The Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine is finally here! We have been working non-stop for the last couple of months putting together this fabulous issue. It is full of inspiration for any style and budget- from a outside-the-box space inspired wedding to vintage, cozy, and intimate celebrations complete with Grandma's homemade jam. We have curated images from all over Vermont, and beyond, to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Inside the pages of our magazine you can get tips for choosing the right hairstyle, see how a lovely couple from the city pulled off a winter wedding in Vermont, find the perfect vendors to help make your vision a reality, and explore the option of a honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Whatever type of wedding you are thinking of having, if you are planning a wedding in Vermont or New England then Vermont Bride is a must have resource. You can find copies for sale at area retailers throughout New England, or you can purchase it here on our website - and maybe even a couple of the past issues for further research! ;-)

Here is a little sneak peak of some of the inspiration features you will find within the pages of our magazine:

A Bygone Romance featuring: PHOTOGRAPHER: Wedding Photography by TSM | COORDINATOR & FLORAL DESIGN:  Unveiled Design & Events | VENUE:  Rand-Bryan House | DESIGN & DECOR: Greenhouse Picker Sisters | GOWN: Blush Bridal | HAIR STYLIST & MAKEUP ARTIST: Brittany Campbell, Sunshine Makeup and Artistry | CAKE: T-Tuttlecakes | STATIONERY: Scrappy Seahorse Designs | MODELS: Candice & John

Farm Fresh Inspiration featuring: PHOTOGRAPHER: The Light + Color Photography | STYLING & DETAILS: Sarah Jo Willey | FLORAL DESIGN: Creative Muse Floral Design | GOWN BOUTIQUE: Fiori Bridal Boutique | GOWN DESIGNER: Lillian West |  VENUE: The Barlow House | MODELS: Allison Machia, Allison Gervais, Anna Willey, Ella Willey

Derby Devine Inspiration featuring:  PLANNING & DESIGN: Jaclyn Watson Events | PHOTOGRAPHY: JAGstudios | VENUE: River Road Farm | CATERING: Forks & Fingers | DESSERTS: Birchgrove Baking | RENTALS: Chase Canopy | DRAPING: Drape Art Design | FLORAL DESIGN: Apotheca Flowers | STATIONERY: Admire Design | GOWNS: A Little Something White | JEWELRY: Libero Jewelers | MAKEUP & HAIR STYLIST: Dana Bartone & Co.

If you want to talk about destination weddings, this one is unique and extreme. The photos of Maja and Patrick’s intimate ceremony in Iceland are jaw droopingly gorgeous and the warmth of their love and happiness seem to melt the chilly landscape around them. Despite battling some less than ideal weather, Maja and Patrick were able to realize the magical elopement they envisioned. Iceland was breathtaking, with every road bringing new, spectacular views. The couple, and their photographer, drove 800km in two days in search of new vistas, awe-struck by the raw landscape. Maja and Patrick fell in love with Iceland because of it’s romantic, melancholy scenery and it’s neutrality. Since their families are spread all over the world it was impossible to include everyone, so they decided a private wedding followed by receptions in different locations seemed the fairest way to go about it. It also helped that they could start their honeymoon right away!

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHY: M & J Studios Photography | GOWN: Rami Kadi

Megan and Rick initially met at a cafe at the University of Vermont, but it wasn't until Rick invited Megan boating on Malletts Bay that they sparked a connection. Their engagement was picture-perfect, with champagne by the fire at the Von Trapp Lodge in Stowe, followed by a horse drawn sleigh ride at sunset where Rick got down on one knee in the sleigh and proposed. The couple already knew the perfect place to hold their wedding—The Tyler Place Family Resort—which is owned by Rick’s family. Their guests were able to stay on the property in the resort's cabins, where they were greeted by welcome bags filled with Vermont organic products.

