The Romance & Proposal...
We met 4 years ago when Daniel came to dance for my Ballet School in Canberra.

It was Christmas day and he took me on a very long walk around a beautiful part of Melbourne. When we arrived back at his parent's house, he took me into a quiet room and knelt down on one knee and asked would I marry him. I cried and laughed and jumped into his arms. Mind you, at first, I was just as excited thinking he had adopted a dog for us and that I was going to get it as a present. But a diamond ring from my wonderful man more than made up for the lack of a dog that Christmas day.

Abbie and Dan met during their freshman year at Ithaca College in history class, where Abbie would sit next to Dan and nervously try to start conversations with him. It took a few years, but eventually Dan finally asked her out on a date and soon the pair were inseperable. After a year and eight months of long distance dating between Boston and New York City, Dan moved to Boston to be with Abbie. Their wedding at The Ponds at Bolton Valley was full of romantic, elegant flowers in shades of pink and cream, and loaded with gorgeous vintage details. You can read their entire Lobe Sotry and see more photos from their wedding in the Summer/Fall 2017 issue of Vermont Bride magazine, available for pre-order now on our website and available on newsstands throughout New England starting the second week of June.

Stacy and Russ knew they had something special from the moment they met at a local tea shop. They soon fell into a familiar and comfortable pattern of sharing their life and love together and eventually were married in a small, initimate wedding at Back Inn Time, a classy, Victorian inn in Saint Albans. Here is what Stacy shared with us about her and Russ' relationship and how they planned their wedding:

We met online, through a website called OK Cupid. The site gives you a ton of questions to answer and evaluate, and they use that data to help you identify people you might be compatible with. Russ messaged me one night, and we chatted for a while, and kept chatting for a few days after that. When we decided to meet up in person, I suggested we meet at Dobra Tea. It was close to home for me, so I could walk their easily, and it’s not too noisy or full of drunk people, so I figured it would be a place we could actually talk and get to know one another. We ended up drinking tea and talking to one another until they were closing the shop around us. On the way out, he asked if I would want to go out again, and actually made plans for later that week. At the risk of sounding like every cheesy love story ever told, I felt like that night was really the start of something special.

The first time I saw his apartment was a few weeks later, and I walked in, and immediately noticed that he had owls everywhere. I’ve been collecting (obsessed with) owl things for years, so it felt a little spooky, but in a good way. 

Pat used to live across the street from the bar that Liza worked at and after a year of prompting from friends and coworkers, they finally began dating. Eventually they bought a house together, moving in during the winter. Once summer came and the snow thawed, they discovered an idyllic creek in their backyard which quickly became their favorite spot to relax. One afternoon Pat went down on one knee right in the water and asked Liza to marry him. They then had an impromptu celebration with close friends, family, and lots of champagne making it one of their fondest memories of their engagement.

Since both Liza and Pat are native Vermonters there was no question that was where they would hold their wedding. Liza has a penchant for vintage and the Barn at Lang Farm had the perfect combination of vintage style and Vermont fee that they were looking for. With antique touches and incredible views of Camels Hump beyond the farm’s gardens, the couple were sold. Their vintage-meets-rustic theme featured a blush, navy, gray, and marsala color palette and included lots of homemade and vintage touches.

Liza had grown up swooning over her grandparent’s black and white wedding portraits and knew she wanted to incorporate them somehow into the decor. She collected wedding portraits from other family and friends and dedicated each table to a different couple. It was a special way to include people whose marriage had inspired them in their own relationship. They also asked certain family members to bring a special dessert- grandma’s homemade donuts, Jackie’s signature apple pie, and Katie’s macaroons-to create a homemade dessert spread that their guests are still talking about!

They tried to DIY as much as possible so that their personalities and style really shone through. From wine bottle centerpieces, made from bottles of wine they shared, to a meticulously curated playlist of music, Liza and Pat did everything together. In this way the fun-loving and happy couple were able to give their family and friends a truly unforgettable party.

