A Summer Wedding in Grand Isle with A Stunning Ground Floral Arch

Posted on May 22, 2023

When it comes to a summer Vermont wedding, there’s nothing quite like a lakeside ceremony! Grace and Daniel’s intimate wedding day at Grand Isle House was made up of many special elements, including a show-stopping ground floral arch by Anaphora. Continue reading to learn more about this romantic lakeside wedding!

A Lakeside Grand Isle Wedding: Anaphora's Ground Floral Arch Takes the Spotlight

Grace and Daniel celebrated their special day surrounded by friends and family, and the stunning backdrop of Vermont’s beautiful Lake Champlain. Grace and Daniel wanted the ground floral arch so that the view of the lake was not blocked by a structure. They contacted Anaphora to bring their vision to life with this stunning display!

The ground floral arch was a core element to their ceremony. They began with an open semi-circle, but later in the ceremony, the couple’s mothers closed the circle around them to symbolize the unity in a marriage.

Elaborating on this further, Grace and Daniel’s officiant, Janet Dunn, told us “The symbolism of the circle represents completeness and a committed love that has no beginning nor end. Closing the circle around this couple was a very moving wedding ceremony ritual!”

Ground floral arches are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who don’t want to obstruct any special views their ceremony space may have (but still want to add florals to their special day) It is also easy to repurpose those florals later on during the reception. For example, Grace and Daniel ended up using the florals on the venue’s porch and the garland on the stairs.

From budding blooms as escort cards, to a typewriter guest book and classic wrap-around porch, Grace and Daniel’s wedding at the Grand Isle House is one we’ll be swooning over for a long time! See all the beautiful details below.

Vendors:

Venue: Grand Isle Lake House, Photographer: Elise Goodman Photography, Wedding Officiant: Weddings by Janet Dunn, Florals: Anaphora.

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.

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

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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!

HOW TO HONOR LOVED ONES AT YOUR WEDDING

Posted on June 7, 2022

Couples often want to honor loved ones who aren’t present on their wedding day and who have been an important part of their life. You likely are envisioning your wedding day being surrounded by loved ones. But what about family and friends who cannot be there to physically celebrate, like loved ones who are ill or deceased? Honoring these special people through rituals can help couples feel connected to these people on such an important occasion.

Officiant and Life-Cycle Celebrant Janet Dunn provided a variety of ideas for how to remember loved ones who aren’t present on your wedding day and wrote sample scripts you can use in your ceremony.

RECOGNIZING DECEASED IN YOUR CEREMONY SCRIPT

As the focal point of your wedding day, your wedding ceremony is a natural place to honor loved ones who can’t participate in person. Janet Dunn provided a few ideas to place this moment of remembrance and some sample language to inspire you.

Wedding Ceremony Welcome

The officiant’s welcome to your wedding is one place to mention a word of remembrance. As you welcome those who are physically present, it’s easy to take a moment to acknowledge those who are not. Here’s some sample language for a welcome statement that honors loved ones:

Sample Welcome Script 1:

Welcome. We appreciate that you’ve come from near and far to join us for this joyful ceremony. PARTNER and PARTNER are thrilled that you could be here to share their most special day with them. They also remember other loved ones who cannot be here to share this moment with them today. Both those who were simply unable to attend and those who have passed away. We hold these people dear in our hearts today.

Sample Welcome Script 2:

Welcome everyone. PARTNER and PARTNER thank you for your presence here today. They ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support for their decision to be married. They would also like to acknowledge those who could not be here but would have loved to share in this occasion, particularly LOVED ONE. We hold their memories close to our hearts today.

A Moment of Silence in Your Wedding Ceremony

Janet crafted some beautiful sample scripts that you could use to honor loved ones during your wedding ceremony with a moment of silence. This may directly follow the welcome, or go before your vows or recessional. Note that there is no “right” place for this; it’s what feels most natural for your specific wedding ceremony.

Moment of Silence Script 1:

At this time, we’d like to take a moment of silence to remember those who are not here with us. Even though they are not here physically, they are a part of the foundation that makes PARTNER and PARTNER the people they are today. May we always remember NAMES. Though they are absent physically, we invoke, through our thoughts and prayers, their loving presence.

Moment of Silence Script 2:

We would like to take a moment to recognize those that could not be here today. While they may not physically be with us, PARTNER and PARTNER feel their love and support.

Light a Candle

Candles are a common symbol of remembrance. They’re also readily available and simple to add to a ceremony. Be sure to check with your venue for restrictions around candles first! Here’s a heartfelt sample script for this act:

Candle Lighting Script:

Love has gathered us here today to witness the joining of PARTNER and PARTNER. Had NAME been here today, they would have been incredibly proud to be celebrating this marriage with us. Still, we feel their presence with us, as they surround us with their spirit and shower us with their love. It is in their memory that we now light this candle. Let us all bow our heads for a brief moment of reflection to acknowledge NAME’S presence here with us.

A Memorial Chair During the Ceremony

Saving a chair for your loved ones is a physical reminder of their presence and love. To make it more personal, you could put a framed photo of them on the chair and something small that reminds you of them. (Ex. A stuffed fish for your grandfather who loved to fish.) Or you may choose to hang a sign on the chair that says “In Memory Of NAME” with a flower.

You could also hang photos from loved ones’ weddings down the aisle. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge the marriages that came before you.

Choose Readings That Remind You of Your Loved Ones

Incorporate meaningful readings into your ceremony that remind you of your loved ones. At my wedding, we read a modified version of a book about love my grandma used to read to me. She was ill and unable to attend in person, and this felt like a special way to honor her.