The Tyler Place Resort offered a beautiful backdrop to their celebration, which included an outdoor ceremony under an arbor, and signature cocktails and appetizers on the lawn. Their advice for other couples planning their wedding: “Keep it simple and don’t spend more than you can afford.  People will remember the good times and human interactions, not the expensive items littering your wedding site.

featured professionals | VENUE, CATERING, FLORAL DESIGN, & SPA SERVICES: The Tyler Place Family Resort | PHOTOGRAPHER: TP Photographer, Zorin Furman | BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO OF BRIDE AND FATHER: Sarah J. Magistro | GOWN: Fiori Bridal Boutique | ALTERATIONS: Linda's Sew Unique | HAIR & MAKEUP STYLIST: Lauren Medard | FLORAL DESIGN: Flowers by Debbie | DJ & EVENT LIGHTING: 802 Events | INVITATIONS: Wedding Paper Divas | CALLIGRAPHY: Megan Dunbar, bride | CAKES & CUPCAKES: Sweetie Pies | MUSICIAN: Chris Hill, pianist | FAVORS: Vermont Organic Products | JEWELRY: Eaton's Fine Jewelry | WEDDING COORDINATOR: Jamie West | OFFICIANT: Judge Ron Kilburn

photo by Letter10 Creative

Classical music wafting through the air, elegantly winding through the gathered group of family and friends – or would you prefer a little Celtic lilt to put a spring in your step on your special day? Or what about that special hymn grandma always used to sing? Or that pop tune or show tune you always sang as a kid - or first danced to as a couple? Or what about something totally different - something composed just for your special day?

When most people think of “wedding music” what pops to mind is often Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (“Here comes the bride…”) or Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” or perhaps Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” You might imagine a church organ or perhaps a classical quartet. Many couples do choose some variation on the above for their wedding music - and why not? Classic, elegant choices that are easy to walk to, and that are tested by time, will never go out of style. Would a bride avoid wearing a long gown and decide not to exchange rings simply because everyone else does? Traditional choices can say as much about you as non-traditional choices, if chosen from the heart.  This type of connection with tradition and the past can be comforting, sentimental, and certainly can make your decision-making simpler!

 But sometimes couples choose music that’s a little different - and again, why not? It’s your day to paint the town - the music will paint the atmosphere and color the feeling of your celebration - why not choose music that has significance for you personally? That touch of you in the music will touch your guests as well as bringing you smiles - or tears - or a lift in your every move. Again, if the tunes that are significant for you are also popular with others, then go for it! If not, the sky’s the limit!

I had the honor of playing for a wedding where the bride had arranged or composed the music for her own wedding - including a special song performed by a friend. At another, the bride commissioned a friend to create medleys of a series of special songs - primarily Broadway songs and hymns, and chose popular but non-traditional classical music for the prelude. Many couples wish to have entirely classical music for their weddings, but prefer to completely avoid the traditional wedding standards. There are too many options to list here, but you may wish to look into music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, for the classic sound that’s not “wedding standard.” And by the way - don’t think of these composers as the stodgy old men you often see in pictures - if Bach really were the person we think of when we see his stiff representation in portrait, do you honestly believe he would have fathered 20 children? Or composed the intensely energetic music he did? Bach, in particular, composed some of the most versatile and awe-inspiring music ever heard - and a great deal of his music has been arranged for many different combinations of instruments, and is often heard at weddings, though never as the standards that could be considered “over-used” - so check him out! I’ve also recently played as recessionals:  “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles and “Landler” from Sound of Music; as processionals: “Til’ There Was You” and “Fanny Power.” I’ve played two weddings where the request was for music throughout the ceremony – essentially a soundtrack - a mix of styles, in one case with music continuing even as background for the vows, and the entire ceremony built on musical selections that were particularly special for the couple.

Want to get even more unique? Vermont boasts a huge variety of composers and song writers. If this is of interest, you may wish to contact Steve Klimowski, clarinetist from  the ”Classic Consort” - also director of the Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble – for names of Vermont composers who might suit your style. Why not consider having a special song composed just for your special day? It would lend a whole new meaning to the phrase “playing our song!”

Lisa Carlson is a freelance flutist, performing for weddings and other occasions throughout Vermont and beyond, with musical offerings ranging from a quartet of flute with violin, viola and cello, to solo flute, to duos and trios of flute with harp, violin, piano, cello, oboe, and more. She also teaches flute in Montpelier, Vermont and online to students worldwide.

