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

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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: Champagne Pop Photos

Posted on January 23, 2023

If you’ve been following along on Instagram this year, you know this to be true: champagne pop photos had a moment in 2022. These fun photos were the must have engagement and wedding shot of the year! Below is our editorial picks featuring our favorite champagne pop photos to celebrate the year of popping bottles!

Check them out and see who you’re toasting as your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below.

Bright & Bubbly

Is there any combo more fun than confetti and champagne?! This bridal squad is ready to get the party started at the Wilburton Inn.

Photo: Swoyer Photography

Fall Foliage & Fizz

The entire wedding party lined up to cheer on the couple as they popped a bottle, and the spray is epic! The bridal bouquets by Fleur Du Nord Farm and rolling mountains at Sterling Ridge Resort served as the perfect backdrop for this fun moment.

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Smoke & Spray (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

This couple’s backlit portrait is one of the most unique I have seen! I love the mix of the groom’s cigar smoke as the bride pops a bottle – definitely a fun, unique take on this photo opp!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Champagne Showers

Is that rain? Snow? No, it’s an epic champagne pop! In addition to this amazing spray, I love the wedding party’s enthusiasm!

Photo: Jess Rene Photos

A Sparkling Send Off

This adventurous bride took matters into her own hands! The couple had planned a sparkler exit, and on a whim, she grabbed a bottle and showered the crowd! It was a welcome surprise on this hot summer night!

Wedding Film: Beyond Bliss Films

The Private Toast

Noted: add “private forest toast” to your wedding itinerary. This couple shared an intimate cheers as newlyweds, and it’s a great reminder to take a moment alone to soak everything in during your big day!

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Cheers O’Clock

Sarah Judith Events helped this bride and groom plan every detail of their elegant wedding day, including this amazing champagne pop moment!

Photo: Adam Michaels Photography

Bubbling with Excitement

Nothing says ‘congrats’ like a little bubbly! I love this wedding morning champagne toast at Lake Bomoseen Lodge with the bridal party, complete with silver streamers and matching robes.

Photo: Lindsey Vann Photography

Champagne Kisses

Champagne always makes for a fun photo prop, but this couple took it to the next level for their engagement shoot by jumping in the lake with a bottle! Priceless!

Photo: Allison Macy 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!

Best of 2022: Reception Details

Posted on January 19, 2023

Pour yourself a beverage and settling in for some incredible inspiration! These couples included beautiful, inspiring, and downright fun reception details for their 2022 Vermont weddings. (You’ll want to steal these ideas for your Pinterest board for sure.)

Below are the editorial picks the best reception details; give them a look and scroll to see your (two!) favorites in our Readers Choice Awards below!

The Sit Down Stunner

We would love to pull up a seat and admire this tablescape Jaclyn Watson Events helped design for this stunning Topnotch Resort wedding. It’s full of color, depth and gorgeous details.

Photo: Rodeo & Co

The Love Language

This is one of the cutest, most unique dinner menus I’ve seen! The cheeky message “Food is our Love Language” adds a fun element on this elegant tablescape at Farm Road Estate.

Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography

Chopped (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

Want to give your guests a unique experience? How about an axe-throwing competition?! That’s exactly what this couple did for their Mansfield Barn wedding!

Photo: Juniper Studios

Ring Ring (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

This couple greeted their guests will an interactive drink wall; guests rang one of the bells and a server’s gloved hand popped through a frame with a personal glass of bubbly! This is such a fun twist on a champagne welcome that Sara Judith Events helped to bring to life.

Photo: Adam Michaels

The Foodies

This couple had a delicious, farm to table BBQ dinner for their Silhouette Hill reception, and even got involved themselves! Yum!

Photo: Sasha Israel

Bouncing for Joy

The matching heart sunglasses … the white bounce house… everything about this reception screams FUN! A bounce house is an unexpected, fun reception addition that will be enjoyed by guests of all ages!

Photo: Jess Rene Photos

Leave a Message

In lieu of a tradition guestbook, this couple opted for a voicemail guestbook. This is such a fun interactive idea for guests, and allows you to capture personal audio from your loved ones!

