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!

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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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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

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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: Vermont Elopements & Microweddings

Posted on January 20, 2023

For couples who want to celebrate on their own terms, Vermont elopements are an excellent option. While we swoon for weddings of all sizes, elopements and microweddings offer couples a few unique benefits that we go giddy over (rounded up here for your consideration).

Our Editorial Picks for Vermont Elopements and Microweddings

It’s truly impossible to choose a “best” in this category, but we rounded up a few of our favorite, intimate celebrations from the year. Check out our editorial picks for the best Vermont elopements and mciroweddings of 2022, and check out your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

Serenity on Champlain

This couple’s elopement at Shelburne Farms features the scenic shores of Lake Champlain…can you picture a more dreamy, serene backdrop? The landscape adds to the romantic feeling that these two lovebirds are the only ones in the world.

Photo: Allison Macy Photography

Autumn Elegance

This couple’s microwedding at a private residence in Stowe was nothing short of a romance novel. Think: sweeping mountain views, an emotional first look, thoughtful vows…and tight knit families to witness it all. Dreamy!

Wedding Film: Beyond Bliss Films

Lakeside Love

This couple got married in front of their family and closest friends on the dock at the bride’s family lake house, with her brother officiating. What an amazing memory to add to an already beloved family home!

Photo: Keith MacDonald Photography

Vows with a View

This stylish couple traveled all the way from Texas to elope in Vermont with their dog! They were down for exploring and the result is stunning: swimming holes and lush forest trees make for an amazing, uniquely Vermont backdrop for their portraits.

Photo: Kate Seymour Photography

A-Frame Amazing

This micro-wedding held at Sterling Ridge Resort‘s iconic A Frame home is quintessential Vermont! It feels both cozy (we love the use of the porch for the ceremony) and elegant (the ceremony decor is perfectly boho-chic). In a word: A-mazing.

Photo: Markella Kyprios Photography

Romantic Retreat

This couple prioritized quality time together for their wedding celebration, so an elopement was a natural choice! They planned an intentional, romantic summer elopement at Twin Farms followed by an intimate dinner and wine tasting. How romantic!

Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography

The Family Embrace

Try looking at this photo without completely melting into a puddle! After the couple tied the knot, the newly blended family of six shared this sweet hug as they celebrated their next chapter together.

Photo: Blooming Photo Company

The Surprise Wedding

What’s better than an engagement party? A surprise wedding! This adventurous couple successfully pulled off a surprise microwedding for their closest loved ones. this is such a fun, unique celebration!

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Colorful Celebration

This couple planned a stunning. colorful elopement celebration. Vermont’s mountains set a scenic backdrop for their beautiful vow exchange. This couple did an amazing job of honoring important family traditions and celebrating on their own terms – inspiration for weddings of all sizes!

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

Al Fresco Dinner Party

This outdoor dinner party is one we’d love to attend! The table set under the trees adorned with twinkle lights, the bride serving up champagne, the table ready with loved ones… it’s casually elegant, and oh-so-fun.

Photo: Hannah Photography

Falling in Love

The couple knew they wanted to get married on the shores of Lake Champlain this past October, and their team brought their dream to life. Weddings by Janet Dunn oversaw their early morning elopement ceremony on a very private section of lake in Shelburne. The calm blue waters and the changing foliage make for a lovely backdrop for their special moment.

Photo: Ben Hudson Photography

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

This couple braved single digit temps for their winter elopement! Their winter fashion is 10/10 (peep the bride’s tights and boots!) and the blizzard backdrop is lends a romantic, snowglobe quality to their portraits.

Photo: Juniper Studios

Feeling the Spark

This couple stole away for a quiet moment under the twinkling lights during their intimate celebration. With a little help of the shutter speed, the couple’s magical moment looks even more fairytale-esque!

Photo: Margaret Michael Photography

Boho Beautiful (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

This couple’s microwedding at Sugarbush Resort featured a stunning macrame backdrop for their ceremony, lush pampas grass details, and a gorgeous moody color palette that perfectly matched the natural autumnal landscape. So many beautiful boho details for this intimate celebration!