Amy and Jay wanted a simple, vintage wedding with an organic feel that would highlight the beauty of fall in Midwestern Illinois. From the ceremony to the reception, their focus was having their friends and family around them. So instead of having a head table they set the tables up in a U shape to create one large family table. Amy's wedding gown was the same one her mother wore for her own wedding, which she had altered for a more modern look. The vibrant flowers echoed the fall color palette surrounding the natural setting. From their "first look" to fun photo ops in the corn field, Amy and Jay definitely succeeded in creating the casual and heartfelt celebration they dreamed of!

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Larson Photography | VENUE: Storybook Gardens | GOWN ALTERATIONS: DMP Tailoring and Alterations | GROOMS ATTIRE: H & M | Floral Designer: Pocket Full of Posies Florist | CATERER: Sweet Dream Desserts and Catering

Lauren grew up visiting Vermont to ski with her family, Stratton Mountain being a favorite destination. After She and David started dating, he quickly learned to ski and the couple spent many weekends in the winter traveling up to Stratton to ski, and in the fall and spring to hike. It became such a special place to them that David chose it as the location to propose to Lauren. On a rainy Saturday he surprised Lauren with an ATV ride up the mountain. With a beautiful view of Stratton Village and Bromley in the distance, David got down on one knee and popped the question! He even had champagne for a toast before they rode back down the mountain to enjoy a couple’s massage and a special dinner at her favorite restaurant.

With all of their history there, it came as no surprise that they chose Stratton for the location of their wedding celebration. The village also offered the perfect playground for their guests with an abundance of restaurants, bars, shopping, and activities - plus there was lodging available for everyone. They carried the theme of their location into their place cards, which were shaped like gondolas, and their tables which they named after their favorite trails on the mountain. Another Vermont favorite, maple cotton candy, was a hit during dessert and was a way for the couple to share their love of the Peru Fair, which they go to every year.

Some of their favorite moments involved how happy their families were throughout the day. Lauren’s father danced better, faster, and harder than anyone else and his joy was radiating with every move. They also loved their first look at the covered bridge, something they have skied under many times but had not gone inside of very often. It was a special moment that they took to reflect and relax before the ceremony.

Their advice for other couples; “Make your wedding about you!  Choose the things you love and that will make you happy on your special day.  Capture as many moments of happiness and joy as you can.  And in the end, just relax and enjoy it all because the day goes by entirely too fast!”

featured professionals | VENUE, CATERING, ACCOMMODATIONS: Stratton Mountain Club | PHOTOGRAPHER: Polis Photography | FLORIST: Flowers By Cara | CEREMONY: Chapel of the Snows | MUSICIAN: The Soul Sensations | CAKE: Price Chopper, Decorated by Flowers By Cara | WEDDING GOWN & ALTERATIONS: Angela’s Bridal | FORMAL WEAR: Men’s Wearhouse | HAIR & MAKEUP: Day Spa at Stratton Village | VIDEOGRAPHER: The Cavallaro Group | REHEARSAL DINNER: The Firetower | FAVORS: Maple Cotton Candy from Lewis’ Sugarhouse, and Kettle Corn by John Butler | INVITATIONS: Minted | WEDDING OFFICIANT: Justin Moore | JEWELRY: Barmakian Jewelers

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;

The seventh issue of the Vermont Bride Lookbook is here! This issue is full of gorgeous inspiration from an elegant and luxurious spring garden wedding to a rustic, winter soiree at a cabin in the woods. Browse ideas from real Vermont weddings held all over the state, in a variety of venues and styles. Check out our vendor directory and find out more information about each vendor by simply clicking on their ad.

The Lookbook is easy to view on all devices, from your desktop to your smart phone, and you can even bookmark pages or share content to Facebook, Pinterest, or via email. It is definitely an essential resource for any modern bride or groom planning their wedding! The best part is it is free to read and will be available to you any day, any time, and for as long as it's on the internet, which is basically forever. Check it out now! 

photo by Letter10 Creative

I still often cry at weddings. This may sound like a strange admission from someone who plays music at weddings all the time. Especially a flutist - no one wants a flutist sputtering and squeaking into their instrument during their processional. Rest assured, I have learned to turn off the faucet at the right times, but, well, I do often cry at weddings. 