Photo: Hannah Photography

Love You Stowe Much

This punny neon sign is just one of the many thoughtful details from this Stowe wedding planned by NJOY Weddings & Events. This would be such a fun detail to take pictures with during the reception, and to decorate with at home post-wedding bliss!

Photo: Amy Bennett Photography

Marvelous Mushrooms

This couple played off the natural beauty of Lareau Farm Inn with these unique handmade mushroom table details, wild flowers, and mismatched vases. The overall effect is earthy, boho and beautiful!

Photo: Madison Anne Studio

Botanical Beauty

This seating chart by Blossoming Bough is truly stunning! We love the mix of botanical prints, wildflowers, antique library trays, and seed favors. Absolutely gorgeous!

Photo: Abigail Grey Photography

Under the Lights

We would love to be on outdoor dance floor at Lake Bomoseen Lodge, and by the looks of it, so did the guests! Destinations Found helped create a dreamy dance oasis under the trees with a canopy of lights for this lovely reception.

Photo: Sixpence Studios

Love Won

This couple included a bold, rainbow colored Love Wins sign for their wedding reception, which made for a perfect, super fun photo backdrop! Based on their smiles, we think it’s clear: love has won these two over!

Photo: GarrenTee 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!

Best of 2022: Wedding Ceremony Details

Posted on January 13, 2023

Your wedding ceremony is the foundation of your wedding day, and therefore, it should be personal and full of meaningful details that reflect your love story. To inspire your own ceremony, we’re sharing some of our favorite ceremony details from this year’s weddings.

From gorgeous decor to meaningful traditions, these are our editorial pick. Take a look and check out who you picked for your Readers Choice Awards below!

Pretty in Pink (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

The chapel in the woods at the Inn at Weathersfield, is always a lovely spot for a wedding ceremony. However, this couple took it to another level with the bold pink floral aisle decor, matching ceremony arch, and coordinated petal drop as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Devoted Flower Girls

These flower girls were devoted to their duties and their enthusiasm kicked off this summer wedding with an unbeatable energy. Weddings by Janet Dunn shared that one emptied her basket of rose petals long before the end of the aisle, and both were so joyful, the guests cheered! We can’t think of a sweeter start to a ceremony.

Planting Roots

This bride thoughtfully considered every detail of their ceremony set up, including transforming this beautiful old maple tree at The Soule House & Carriage Barn into a simple, elegant ceremony backdrop with draped linens and a boho floral display. Gorgeous!

Photo: Candid Memories Studio

A Grand Entrance

This epic Indian Sikh wedding ceremony, planned by NJOY Weddings & Events, began with the BARAAT, a parade during which the groom makes his way to the wedding site. After the groom and his party were situated, the bride made her way to the groom in front of the holy text. The colors, the traditions, the lavish decor … each detail of this ceremony is memorable.

Photo: Virdee Films

Bubbly and Joyful

This couple opted for a bubble shower instead of throwing flower petals to close out their Sleepy Hollow Inn wedding ceremony. The effect is unique, whimsical, and oh-so-fun!

Photo: Blooming Photo Company

Holiday Magic

Destinations Found Events & Travel helped set the stage for this festive, winter wedding ceremony at Essex Resort and Spa. The backdrop of sparkling trees and glowing candles is stunning and perfectly Christmas-chic.

Photo: Photos by Kintz

A Warm Welcome

This couple welcomed their guests to their ceremony with a unique display featuring an antique sleigh, complete with an “unplugged ceremony” sign, a water station, and card box.

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

The Heirloom Moment

There’s something magical about this painting that draws you in and makes you feel like you are there, watching the couple exchange vows. Undoubtedly, it will be a treasured heirloom for generations that will remind the couple of this sacred moment!

Painting: Hope Sharp Art

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!

Fly Fishing Unique Engagement Session

Posted on November 22, 2022

Today we’re showing off Allie and Tim’s unique engagement session. When discussing their engagement photo shoot with GarrenTee Photography, Ali and Tim made it clear that they didn’t want cookie-cutter style engagement photos. They wanted a unique engagement session!

