Michael chose the perfect time to propose to Eleonore, right before they were about to head home to Vermont to celebrate Christmas with their families. Before they left California, where they were both doing residencies at Stanford, Michael gave Eleonore a beautiful Tiffany necklace as an early Christmas present. When she turned around after putting it on he was waiting with the ring. Even though they were living in California at the time, the couple knew they wanted to have their wedding in Vermont where they had both grown up and their relationship had begun.

To read more of Eleonore and Michael's love story and to see more photos from their wedding be sure to pick up your copy of the Summer/Fall 2017 issue of Vermont Bride magazine, now available for preorder here!

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.

Since Michelle and Jared met in Vermont and the state holds such special meaning to each of them, it was exactly where they wanted to celebrate with friends and family. A blend of elegant and rustic style in an idyllic barn setting was complimented beautifully with their peach and sage green color palette- full of vintage and antique details!

Shannon and Allen first connected on Tinder and within a few days had their first date. The connection was immediate and they knew the relationship was something special. A couple of years later, while on vacation with Shannon’s family, Allen surprised Shannon with a proposal by the water. His teary eyes and nervous behavior told her that something was about to happen, but it was still a shock when he got down on his knee with a ring. They celebrated with champagne and dinner with Shannon’s family- the perfect ending to a whirlwind of a night.

Shannon grew up in Vermont and Allen in Maine, so they couple have a love of the slower pace in the north country. They live in the Boston area and knew that it would be a lovely escape from the city to hold their wedding in the green mountains. Shannon always knew she wanted to get married in Vermont because of it’s beauty and the special place it holds in her heart. They had actually started looking at venues before their engagement and toured Stratton while in Vermont for Christmas. They immediately fell in love with everything it had to offer- from lodging to an on site chapel, so that everything could be held in one location. They knew their guests could enjoy an entire summer weekend in Vermont with so much to see and do there.

Shannon loved to flip through Vermont Bride magazine for inspiration and loved that she could see so many different styles of weddings. They settled on a “Rustic Chic” theme with tan, soft pink, sage green, and burlap for their color palette and decor. Some of their favorite moments were the first look before their ceremony with just the two of them, and the fire and cocktail party they held on the Friday before the wedding. There was so much love, laughter and fun and everything came together above and beyond what they had imagined.

Shannon and Allen’s advice for other couples planning a wedding is: “If you’re on the fence with a first look…do it! It is such a special moment for just the bride and groom and having that captured on camera is something we are so happy that we have. We look at those pictures and talk about that moment almost every day. As a bride, the wedding day can be nerve wracking but every nervous butterfly I had went away once I saw Allen, it’s an indescribable feeling. Enjoy every second of the process from the engagement to planning to the big day because it truly does go by so fast. Wedding planning can be very overwhelming and stressful and it can cause the whole process to be more of a job than fun, when it gets stressful, take a step back, realize what all of it is for and know that in the end it will all be worth it and it does not need to be as stressful as it seems because everything will be perfect in the end.”

featured professionals | VENUE, ACCOMMODATIONS, CATERING, AND TRANSPORTATION: Stratton Mountain Resort | PHOTOGRAPHER: Celia Kelly Photography | FLORIST: Nancy Bishop Floral Design | DJ: Peak Entertainment | CUPCAKES: Crazy Russian Girl Bakery | WEDDING GOWN: Lily Saratoga | ALTERATIONS: Will Fit You In | FORMAL WEAR: Men’s Warehouse | HAIR STYLIST: Stella’s Salon + | MAKEUP ARTIST: Stacy Hunter | REHEARSAL DINNER: Garlic John’s | FAVORS: Hobson’s Choice | INVITATIONS: Minted

Monica and Patrick met as young children-their parents remember him chasing her around and saying he would marry her one day! But Patrick and his parents moved away and they lost touch for twenty-something years. A serendipitous reunion on Christmas found them bonding over their mutual love of skiing and Patrick eventually brought Monica to his family vacation home near Stratton Mountain.

Monica and Patrick's love of Vermont drew them to the state to search for a wedding venue. On their very first day of searching, they fell in love with Hildene. There was also a St. Paul’s church nearby, which was perfect since they had met as children at their local St. Paul’s in New York. Their one goal when planning their wedding was to share a memorable celebration with the people who mean the world to them, and to be romantic and playful. It was full of handmade touches they put together with their friends and family; golden animal drink stirrers and magnets to hold the escort cards, floral bases for the centerpieces, and watercolored menus and table names.