It doesn’t seem to matter for me whether a couple has chosen Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” for processional or “When You Wish Upon a Star;’ ”Adagio” from Handel’s G major flute sonata  or the Celtic tune “Fannie Power;” Schubert’s “Ave Maria”  or Journey’s “Don’t’ Stop Believin;”  Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” or “Laendler” from Sound of Music; the Filipino popular song  “Ikaw” or the Jewish traditional song “Dodi Li” (my beloved) or the Broadway hit “’Til There Was You.” When I know the choice of ceremony music is heartfelt and reflects either the bride or groom’s love of tradition or their desire to be unique in a particular way, especially when I know that a particular tune brings tears to their eyes - I do frequently get caught up in the joy and emotion of the moment.

Your wedding day is, in the very best sense, all about you. It’s a time when you  choose from a palette of colors, sounds, views and words that reflect you - as individuals and as a couple. If each choice, as you make it, stirs your soul, helps you to understand and respect one another better - your similarities and your differences - and brings on the joy or the tears or the strength or the vulnerability that you seek, that will be felt by others present at your wedding. 

This past year, I met with a wedding couple and as I was playing through a few possible processionals, the bride-to-be told me “That one made me cry!” Well, I played a few more possibilities just to be sure, but it seemed clear that “Sheep May Safely Graze” was the one that was meant to be the wedding party processional for her wedding, where her daughter would be the junior maid of honor. As I was playing “Sheep May Safely Graze” as a duo with my own violinist daughter months later at this wedding, and the bride’s daughter was walking up the aisle, well, yes, I held off the tears for the time being, but only due to years of experience. I’ve played “Sheep May Safely Graze” many times, as well as the Pachelbel Canon that followed for the Bride’s processional, but in this moment, knowing how the bride felt about these pieces, I felt the music with a fresh perspective, energy and emotion.

Some couples know exactly what they want, while some have no idea. Sometimes the process can feel easy, sometimes overwhelming. As you can imagine from the list of processionals mentioned above (all from weddings I’ve played in one calendar year), the options for wedding music can be wide open and virtually limitless. If you’re overwhelmed with the decisions about wedding music, first speak with the professional musician you’ve chosen for your wedding. They may be able to make some suggestions that strike a chord for you, and that they know sound great with the instruments you’ve chosen. There are also numerous lists of options available online - a google search may make the difference between not knowing where to start and - “aha! That’s perfect!” And of course there’s YouTube. Your professional may be able to send you links to videos to give you some ideas, or you can browse yourself.

Your first step: know that your options are very wide, but can be very simple if you know what clicks for you (bearing in mind that in some cases there may be an extra charge for special sheet music purchases or arrangements, or some options may be less suitable for the instrument combination you may have already chosen). Your second step: find the music that makes your heart skip a beat or that brings you joy or sighs or tears - or whatever emotion you wish for your day.  The loved ones who gather with you on your day will feel it too.

Lisa Carlson is a freelance flutist, performing for weddings and other occasions throughout Vermont and beyond, with musical offerings ranging from a quartet of flute with violin, viola and cello, to solo flute, to duos and trios of flute with harp, violin, piano, cello, oboe, and more. She maintains a private flute studio for in Montpelier, Vermont and also teaches online to students worldwide.

As summer is winding down it may leave many of us dreaming of the beach and warmer weather. Perhaps this Labor Day weekend, even, you are traveling for one last hurrah at the ocean. So it seems fitting for us to share this warm and bright destination wedding that took place in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Under a stunning blue sky and amid the swaying palm trees, Cortney and Justin said "I do" on the beach, with barefoot bridesmaids and and sound of crashing waves in the distance. The beauty of the Azul Beach Resort only added to the tropical location and their friends and family enjoyed dining al fresco and then dancing the night away in celebration of their two families joining together.

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHER: Aldabella Photography | TRANSPORTATION: DestinationWeddings.com | VENUE, CATERING, FLORAL DESIGN: Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma | DRESS STORE: Blue Bridal Boutique | VIDEOGRAPHY: CaribePhoto | DRESS DESIGNER: Casablanca Bridal | HAIR STYLIST: Jennifer Voss-Pachello | TUXEDO AND MENS ATTIRE: Michael Kors | SPARKLERS: Special Events Mexico