Like most Vermonters, the couple loves exploring and being outdoors. Tim’s family has a camp in northern Maine and he is an avid fisherman. Ali enjoys activities such as running and hiking. Taking those hobbies into consideration, the couple came up with an engagement shoot that was out of the ordinary, fun and so them!

We Love Unique Engagement Shoots Like This

Engagement photo shoots are a great way to capture your next chapter together as a couple. Many wedding photographers offer one-off engagement shoots or even include them in their wedding packages. One of our favorite things about engagement shoots is that they can be done anywhere and don’t have to match the vision you have in mind for your wedding day. So why not try something unique like an adventurous engagement photoshoot session?

Sources

GarrenTee Photography

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible florals? Check out this Maquam Barn Summer Wedding.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Adventurous Engagement Session Ideas

Posted on October 25, 2022

Whether you are proposing or planning your engagement photo session, we have some out-of-the-box adventurous engagement session ideas for the bold and fearless Vermont couples today!

My favorite thing about all of these sessions is the authenticity in each of these photos. Each couple is doing what they enjoy together in their photos – and their genuine excitement shines through! Scroll below and get inspired.

Skiing and Snowboarding Engagement Photos

If you love to ski or snowboard, this is such a fun way to show off your love of the slopes. (Side note: I’m amazed how many Vermont wedding photographers can ski or snowboard while taking amazing photos!) The photos are always epic!

Adventurous Engagement Session: Hiking

Hiking is a no-brainer way to add some adventure to your engagement session. There is no shortage of places to explore in the Green Mountain State! If you can find a hike with a waterfall or swimming hole to cool off in – even better.

Plan on going early in the morning or around sunset to capture some amazing lighting!

Hot Air Balloon Ride Proposal

Talk about taking your love to new heights! This would be an amazing bucket list date for your engagement shoot or, in the case of this couple, an EPIC surprise proposal!

Urban Adventure

Exploring a new place is always an adventure, and Vermont has plenty of charming towns to discover.

In Burlington, we’d head to Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park. Or, head to your favorite ski town (maybe after hitting the slopes!) for an adventure.

Adventurous Engagement Session at the Carnival

If there is a local carnival or fair in town around the time of your engagement photos, why not take advantage? I think this would be such a fun idea! Hop on the Ferris wheel, ride the swings, and play some games together!

Explore A Lake

Vermont has lots of lakes, and the water always is a great backdrop to use for your engagement photos. Depending on your mood, you could simply just walk on the beach and dip your toes in the water. (Splashing each other optional, but encouraged!) Or you can go all out and go swimming or ride in a canoe together!

Fly Fishing Adventurous Engagement Session

To be honest, I never would have thought a fly fishing engagement could be so romantic and sweet, but THIS IS SO CUTE. This couple’s love for each other and the outdoors shines through their gallery and I can’t get enough.

Just goes to show you that anything you love to do with your partner could be an amazing photoshoot. Be sure to talk to your photographer about your plans so they can prepare for how to best capture you in your element.

These adventurous engagement sessions are a special and unique way to make memories together while taking your engagement photos!

Photographers Featured:

Ben Hudson Photography, GarrenTee Photography, Isora Lithgow Creations, Jenna Brisson Photography, Juniper Studios, Kate Seymour Photography, Keith MacDonald Photography, Kelsey Regan Photography, MoHo Photo

Your Next Read:

Read about more Vermont engagements! Check out this Downtown Winooski Session & A couple’s session in all of their favorite places!

MEET WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER GARREN OF GARRENTEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Posted on April 12, 2022

Whenever Garren’s name pops up on my Instagram feed, I’m going to smile – guaranteed (see what I did there?). Inspired by his fun, fearless couples, GarrenTee Photography specializes in wedding photography that is bold and evocative. Curious about the business name? That’s inspired by Garren’s other passion: golf. Read on to learn more about this Vermont wedding photographer!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I stumbled into photography back in 2003 when I bought my first digital camera for a trip to Indonesia. I fell in love with photography on that trip, and immersed myself in learning all I could about it. I met a wedding photographer in 2005, and he took me under his wing. I worked with him for 2 years and then started my own business in 2007.