To read more of Monica and Patrick's love story and to see more photos from their wedding, pick up a copy of the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine! They are available for purchase on newsstands throughout New England as well as right here on our website.

featured professionals | ICE CREAM STAND: BEN & JERRY'S | EVENT LIGHTING: RAIN OR SHINE TENT AND EVENTS CO | PHOTOGRAPHER: JONATHAN YOUNG & ELISABETH MILLAY | VIDEOGRAPHER: VALERIE BARNES | VENUE: HILDENE | FLORAL DESIGN: LILY OF THE VALLEY | DJ, PHOTO BOOTH, & EVENT LIGHTING: SUPERSOUNDS DJ INC. | CATERING, BAR SERVICE, & CAKES: PANGEA | GOWN: CASABLANCA & MODECA | SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN | TUX: THEORY | GROOM'S SHOES: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO | HAIR STYLIST: PATTY BASSET | MAKEUP ARTIST: FLAWLESS COSMETIC DESIGN | INVITATIONS: DESIGNS BY ROBYN LOVE | TRANSPORTATION: DUFOUR TOURS | CEREMONY: ST. PAUL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH | OFFICIANT: REV. THOMAS MATTISON | REHEARSAL DINNER: INN AT WEST VIEW FARM | ACCOMMODATIONS: INN AT WILLOW POND | WEDDING COORDINATOR: NICOLE BROCK, HILDENE | REGISTRY: ZOLA

Feeling a connection to the Vermont landscape and people from their very first visit, Lisa and David chose it for their dream destination wedding. They knew they wanted a barn venue and after viewing a video on the Alerin Barn website, they decided to go check it out. It was love at first sight with the perfect outdoor space for the ceremony and a rustic, chic feel that Lisa was looking for. They went with a soft, romantic color palette of dusty shale, soft mint, blush, ivory, and gold—all colors that their wedding photographer knew would look wonderful in the photos as well. Lisa and David DIY’d a lot of the decor, such as the “LUEA” letters hanging in a door frame, centerpieces made of family photos, a suitcase that belonged to Lisa’s aunt became their card holder, and they had little colorful books from Black Ink for guests to write stories or well wishes in.

To read more about Lisa and David's love story and to see more photos from their wedding, be sure to pick up a copy of the Winter/Spring 2017 Vermont Bride Magazine at select retailers throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey, or purchase a copy on our website here!

featured professionals | VENUE: THE ALERIN BARN | PHOTOGRAPHER: J. HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERER: SWEET BASIL CAFE & CATERING | FLORAL DESIGN: ALL ABOUT FLOWERS | CAKE: BENTLEY'S BAKERY & CAFE | DJ: AVID ENTERTAINMENT | GOWN: SIMPLY VERA BY VERA WANG | ALTERATIONS: QUEEN DRESSMAKERS | FORMAL WEAR: INDOCHINO, H & M | HAIR AND MAKEUP: SHEAR SENSATIONS | JEWELRY: BLUE NILE, TIFFANY & CO., DESIGNED BY SERGIO | VIDEOGRAPHER: BRIAN DELABRUERE | FAVORS: CABOT MAPLE SYRUP | INVITATIONS: SALOMOM E. FRAUSTO, BROTHER OF BRIDE | REHEARSAL DINNER: SCREAMING BOAR SMOKEHOUSE | ACCOMMODATIONS: FAIRBANKS INN, COMFORT INN AND SUITES | TRANSPORTATION: BUTLER'S BUS SERVICE | OFFICIENT: GLENN COLLINS | SPA SERVICES: BLISS SPA, SHEAR SENSATIONS | REGISTRY: CRATE & BARREL, TARGET, MACY'S | VEIL: GILDED SHADOWS | GARTER, ROBES: ETSY

Vermont is a place that is very dear to both Finn and Lindsay. Finn grew up there and over the last several years it has become a second home to Lindsay. Plus you can’t beat the beautiful, natural backdrop! The couple wanted to share their favorite spot with Lindsay’s family and all of their friends. It was important that their guests could stay on property and have plenty to do together, since most would be coming from out of town. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort had all of the amenities, and the breathtaking vistas, that they were looking for. Their entire wedding weekend was held on site, from the rehearsal dinner down by the lake, to a Sunday farewell brunch. Their guests enjoyed horseback riding, playing tennis, walking the trails, and even skeet shooting. Not only is the Mountain Top Inn beautiful, but it is practically a “summer camp for adults,” as Lindsay puts it. From s’mores around the fire pit to sipping drinks by the pool—there was something for everyone.

