So while our party was small I decorated my DIY ass off, made Celia a little apron for her kitchen, and painted her a growth chart so in case we ever move we can take her little height markings with us. And Jason whipped up some of the best chocolate with cocoa-buttercream-frosting and vanilla with buttercream-frosting cupcakes EVER. She did spend a lot of time pointing at the flags and lanterns and she definitely LOVED the kitchen.

I of course had to put together a little photoshoot. It went…okay. One year olds are tough!

We attempted a home family photo…with all furry members present. This is how these things usually turn out.

I didn’t end up with a big messy cake smash photo because Celia did too good a job of stuffing that cake in her mouth. But she loved it. And so did we.

Chris and Carrie’s wedding happened on a late September day when warm summer air was still lingering but the foliage was hinting that fall was on its way. It was a little hazy which makes for beautiful light for an outdoor ceremony. All the details…most of which were carefully thought out and labored over by the couple themselves… came together for a perfectly elegant, rustic Vermont wedding at the West Monitor Barn.

My day started  when I stopped to snap a few of the groom getting ready before making my way to see the bride. Ties were being tied, shirts tucked, and last minute details were being checked off the list.

Chris was pretty relaxed…at least to me it appeared so! I’ve known Chris for a while since we both grew up in the same town but also because he’s a talented photographer himself and used to display his work when I had my gallery in St. Albans. That’s where I met Carrie who used to bring her delicious confections to our openings.

Maybe it’s the quiet patience of a wildlife photographer that helped him keep his cool on the wedding day.

I left my assistant to hang out with the guys while I headed to meet Carrie in her hotel suite. She was finishing at her hair appointment when I arrived so it gave me some time to capture the details. I loved the embroidery on her dress from Fiori and the petals on her shoes were so delicate. They even fluttered!

Sarah Jo from Creative Muse arrived with the flowers. There were so pretty in pale pinks and greens.

You can’t beat the simple beauty of a mason jar as a vase too.

The flower girl was really excited that her basket of petals had arrived. She was so cute as she stood admiring them in front of Carrie’s dress.

Carrie arrived (her hair looked stunning) and started getting ready with the help of her sisters, maid of honor and her mother.

Carrie had some beautiful details. The brooch to pin her sash was just the perfect touch. And her very talented sister Emily, who owns the Etsy shop HazelandGrim, made the pearl accessories for the bridesmaids and flower girl.

Meanwhile Chris was ready to go. He calmly waited in the hotel lobby before the couple’s First Look.

Directly across the hotel was the perfect tree-lined walkway for the couple to have that special moment to themselves.

Carrie was able to sneak up quietly so Chris could turn at just the right moment.

Carrie took the opportunity to give Chris his gift, a set of cufflinks with little French bulldogs on them. The couple have two of the real thing (you’ll see in the upcoming post of their “after” eshoot). So cute!

Because we had set aside a good amount of time for couple portraits, the pair got to enjoy some time together before the busy day swept them away. Carrie later admitted to being really stressed that morning (I couldn’t tell) and that being able to see Chris before things got crazier put her mind at ease and let her enjoy the rest of the day. I was so glad to hear that…I still think couples should make sure they set aside even a little time for just each other…it’s their day after all!

They both looked so great.

I loved these two details of their hands.

At last it was time to make our way to the West Moniter barn for the ceremony. I love the rustic handmade arch and the maple buckets of flowers really dressed it up.

Carrie and her father had a nice long walk together down the aisle.

Check out her amazingly long veil. It was so pretty.

The lawn at the West Monitor Barn is a beautiful place for a ceremony. You can see the leaves hinting at foliage season in the background.

Married!

After the ceremony, we took some photos at the barn, but we also had time to travel in the couple’s rented vintage Chevy to the Old Round Church just down the road. I took advantage of my view of the couple from the front seat.

This was taken at the West Monitor Barn. Love Carrie’s smile!

The inside of the barn looked so dreamy. Candles, flowers, twine and the warm wood interior set the cozy tone and shiny glassware and twinkle lights made it all sparkle. The couple and their family and friends did all the work themselves to pull off the decor. It was amazing. While at the time it felt like a hurried stress to put it all together, Carrie later recalled that it left her with some of her best memories of the wedding. She remembers laughing over decisions like staggering mason jars, layering jelly beans, and tying bows with her loved ones.

