How and Where did you meet? Nicholas and I met back in High School- The first time we dated Patricia was 18 and Nicholas was 20- we were smitten with each other telling everyone we would marry all our family said it was just puppy love- as typical teens we broke up. A couple years later we dated again then dated long distance while Patricia was in Utah again we broke up. Lived life separately without any communication for nearly 9 years. Then a Facebook message changed that- Patricia Messaged Nicholas December 11, 2012 to see where and how He was. He actually responded- at that time I was living in West Palm Beach Florida and Nick was in Vermont with now a son; Evan he was 6 year old. He later would fly and we would reunite, truly 3rd time is a charm! We hit it off, almost like we never lost that connection and our love was still there. I moved back to Vermont and we moved in together July 13, 2013. By Dec 08. 2013 we found out we were pregnant creating our family! 

What was the proposal like? After our daughter was born July 27, 2014 I was still wondering when will he propose? I gave him some guidelines- not on my birthday, not on a holiday and not in front of family or strangers! LOL Dec 18, 2014 Nicholas got on one knee and asked me if I would be by his side for the rest of our lives! He started celebrating I then asked would he like to know my answer LOL I said yes! MInd you I was just literally holding our daughter after nursing her and was getting us ready to visit santa in the Mall for a photo- so he totally caught me off guard. 

Friends for nine years before they became a couple, Emily and Patrick met in High School. Because of their long friendship it did not take Pat very long to decide Emily was the one, and he proposed on Christmas Day within the first year. They fell in love with The Wallingford Lodge because of it’s woodsy, secluded location, and the amazing views. Emily particularly loved that she had complete control over the decorating of the reception and she DIY’d many of the decor elements in a bohemian/fall theme. 

Her favorite detail was the grape soda bottle cap pin she made for Pat in honor of the movie UP and to incorporate their love of Disney. She also loved her customized floral crown made with berries, pinecones, flowers, and succulents. Both Emily and Pat wanted to have an intimate first look before the ceremony. They met at a circle of trees near the lodge to share a giggle and some happy tears before walking down the aisle. Both of Emily’s parents walked her down the aisle, something that meant a lot to her since they are both her best friends and a huge part of her life. 

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: Red Bird Photography, Moments Photography | EVENT RENTALS: Celebration Rentals | VENUE: Wallingford Lodge | FLORIST: Carr’s Florist | CAKE: Marie Coombs | FAVORS: Potlicker Kitchen, Vermont Roots | GOWN: A Trace of Lace | FORMAL WEAR: McNeil and Reedy | HAIR STYLIST: Avanti Hair | MAKEUP ARTIST: Em & M Makeup by Emily | INVITATIONS: Etsy | BAND: Bobby Dick and the Sundowners and DJ Susie Q | WEDDING PLANNING: The Event Sisters | WEDDING OFFICIANT: Carl Mazzariello

Elizabeth and Dylan’s relationship evolved from friendship to something more during their time at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. On their eighth anniversary they planned a hiking trip in New Hampshire but what Elizabeth thought would be a day trip was really a romantic weekend getaway in a log cabin that Dylan had planned. On the first evening while sitting by a waterfall at sunset, Dylan proposed!

Elizabeth grew up in Vermont and always envisions having her wedding there someday. The couple wanted a vanue that was both indoors and outdoors, with a beautiful view. The Skinner Barn had everything on their checklist, and more. While the day of their wedding seems like a blur of amazing events, the feeling of love and support from their friends and family is what stands out to them most. An indescribable feeling of joy to accompany a surreal weekend of celebrating their relationship and marriage.

Elizabeth and Dylan have this advice for other couples: “All the details are fun (and sometimes stressful) to plan but remember what it’s all about.  No matter what the details look like, it will be the most amazing day, celebrating you and your partner with so much love from family and friends.  One thing we did is we took a moment to ourselves right after the ceremony, we walked down the aisle and went straight to the side of the barn, where they had set up a glass or champagne for us and we just had a few minutes to reflect and be alone, it was one of the most memorable moments of our wedding.  So even if it’s only a few minutes, take it, spend a few minutes alone with your new husband/wife.”