How would you describe your style?

I always tell my clients that I have a hybrid style. I shoot documentary style for most of the day but love including big giant landscape portraits and cinematic edits. So in short, I do a little bit of everything!

What inspires your work?

I’m inspired by a lot of things! Mostly documentary style photography from other photographers such a Two Mann studios, Cafa Lui and Victor Lax. I take a lot of inspiration from our home state of Vermont. It’s such an amazing canvas to create big bold landscape portraits. I always love including my couples into that canvas! We live in such an amazing place, it’s hard to not be inspired by it.

Any special tips for couples?

I think one of the most important parts of choosing your wedding photographer is to make sure you click with them and their personality. You’re going to spend tons of time with them and if you get along it always comes out in the pictures!

Secondly, ask for a full gallery so you know their “whole” style. It’s easy for photographers to post the best of the best on Instagram.

Lastly, make sure you communicate to your photographer what you like! Share images from their portfolio with them that speak to you. We might not recreate those exactly but we love to have ideas on what you like so we can create something similar in our own style!

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

Oh man this is hard, so many moments are so much fun. I particularly love when I get 20-30 minutes with my couple to create amazing portraits. I also love heartfelt moments, like the post ceremony hugs and emotions, a couples’ first look, a bride’s mom seeing her in her dress for the first time, etc.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT? / Local spot to visit? Etc.

I’m a big golfer and play all over. My wife and I also love to get in the car and drive around Vermont – you may get lost, but you’ll never really be lots! I’ve also stumbled upon some of my favorite engagement spots by exploring the state in the car.

We love Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock, Hops on the Hill in Killington, and spending time at our home golf club, Rutland Country Club.

If you had to choose another career, what would it be?

I grew up in the restaurant business so most likely still bartending somewhere warm!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

Like I said, I’m a big golfer and I play competitive amateur golf all over the US. I’ve won 6 state amateur titles!

What’s a song that always gets you on the dance floor?

I’m usually on the dance floor from the start of dancing till we leave. I’m a huge 80/90’s hip hop guy so anything old school hip hop will get me going! There’s nothing I love more than an amazing, wild dance party at a wedding…love to get in the mix!

Thank you, Garren! Learn more about GarrenTee Photography in the vendor guide.

HOW TO HAVE THE BEST WEDDING MORNING

Posted on February 21, 2022

I had the best wedding morning. I woke up with my husband and spent the morning at my house hanging with my bridesmaids while we got our hair and makeup done, sipping champagne and catching up. (My husband went out for lunch and jumped in a swimming hole with his groomsmen – it was a very hot summer day!) It was relaxed, simple, and so much fun.

I’ve also been part of wedding mornings that were chaotic and stressful. Ones that left me feeling rushed, hungry, or a just little frazzled heading to the ceremony.

That’s why I know how helpful it is to have a plan for your wedding morning. It’s is the onramp to your wedding celebration, and the goal is a smooth transition that gets you ready and excited.

Read on for our best tips for a smooth, fun wedding morning!

1. Make a clear plan and timeline for your wedding morning

There are a lot of moving parts to your wedding morning, and a lot of emotion. Make a plan with your partner so you both feel good on your wedding morning. Consider the following:

What do you want to do the morning of your wedding? (Ex. wake up with your partner, do a yoga class with your wedding party)
What do you have to do? (Ex. hair and makeup, get dressed)
What do you realistically have time for? (Ex. if you have a 3pm ceremony and 8 person bridal party, that yoga class may not work, but you can wake up with your partner and enjoy a cup of coffee before splitting up to get ready)
Who do you want to be with you? (Your wedding morning can be emotional; choose to surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Maybe in addition to your bridesmaids, you really want your aunt there, for example. Many couples choose to get ready separately, but maybe you want to all get ready together!)

Once you know what you want from your wedding morning, you can draft a timeline to keep everyone on schedule. Your unique, final timeline will be created with your vendor team, but we have excellent templates to help you get started in our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide. (Along with additional tips!)

