A Sweet and Sentimental Spring Wedding at The Grafton Inn

Posted on June 6, 2023

On a beautiful June day, Jed and Deborah finally got to say “I do” at the wedding of their dreams. Their celebration had been postponed due to the pandemic (check out those cheeky cocktail napkins in the gallery!) and the anticipation of the day made everything that much sweeter. The long awaited wedding was held at the beautiful Grafton Inn in Grafton, Vermont and Hannah Photography captured the memories; check out the gallery below!

A Romantic Wedding Venue in Grafton, Vermont

The Grafton Inn is a romantic, full-service wedding venue. Known for its timeless village setting and beautiful surrounding mountains, Grafton is a top choice for couples dreaming of a storybook, authentically Vermont wedding day.

The Grafton Inn features 45 individually-decorated rooms in a combination of suites and guests houses, blending its historic atmosphere with modern amenities. During the wedding weekend, guests can indulge in inclusive amenities like morning coffee service, seasonal activities at the outdoor center, use of the fitness center, and daily afternoon refreshments in the main lobby.

A Sentimental Wedding Worth The Wait

Jed had been ribbed time and again for not proposing to Deborah on a visit to Paris in 2018. When he finally did pop the question a few months later, as the sun set over Lake Champlain, he bent down on one knee in front of a miniature Eiffel Tower he brought along in his backpack. Deborah said “yes” before he even got the ring out of his pocket.

Despite the many setbacks and changed wedding dates caused by the pandemic, the couple’s commitment to celebrating their love never wavered. After a long wait (728 days, to be precise) Jed and Deborah finally got to exchange vows surrounded by loved ones.

Meaningful Wedding Details

Deborah was a classic bride in her beautiful lace gown from Fiori Bridal Boutique. For accessories, she attached a gold locket with a photo of her sister inside to her bouquet. Deborah lost her sister quite early in life, and wanted to make sure she could have her sister be with her in spirit as she walked down the aisle.

During the ceremony, Deborah and Jed chose to play Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles’ version of “Both Sides Now” to honor family members who had passed – and released butterflies during the song to remind everyone that love always remains, even as it changes form.

For one more unique touch, the couple hired Hope Sharp Art to paint a live wedding portrait. Guests truly enjoyed watching the painting come to life as Hope worked throughout the reception.

View even more sweet and sentimental details from Jed and Deborah’s big day below.

Vendors:

Venue: The Grafton Inn, Photographer: Hannah Photography, Videographer: New England Creative, Florist: Fast Pony Flowers, DJ: Evan LeCompte, Vocals: Peter Miles, Live Wedding Painter: Hope Sharp Art, Wedding Dress: Fiori Bridal Boutique .

Your Next Read:

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An Elegant September Wedding at The Mansfield Barn

Posted on April 18, 2023

September is a beautiful time to get married in Vermont and Madison and Chris’ wedding at The Mansfield Barn is the perfect example. This gorgeous late summer barn wedding is full of inspiring details – just scroll through the gallery below to see what we mean!

A Historic Vermont Barn Wedding Venue

Located in Jericho, The Mansfield Barn is a meticulously renovated post and beam Vermont Wedding Barn, originally built in the 1840s. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the venue offers stunning mountain top views, rustic charm, and modern amenities (like indoor bathrooms, two suites for getting ready, and air conditioning!). It’s a great venue for couples who want the rustic elegance of a real, historic barn.

Elegant Barn Wedding Details

Destinations Found provided month of coordination to help the couple pull together all the details to create a memorable celebration. We love how the tables were simply dressed with white and champagne linens, maple syrup favors, and pastel floral arrangements. It’s simple and chic: perfect for an elegant barn wedding!

Cronin Cakes & Sweets served up a scrumptious two-tiered cake with classic white buttercream frosting and florals that complimented the bouquets by Tipsy Tulip. And, a four-flavor cupcake display offered guests several options to satisfy their sweet tooth after an evening of dancing!

Check out all the details, captured by Colette Kulig Photography, below!