Photo: Rae Ann Photo LLC

On Top of the World

We imagine this couple’s portrait by is what floating amongst the clouds would feel like! This couple eloped on top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak, and took some lovely, epic portraits! (Just look at that dress sweep!)

Photo: MoHo Photos

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BEST OF 2022: Wedding Venues

Posted on January 17, 2023

Despite being a small state, there is no shortage of amazing wedding venues across Vermont. From mountain retreats to lakeside spots, there truly is something for everyone here. We’re rounding up the best Vermont wedding venues to help you find your perfect “I do” location!

Check out our editorial picks for the best wedding venues in 2022, and vote for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

The Equinox

The Equinox is located in the beautiful town of Manchester, Vermont and has no shortage of sweeping, majestic mountain views. Showcased here is the venue’s picturesque Pond Pavilion, which is located at the foot of Mt. Equinox.

Photo: Jaclyn Schmitz

Sugarbush Resort

If you love Vermont for skiing or snowboarding, then you’ll fall head over heels for Sugarbush Resort! This quintessential Vermont wedding venue, located in Warren, is breathtaking all seasons. The Resort offers several options for gathering spaces and plentiful onsite accommodations.

Photo 1: Juniper Studios

Photo 2: Oliver Parini

Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is nestled on 30 acres of pure romantic and historic charm! This venue is perfect for couple’s looking to provide guests with a weekend-long celebration. Their ceremony site boasts sweeping views, and the unique marble courtyard is the dreamiest setting to dance the night away.

Photos: Swoyer Photography

Hildene

Step straight into a fairytale at Hildene. The formal gardens of the Lincoln Family Home are the perfect backdrop for taking photos and sweeping views of the Taconic and Green Mountains are hard to beat. This is one of Vermont’s most elegant, historic and timeless venues!

Photo: Michelle Lange Photography

An Affair by the Lake

An Affair by the Lake, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, is truly stunning. Along with uninterrupted lake views, this venue also offers a ceremony gazebo, large lawn for a tented reception, and elegant Inn on site for select guests.

Photo: Golden Door Photo

Talta Lodge

Tälta Lodge is one of Stowe, Vermont’s newest wedding venues and conveniently located near lots of outdoor activities, perfect for adventure loving couples. Highlighted here is a timeless summer wedding by Sara Judith Events. Everything about this day at Talta Lodge was customized to perfection for the bride and groom, and showcases what’s possible at this beautiful venue.

Film: Beyond Bliss Films

ECHO

Complete with sparkling views of Lake Champlain, ECHO is truly a unique and modern wedding venue. It’s one of the most memorable wedding venues in Vermont (think: fish tanks & exhibits inside and Adirondack mountains views outside!) and is one of only a few venues directly on the Burlington waterfront.

Photo: Michael Tallman

Farm Road Estate

Farm Road Estate is a historic and romantic wedding venue and inn nestled on 32 acres in West Dover, Vermont. A quintessential Vermont wedding destination, uniquely suited to host Pinterest- ready weddings and large events all year round!

Photo 1: Abigail Jean Photography

Photo 2: Jenna Brisson Photography

The Essex Resort & Spa

The Essex Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for couples looking for deluxe accommodations and Vermont charm. Featured here is a garden party themed summer wedding filmed by Kasaydia Wind Media. The couple’s big day was ethereal, personal and sweet, with the Essex being the perfect backdrop!

Maquam Barn

Maquam Barn and Winery in Milton, Vermont can be easily descirbed in one word: romantic! The venue is a working winery with a magnificent, newly constructed barn, and sweeping vistas to backdrop couple’s ceremonies.

Photo: Katie Jean Photos

Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Lake Bomoseen Lodge is nestled in the Taconic Mountains on Vermont’s largest inland lake, gorgeous Lake Bomoseen. the venue includes multiple ceremony locations and on-site accomodations. We’ve seen weddings from all four seasons held here, each breathtaking in their own right!

Photo: Lindsey Vann

Inn at Grace Farm

The Inn at Grace Farm provides couples with a private estate experience for their Vermont celebration. With three ceremony sites, a stunning reception barn, and comfortable on-site accommodations, Grace Farm is a truly magical place to celebrate.