2. Communicate your expectations about your wedding morning to everyone involved

I recommend sending an email to your wedding party a week in advance with all the details for your wedding weekend. If you need your bridesmaids to be at your hotel room to start hair and makeup by 7am, don’t spring that information on them at 10pm after your rehearsal dinner!

Consider:

Where do people need to meet? (Ex. your hotel room, your house, the venue, a salon)
When do you need them there? (This is where you’ll rely on your wedding day timeline)
What should they bring? (Do they need to bring everything they need for the wedding, or will you be going back to the lodging in between getting ready and the ceremony?)
Transportation – are you providing transportation? Is everyone responsible for their own?
What do you want them to wear? (It’s important to wear a loose neck or button-down top to avoid messing up hair and makeup)

Clear expectations help everyone feel confident!

3. Set the mood with music on your wedding morning

A fun playlist can help shake off the nerves (and sleepiness) and get everyone in the mood to celebrate! Check out our Spotify Playlists for some inspiration. We curated one specifically for your wedding morning. (Don’t forget to pack and charge a portable speaker.)

4. Pass out gifts on your wedding morning

If you’re planning to give gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, the wedding morning is a great time to do this since you’re all together in a more intimate setting.

Check out our Gift Guide for dozens of unique, Vermont-made gift ideas for your wedding party. If you’re planning to gift something to wear on your wedding day (ex. jewelry, a tie) it’s a good idea to tell your crew not to worry about that item ahead of time so they don’t buy something else in preparation.

5. Take the classic wedding morning picture in matching pj’s with your bridesmaids

One popular gift for bridal parties that’s always a hit is matching pajamas! This also makes for a great photo opportunity. Pop some champagne, pile on a bed and snap your own cute picture with your bridal party. It’s a classic for a reason and still one of my favorite pictures from my own wedding.

6. Don’t Forget to Eat – Ideas for A Wedding Morning Breakfast and Lunch

Nobody wants to be hangry on your wedding day, so don’t forget to feed your crew and eat! Some easy ideas for a wedding morning breakfast that will fill everyone up: a bagel bar, a breakfast casserole (easy to make ahead of time), and a big fruit salad.

Depending on the timing of your ceremony, you’ll want to also provide lunch or at least some heavy snacks as well. Think: a hearty, mayo-free pasta salad or sandwiches.

A mimosa bar and coffee are always fun too!

If you’re getting ready and eating off site from your lodging, we recommend bringing your toothbrush, some mouthwash and some floss so you can freshen up after eating.

7. Do a trial run with your wedding day attire and accessories

Do a test run of everything you’re wearing on your wedding day before your wedding morning. We mean everything from your dress or suit to shoes, accessories, and undergarments.

You don’t want to find out your underwear pinches funny or have to Google “how to tie a bow tie” on the morning of your wedding.

Also, be sure to remove all the extra strings and tags from your clothes, like those pesky hanger loops on bridesmaid dresses or the suit jacket vent threads.

8. Shift your mindset on your wedding morning from “planning” to “celebrating”

Take off your wedding planning hat, and slip on your party hat (metaphorically speaking, or depending on your style, for real). Take a few minutes to admire yourself in the mirror after you’ve slipped on your dress or suit; play a special song and sit quietly; stage a dramatic champagne bottle pop while yelling “IT’S MY WEDDING DAY!” … whatever you need to do to ground yourself in the moment. You’ve done the planning and now the day is here – enjoy and celebrate!

We hope these tips help you start your wedding morning off right!

BEST OF 2021: COMMUNITY

Posted on December 28, 2021

The best part of weddings in 2021? Hands down: the community moments. While the people are always the true highlight of celebrations, 2021 weddings were even sweeter after months of social distancing. Long awaited hugs and overwhelming joy to be together again…that’s what stands out the most across Vermont weddings in 2021.

As we close out our Best of 2021 series, we hope you enjoy these moments of community, and that it inspires gratitude for your own family and friends.

Besties & Bubbles

A bottle of bubbly and your best pals by your side… the best way to kick off your magical wedding day, planned by NJOY Weddings & Events at Hildene.