A great triumphant entrance!

A beautiful first dance capped off with a dramatic dip…

And another dip to please the crowd!! I think this one took Carrie by surprise.

Speeches and laughs…

Guests were treated to a table of tasty candy treats.

Everything looked so pretty by the candlelight.

I loved the combination of the tiered cake with the single layers on cakes stands, all decorated with more of those pretty flowers.

Parent dances…

Garter and bouquet…and more laughs!

Then just joy and celebration.

The fun crowd danced the night away. It was a beautiful day and so much of the credit goes to the couple. Congratulations to Chris and Carrie…on their new marriage AND on the little one expected to arrive summer of 2012! Who could ask for a better year?! There’s still more to come too. Since we didn’t have time to take their engagement photos before the wedding day, the couple and I ventured out into the fall foliage for an aftershoot. I can’t wait to share it!

I will remember this wedding for quite some time. First, Sean and Emily are such a warm, wonderful couple that they’re hard to forget. You may remember their eshoot from last winter, taken on one of the most frigid December days. It was sooo much fun… proving again that all you need to bring to a shoot is your happiness to make it awesome.

There’s another reason Sean and Emily’s wedding was memorable and that would be thanks to Tropical Storm Irene. Their wedding was not -thankfully- the same weekend that the floods hit, but three weeks afterwards. However, the Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort was hit. HARD. Their wedding meadow…utterly gone. The Inn’s bottom floor flooded. The quaint iron bridge that carried couples over the normally tame river was swept away. Sean and Emily were given the news and a choice.

I know this story happened to many other couples with planned Southern Vermont weddings this fall. I can’t imagine what that must feel like after the months of planning. Weddings take a lot to coordinate. Sean and Emily probably felt their stomachs drop after they got that call.

The pair traveled…as soon as Vermont roads would allow them… to the Hawk to assess the situation. They chose to go forward with their plans, although it wasn’t quite the dream wedding they had originally planned. But then, like so many of the stories of Vermonter resilience and determination, the Hawk created a new dream wedding for Sean and Emily. The ceremony was moved to an alternate field, the reception tent was relocated and the Hawk staff work tirelessly to bring the Inn’s grounds back to shape. Sean and Emily’s wedding was the first there after the storm…all the other couples had postponed or canceled. Maybe it was in part the heartfelt thanks in the air from the family and guests but I think the result was a wedding even more spectacular than it originally would have been.

The first part of the day was a bit of a nail biter for me thanks to the storm too. Even allowing for ample travel time I wasn’t 100% sure how I was going to get there. So many roads had been closed but many were rumored to be opening. There was no way to be sure what routes would work. Fortunately I was able to make my way down Route 100 but it was an eery drive…the area looked like a war zone and I was the only traveler on the road. I was majorly relieved when I finally pulled into the Hawk. It was like a happy little oasis.

So with renewed spirit, I began to shoot. I was greeted first by a handmade sign directing foot traffic. The boomerang at the top was a personal touch…the couple met abroad in Australia.

My first stop was the groom’s room were he and the groomsmen were getting ready. Correction: they WERE ready. I was a little surprised because it was still early but my guess was that underneath it all a little bit of anxious nerves were at play.

Nerves? Maybe a quick drink to settle them.

I was there in time to catch Sean giving the groomsmen gifts. It was a really important moment for him to individually thank each and every person there. As an employee at Saucony, he gave each guy a custom pair of shoes. Not bad!

Sean took a minute to hand model the rings for me.

One last check.

The bride and her ladies were having a pretty good time downstairs. Debbie from Vermont Country Flowers had just arrived with the beautiful bouquets.

The colors were so romantic. And Emily attached a handwritten note to each vase to express her appreciation for each attendant.

…happily waiting to get dressed.

I love the personalized hangers!

So many buttons!

An approving hug from Dad.

On to the big moment. This was the new ceremony site. So sunny and pretty. Thank you too weather gods for blessing us with a fantastic day.