You don’t have to explicitly say why each reading was chosen, so this can be a subtle way to honor a loved one if that feels more true to you.

In addition to your ceremony, there are several ways to honor your loved ones throughout your day.

A SENTIMENTAL ACCESSORY

Wearing something that reminds you of your loved one can be a tangible way to feel a connection to them.

For example, making a pin with a photo charm of a loved one pinned to the inside of a suit coat is a simple way to keep their memory close. This can be displayed in a shadowbox frame after the wedding too.

Using an item of clothing from your loved one, you could create a variety of accessories, including a pocket square and flowers to pin to your hair. I’ve also seen couples sew a heart-shaped piece of fabric into the bottom of a dress, or inside of a suit coat.

If you have access to a loved one’s wedding dress, I highly recommend looking into Ceci Leibovitz’s jewelry. Her pieces are truly lovely and you can create a necklace or cufflinks for your own wedding day (and beyond). (Ceci Leibovitz is part of our 2022 Vermont Weddings Gift Guide.)

You may also choose to wear a piece of your loved one’s jewelry, such as a pair of earrings.

A BLESSING BEFORE DINNER

A pre-dinner blessing or prayer is another natural place for a moment of silence and/or an acknowledgement of the loved ones who aren’t physically present.

CREATE A PHOTO DISPLAY

Many couples create a photo display with pictures of their love story and from parents’ and grandparents’ weddings. If you’re doing something similar, you can include photos of loved ones in this display as well.

You could select their wedding photos (if applicable) or photos of you with them. This collection is often displayed on the welcome table, a guest book or favor table (if different), or dessert table. Sometimes couples will also add a remembrance candle to the display.

HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES IN YOUR FLOWERS

Janet suggests displaying a bouquet of flowers at your ceremony spot or altar with flowers symbolizing your loved ones. You could also include symbolic flowers in your bouquet, such as their birth month flower or a favorite bloom. Either of these options is a beautiful way to subtly pay tribute to your loved ones.

A third option is to tie a ring, charm, or a ribbon of lace (from a loved one’s dress) around your bouquet. (I recommend having someone in charge of removing this and safely storing it after your ceremony.)

FLORAL PRESERVATION

Preserving your bouquet after your wedding is a wonderful way to remember both your wedding day and your tribute to your loved one. Tanglewood Floral Preservation creates custom keepsakes such as trays, ornaments, and decor pieces using your flowers and resin.

FOCUS ON LOVE – PICK WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

No matter how you choose to honor your loved ones, what matters is that it feels authentic to you and helps you connect with their love and your partner. “Whether you use words, candles, flowers, or moment of silence…remembrance is what affirms the connection. On a day when two hearts join, focus on the love,” says Janet. It’s up to you if you choose to do something explicit, or if you’d prefer to keep the remembrance more private and personal.

Finally, it’s natural to feel sadness or disappointment that they’re not able to physically celebrate with you. While weddings are a joyful occasion, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions during such a momentous occasion. Focus on the love, and do what feels right for you.

We hope these ideas help you to authentically celebrate your loved ones and feel their loving presence on your wedding day.

Officiant: WEDDINGS BY JANET DUNN

MEET VERMONT WEDDING OFFICIANT JANET DUNN

Posted on November 4, 2021

Every couple’s love story and wedding ceremony is unique. That’s why finding an officiant who recognizes and honors what makes you special is important to making your wedding day uniquely yours.

Janet Dunn is a award-winning life cycle celebrant/officiant helping couples celebrate their wedding with a custom, joyous ceremony. As an adventure lover, Janet is willing to “climb up a mountain or meet you in the old barn, or in a beautiful hotel wedding venue or anything in between. I am all about being me and very supportive of couples finding their special venue and finding the words that reflect them in their ceremony.”

Read on to learn more about Janet!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I have always loved the art of ritual, the importance of honoring the rites of passage, and the beauty of joy in our lives. I could not find anything more blessed than wedding ceremonies. My journey began when I studied at the Celebrant Foundation and Institute. I studied the importance of ceremony, then next semester wedding ceremonies, then funeral ceremonies and then healing and transitional ceremonies.

How would you describe your style?

I am an interfaith minister so I draw from all religions, studies, nature, and different philosophies. I am an eclectic woman that loves many different genres and styles. I especially draw my joy from the deep woods.

What inspires your work?

I love nature! Trees inspire me, poetry from Mary Oliver and the writings of Rilka move me, and my own spirituality is an essential part of my life. All of these practices guide me to listen deeply.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I love writing from the heart to create a ceremony that truly speaks to and of the couple. It is creating rituals that are personal to the couple that makes their ceremony so unique to them.

Any special tips for couples?

My biggest tip would be to interview your perspective officiant. Take time to know each other and ask questions. Find the right officiant that will honor you.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

My most favorite moment is when the couple comes together in front of family and friends. I think it is a very spiritual and holy moment.

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

I love walking or hiking in the woods and feeling the peace and grace that nature has to offer. I’ll explore anywhere in the Green Mountains! I love my bicycle too!

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

I have always been drawn to helping people in any capacity. I am a life coach/relationship coach so I guess I am living my dream!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

The best concert I ever went to is Janis Joplin at a little theatre in Albany, NY years ago.” Take it, Take Another Piece of My Heart”, I used to belt that out at the top of my lungs while sitting on my favorite rock on the Sacadaga River in Wells, New York. Hippie girl at heart here!

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

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

Thank you, Janet! Learn more and connect with Janet in the vendor guide.