(Photo: Corinne Parker Photography)

Just Married

In this painting, wedding painter Hope Sharp captures that “just married” magic of twirling down the aisle as a married couple at The Essex Resort and Spa.

Flying High

This couple is quite literally being lifted by their community, and by the looks on their faces, they are soaking in every celebratory moment! (Photo: Ben Hudson Photography)

Epic First Dance

This couple’s first dance on the marble court at the Wilburton Inn looks amazing – check out that lift and twirl. And the looks on their wedding party’s faces… priceless! (Photo: Jesse Schloff Photography)

The Quiet Family Moment

We love this special, intimate moment soaking in the excitement of the day as a family before rejoining the party. (Photo: Jess Driver Photography)

The Tear Jerker

This couple postponed their wedding over a year, so they and their community was VERY ready to celebrate their wedding. From their emotional vows to their family’s toasts, the entire day was filled with love. (Video: Beyond Bliss Films)

Epic Champagne Toast

When The Old Lantern Inn’s owners’ daughter tied the knot this year, the celebration was epic. One standout moment? The groom, father of the bride, and father of the groom all sabered champagne bottles and poured a toast to the union of the families. (Photo: Andy Duback)

The Glow Up

The glow sticks are super fun, but the real glow comes from the couple in love who know their community is always there to lift them up. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

Confetti Toss

This theatrical wedding planned by Destinations Found included an epic, colorful confetti drop that is sure to be a standout moment for these wedding-goers for years to come! (Photo: GarrenTee Photography)

Parachute Party

Who remembers these parachutes from elementary school?! This couple busted one out during their reception at Topnotch Resort to the delight of guests. What a fun idea! (Photo: Henry Cotton)

A Sparkling Beginning

The end of your wedding day is the start of your next chapter as a married couple. If this couple’s sparkler exit is any indication, we’d say they have a very bright future ahead! (Photo: Juniper Studios)

The Childhood Reading

The bride had asked her nephew to read Shel Silverstein’s “The Romance” during their wedding at The Inn at Weathersfield. During dinner, he worked up the courage and delivered a memorable performance. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

A Royal Send Off

Talk about a fairytale ending to a romantic wedding day! (Photo: Keith MacDonald Photography)

That’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 series. This was truly an incredible year.

The Full Best of Vermont Weddings 202 Series:

Read Now: Best of Engagements
Read Now: Best of Style
Read Now: Best of Flowers
Read Now: Best of Party Animals
Read Now: Best of Design & Details
Read Now: Best of Elopements
Read Now: Best of Location
TODAY – Best of Community

Don’t forget to pop over to Instagram to see even more community moments, and the “semi finalists” for each of the other categories.

We’re excited for another year of memorable weddings ahead!

BEST OF 2021 WEDDING STYLE

Posted on December 7, 2021

Your wedding day style (attire, hair, makeup, accessories) reflects who you are and sets the vibe of your big day. While every couple is gorgeous in their own way, here are just a few of our favorite looks from 2021. Schedule your hair makeup trial, and go find your dream dress now because we promise you will want to recreate these looks for your wedding!

Love this post? We’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks on Instagram. Go check it out for even more inspiration!

Beaded Beauty

The scalloped beading on this dress from Fiori Bridal reminds me of butterfly wings, and is simply stunning. (Photo: AveyBaby Photography)

Glam & Gorgeous

With her bold lip and fur shawl, this bride embodies glamour! (Photo: Colette Kulig Photography)

The James Bonds

These grooms’ classic, debonair style is a great compliment to their killer (see what we did there?) wedding planned by Destinations Found. (Photo: GarrenTee Photography)

The Perfect Mismatched Bridal Party

This bridal party absolutely nailed the mismatched look. Each bridesmaid looks gorgeous in her own unique way. A coordinated color palette and beautiful, natural makeup by Jennifer Perellie ties it all together. (Photo: LuvLens Photography)

Boho Beauty

This couple crushed the romantic, boho look. The bride handmade her own lush bouquet, and her maid of honor (@makeupby_cbelle) created this natural makeup look that completes the vibe. (Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography)