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Sleepy Hollow

Step into a storybook at Sleepy Hollow Inn! Shown here is the venue’s pavilion, a cozy and romantic space in the winter. I’m swooning over the flickering candles framing the aisles.

Photo Credit: Cait Fletcher photo

Silhouette Hill

Silhouette Hill checks all of the boxes when it comes to hosting a quintessential Vermont wedding in the county. They provide a serene, picturesque backdrop for couples looking to customize their big day.

Millstone Hill

Millstone Hill is complete with gorgeous views, a beautiful event barn, and a Bed and Breakfast. For couples looking for a real Vermont feel and charm, this quaint and romantic venue is it!

Lareau Farm Inn

Lareau Farm Inn is a classic Vermont farmhouse venue in Waitsfield, Vermont. Celebrations sprawl from the pavilion onto the expansive lawn, which lends even the most elegant of wedding an intimate vibe. As the home of Vermont-famous, American Flatbread, they also offer catering, including that famous (and ridiculously delish) wood-fired pizza.

Photo 1: MoHo Photo

Photo 2: Hannah Photography

Farmhouse Flowers

Farmhouse Flowers VT is blooming with beauty! As the name suggests, this gorgeous venue is nestled among the lush flower gardens, from which the team crafts stunning wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. The timber frame reception barn is equally lovely.

Photo: Desirae Jean Photography

Sterling Ridge (Readers Choice Awards)

Sterling Ridge Resort is a log cabin resort hidden in the mountains, providing a unique, private space for couples to celebrate with loved ones for an entire wedding weekend. This is an absolutely beautiful backdrop for nature lovers!

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Wild Sugar Homestead

Wild Sugar Homestead is a stunning, rustic wedding venue perfect for couples who want to create a unique, DIY wedding experience in a place that showcases all of Vermont’s natural beauty. And fun fact: its owners, Hallie and Erik (pictured), were also among the first couple to get married here!

Photos by Jessica Dantowitz and second shooter Miranda Photo Co.

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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 2021: Location

Posted on December 23, 2021

Vermont may be a small state, but we have an impressive, long list of beautiful locations to get married! From the shores of Lake Champlain to the tops of the Green Mountains … and everywhere in between… there are a variety of venues to set the stage for your romantic wedding. Here are a few of the best places couples exchanged vows in 2021.

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

Mountains Majesty

Sparkling waters and sweeping mountain views make The Equinox Resort’s pond one of the most romantic, majestic to tie the knot. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

Home Away From Home

With lodging on site, a cozy firepit, and plenty to explore, the Lareau Farm Inn makes you feel like you’re at home – if you’re home was really, really cool. (Photo: Hannah Photography)

Lakeside & Lovely

With views overlooking Lake Champlain, sparkling aquariums and more, ECHO is a unique, modern setting for a true Vermont wedding. (Photo: Madison Anne Studio)

Backyard Bliss

From getting ready at the elegant Inn at Burkyn to a lovely backyard celebration, this wedding in the mountains is a total stunner. (Video: Beyond Bliss Films)

Falling For You

With rolling hills and colorful foliage, Sterling Ridge Resort sets the scene for a truly lovely Vermont wedding. (Photo: Cait Borgault Photography)

Garden Romance

A gorgeous barn and colorful, sprawling gardens …it’s no wonder Farmhouse Flowers is one of the best backdrops for a Vermont wedding! (Photo: Danielle Allendorf)

Riding High

If you fell in love with Vermont for the skiing, you are going to love Sugarbush Resort‘s mountain top ceremony location and iconic “Just Married” chair lift sign. (Photo: Jenna Brisson)

Edge of the World

How breathtaking is this image? It looks like the couple is in the middle of an epic, romantic movie (but really they’re at private home in Shelburne, Vermont). (Photo: Ben Hudson Photography)

Into the Woods

This couple tied the knot under a canopy of trees at The Inn at Weathersfield before celebrating dinner in the quaint, romantic Inn. (Photo: Kate Seymour Photography)

Bridgertons in Vermont

The Hildene’s splendor and elegance is unmatched and the views are unparalleled. It’s definitely one the best! (Photo: Juniper Studios)

Perfect Pairing

The rolling hills and vineyard at Maquam Barn and Winery are the perfect pairing for a romantic wedding. (Photo: Danielle Allendorf)

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
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
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.)