More flowers in those great colors.

Sean had great expressions (and maybe a few tears) as Emily approached.

Emily’s walk was amazing. She and her Dad rose into view from this hill and had a nice long walk together.

One of my favorites.

Married!

Another favorite. A sweet nuzzle.

Right next to the ceremony site was a fabulous tree-lined hill, perfect for the group shots.

And then I was able to take a walk down a winding road with just the couple. I think they enjoyed the time together…

Chauffeured back to the the Inn by golf cart!

We still had time so they decided to kick up their heels for a bit.

Beautiful hardware.

The Australian touch carried over into the reception with boomerang place cards. Awesome!

The tent was so elegant. Lanterns, birch branches, lots of white and accents of pale greens, plum and lavender.

The couple had an enthusiastic entrance.

It was a very sweet first dance. These were favorites too.

Teary eyes were aplenty during the parent dances.

You can always tell a lot about a couple by the toasts. You could tell that Sean and Emily are very loved by friends and family.

The rest of the night rocked. That was due in part to Nick from Top Hat Entertainment.  And I love it when seemingly reserved grooms end up having slick moves on the dance floor.

Someone’s pair of shades circulated the dance floor.

The night only got more fun. I had such a great time. Sean’s grandmother didn’t don the sunglasses, but she did show off her own moves.

At one point during the night something happened and the Hawk crew had to bring out a ladder for a quick fix. I took advantage of the moment and thereafter was dubbed the “opportunist”. It’s always nice to get a new view!

The night was perfect. I think had the storm news not been shared, no one would have known that this wedding day was an “alternative” plan. It was stunning. It was elegant and intimate and beautiful. I’m so happy for Sean and Emily who deserved this wonderful day. And we were all so thankful for the folks at the Hawk and all the other vendors who pulled through to make the day so special.

Time to get back to blogging! And there’s no better way to start off this new year than by blogging Kevin and Beth’s awesome wedding from this past fall at the Alerin Barn in St. Johnsbury. I was really excited for this one because Beth kept me updated as everything came together including sending me photos when she found the perfect dress. I felt like a friend who got a sneak peek of things along the way. I also got to know both she and Kevin better during their engagement shoot in the fall of 2010.

On the way to the Alerin, I stopped in to see how Kevin was doing while getting ready at his hotel.

His groomsmen were there with him.

This little guy was so excited for the big day he wouldn’t take a nap! It took extraordinary measures to get him to nod off. Who wants to sleep when there’s a wedding to go to?

A perfect fit!

Like all the stunning details that Beth pulled together, the couple’s vows were specially printed.

They made a perfect backdrop for the rings.

Signs led me to the Alerin.

I found Beth finishing getting her hair done and was just in time to catch some early tears.

I had some time to grab some photos of some of the details.

Beth especially wanted this photo…

Tears quickly turned to hysterics…

The flowers had such rich colors and were the perfect mix for that in-between summer and fall time of year. How cute is the flower girl’s halo?

An antique bench on the porch had the same shade of blue as some of the flowers.

Beth’s Mom showed me a handkerchief that Beth embroidered for  her. Such an amazing detail!!

You could tell that Beth and her Mom are close…both of them teared up almost every time they got near each other.

The couple decided to do a First Look which I was thrilled for. While Beth was finishing up I caught up with Kevin who had arrived and was waiting by the trout pond.

I loved Beth’s approach across the little wood bridge.

It was a nice secluded spot where they shared a very special moment. A little laughing…a little crying.

I snuck the couple over to the porch for a few minutes of snuggling.

We also had to take some shots on Beth’s Dad’s antique tractor. It played an important role in their day.

They both looked so happy!

Beth’s choice of dress was perfect and the blue sash tied it all together.

The guys had their own request- to include the resident goats in their group photo. It took some serious wrangling…turns out goats are kind of stubborn…but we made it happen.

Check out the beautiful ladies.

I caught the flower girl with her Dad in just the right light.

The ceremony site was trimmed with more vibrant color.

The guys rode up the hill in the covered wagon…

But Beth was driven by her father and his tractor.