Classic & Cool

This couple is so glamorous. Jennifer Perellie created a makeup look that allows the bride’s natural beauty to show through and compliments the classic wedding planned by Lindsey Leichthammer. And that candid shot of the couple with their sunglasses…too cool for words. (Photo: Matt Lim)

The Cape Skirt

The beading on this dress is enough to make us soon, but the CAPE…we’re toast. This dress sets the tone for this amazing celebration. (Photo: K Lenhart Weddings)

Sheer Perfection

This bride embodies feminine and free spirited style in this lace and tulle gown with blush undertones from Veilmonté Bridal Showroom. The addition of a long veil is perfection. (Photo: Julia Rebecca Photography)

Happily Leather After

We are obsessed with this white leather jacket with “happily ever after” embroidered on the back. Your wedding reception, after party, honeymoon, bachelorette party, the grocery store…we can think of several occasions to rock this. (Photo: Colette Kulig Photography)

Effortless Elegance

Is there anything more elegant than a sweeping cathedral veil? This couple effortlessly married their two heritages (Indian and Filipino) with a beautiful celebration planned by Odyssey Events. (Photo: Nicholas Natale)

Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 series! Don’t forget to check out our “semi finalists” on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get each Best of post emailed to you weekly this month!

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Quick recap: what is Vermont Weddings Best of 2021 Series?

A little backstory if you’re unfamiliar: we started the Best of series last year (2020) to highlight some of the amazing work by the talented teams in the Vermont wedding industry. It’s an opportunity to both celebrate a year’s worth of weddings and inspire couples who are planning a future Vermont wedding. (A quick note on the word “best”: the intention isn’t to make this a competition between weddings, but to share a small, but representative, sample of the weddings in Vermont this year. To that end, please know that we love each and every wedding that was submitted, and the final picks are carefully chosen based on a variety of factors to create a compelling series.)

Here’s what you can expect:

All December, we’ll be rolling out inspiring stories in various categories:

Read Now: Best of Engagements
Best of Style
Best of Flowers
Best of Party Animals
Best of Design & Details
Best of Elopements
Best of Location
Best of Community

Plus, because the submissions were just THAT good, we’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks for each category on Instagram. That means you’ll want to follow us to see even more highlights, and come back to the blog each week to see the “best” picks in each category.

We recommend signing up for our newsletter – we’ll send you an email each week with the highlights so you won’t miss a thing. (Going forward we only send 1 – 2 emails a month.)

BEST OF 2021 ENGAGEMENTS

Posted on December 3, 2021

The Vermont Weddings Best of 2021 series starts today! Pop the champagne (like the first couple below) and let’s get into it.

What is Vermont Weddings Best of 2021 Series?

Here’s what you can expect:

All December, we’ll be rolling out inspiring stories in various categories:

Best of Engagements (that’s today!)
Best of Style
Best of Florals
Best of Party Animals
Best of Design & Details
Best of Elopements
Best of Location
Best of Community

We recommend signing up for our newsletter – we’ll send you an email each week with the highlights so you won’t miss a thing. (Going forward we only send 1 – 2 emails a month.)

Best of 2021 Vermont Engagements

Today we’re kicking off our Best of 2021 series with a look at a few of the best engagements of the year. Was it us, or was 2021 the year engagements got super epic?! It was nearly impossible to narrow down our picks in this category. From surprise engagements to beautifully curated shoots, here are our picks for the Best of 2021 Engagements this year.

The Champagne Pop

This couple looked like they had the most fun during their entire shoot, and this illuminated champagne spray? Epic. (Photo: GarrenTee Photography)

Further Reading: These Grooms-to-Be Had the Most Fun for Their Summer Evening Engagement Shoot

Flying High

This surprise engagement in a hot air balloon takes engagement photography to a whole new level. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

High(land) Fashion

This engagement session involved an adventurous couple and some Vermont highland cows. All together it’s such a fun, cool session! (Photo: Hallie Jade Pictures)

Further reading: Expert Advice for Your Winter Engagement

You Are My Sunshine

It’s hard to tell what’s glowing more: the bright sunflower, the golden hour sunshine, or the couples’ love for each other. (Photo: Allison Macy Photography)