To read more of Lindsay and Finn's love story and to see more photos from their wedding, check out the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine, now available for purchase in select retailers throughout New England or on our website.

featured professionals | VENUE, CATERER, & ACCOMMODATIONS: MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT | PHOTOGRAPHY: GARRENTEE PHOTOGRAPHY | HAIR STYLIST AND MAKEUP ARTIST: PAIGE CARRARA , THE SPA AT MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT | FLORAL DESIGN: A SCHOOLHOUSE GARDEN | CAKES & CUPCAKES: IRENE'S CAKES BY DESIGN | RENTALS: LINEN SHOP | INVITATIONS: TEXTSTYLE DESIGN | MUSICIANS: EAST COAST SOUL | PHOTO BOOTH: TOP HAT | VIDEOGRAPHY: DAVE BIGLER | WEDDING GOWN: WATTERS | FORMAL WEAR: CALVIN KLEIN | OFFICIANT: FATHER OF THE GROOM

After Kellie’s parents built a home in Queechee, Vermont, Kellie and Steven have enjoyed numerous relaxing visits as a reprieve to their normal lives in New York City. The area always relaxes and rejuvenates them with an abundance of nature, fresh air, and starry skies. After they became engaged, the couple knew they needed to share this experience with all of their friends and family. Space exploration is an important passion to Kellie, both personally and professionally, so it felt natural to incorporate it into their wedding. A former NASA astronaut and Space Station Commander officiated the ceremony and they included Storm Troopers during the recessional for a bit of fun and lightheartedness. “Starry Night” was the theme for the reception, with lots of twinkling lights and orbs throughout the tent.

Read more about Kellie and Steven's love story and to see more photos from their unique, space themed wedding, in the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Vermont Bride, available now!

featured professionals | PHOTOGRAPHY: LOVELY VALENTINE | CEREMONY VENUE and ACCOMMODATIONS: WOODSTOCK INN | VENUE: MURPHY FARM | FLORAL DESIGN: FORD FLOWERS | CATERER: QUECHEE CLUB, AND MURPHY FARM | CAKE: A TO Z CAKES, LLC | BAND: SULTANS OF SWING | WEDDING GOWN: ZUHAIR MURAD | HAIR STYLIST: JIWON YANG | MAKEUP ARTIST: GRACE UMAFFIA | VIDEOGRAPHY: BOSTON WEDDING FILMS | RENTALS: FORD FLOWERS | REHEARSAL DINNER: QUECHEE CLUB | JEWELRY: DESCENZA DIAMONDS

Ben and Katie believe that fate was trying to bring them together for years. Both grew up in Vermont and they both attended and graduated from UVM the same year, yet somehow never met. After college, Katie worked for a while at Shearer Acura/Audi and VW, which Ben’s family owns, and he even started working there a few months after Katie left, yet they still did not meet. Finally a mutual friend invited Katie for a dinner with her former coworkers and Ben was there as well. They talked for hours that evening and six months later Ben gave Katie his number and asked her out on a date. Ben’s parent’s home overlooks Lake Champlain and was their immediate choice for hosting their celebration. It was also the perfect backdrop for their romantic, whimsical lakeside wedding theme in blushes, corals, gold, ivory, and green.

To read more of Ben and Katie's love story and to see more photos from their wedding, pick up your copy of Vermont Bride Magazine's Winter/Spring 2017 issue at local retailers throughout New England, or right here on our website. 

featured professionals | JUSTIN ALEXANDER WEDDING GOWN: FIORI BRIDAL | SPA SERVICES: THE ESSEX RESORT & SPA | DJ: WEDDING DJ VT | WEDDING COORDINATOR: JACLYN WATSON EVENTS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SABIN GRATZ | VENUE: PRIVATE ESTATE | MARCHESA NOTTE WEDDING GOWN: BHLDN | BRIDE'S SHOES: JIMMY CHOO, BADGLEY MISCHKA, STUART WEITZMAN | ALTERATIONS: KITTY DALEY, SEW ON SITE | FORMAL WEAR: MEN'S WAREHOUSE | MAKEUP: JENNIFER PERELLIE MAKEUP | HAIR STYLIST: SARAH BOVE, PREEN A GREEN SALON | JEWELRY: VON BARGEN'S JEWELRY | TIARA: ANDREW PRINCE | BRIDEMSAID'S GOWNS: BHLDN, ADRIANNA PAPELLL, J. CREW, REFORMATION | CATERER & CAKE: CLOUD 9 CATERING | BAR SERVICE: LIQUID ART | MUSICIANS: VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MARIAMI | FLORAL DESIGN: PROUD FLOWER | TENT & RENTALS: VERMONT TENT COMPANY | PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL: PHOTOBOOTH PLANET | INVITATIONS: CHRISTA ALEXANDRA DESIGNS | CALLIGRAPHY: LAURA GUION, MOTHER OF THE BRIDE | FAVORS: RED KITE CANDY | BRIDESMAID'S GIFTS: BAKED BEADS | HORSE DRAW CARRIAGE: THORNAPPLE FARMS | TRANSPORTATION: SHEARER AUTOMOTIVE | REST ROOMS: LUXURY EVENT REST ROOMS | REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE: SHELBURNE VINEYARDS | REHEARSAL DINNER CATERING: THE CORNERSTONE | REHEARSAL DINNER MUSICIANS: MAD MOUNTAINS SCRAMBLERS | WEDDING REGISTRY: THE STORE IN WAITSFIELD, CRATE & BARREL

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