I was glad I caught this one…Beth’s Dad cracked up after the tractor let out a little pop.

It was such a warm sunny day, just perfect.

I love the birch tree backdrop.

The ring bearer had to take a quick catnap during the ceremony.

Joy and laughter…

Married!

The littlest attendants making their way back down the aisle…

The couple leads the wedding party down the winding hill path.

After the family photos, there was time for one more shot of the couple by the pond.

Some cocktail hour details.

And the stunning barn before the party moved inside.

I love this sign above the entrance…

The night began with the couple’s first dance.

Followed by some great speeches.

Dancing with parents and stepparents.

What could make an already amazing day even better? How about fireworks?! The couple actually surprised all their guests with an awesome fireworks display…we’re talking pros here…and it was an unbelievable show. The small light to the right is actually a full moon to top it all off.

The guests returned to the warm barn and a table of tasty treats.

I think everyone warmed up quickly by dancing!

Beth and her grandfather below.

Below is one of my favorites from the evening. If you’d like to see more you can CLICK HERE for their video slideshow.

Congratulations to Kevin and Beth! You pulled it all off flawlessly. Best wishes for a wonderful future together!

I started my day with Mary while she readied in the awesome bridal suite. Now I’m probably a modern type when it comes to my personal style, but there’s just something about lace that makes me swoon. It’s just so pretty.

The detail on Mary’s veil to match the lace of her dress was a beautiful touch.

The champagne roses were so sweet.

Mary and her girls were all so calm. It was a very peaceful bridal suite!

I probably post a photo like this from every wedding but I love how a person’s hands can be so expressive…especially the hands of a bride that’s maybe just slight nervous.

Meanwhile Brian dressed and waited patiently.

The guys had some down time before the ceremony.

I love to see the joy the parents are experiencing on the big day. You can see it in Brian’s Mom as she happily pins his corsage and in Mary’s parents as they quietly look on.

Great hair ladies!

It was a stunning day!

The ceremony details had a classic charm.

I love the bride’s procession at the 1811 House…

You can see the orange peeking through on the tree on the left. So pretty!

Married!

The lovely ladies…

The wedding party enjoys and drink and a stroll.

Love the architecture of the old church across from the Equinox.

Finally a little down time for just Brian and Mary.

This was one of my favorites. It feels like a stolen moment…

There were so many great porches to use for portraits!

Back at the cocktail hour, there was some wonderful color.

The same classic beauty carried into The Colonnade Ballroom.

An excited entrance…

Love the way Brian is looking at Mary.

The speeches were all very loving and left the crowd a little teary eyed.

Mmm, cake…

Mary and her Father.

Brian and his Mom.

When it came time, this crowd rocked the dance floor.

A couple of group shots of the St. Michael’s College crowd. It’s amazing how their friendships have endured.

This wasn’t the first St. Mike’s wedding I’ve photographed…Kenny and Caitlin, below, were one of my first for this crowd (now they’re wedding pros).

Check out these buddhas from Unbridled Chocolates. So yummy!

I just couldn’t keep up with Brian’s Mom, she was brimming with energy. Of course she got her friends to join in a dance line.

Mary’s Dad was a pretty great dancer so I enjoyed watching him sweep her Mom around the dance floor.

This crowd was so crazy there was even a dance-off just before I ended my night. Crazy!

And here’s a final shot from earlier in the night. It was a fairytale evening! Congratulations to Brian & Mary!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Turkey Day. Not to mention Black Friday and Cyber Monday. How many things have I checked off my holiday list? Zero. Oh well. Instead I’ve been hard at work catching up on posting photos from this summer!

Today I’m sharing photos from Brian and Mary’s rehearsal dinner at the Reluctant Panther Inn in Manchester Vermont. The rehearsal took place the evening before the big day. It was a cozy evening put on by Brian’s parents and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

I lived in Manchester, VT for a year and it’s also where my husband grew up. The year I lived there I trained for Burlington’s Vermont City Marathon and I pretty much ran loops around the whole town all winter. The Panther was one of those places I used to run by and want to go inside. It always looked so cozy! I love the fun purple panther details.