featured professional | VENUE: THE SKINNER BARN | PHOTOGRAPHER: JAMY BEECHER PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERER: CATERING BY DALE | BOUQUETS AND BOUTONNIERES: MAD RIVER GARDEN CENTER | DJ: DJ LUIS CALDERIN | CAKE: MIX CUPCAKERIE | WEDDING GOWN: MAGGIE SOTTERO | GOWN BOUTIQUE: CAMILLA’S BRIDAL | FORMAL WEAR: BANANA REPUBLIC | MAKEUP ARTIST: VIVIAN INFANTINO | HAIR STYLIST: KRISTEN JARVIS | REHEARSAL DINNER: MAD RIVER BARN | PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL: MICHAEL TALLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY | RENTALS: VERMONT TENT COMPANY | TRANSPORTATION: ALPINE TRANSIT | FAVORS: CARMAN BROOK FARM | INVITATIONS: RUSTIC PAPERS | WEDDING OFFICIANT: LINDSEY FARRELL

Kristina and Alain met on a balcony at a mutual friends party. When the crowd dissipated and they were the only two people left outside, Alain took the opportunity to kiss Kristina, and their love story began! One of their first getaways as a couple was to Burlington, Vermont - just a short drive from their hometown of Montreal. They immediately fell in love with the scenery, food, and amazing people in Burlington. When Kristina received an email from Hotel Vermont advertising their elopement package, she knew it was the perfect option for her and Alain.

Hotel Vermont took care of all the details for the elopement, so all Kristina and Alain had to do was hire a photographer. They chose a dark red and deep purple color palette- perfect for their Valentine’s Day wedding. Despite the chilly temperatures they opted for an outdoor ceremony, fireside, and took the opportunity to take photos on Church Street with all of the twinkling lights. They even braved the wind for photos on the lake at sunset. It might have been the coldest weekend of the year, but seeing the sunset on the lake ended up being one of their favorite moments of the day.

Krstina and Alain’s advice for other couples planning their big day: “Make sure you hire reputable vendors and do all of your planning ahead of time so you can relax and take in the day because even though we eloped it went so fast.  Remember nothing is ever ‘perfect’ and it’s the things that don’t go as planned that make it the most memorable.”

featured professionals | VENUE & ACCOMMODATIONS: HOTEL VERMONT | PHOTOGRAPHER: COLETTE KULIG PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERER: PIZZA VERITAS | FLORIST: CLAYTON FLORAL | CAKE: MIRABELLES CAFE | WEDDING GOWN: DAVID’S BRIDAL | FORMAL WEAR: KENNETH COLE | MAKEUP: SEPHORA WEDDING | OFFICIANT: CAMERON KEITEL FROM THE HOTEL VERMONT | JEWELRY: SWAROVSKI

Kamala and Amr had a gorgeously, darmatic Indian themed wedding featuring a bold color palette of deep raspberry, purple, and gold. Rich tapestries, known as saris, were draped over the rafters in the atrium which perfectly captured the essence of their theme and gave an elegant and dramatic touch to the room. Each table was covered with exquisitely colored linens and unique candle holders that are typically used in Indian weddings. Kamala and Amr’s favorite moments were from their ceremony-the unity sand ceremony, vows, and readings created a beautiful and amazing sequence of events that reflected their deep love for each other and perfectly combined their personalities. Sharing those moments with all of their guests made the whole day magical.

To read more about Kamala and Amr's love story and see more photos from their wedding, pick up a copy of the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine today!

featured professionals | VENUE, WEDDING PLANNER, CATERER, CAKE, MAKEUP, TRANSPORTATION, & ACCOMMODATIONS: ESSEX RESORT & SPA | PHOTOGRAPHER: LIS PHOTOGRAPHY | FLORIST: JUST WEDDINGS FLORAL DESIGN | GOWN & ALTERATIONS: SHALINE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE | FORMAL WEAR: MEN'S WAREHOUSE | BRIDESMAID'S & FLOWER GIRL'S DRESSES: DAVID'S BRIDAL | HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT DOCKSTADER, SCHERDIVA SALON | JEWELRY: PERRYWINKLE'S FINE JEWELRY | DJ: TOP HAT ENTERTAINMENT | RENTALS: VERMONT TENT COMPANY | INVITATIONS: ZAZZLE | FAVORS: KATE ASPEN FAVORS & DECOR | WEDDING REGISTRY: BED, BATH & BEYOND, CRATE & BARREL | REHEARSAL DINNER: HALVORSON'S UPSTREET CAFE | OFFICIANT: DAVID FORTUNA

Rachel and Michael met in Cape Town, South Africa, while on a study abroad program in law school. Rachel had almost decided to not attend the program as her father had passed away right before she left. Her family and friends encouraged her to go, despite her sadness, and now she is ever so grateful she did. Fate would have it that the two would meet and, within days, they were inseperable. They studied together, explored the country together - even dove with great white shark together! They enjoyed the trip so much that they decided to extend it, renting a car and driving along the South African coast. Eventually the day came that they had to return to their respective law schools, which were far apart in different cities. But they were determined to make the long distance work and many plane trips, phone calls, and emails later - they were finally ready to tie the knot. Because their relationship had been scattered across the country, it only made sense to Rachel and Micael that they should have a destination wedding - in Vermont!