Liza and Pat’s advice for other couples: “t’s easy to get caught up in excitement and the details, but don’t let it stress you out. In the end, your guests will remember the experience, not the font on your invitations. Remember that ultimately this is a celebration for the two of you, so it should reflect both of you. Don’t try to do everything yourself - you’d be surprised what your groom wants to help with.”

featured professionals | VENUE: The Barn at Lang Farm | PHOTOGRAPHER: Colette Kulig Photography | CATERER: Bevo Catering | FLORIST: Centerpiece Florist | CAKE: Bride & Groom | GOWN: CB Couture | ALTERATIONS: Linda’s Sew Unique | FORMAL WEAR: Menguin | HAIR STYLIST: Liliana’s Hair | MAKEUP ARTIST: Beatriz Jarvis Makeup | INVITATIONS: Bride & Groom | JEWELRY: After Midnight Jewelers, Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry

There is something wildly beautiful about Lake Champlain in the winter, with the deep blue, icy water and wild terrain dotted with patches of snow. It is a raw, weather striken landscape that still glitters in the sunlight. The contrast of this backdrop with the warmth and intimacy of Kaitlin and Eric's Leap Day elopement is what we love about these images, from 822 Weddings. Kaitlin and Eric's love to each other shines through the chill, while Kaitlin's intricately beaded gown and luxurious coat brought an elegant touch to the intimate affair. Here is what Kaitlin shared with us about how this elopement came about;

With the help of a close friend in the jewelry business, John picked out a gorgeous Art Deco ring and even managed to sneak down to Courtney’s parents home in Rutland to ask for their blessing. The following weekend John moved in with Courtney, and surprised her with “one more box” to unpack-which was the ring! Both John and Courtney are native Vermonters so they knew their wedding had to be in Vermont. After looking at several locations they both fell in love with the Jackson Gore Inn. There was gorgeous views of the mountains, plenty of natural light, and the wedding coordinators made sure that everything was perfect.

Courtney is an avid skier so hosting the wedding at a ski resort made her feel right at home. John also appreciated the venues golf course and that there were many activities for their guest to enjoy while they were there. Courtney’s mother hand made the centerpieces out of vintage plates, teacups, and candlesticks. They were so beautiful that John and Courtney gave them away to guests, although it was hard to part with them! Another of the bride’s favorite details were the small sentimental touches in her gown/accessories.  Her “something blue” was a blue flower appliqué taken from her Mother’s wedding gown, and sewn into the inside of hers.  She wore a necklace that was made from her maternal Grandmother’s ring, and her “something old” was a handkerchief sewn by her paternal Great-Great-Great Aunt.

The groom had several favorite details including the cigar bar which featured vintage tins and decorations also made by the mother of the bride. Both of their mothers have Italian heritage, so we wanted to honor that by stocking the dessert bar full of our families’ traditional Italian desserts such as Jordan Almonds, Torrone, and Anginetti (Gennettes). Both John and Courtney are very family oriented. Both chose their siblings to serve as our Maids of Honor and Best Men.  They were both fortunate to have their Grandmothers in attendance as well.  Their ceremony was held in Courtney’s childhood church, and the processional and recessional music were the same songs that her parents walked down the aisle to 40 years ago.

A few of their favorite moments from the day;

• A hilariously heartfelt and choreographed performance for the Maids of Honor speech. 
• When they “stole away” to the upper floor of the round room and took a moment to enjoy each other and to watch all the guests rocking out on the dance floor.
• Dodging raindrops while trying to get some great outdoor photos.
• Serendipitously, the evening before the wedding, they were treated to a concert by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and a huge fireworks display.  

John and Courtney’s advice for other couples; “Try to relax and enjoy the process….it can be a very stressful, but also an extremely enjoyable fun experience.  Your wedding day will be a complete whirlwind, but you will find that most of the things you worried about, turn out just perfectly.  All that really matters is that your family and friends are there to surround you with love.”

featured professionals |  VENUE, CATERING, & ACCOMMODATIONS: The Roundhouse at the Jackson Gore Inn | PHOTOGRAPHER: Lili Boxer | FLORIST: Bloomers Garden Flowers | CEREMONY: Trinity Episcopal Church | MUSICIAN/DJ & PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL: Music that Moves You | CAKE: Michelle’s Sweet Creations | WEDDING GOWN: Stella York | FORMAL WEAR: Men’s Warehouse | HAIR & MAKEUP: Five Elements Salon & Day Spa | REHEARSAL DINNER: Table 24 | WEDDING OFFICIANT: Rev. Liam Muller | ENGAGEMENT RING AND GROOM’S WEDDING BAND:  Tick Tock Jewelers | BRIDE’S WEDDING BAND: Lang Antiques

