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: 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 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.

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!

Fun-filled Wedding at Talta Lodge in Stowe, VT

Posted on November 3, 2022

Taylor and Zach’s goal for their wedding was to create a day where everyone had as much fun as possible! With the help of Sara Judith Events – that is exactly what happened! Talta Lodge in Stowe, VT was the perfect place for this fun-filled, summer wedding! Beyond Bliss Films was there to capture it all in a meaninful wedding fim.

Outdoor Summer Wedding at Talta Lodge

Both the bride and groom were raised in Vermont and met at UVM. They moved to Boston after college where they got engaged, added dog Finley to their family and are now back living in Vermont!

They knew Talta Lodge, located in the heart of Stowe, VT, was the perfect wedding venue. Talta is a modern, boutique lodge with all of the cozy mountain vibes. The open outdoor grassy area allowed for a beautiful sailcloth tent to be the backdrop for the day, as well as a dog friendly ceremony space! We love when your fur baby can join in on the fun!

Unique & Fun Vermont Wedding Vendors

Taylor and Zach worked alongside Sarah Judith Events to hire unique vendors to make their day unique. The handmade wood fired pizzas were a huge hit followed by the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream truck for dessert. They had a mix of elegant and traditional touches, with super fun and memorable experiences for their guests.

The couple’s goal of bringing energy to the dance floor was a success, every single guest was out of their chairs and up on that dance floor! Even though there were close to 200 guests in attendance, it somehow felt intimate with how much love was surrounding the couple.

Beyond Bliss Films always does such a great job telling the story of the day from start to finish. It overcast day in Stowe, but as soon as the bride started walking down the aisle the clouds parted and the sun came out for the ceremony! Be sure to check out their wedding film below!

VENDORS

Planning: Sara Judith Events, Videographer: Beyond Bliss Films, Venue: Talta Lodge, Photographer: Kerri McWade, Caterer: 802 Dinner Party & Open Hearth Pizza, Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck, Wedding Cake: Our Family Treats, Bar: 802 Cocktails, DJ: Kevin Thibault, Rentals: Undercover Tents LLC

Your Next Read:

Looking for more Stowe, VT weddings? Check out this Epic Winter Car Camping Elopement.

Check out all of our real Vermont weddings here.

Three Rehearsal Dinner Themes (And Coordinating Invitation Templates)

Posted on August 9, 2022

While rehearsal dinner themes aren’t necessary, they can be helpful to guide your planning by focussing your choices on a particular color palette or style. It may be related to your wedding theme, but it doesn’t have to be. If you had your heart set on a theme that didn’t quite make the cut for your wedding – this is the opportunity to do it.

Your rehearsal dinner is the pre-party of your wedding weekend. It’s a chance to celebrate with your closest family and friends in an intimate setting and get excited for what’s ahead.

Kaylen, the incredible wedding planner behind Sarah Judith Events, shares three rehearsal dinner themes that could work at a variety of venues.

Bonus: We created three templates you can customize for invitations to your rehearsal dinner for each of these themes! Scroll to the bottom of the article to get yours.

Something Blue

Blue is the color of love, purity, faithfulness, and modesty. Tradition says “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” will bring luck on your wedding day…why not make your something blue your rehearsal dinner?

Check out the ways Kaylen incorporates shades of pastel blues and in a watercolor-like palette that’s sweet, romantic and fresh. This theme could play equally well at a lakeside setting (and lean more nautical) or a mountain affair (and lean more garden party).

Blue hydrangeas are in season in Vermont in the summer, which is an excellent floral choice. Ask you florist for more recommendations on bringing the blues to your floral arrangements.

Black & Gold Rehearsal

Looking for a classy and elegant rehearsal dinner theme? You can’t go wrong with black and gold!

Surprise and treat your guests with special details, like a champagne wall, balloon arch, gold silverware, and hand lettered gold place cards.

With fewer people attending your rehearsal dinner than your wedding it can be an opportunity to go a little “all-out!” Don’t forget about the themed gold rimmed cake as well! (These bakers are sure to create a stunning, glittering creation.)

Positano Vibes

If you have been lucky enough to visit Positano, a village in Italy off the Amalfi coast, you know how gorgeous it is! Even if you haven’t been (or are planning to go for your honeymoon), you can bring a little bit of this cliffside village to Vermont as your rehearsal dinner theme.

This colorful theme is whimsical, fun and joyful. Blue and white plates pop against yellow details – including an adorable lemon place card!

A seating chart written on old wine jugs and a serve yourself sangria bar are excellent choices to bring this vibe to life. Check out Salt and Bubbles Wine Bar & Market for some wine suggestions (they also offer mobile bar catering) to bring a true taste of the region to your party. Your guests will enjoy feeling transported to a different country with a delicious italian dinner and wine. Salute!

Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Templates

Like one of the themes above? You’re luck because we have three invitation templates per theme you can customize for free for your rehearsal dinner using Canva (you can use the free version).

You can print these and mail them to your wedding party and close friends/family, or you could email them the invitation (that’s what I’d do). It’s an extra little touch to make those who are closest to you feel special!

Check out the designs below and get your templates to customize your favorite!

Wedding Planner: Sarah Judith Events

Your Next Read:

Looking for more amazing wedding design? Check out the Best of 2021 Wedding Details & Design.

Want to binge read some inspiration posts? Check out any of these.

Meet Wedding Planner Kaylen of Sara Judith Events

Posted on April 19, 2022

Kaylen is the uber talented wedding planner behind the brand Sara Judith Events and rental company Day of Rentals. Who is Sara Judith? Her rescue cow! After working for the top wedding planners and event companies in Beverly Hills, Kaylen happily settled in Vermont and is excited to help bring couples’ dream Vermont weddings to life with her exquisite design and heartfelt details. Read on to learn more about Kaylen!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I got into wedding planning when my brother got engaged in 2010. My sister in-law was not into planning, so they told me to take the reins and fully design their special day! From that day forward I have gotten joy from bringing joy to my clients!

How would you describe your style?

My style and inspiration go hand in hand and are individualized for every event. My clients inspire my work. When someone hires me, it is about them, not me. I personalize their events to their personality, their vision!

Any special tips for couples?

Never hire a planner who is willing to only work the day-of! You have spent hours of your time and energy pouring your heart into one of the most important days of your life, don’t leave it in the hands of someone who hasn’t taken the time to learn your vision. Also, there are endless options out there, and endless opinions from others! Make sure you are doing what you and your partner feel represents you best, it’s your day! Nobody else’s 🙂

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

My favorite moment at weddings is when the couple walks back down the aisle after saying I Do! The joy on their faces is what makes my job the best job in the world!

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

My favorite thing to do in Vermont is spend time with my rescue cow (who my company is named after!) and all the other animals at The Little Red Barn Farm Sanctuary in Tunbridge, VT! Revolution Kitchen in downtown Burlington is my favorite spot for food, they make THE best coconut cream pie!

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

I couldn’t imagine not being involved in events, but if I had to choose something else to do I would work in the field of Nutrition and Mental Health.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I have my Graduate Certificate in Human Behavior and I am a certified coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition! So basically I am an event planner and can double as a therapist if you get stressed! 🙂

Thank you, Kaylen! Learn more about Sara Judith Events or Day of Rentals in the vendor guide.