The evening started downstairs in the Inn’s basement tavern. So swanky…

Brian and Mary invited just the wedding party and family for a little pre-dinner gathering. They very sweetly toasted all of their attendants individually and graciously thanked their parents.

The group moved upstairs to meet the rest of the evening’s guests for hors d’oeuvres and dinner. The Inn is super cute in the back too.

Tasty treats and a sun drenched cozy patio.

Brian’s father gave a great roast- I mean toast for Brian. He had the crowd doubled over.

Brian’s Mom was so much fun too.

A few speeches from friends were equally funny…and finally ended a long standing mystery of a hole in the wall that happened while Brian was growing up.

It was a great evening and wonderful warm-up for the wedding. More to come!

Ben & Kristin’s wedding took place in August at the Stowehof Inn. I had never photographed a wedding there before and was excited to find all the alpine details and beautiful landscaping. It was also a fun day for me because I had my own ties to the couple. I went to school with Ben and his brother and his parents are some of my parents dearest friends. In fact, my parents were in attendance as guests so I had to be on my best behavior!

We had a perfect day which was fortuitous. The couple had originally chosen the following day as their date but a few conflicts made the 27th a better choice. It turned out that Tropical Storm Irene slammed Vermont on the 28th. I think we collectively breathed a HUGE sigh of relief!

It was a beautiful day for a wedding in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The colors of the flowers the couple chose were just perfect…bold reds and magentas to match the deep blue sky, saturated greenery and the bright yellows in the surrounding wildflowers and perennials.

Kristin’s dress looked like it floated on air. And I loved the pop of color in her shoes.

Ben and his groomsmen went with classic tuxedos…a good match.

Ben starting to get ready…

A quick peek at one of the rings…

It was a cute moment when flower girl Ella peeked through the railing.

Something blue! Handmade pins by junior bridesmaid Julia.

Guys just have it so easy…I don’t think they even really know! Luckily us girls have got each others’ backs…

Of course, if it was easy getting ready for you wedding day we wouldn’t have so many memorable moments.

Ready!

The bridal suite had a fabulous couch and this wallpaper that gave the whole scene such a vintage feel.

Stunning!

The bouquets…

After a little searching we found the secret spot for a few pre-wedding bridal portraits.

At last it was time for the big moment.

Ben waiting patiently in the basement bar.

I always love to see a smiling groom.

And I love it when both sides of the wedding party can make a grand entrance.

Good job kiddos!

Kristin and her father made their way down the beautiful path.

Doesn’t this scene just say August?!

Married!!

This was a fun shot of the littlest wedding party members together.

The groom gets his close-up too…

This was right on the Stowehof grounds. And luckily I was ready because the dip was a suprise. Perfect! Ben must have practiced.

We took a short drive up the mountain road to take in the scenery and grab a few more couple shots. Sometimes it’s just nice to get away from the crowd for a few minutes to soak in the moment.

The light was gorgeous.

When we got back to the Inn the couple sat down briefly to take a break and before I left them alone I caught one of my favorites of the day.

The Inn’s balconies came in handy when taking this shot of the whole wedding party.

Ben and Kristin love to sail and incorporated that into the wedding with these super cute seating boats. I loved the personal touch!

Inside, the tables were decorated with books the couple had collected for the event. Stacked at each table with the beautiful flowers, it was such a colorful unique touch!

I loved the napkin rings too…so lovely.

The dining room at the Inn was so cozy and intimate.

One of the most amazing details was the cupcake display. The book theme carried through to a large wood bookcase that shared shelf space with the MOST yummy cupcakes. Thin mint cupcake? I almost died. And a couple with Lego cake toppers is a couple after my own heart!

After dinner was dancing…

During the couple’s first dance the evening light cast a golden glow.

We hopped outside to take advantage of the stunning sky.

Dancing and merriment followed of course

Armed with a large box of sparklers I took the wedding party outside to get creative.

This was the safety shot…

And this is what I was really hoping for…it worked!!

A parting shot of the couple enjoying their night! So many congratulations to Ben & Kristin. Here’s to sailing off into the sunset!

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