Our Love Story

PAGE 2

Laura (Shea) & Chris Lafaille
May 23, 2009
Catamount Country Club, Williston Vermonts

Laura (Shea) Lafaille was the cover bride from the Winter 2010 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine

Photography by Stina Plant Photography

The Engagement:

I knew how important marriage was to both of us and that we would one day be married. I knew what type of ceremony we would have. I knew exactly what I wanted my dress to look like. Heck, I even knew what my engagement ring would look like as we had designed one together with a jewelry designer, at Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry. I just didn’t know when, where, or how he would ask.

On July 27, 2008, I was in the kitchen doing dishes when Chris returned home from a morning round of golf. He was hanging around the kitchen island, carrying on about how great a morning he’d had. I paid no real attention until he started telling me how lucky we were to have met. As I turned to face him, he was down on one knee holding a small blue box. He proclaimed his love for me and asked if I’d spend the rest of my life with him. I, of course, said yes! (I must admit, though, in the middle of it I asked if he was serious because in preceding weeks he had joked with me and pretended to propose multiple times! Anyone that knows Chris knows he is quite the jokester! I guess it was his own special way of making sure I had no idea when it was coming.) We spent the rest of the day sharing our news with family and friends.

The Planning:

When it came to planning our special day, there were certain elements that were very important to us both. First came finding the perfect photographer. After weeks and weeks of talking to other brides, searching on-line, and finally as a referral from a close friend, we found Stina Plant Photography. As soon as we saw some of her work we both instantly knew we wanted her to capture our wedding story. From an early engagement session to our wedding day photos we were beyond pleased with her work. She was there to capture every little detail of our day, yet at the same time we never felt like we were under constant surveillance.

Much to the surprise of us and all of our guests, Stina set up a laptop at the reception, displaying digital images she had taken throughout the day for everyone to see. Of the nearly 200 people in attendance, I don’t think there was a single one that didn’t stop and watch the entire slideshow in complete amazement! In a simple sentence, Stina Plant is an amazing talent in Vermont’s photography industry.

Next, we needed to find the perfect venue. It had to have a beautiful outdoor setting for the ceremony. We wanted the reception to be at the same location. It needed to be large enough for 200 guests, yet still have a comfortable feel. We wanted to offer our guests a delicious menu on a budget we could afford. Catamount Country Club in Williston, VT, offered everything we were looking for.

We chose to get married on “The Rock” in a beautiful garden full of blooming flowers.

It was a very simple yet beautiful setting for us to exchange our vows. Aside from just the wedding site, Stina had free reign of the golf course. The numerous wooden bridges, wonderfully manicured greens, ponds and lovely green mountains in the background allowed for a truly “picture perfect day”! The food was absolutely delicious. Whether it was the crab stuffed haddock filets, the 14 oz. NY sirloins, or the chicken, one thing was for certain... the menu that we put together was a hit with everybody!

Memorable Moments:

The entire day was memorable, I was marrying the man of my dreams and we had our family and friends there to share and celebrate with us. Of course there are those that are no longer with us but they were certainly not forgotten.

We had a moment of reflection during our ceremony for those family members that could not be there to celebrate with us, in particular our grandparents who had passed. I had a special pocket made inside my dress to hold my Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s wedding rings. They were as close to my heart that day as they could be.

Instead of a traditional guest book, we made ornaments with our monogram on them and asked our guests to write us a message of advice for a happy marriage. We had such a blast going through them after the wedding!

When it came to finding our Justice of the Peace we were ecstatic to find out that a long time family friend had just been voted in as a Justice of the Peace. I contacted Charlotte Gardner of Colchester to see if she was available and she was! It was extra special - not only was she available but we were going to be the very first wedding she was officiating! She did a tremendous job helping us put our ceremony together, adding special details along the way.

Advice for Future Brides:

Plan in advance! It was really important for me to be able to enjoy the last few days before the wedding, and not be bogged down with a gigantic “to do” list. Once all of the major elements are nailed down, slowly start to pick away at all of the small details. Use vendors that allow you to hand them the reigns. Remember that they are professionals. Realize that not everything needs to be perfect and that there may be hiccups on your day. Just keep in mind this day is about you and your future husband taking your vows, and that is all that truly matters! Enjoy every second of your day and take it all in. It is truly a magical day for you and your husband!

Read page 1 of the Laura (Shea) and Chris Lafaille love story

Index of all Love Stories online at Vermont Bride Magazine