A Sweet Summer Celebration at Sugarbush Resort

Posted on September 5, 2023

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to tie the knot, Vermont in the summertime should definitely be at the top of your list! With stunning views, and endless natural beauty, it’s the perfect location for a dreamy outdoor wedding.

Samuel and Courtney celebrated their Vermont summer wedding in a beautiful ceremony held at Sugarbush Resort. They knew they wanted their day to be bright and timeless, so they turned to photographer Sean Hood to capture all the moments from their big day.

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple joyfully exchanged their vows at Sugarbush’s Gate House Lawn as their guests cheered them on. Their dog, Bodhi, even served a dual role as the ring bearer and best boy. (So cute!)

As the evening progressed, the newlyweds partied the night away with music from the band A House on Fire and with an epic karaoke session. Courtney even slipped into a chic reception outfit and sang her heart our to ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift. To keep guests fueled for an evening of dancing and fun Vermont staple, Ben & Jerry’s, served up ice cream complete with lots of sprinkles.

Sugarbush Resort: Where Rustic Charm Meets Timeless Elegance

Sugarbush Resort is nestled in the heart of the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont. Best known for world class skiing and beautiful fall foliage, it also serves as a perfect wedding backdrop no matter the season! Whether you want an intimate, small wedding of 50-100 guests or a large celebration with 250 friends and family, Sugarbush Resort has the scenery, venues and expertise to bring your wedding vision to life.

The town of Warren, Vermont is home to great recreation activities and filled with quintessential, small town charm. While small, there is no shortage of things to do (think: lots of hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, zipling and golfing!) It is also quick drive to other notable Vermont towns like Waterbury, Stowe and Montpelier for your guests to explore during your wedding weekend.

Vendors:

Venue: Sugarbush Resort, Planner: Alyssa August (with Sugarbush Resort), Photographer: Sean Hood Photography, Videographer: Poulin Productions, Florist: Heavenscent Floral Art, Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s, Dress: Vows Bridal, Hair & Makeup: True Vermont Beauty, Band: A House on Fire.

MEET WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER SEAN HOOD

Posted on April 18, 2022

Sean Hood is a talented Vermont wedding photographer who has knack for capturing couples’ wedding days while allowing them to unfold naturally. He’s committed to getting to know each couple and uses those personal connections to create galleries that are unique to each couple. Sean’s excitement for his craft is so apparent, and his work is so stunning! Read on to learn more about Sean.

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I got into wedding photography because my dad’s best friend was a wedding photographer. He offered me a job assisting him when I was 18 years old. I had never even attended a wedding before, so I was immediately excited by the whole idea. The whole concept of having the opportunity to capture the emotion and story of one of people’s biggest days was really interesting to me. After the first wedding I became obsessed. Assisting quickly turned to second shooting. Eventually, I went on to shoot his son’s wedding day, and the rest is history.

How would you describe your style?

I always tell everyone that my photography style is light and airy, timeless, and posed-photojournalistic. I love to tell your story, which means candids and real moments, as well as some posed photos to archive and print. I think it’s essential for a wedding photographer to be laid back and flexible. It’s my job to make sure we take photos in the best possible lighting, without interrupting how your wedding day would play out naturally.

What inspires your work?

Meeting the couples, their families, learning where they’re from, and their stories. Creating that connection, feeling all of the love, and emotion from the wedding day is so essential for me.

Any special tips for couples?

The vendor you will spend the most time with on your wedding day will likely be your photographer. So, I think it’s really important to meet, talk, and laugh. It makes sure that you can be just that much more comfortable on your wedding day.

Ask your wedding photographer for full wedding galleries. Make sure you like what you see, that all of the special moments during the day were captured, and you like the way the lighting looks, especially through reception.

Create a timeline, but create buffer times just in case you start to run behind.

Most importantly, relax and be present on your wedding day. It only happens once, and your families, friends, and vendors are there to help you along the way.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

First looks! It’s the anticipation of getting to see each other, followed by getting to witness some real beautiful reactions and relief. It’s just so beautiful. I also love the fact that it’s one of the only times that couples get to themselves on a wedding day, which I think is just really important when the rest of the day is so busy.

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

I really look forward to skiing in my offseason. I usually ski at Sugarbush. It’s always a good excuse to meet up with friends, and goof around like when we were growing up.

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

That’s really a tough one. I’ve always been pretty good with computers, so maybe like cyber security or IT.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I was the New Year’s baby in Central Vermont in 1996, but we didn’t get any of the gifts from the hospital because they were all going to the leap year baby!

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

“September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Thanks, Sean! Learn more about Sean Hood Photography in the vendor guide.

A WINTER WEDDING WITH A COMMUNITY RING BLESSING CEREMONY

Posted on November 12, 2020

Jackie and Jonathan were praying for snow for their December Vermont wedding. “And boy did we get it!” recalls Jackie. It was clear from listening to Jackie remember her wedding how important family is to the couple. Family members played roles big and small at the wedding, from helping to craft the decor to officiating the ceremony and celebrating in the bridal party (including a furry nephew!).

The Meaning of a Ring Warming Ceremony

The couple further invited their community to participate in their nuptials with a ring warming ceremony. Before guests found their seats, guests were invited to hold the couple’s rings. “Before our rings even touched our hands, all of our wedding guests had blessed them with their love and support,” says Jackie. “To me that was magical.”

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

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

Photographer: SEAN HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY | Wedding Venue: MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT | AMANDA HOPCRAFT