A CASUAL WEEKEND WEDDING WITH BEAUTIFUL DIY DETAILS AT STERLING RIDGE RESORT

Posted on January 26, 2021

Ashely and Nick loved the idea of sitting around a fire with their family and friends to celebrate their wedding; so that’s exactly what they did! Their intimate, laidback wedding at Sterling Ridge Resort featured their adorable fur babies (Sami and Jago), a campfire (with s’mores, of course), and plenty of time hanging out with loved ones (including Ashely’s first ever keg stand!).

Eco-Friendly Wedding Details

In addition to wanting the weekend to be fun, the couple also wanted it to be eco-friendly. They used compostable plates and cutlery, rented mason jars for drinks, and used recycled bottles for decor.

Their love of nature inspired their first look photos, which they did on top of Stowe Mountain – they even hiked to get the perfect shot in their wedding clothes. (So worth it – check out those gorgeous views!)

DIY Wedding Ceremony Display

Ashely used her DIY prowess to make much of their decor. She even crafted the altar flower arrangement herself out of wooden flowers (which was featured in the Best of 2020 Microweddings and Elopements story).

Candle Lighting Ceremony

When asked what special moment stood out, Ashely had an immediate answer. “Nick and I both lost a parent (my mom and his dad). “During the ceremony it was very windy, and you could hear thunder every few minutes! But, when Nick and I went to light candles in memory of our parents, the wind and thunder stopped. It was calm. To this day, I get goosebumps thinking about that moment.”

(Related Reading: How to Honor Loved Ones on Your Wedding Day)

Looking back on their day, Ashely says, “We had the most fun at our wedding!” Check out their gallery, captured by Jenna Brisson, below.

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

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

Photographer: JENNA BRISSON PHOTOGRAPHY | Wedding Venue: STERLING RIDGE RESORT

BEST OF 2020: ELOPEMENTS & MICROWEDDINGS

Posted on December 21, 2020

Given gathering restrictions this year, small microweddings and elopements were popular choices for couples in 2020. Every wedding is wonderful in its own way, so narrowing down the “best” in this category is truly impossible. That said, here are a few special moments that stood out from these beautiful, intimate wedding celebrations.

Mountain High

This couple braved the mountain for a truly dreamy elopement.

Danielle Allendorf Photography

Autumn Jewel

This intimate wedding is inspired by autumn in Vermont with beautiful jewel-toned amber and burgundy accents and florals.

Sugarbush Resort | Anne Lee Photography

Confetti Celebration

The colorful confetti toss is the perfect complement to this couple’s exuberant joy.

Ben Hudson Photography

Pond Side Bliss

The rug and floral arrangement anchor the couple’s ceremony, and their beloved dogs get in on the celebration.

Sterling Ridge Resort | Jenna Brisson Photography

New England Charm

This couple celebrates their beautiful, heartfelt wedding in an idyllic New England setting.

Grafton Inn | Loveland Creative

A Canoe Built for Two

A canoe ride on your wedding day? Why not! This couple enjoys a special moment alone before rejoining friends and family to celebrate.

Odyssey Events | Back of the Moon

Falling in Love

This vow exchanges feels both intimate and epic under a canopy of towering trees in full color.

Jessica Notargiacomo

Pretty as a Picnic

A picnic reception is such a fun twist, and this one is lovely, festive, and intimate.

Lareau Farm Inn | Amanda Young Photography

Cheerful Cheers

Virtual weddings were popular this year, and this couple was all smiles as they toasted to guests online during their beachfront wedding.

Ben Hudson Photography | Burlington Surf Club

Elegant Estate

The mansion, the gardens, the sunlight… this whole wedding is straight out of a fairytale.

Hildene | Jesse Schloff

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.