When you think of classic, timeless wedding style you probably think of soft, romantic colors and textures. The pink of a budding rose, the delicate ivory of heirloom lace, opulant pearls and sparkling jewels. Those are the exact same ideas that inspired this gorgeous photo shoot from Ashley Largesse Photography. It is one of our favorite features from the Winter/Spring edition of Vermont Bride Magazine, but as with all of our features, we could not fit every amazing photo into the pages of our publication. So without further adieu - here are some of our other favorite images of the beautiful and elegant details from this truly inspiring design.

 featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: Ashley Largesse Photography | VENUE: An Affair by the Lake | FLORAL DESIGN: Village Green Florist Weddings & Events | BRIDAL GOWN: Fiori Bridal Boutique | PLANNING: Et Cetera Event Co. | BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Fashion Corner Bridal Boutique | INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Christa Alexandra Designs | VINTAGE RENTALS: Vermont Vintage Weddings | CAKE & PASTRIES: The Little Purple Cake Shoppe | BRIDAL JEWELRY: Edera Jewelry | BRIDESMAID'S JEWELRY: TSB Designs | MIMOSA BAR: The Vermont Juice Company | MAKEUP: Jennifer Perellie Makeup | HAIR STYLIST: Kerry Armstrong Formal Hair Design | GIFTS: Common Deer

Robby and Stephanie dreamed of a rustic style wedding full of sentiment and designed to pull the heartstrings. They met in Kindergarten and both have a special place in their heart for animals, especially since Stephanie's father is part owner of Safari Wilderness Ranch. Stephanie and Robby decided that the barn at the ranch was the perfect backdrop for their nuptials and celebration. Stephanie's vision of a romantic, simple, rustic, yet elegant wedding was filled with vintage details such as authentic butter churns, mason jars, mini cobbler favors made on site, custom made beer bar, and customized mason jar placecards. The day included the most perfect weather for an outdoor intimate ceremony, breathtaking flowers and gorgeous dresses. Stephanie and Robby were wed surrounded by their loved ones and wild African and Asian animals.

One of our favorite inspiration features from the new Summer/Fall 2015 edition of Vermont Bride Magazine, is the Something Old, Something Blue fashion spotlight. A dramatic, old-world theme styled by Danika Johnson, of Blomma Flicka, set at the rusticly elegant Samuel Read Hall House in Brownington. Bold patterned walls, charmingly innocent farmhouse character, and a weather-worn barn are the perfect contrast to Danika's lush, colorful bouquet design and the custom gown from Tara Lynn Bridal.

Amy and Joel’s vintage inspired wedding was truly a blend of cultures. Joel and Amy met overseas and dated long-distance— she was living in Rome, and he in Ohio. They gave their relationship a fair chance though. After months of Skype sessions and handwritten letters, they found themselves in love. Joel proposed shortly after moving to Rome, and they began planning a perfect-for-them wedding that reflected all they hold dear: friends, family, and special touches. They had many Italian friends fly in for it, and had Italian traditions incorporated into their wedding day— Scripture read in Italian during their ceremony, Italian food at their reception, gelato with the wedding cake, and the Italian ribbon-cutting ceremony as Amy left for the wedding ceremony. We also fell in love with all of the charming, special details from the day.

Amy is a darling artistic person, and made most of the decor herself. Including the vintage paper backdrop at the reception. The bunting is made from her grandmother’s scrap fabric bin and Amy hand-drew the olive-leaf motif on their invitations and program. Vintage also played a big role in the decor — They served dinner and dessert on china that Amy collected at vintage stores and yard sales for months before the wedding. It’s the little, personal details that always end up being the most meaningful. Amy wore a gold bracelet — the same one worn by her mother, sister and grandmother on their wedding days. While out on a regular weekend trip to the farmer’s market near her parents’ house, Amy met a woman selling flowers and decided that wildflower bouquets would be the most natural accompaniment to her sweet wedding decor. Homemade buckeyes and maple syrup favors were the finishing touch to their heartfelt, made-with-love celebration.