Vendors

Venue: Mansfield Barn, Photographer: Colette Kulig, Month of Coordination: Destinations Found, Florist: Tipsy Tulip Designs, Cake: Cronin Cakes & Sweets, Bridal Dress: Fiori, Videographer & DJ: SuperSounds Entertainment, Catering: Waterfront Catering Group, Hair & Makeup: Hillary Fay Studios & Ashley Moran.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding to swoon over? Check out this fairytale wedding in the Northeast Kingdom.

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

Best of 2022: Wedding Style

Posted on January 11, 2023

This year like never before, couples slayed their wedding photos in style. From elegant, timeless looks to one of a kind outfits, Vermont couples came dressed to impress!

Check out the style inspiration below in our editor’s picks for Best of 2022 Style, and scroll to see who you voted for your Readers Choice Awards pick!

In Vogue

This unbelievably chic couple looks like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue. Jennifer Perellie created a sophisticated look for the bride that complimented their unique elopement style perfectly.

Photo: Illume by Paul Reynolds

Timeless Beauties

This couple’s style is as elegant as it is timeless! His black tux, from McNeil and Reedy and her embellished gown from Fiori Bridal, are stunning choices for their wedding at The Essex. (And if the arbor by Tipsy Tulip Designs looks familiar, it’s because it was a pick for the best florals of 2022!)

Photo: Amy Demos Photography

The Two for One

Just look at the ruffles on her skirt – how can you help but soon?! This Veilmonté Bridal Showroom gown had a surprise though; not only was it perfect for a romantic ceremony but the skirt detached revealing a sleak, ready-to-dance reception dress. Amazing.

Black Beauty

This bride was determined to show off her darker style in her wedding attire, and she nailed it! Her black lace top and dip dyed skirt combo are stunning. (She even painted her nails black to match!)

Photo: Madison Anne Studio

Shades of Green

Jaclyn Watson planned this stunning wedding which featured shades of green from the wedding party to the decor. This bridal party totally nailed the mismatched look with their coordinated green dresses. I especially love how their bouquets kept in the same green and white palette, perfectly complimenting the style.

Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography

Classy and Classic

I love this timeliness look by Fawn MUA! The subtle makeup and lush lashes compliment her traditional gown and beaded veil perfectly. Perfection.

Photo: Rob Springs Photography

The Winter Wow

This is what happens when your wedding party not understands the assignment but completely rocks it. From the goggles to the boots to the fur shawls, this wedding party has the après party look locked down!

Photo: J uniper Studios

Black and White Beauties (Readers Choice Awards)

The bride’s beaded black suit is truly unlike anything I’ve seen before; I’m obsessed! Add to that her beloved in a stunningly elegant white gown and the wildly lush bouquets by M’s Wedding Flowers and I’m rendered speechless. Their entire look is a showstopper!

Photo: Colette Kulig Photography

The Cape Sweep

This glamorous couple works in theatre, so it came to no surprise to planner Odyssey Events that they understood drama! The bridal cape adds an unparalleled sense of drama and elegance to their classic look.

Photo: Savannah Brown

Wild and Wonderful

Photographer Hallie Jade got married this year at Wild Sugar, the venue her and husband own and maintain. I love their colorful style – from her veil to their wedding party…it’s a little wild, and totally wonderful.

Photo: Jessica Dantowitz (Miranda Photo Co., second shooter)

Modern Love

I love the contrast between the clean, modern lines of the space (how cool is that metal arbor?) with the lush, colorful flowers by Yanique Events. Designed by Ehmann Events, this look is so fresh and lovely!

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

Radiant in Red

The bride wore a stunning red sari for her Sikh marriage ceremony, known as the ‘Anand Karaj’, meaning blissful union. This grand, multi-day event was planned by NJoy Weddings & Events. From the rich colors to her sparkling jewels to her natural excitement, this bride is positively radiant!

Photo: Virdee Films

The Getaway Look

I love this bride’s feathered jacket for the most perfect getaway outfit! It adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to their sparkler exit.

Photo: Idena Beach Photography

French Fête

This couple’s celebration was inspired by classic French culture (they even shared their first dance to a classic French song!). The bride wore an off the shoulder gown, and the groom wore a white tux jacket. The elegant style was mirrored by their decor, including the lush florals by Anaphora Flowers. Each detail provided the perfect ambience for their intimate fête.

Film: Eightzero2 Productions

Nailing It

I love this close up shot of the bride’s bedazzled nails. The design is fun and glitzy, and the neutral color palette keeps it sophisticated. Hands down, a great look!

