a sigh of relief and have a plan to move forward.

WEEKEND-LONG WEDDINGS AND LODGING AT STERLING RIDGE RESORT

Posted on March 5, 2020

Sterling Ridge is family-owned and operated log cabin resort in Jeffersonville. Located off the beaten path with amazing views of Mount Mansfield, Sterling Ridge offers a tranquil atmosphere allowing guests to unplug and connect, whether its for a wedding weekend, a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or a bachelorette/bachelor weekend.

The property has lodging for up to 100 guests in rustic, cozy cabins furnished with modern day amenities. Kirstin, the venue’s Events Manager, sat down with Vermont Weddings to share what makes Sterling Ridge so unique.

What kinds of accommodations does Sterling Ridge provide?

Sterling Ridge has something for everyone: cute, cozy studio cabins for couples or lone travelers, one-bedroom units for a romantic getaway, two- and three-bedroom cabins for families, and larger units for luxury experiences and large groups. About half of our units are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your vacation with your furry family member!

Each cabin has its own private fire pit for marshmallow-roasting, a covered porch to enjoy your morning coffee, and a woodstove, gas log stove, or fireplace to cuddle up by at the end of the day. Guests can explore our several walking trails, outdoor pool, game room, and a large pond for paddling and fishing.

While you may not want to leave the comfort of your cabin, Burlington and Stowe are each less than an hour away, so you can easily find adventures!

Can you describe your Field & Stream Dream cabin?

Our Field & Stream Dream Cabin is exactly that – a dream. This gorgeous two-bedroom, two and a half-bathroom custom log home was built for Field & Stream Magazine and featured in their February 2007 issue. In addition to the beautiful nature-themed decor, the cabin has a spacious living room and kitchen, loft, jetted-tub in the master bath, a two-story stone fireplace, two TVs, and free WiFi, making it an unmatched luxury cabin for couples, small groups, or small families.

What does hosting a wedding at Sterling Ridge look like?

We offer two standard wedding packages that include the site fee and two nights of lodging in the Mansfield House (sleeps 14), with our larger package including two nights of lodging in our Pond House as well (sleeps 10). When you book a wedding with us, Cabins 1 – 6 are also blocked off for you (sleeping roughly 20-30 additional guests). Couples and their guests appreciate the convenience of staying on site for the celebration!

The staff at Sterling Ridge provides support throughout the planning process to make sure the couple and their vendors have what they need. We recommend trusted vendors, including event planners and day-of-coordinators, and are happy to provide suggestions about local attractions.

All receptions are held on a large, rolling lawn behind the Mansfield House, adjacent to a green pasture. The site can fit a tent for up to 200 people. Some couples choose to host their ceremony here with views of the mountains in the background. We also offer a ceremony site near our large pond with spectacular views of Mt. Mansfield’s peak.

How does Sterling Ridge help turn what can be a one-day party into an all-weekend celebration with friends/family?

At Sterling Ridge, couples are encouraged to make their wedding a weekend affair! Many couples host welcome parties at the resort, so everyone staying on-site can get together, rather than a traditional rehearsal dinner with just their wedding party. Many of our outdoorsy, adventurous couples choose Sterling Ridge because of the may activities and adventures they can participate in with their guests, such as group hikes or brewery tours. The day after the wedding, many guests like to have a casual brunch on the property. All together, the resort provides many opportunities for couples to spend quality time with their guests.

Couples tell us they love the convenience of the location and the feel of the property – it’s the perfect setting to hang out and enjoy each other’s company! With a wedding going by so fast, couples say they’re grateful to have had the whole weekend to get a chance to talk to all their guests and thank them for being a part of their special celebration.

In conclusion, “At Sterling Ridge guests not only feel like they are attending a wedding, but also like they are enjoying a little vacation – because they are!” says Kirstin. “It’s a unique experience.”

Learn more about Sterling Ridge.

SNOWY WINTER ENGAGEMENT IN STRATTON, Vermont

Posted on March 4, 2020

Jessica and Mike’s relationship began over six years ago as friends. “That first winter, we both spent a weekend skiing in Stratton, VT with separate groups of friends and decided to mesh the friend groups together,” remembers Jessica. “It was such a fun weekend, and we both realized there might be something more between us!”

Since then, the couple has visited Mike’s family ski house in Stratton each winter. That’s why Stratton was the perfect backdrop for their engagement session captured by Juniper Studios.

More Real Vermont Engagement Inspiration

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Photographer: JUNIPER STUDIOS