Vermont
Bride Magazine Summer 2011 issue
Download the complete issue PDF (17.5 MB)
Download just the Bridal Resource Guide PDF (4.2 MB)
LOVE STORIES:
CONTENTS FROM THE SUMMER 2011 ISSUE
Cover photo by RaidenShine Photography
The cover bride for Summer 2011 issue is Amanda (Menard) Giroux
The Summer 2011 ISSUE - - OUR LARGEST ISSUE YET! Weighing in with 116 pages of information, resources, beautiful photography and extensive vendor lists, Vermont Bride Magazine is the guide to bridal events for this 2011 Wedding Season. Look for a copy available throughout the state of Vermont.
Wedding Photos Photographer: RaidenShine Photography
The plan for the evening was to go to Canada, and somehow I convinced Jason to go––he ended up riding in my vehicle. If you ask Jason the rest of the story he would say that I pursued him all night.
Our first meeting was not what you would call romantic or dreamy, but it is what led us to where we are today. On a crisp weekend in March, one of my friends invited me to visit her while she was housesitting for a relative. Jason was also visiting that weekend. I can still remember seeing him for the first time––it was priceless. He strutted in with the confidence about him that we still laugh about today. I even remember exactly what he was wearing (jeans and a white button-up shirt accented with his white necklace).
Later that evening, I challenged Jason to a game of pool, which he now states he won; however, I beg to differ.
Maybe we were too interested in each other to remember the outcome of the game. The plan for the evening was to go to Canada, and somehow I convinced Jason to go––he ended up riding in my vehicle. If you ask Jason the rest of the story he would say that I pursued him all night. Whatever the case, it worked! He was clearly interested, and by the end of the trip we exchanged numbers.
Later that week I contacted him and we decided to get together again, which was the start of an incredible relationship. This happened approximately six and a half years ago, and they have been the most wonderful and amazing six and half years of my life!
The engagement
Jason and I have a deep connection. I knew from the beginning that Jason was the one, but in 2009 we finally made it official. A group of friends, Jason, and I planned a trip to the Dominican Republic for March. Before the trip, I remember confiding in one of my friends that it would be so perfect if Jason proposed to me while on our trip. The week of our trip we began to pack. I offered to help Jason and suggested we split up our belongings to include some in each suitcase (just in case our luggage was lost). This is what I told him anyway, thinking that if he were to propose, he would need to put the ring in his suitcase. Jason was completely fine with this and so the thought of becoming engaged on our trip quickly left my mind. Little did I know Jason had actually been planning to ask me the entire time and had known me so well that he slipped the ring in the box, into his sock, and into his carryon bag.
After being in the Dominican Republic for five days we decided to have a night away from our friends, which we referred to as “date night.” On our date, Jason and I walked the amazing resort, had dinner and drinks, and then made our way to the beach. It was a beautiful breezy night, but after being in the heat all day, it didn’t take me very long to become cold.
Jason continued to walk further down the beach, and I informed him that I was feeling chilly. Jason asked if we could sit down on the beach chairs to enjoy the wonderful night. Thankfully I agreed (only with a little complaining). After only a short time of enjoying the scenery, Jason got up from the beach chair and stood in front of me. As he got down on one knee I remember how quickly my body became warm. At that moment Jason asked me to be his wife!
[Watch a special YOU TUBE presentation of the RaidenShine Photography from the Wedding online here.]
Not much could have made the night any better; although as we reconnected with our group of friends, we learned that they had accidentally witnessed the proposal. What a great thing to be able to share not only with my future husband but also my close friends.
The Planning
It was sad to leave such a memorable place, but at the same time I knew as soon as we arrived back to Vermont we could begin planning our wedding. Jason and I are very outdoorsy type of people and hoped to find a location somewhere on the water. As we searched various vendors we were unable to find a place that we really fell in love with until we visited the Sunset Ballroom. Although this location was not directly on the water, it had so much more to offer. The view was extraordinary, so amazing that we decided to have our ceremony onsite as well. Planning for such an important and special moment was slightly hectic at times but as we reminded ourselves of what was really important to us, we once again continued to enjoy the planning process.
Choosing the right vendors was important to us, and we made sure to listen to our hearts and chose vendors that we felt comfortable with them as well as liking their work.
After booking our ceremony and reception at the ballroom we began looking for our other vendors. A great resource through this process was Vermont Bride, which is where RaidenShine Photography caught our eye. Not only did we love the photos taken by RaidenShine, but we also learned only after a short period of time, how much they were willing to go above and beyond by helping us and remaining involved throughout our entire planning process while offering their expert advice. All of our vendors made us feel relaxed, which was a great indicator that we had chosen the right ones for us.
Esden Florist could not have done a more beautiful job with each and every one of the bouquets, perfecting the most wonderful combinations of flowers.
One of the most important vendors for Jason and me was the entertainment. I can honestly say that we chose just the right people for the job. Moonlight Entertainment worked with us to fit all of our musical needs as well as doing an excellent job with keeping our party going during the reception. A special part of our ceremony as well as our first dance included outstanding singing performances by one of our best friends as well as her father. It meant so much to Jason and me to have both of them involved in our special day.
Our wedding would not have been what it was if it weren’t for all of our vendors but most importantly, for our family and friends. We were able to spend one of the greatest days of our lives with the people that we love most!
August 28, 2010, will be a day that I will never forget. The sun was shining brightly, and as I walked down that aisle with my father I could not stop thinking how lucky I was to have found Jason. I knew the moment I laid my eyes on him at the end of the aisle that he was truly the love of my life. I hope that at some point, everyone in this world gets the chance to feel this way toward someone special in their lives.
Planning Advice
As you are planning for your day, don’t forget why you are planning in the first place. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff and remember that no matter what, your day will be perfect! It is about the celebration of your love with your future husband. Learn to relax and enjoy the process even if there are some bumps in the road. We learned that our guests did not even take notice to the things that we felt were slightly flawed. Also, finding vendors that you truly connect with is essential––vendors whom you feel comfortable asking a million questions to because you surely will have a million questions. I know I definitely did!
The day goes by extremely fast. Make it a point throughout the ceremony to make sure you spend moments, even seconds, absorbing everything. Take as much of it in, every chance you get. It is also important to make an effort to greet each table and let your guests know how much they are appreciated for spending this day with you! Enjoy your day, you truly do deserve it. Relax and have fun!
Featured Vermont Bride wedding professionals:
Catering:
Waterfront Catering Group
802-658-3663
www.vermontspecialoccasions.com
Flowers:
Esden Florist
802-827-6160
www.vermontbridemagazine.com
Photographer:
RaidenShine Photography
802-598-9186
www.raidenshine.com
Wedding gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, and tuxedos:
Needleman’s Bridal & Formal
800-924-Gown (4696)
www.needlemansbridal.com
Wedding and Reception Venue:
Sunset Ballroom
802-658-3663
www.vermontspecialoccasions.com
DJ:
Moonlight Entertainment DJ
802-233-5172, moonlightentertainmentdj.com
Cake: Noni Bethiaume
(groom’s family)
Hair and Nails: City Limit Salon
Jewelry: Hannoush Jewelers
Musicians: Angela Fitzgerald, Thomas Chevalier
Rehearsal Dinner: Lakeview Restaurant