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: K Hulett Photography | DJ: Peak Entertainment | VENUE: Phelps Barn, Grafton Inn | INVITATION DESIGNER: Jennifer Newman | EVENT PLANNER: Kathy Cray | FLORAL DESIGNER: Lynda Dandeneau Flowers | DRESS DESIGNER: Pronovias | JEWELRY: Isaac's Jewelers | SHOES: Jimmy Choo | FORMALWEAR: Jos A Bank | OFFICIANT: Wendy Martin, Justice of the Peace

Although both had been married before, Julie and Brian both knew that this time was different, and they wanted to celebrate the joy of finding a love that is also built on friendship. Thus their “It is never too late for Happily Ever After” theme was born! The couple has spent many holidays and special occasions at The Mountain Top Inn and Resort and knew it would be the prefect spot to say “I do”. It even overlooks the Chittenden Reservoir, where Julie and Brian went kayaking on their very first date.

Their color palette was gray, neutrals, and touches of purple. They also incorporated birch candle holders that were hand cut from family property in New York. There were lots of handmade touches- Julie’s best friend Tracie hand crafted the silk flowers that were in the bouquets and center pieces, and Brian made his famous handmade fudge for favors. The hair piece Julie wore closely resembled the one her mother had worn at her own wedding, 50 years prior, and the rose petals guests tossed had been saved from roses Julie received from Brian throughout their relationship. The kayak oar guest book also has special meaning, as both Julie and Brian love to kayak and it was how they connected on their first date.

Family is number one to both Julie and Brian, so they wanted to involve their family as much as possible. The wedding party consisted of their children and grandchildren. Brian’s son, Kristopher, gave a heartfelt and humorous speech, while Julie’s three daughters, Alaura, Alyssa, and Aimee, put together a speech that went along with the Fresh Price of Bel-Air rap. Their friend Lauren, who first introduced the couple, officiated at the ceremony and was able to tell guests how the couple first met.

Some of Julie and Brain’s favorite moments included the final sendoff where guests made an arch of sparklers the couple went through as they cheered, Tracie and her son Chase, did a reading from Dr. Seuss “Oh the Places You Will Go!”, Julie’s niece, Kelly, also did a reading, and Molly Quinn did an amazing rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Their advice for other couples planning a wedding; “Enjoy every moment of your engagement!”

featured professionals | VENUE, CATERER, & ACCOMMODATIONS: Mountain Top Inn & Resort | WEDDING PLANNER: Chelsea Howe from Mountain Top Inn & Resort | PHOTOGRAPHER: Aspiring Photography by Jessica Thompson | FLORIST: Silk flowers handcrafted by bride’s best friend Tracie Irwin | DJ: Michael Coppinger | VOCALIST: Molly Quinn | CAKE: Centerpiece Cakes by Steph | WEDDING GOWN: Trace of Lace | ALTERATIONS: Make It Sew | TUX/FORMAL WEAR: McNeil and Reedy | HAIR STYLIST: Seguin Ragosta | MAKEUP ARTIST: Cassie Lafaso | INVITATIONS: Mixpic | JEWELRY: Etsy | FAVORS: Fudge homemade by the groom | WEDDING OFFICIANT: Lauren Sullivan | WEDDING REGISTRY: Bed, Bath and Beyond | GIFT TO GROOM FROM BRIDE: A compass engraved “For Our Adventures.”

Sarah and Michael may have fallen in love in Florida, but when it came time to plan their wedding they wanted to have it in Sarah's home state-Vermont. After touring the Stowehof, in Stowe, they knew the cozy and welcoming feel of the inn was exactly what they were looking for. It also helped that it is surrounded by the beautiful mountains. Their wedding celebration was fun, cozy, and carefree - just like their personalities.

It was important to them both that they honored their families. The talit over the chuppah was from Mike's relatives and Sarah's hairpeice was originally worn by her great-grandmother when she was married. Their advice to other couples planning their wedding; "Take your time and follow your heart!"