Game On

This couple explored downtown Winooski for their Vermont urban engagement session, including a stop at the arcade bar, Archives. The resulting pictures make us all winners. (Photo: MoHo Photo)

Waterfall Wonder

Sorry TLC, but with views like this we will be chasing waterfalls. (Photo: Kate Seymour Photography)

Romantics in the Rain

Remember that iconic scene from The Notebook in the rain? Yeah, this shoot is giving us all those vibes. Super romantic. (Photo: Madison Anne Studio)

This Pic is Lit

This couple timed their hike perfectly to totally bask in the sunset’s golden glow. (Photo: Keith MacDonald Photography)

Boardwalk Bliss

This bride-to-be literally jumped in the air when her partner surprised her with a proposal on Burlington’s beautiful boardwalk. (Photo: Love Wins Photography)

Falling in Love

A blanket of golden leaves, sunlight through a canopy of foliage, a couple in love… what could be better? (Photo: Margaret Michael Photography)

Apple of My Eye

This session is so, so cute. It feels a little retro and nostalgic, but still very fresh. It’s total eye candy! (Photo: Jess Driver Photography)

Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 Engagements category! Don’t forget to check out our “semi finalists” on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get each Best of post emailed to you weekly this month!

THESE GROOMS HAD THE MOST FUN FOR THEIR SUMMER EVENING ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

Posted on October 5, 2021

Jake and Andrew’s Vermont engagement session is just a preview of the romance and fun their 2022 Vermont wedding is sure to bring. Their fun-loving engagement session was captured by Vermont wedding photographer GarrenTee Photography.

These grooms-to-be had a whirlwind, modern day fairytale romance. They met on a dating app, and they joke that within a week of meeting, “it was clear we were stuck with each other!”

Smiles, a golden sunset, and an epic champagne spray – this engagement photo shoot is packed with inspiration! Check it out below.

More Real Vermont Engagement Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont engagement posts here.

Photographer: GARRENTEE PHOTOGRAPHY

A JOYFUL VERMONT GOLF CLUB WEDDING

Posted on March 2, 2021

You know when you see a wedding on Instagram and wish you could have been there because it looks so fun? That’s how I felt when I saw Lindsey and Jake’s intimate wedding at West Bolton Golf Club on GarrenTee Photography’s Instagram.

These highschool sweethearts had the most joyful celebration, surrounded by 18 of their closest friends and family. Lindsey and Jake had dreamed of a big wedding, but due to COVID they decided to modify their plans. “When planning our wedding, safety was the number one thing on our mind,” says Lindsey. The couple reduced their guest list and asked everyone to get tested ahead of the event.

Loving Their Microwedding

Looking back, Lindsey and Jake say they couldn’t happier with their small wedding. “Of course we wish our grandparents and extended family could have been there, but we needed to keep safety in mind. Our ceremony was so intimate with our friends and family standing around us while we shared our vows. We ate outside and were all able to talk to each other during dinner. I never imagined having to think about hand sanitizer decor and matching masks for our wedding party, but I would not change a thing!”

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Photographer: GARRENTEE PHOTOGRAPHY | Venue: WEST BOLTON GOLF CLUB | Tent and tables: VERMONT TENT COMPANY

A MINIMONY IN THE PARK WITH FAMILY AND PIZZA

Posted on July 22, 2020

After Ramie proposed to Alex at the “Welcome to Vermont” sign on the Vermont / Massachusetts border (their home states) in early spring of 2019, the couple happily began to plan their June 2020 wedding.

A Minimony to Celebrate Their Original Date After Postponing the Big Wedding

But as June approached, the couple found themselves facing a postponement in light of COVID. Alex and Ramie were saddened by the idea of their original date passing unrecognized. So, with the help of their immediate families, the couple celebrated their original date (June 27) with an outdoor wedding ceremony at the Volunteers Green in Richmond.

After a touching ceremony facilitated by Alex’s siblings, the couple shared a champagne toast and pizza from the nearby Stone’s Throw. Photographer Garren Poirier captured the couple’s special day; check out the gallery below.

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Photographer: GARRENTEE PHOTOGRAPHY