Photo: Jess Rene Photo

Dark and Dreamy

This couple embraced their dark side with a color palette that was both dreamy and dramatic! It’s a great choice for their emotional fall wedding (just try to watch their vows without crying).

Film: Kasaydia Wind Media

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!

AN CLASSICALLY ELEGANT INTIMATE WEDDING AT THE INN AT WEATHERSFIELD

Posted on April 7, 2022

This lovely wedding is prettier than a picture. Hosted at the Inn at Weathersfield, beautiful details and heartfelt celebration combine for this wow-worthy, intimate wedding. (Which happened to fall on the bride’s parents’ 39th wedding anniversary!) Honestly, we can’t say we’re surprised; the bride, Liz, is the wedding sales manager at Topnotch Resort, so she has an industry insider’s perspective!

The Benefits of a Microwedding

Liz and Scott had to reschedule their wedding not once, but three times due to the pandemic. They ended up dropping their guest list from 120 people to 25, and although the hassle of rescheduling was exhausting, the end result was amazing. “We never would have been ones to suggest a microwedding, but after it happened, we realized that we got to spend a full weekend with our immediate families and closest friends without distractions,” says Liz.

Inspired by the Vermont lakes and a breezy vibe, they created a truly magical setting. Classic white and pastel blooms by Blossoming Bough added effortless elegance to the event. Kelsey Regan Photography captured the beauty and love of the day. Check out the full gallery below!

Wedding VenueTHE INN AT WEATHERSFIELD

PhotographerKELSEY REGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

VideographerSIXPENCE STUDIOS

FloralBLOSSOMING BOUGH

Bridal DressFIORI BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Wedding PlannerLINDSEY LEICHTHAMMER EVENTS

DJ/EntertainmentNICK CASSARINO

SuitsGENERATION TUX

Hair & MakeupFINISHING TOUCH VT

CakeNORTH COUNTRY DONUTS

JewelryPERRYWINKLES

CufflinksCOURTNEY RECKORD

RentalsVERMONT TENT

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!

***

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.)

A TRADITIONAL CHURCH CEREMONY AND A RUSTIC BARN RECEPTION

Posted on September 28, 2021

Meghan and Matthew chose an intimate, traditional church ceremony at their local church, followed by a small reception and dinner at the lovely Barnard Inn. Their rustic barn reception was classy, elegant and sentimental in all the best ways.

Photographer Danielle Allendorf, commented, “Every aspect of their day was thoughtful, unique, and all around beautiful. I could tell from the moment I walked in the door that family means the world to both of them. You could feel the joy throughout the entire day as these two families turned into one.”

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

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

Venue: THE BARNARD INN RESTAURANT & MAX’S TAVERN | Photographer: DANIELLE ALLENDORF | Bridal Dress: FIORI BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

A SPECTACULAR WINTER STYLED SHOOT AT A STATELY MANOR

Posted on March 9, 2021

Get ready to be wowed – today’s post is truly spectacular.

The Inn at Burklyn, a stately manor in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, stage for this elegant, winter styled shoot, led by Coryn Kiefer Photography.

Elegant Tablescape with a Focus on Food

Planner and Stylist Lindsey of Lindsey Leichthammer Events says, “I am in love with how this shoot came out! My assignment was styling a beautiful tablescape; I focused on creating a crisp, clean look with silvery blues and grays. With my background in food and beverage, I love to utilize food in a design, so when I found the lemons, I had to incorporate them as place cards. Showcasing Vermont foods (like that amazing local honeycomb) is a passion of mine, so I was happy to be able to play with food for this shoot!”

Romantic Luxe Winter Floral Design Inspiration

Emily of Tipsy Tulip Designs created the lush, romantic floral design, inspired by her dream winter wedding. Her favorite detail: the gorgeous floral polls. “I wanted to give couples a fresh take on ceremony site flowers,” says Emily. “Not everyone loves an arbor, and flower poles are a great alternative. As a bonus, they are mobile. They can be used during a ceremony, and then after to flank the entrance to the reception or as a photo backdrop.”

It’s hard to overstate the beauty of this team’s work. See for yourself below!