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: Jesse Schloff Photography | VENUE, CATERING, ACCOMMODATIONS: Stowehof Inn and Resort | WEDDING COORDINATOR: Saunie Sirch | GOWN BOUTIQUE: Fiori Bridal Boutique | FORMALWEAR: Men's Wearhouse | HAIR STYLIST: Always Hair | DJ: Wedding DJ VT | INVITATIONS: Paperless Post | OFFICIANT: Rabbi Rim Meirowitz

After Bonnie and Corey were engaged they spent many weekends touring New England for the perfect wedding venue. Bonnie then remembered the beautiful open space at Boyden Valley Winery, which she had toured with her parents months before. After the couple took a drive to check it out, in the dead of winter, they knew it was the ideal place for them. It was important to them both that the wedding was personalized to their relationship and so they ended up putting together most of the details themselves. Bonnie’s parents helped to hand craft table linens, centerpieces, a cupcake stand - even Bonnie’s veil! Almost ever piece of decor at the wedding was created by someone they love.

Because of the historic nature of the barn they were not allowed to have any open flames, but Bonnie still managed to create a warm, ambient lighted atmosphere by using amber colored lights inside of mason jars. The effect reminded Bonnie of her love of catching fireflies as a child. The color palette was an ombre of purples - from eggplant to lavender - as well as gold, and pops of green. The couple wanted to keep waste at a minimum so many items were up-cycled or ended up going home with them. Each guest received a potted cooking herb which doubled as part of the centerpieces.

The reception featured several mini desserts for their guests to enjoy and Bonnie had intended to have mini “his” and “hers” cakes in place of a traditional cake cutting. Due to time constraints the mini cakes did not make it but, on a whim, they decided to toast marshmallows at the outdoor s’mores bonfire and feed them to each other. It was completely spontaneous and very personal as the couple loves to camp and cook outdoors, and became one of their favorite moments. 

Bonnie and Corey’s advice for other couples planning a wedding; “This advice was given to us by my cousin Caroline who married us, it was such great advice, I will pass it along. Make sure there is a private space for the two of you to escape to immediately following the ceremony – some place you can be alone for a few minutes to take it all in. Also, have your caterer have a drink and some hors d'oeuvres ready for you in the space. You can toast to being married – and this might be the only time you eat!”

featured professionals | VENUE: The Barn at Boyden Farm | PHOTOGRAPHER: Brit Perkins Photography | CATERER: Spice of Life | DJ: Wedding DJ Vermont  | CUPCAKES: My Little Cupcake | WEDDING GOWN: Madeleine’s Daughter | ALTERATIONS: Cape Cod Alterations | TUX: Express | HAIR & MAKEUP: Salon Elixir  | VIDEOGRAPHER: Evan T. Perry/Brit Perkins Photography | EVENT RENTALS: Vermont Tent Company | FAVORS: Boyden Valley Winery Wine Glasses

Hilary and Joshua have lived many places during their relationship, due to Joshua’s military service, but they dream of one day planting roots in Vermont. To them it is the most beautiful state in the country and so it was the perfect place for them to hold their wedding. They chose to stay at Stowe Mountain Lodge while they searched for a venue, but upon checking in to the resort they realized they had already found the perfect place!

Their theme of rustic glamour had shades of purple and gold to compliment the woodsy feel of the decor, which featured lots of flowers and plants. It was the perfect combination of classy, elegance, and rugged, nature. Solstice, the caterer at Stowe Mountain Lodge, worked with the couple to create their dream menu with duck, venison, local cheeses, and all local drinks. Their last minute decision to hire the band The Party Factor for the reception helped them show off their dance lessons.

Hilary and Joshua’s advice for other couples planning their wedding; “When you're choosing a venue, don't forget you're also interviewing a wedding coordinator. One of the main reasons we chose Stowe was because Wendy Collins, our coordinator, was stellar. She made what would have been a stressful year much easier and on the Big Day itself, took care of all the behind the scenes work. We literally had nothing to worry about the day of, and everything went flawlessly.”

featured professionals | VENUE, ACCOMMODATIONS, HAIR & MAKEUP, & SPA SERVICES: Stowe Mountain Lodge | PHOTOGRAPHER: Kathleen Landwehrle | REHEARSAL DINNER & RECEPTION & CATERER: Solstice at Stowe Mountain Lodge  | FLORIST: School House Garden | BAND: The Party Factor | CAKE: The Cakery | WEDDING GOWN & ALTERATIONS: La Reine Bridal | FAVORS: Mount Mansfield Maple Products | INVITATIONS: Kleinfeld Paper | WEDDING PLANNER: Wendy Collins at Stowe Mountain Lodge