More Real Vermont Engagement Inspiration

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

What to Expect at Your First Bridal Appointment

Posted on July 30, 2020

After finding the right partner, finding the right dress may be one of the biggest – and most exciting – parts of wedding planning. Knowing what to expect at your first bridal appointment can help make this as fun as possible.

“Sometimes, when I look at all the beautiful dresses in the shop, I try to picture myself walking in the first time as a bride, and that seems exciting – and overwhelming. That’s where my team comes in!” says Geri, owner of Fiori Bridal Boutique in Essex, Vermont. Fiori has been a pillar of the Vermont wedding community for 26 years, and continues to be a destination for brides to find “the one.”

“It’s our job to help the bride figure out her preferred silhouette, and then find the perfect dress with the right details for her. Each consultant listens to the brides intently to make sure we know what she’s looking for. We have the advantage that we’ve seen dresses on hundreds of brides, which is way more helpful than looking at them on a hanger.”

Ready to find your perfect fit? Geri sat down with Vermont Weddings to answer some frequently asked questions about what you can expect from your first appointment at a bridal boutique.

How long are bridal appointments?

Appointments are 90 minutes in length, which gives most brides an opportunity to try on up to ten dresses, with time to retry favorites and take photos.

“We’ll have brides try on veils or other accessories with their favorite picks, but we don’t ‘jack up’ every dress,” says Geri. “It’s too much information for one visit!” Brides are advised to make a separate appointment after they choose a dress to decide on accessories.

Of course, not all brides pick a dress at the first appointment. Geri says her team encourages brides to sleep on the decision and make a second appointment to focus on the two contenders. “We want each bride to be absolutely sure that it’s the one for them.”

How do I find the right bridal gown for me?

You may already have a Pinterest board full of dress ideas, which can be helpful to give the consultants an idea of your style. “We ask what you like about each dress to narrow in on your style.”

Geri notes that while photos can be helpful, brides are often surprised to learn that gowns are designed for women who are 5’9′ to 5’11”, so she cautions that how a dress looks on you may be different than how it looks on the model if you are shorter (which most of us are!).

Whether you have a style in mind or are still figuring out what you like, Fiori encourages brides to try a variety of styles at the first appointment. “Often brides are surprised to find they like a style they wouldn’t have thought to try on,” explains Geri. “Trying on every shape rules out second-guessing down the road!”

What do I wear to my bridal appointment?

Brides are encouraged to wear comfortable seamless underwear. Geri says that most dresses will conceal them, so they don’t have to be nude or white. Dresses look better without bras, so there’s no need to bring a special bra to the appointment. Most dresses have built in support, and many have illusion or low back details which a bra can distract from.

“Our bride’s comfort always comes first, and if it feels awkward for her to dress and undress in front of someone, the consultants will wait outside her room and she can let us know when she is ready for help,” says Geri. “We do appreciate the chance to have one-on-one time with brides in the fitting room to get her read on each dress. It’s an opportunity for the bride to express herself without worrying what her guests may think.”

Who do I bring to my bridal appointment?

Who you bring with you to your appointment matters. You want to share this special moment with someone, but also choose someone who will support your choices. “If it is the first time trying on dresses, we have seen that fewer is better, says Geri. “If the bride comes with just her mom or best friend, for example, it makes for a more relaxing appointment.”

Once a bride has narrowed her favorites, she’s encouraged to make an appointment with more people, such as close friends, bridesmaids or additional family members. “This is the time to pop the champagne and celebrate!”

If a bride is worried about her guests’ opinions overshadowing her own, she’s encouraged to talk about it with the consultant. “We can advocate for the bride’s choices. If she tries on a dress and LOVES it, we can step out of the dressing room first, and very excitedly say, ‘She loves this one, wait until you see her!’ This hopefully is a cue for the party to also love the dress.”

What changes should I expect at my bridal appointment because of COVID?

2022 Update – While COVID restrictions in Vermont have lessened since the blog was initially published in 2020, the guidelines are always evolving. It’s a good idea to check with your bridal shop before planning your visit to ask if there is a limit of the number of guests you can bring, if there’s a current mask guideline etc.

Say yes to your dress!

Now that you know what to expect at your first bridal appointment, it’s time to find some inspiration and go shopping!