Beach Bliss: A Romantic Lakeside Engagement Shoot in Milton, Vermont

Posted on August 29, 2023

What’s more romantic than walking on the beach and popping some bubbly? Lindsey and Ben recently celebrated their next chapter with a lakeside engagement shoot on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain (complete with their adorable dog Tito!) Continue reading for all the details and images captured by Courtney Cania Photography.

Capturing The Magic of a Lakeside Engagement Shoot

When planning their engagement shoot, Lindsey and Ben knew they wanted something easy and relaxed. Ben’s family owns a house in Milton, Vermont just off the shores of Lake Champlain. The couple both have many sentimental memories at this location and knew it would be the perfect place to capture even more memories

Vermont is home to many beautiful lakes, ponds and swimming holes that each provide a relaxed and romantic backdrop. (It’s no wonder that these locations are a popular choice for couples!) Complete with champagne, outfit changes, and pretty sea glass the couple found while walking this is the perfect lakeside engagement shoot.

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An Enchanting Lake Willoughby Engagement Shoot

Posted on August 22, 2023

There are few things in life more romantic than a surprise proposal, and even fewer places more picturesque to capture it all on camera than Lake Willoughby in Vermont! This idyllic setting is known for its pristine waters and breathtaking mountain views, making it the perfect spot for couples looking to add a touch of magic to their engagement. One couple recently had the chance to do just that, and the resulting photoshoot by Jessica Notargiacomo Photography captured the essence of this special moment.

A Surprise Proposal Involving The Family

Libby and Chip’s proposal story is so sweet, and we are excited to share it with you today! Libby had assumed that she was involved in the planning of this milestone event, but Chip had several surprises up his sleeve. Upon arriving at Lake Willoughby, Libby started a hike with her sister. Along the hike, Chip’s siblings met Libby on the trail. They read Bible verses to her about the importance of marriage, resulting in many happy tears as Libby continued her trek!

As Libby and her sister were nearing the summit, she saw both of their families waiting for her. She also saw a trail of white rose petals leading to Chip. When she got to the lookout, Chip popped the question! “I began to say ‘Yes’ before he could even finish the proposal!” says Libby.

After their engagement shoot, Chip, Libby and their families headed out for a celebratory dinner and drinks! Keep scrolling for all the sweet details from this special day.

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Meet Wedding Photographer, Arielle Thomas Photography

Posted on August 17, 2023

Are you looking for wedding photos that stand out and capture the true spirit of your special day? Arielle of Arielle Thomas Photography is a fun and colorful wedding photographer with a passion for taking timeless and vibrant photos.

Arielle loves working with couples who aren’t afraid to be bold and think outside of the box. With her help, you can ensure your wedding photos reflect your unique personalities and the joy of your special day. Keep reading to learn more about Arielle and her work below.

How did you get into wedding photography?

My origin story is somewhat unique. I was working at a camera store, and I made a ton of connections through customers there. I was fired from the camera store in 2016, and launched my business the next day with roughly $200 to my name. I really had to hustle to make it happen, as I had no real financial support system to lean on!

I had made friends with some wedding photographers and started second shooting with them. I’d scour the internet for work, doing anything I could to pick up jobs, and then it all took off! I continued to develop my skills and leaned into my natural talent for capturing images. And now here I am!

How would you describe your photography style?

I have a very fun approach to wedding photography. I tell my clients that I immerse myself into their wedding and become a part of it, keeping my eyes peeled for all the cool moments.

I would describe my style classic with a bright, bold edge. I joke that I was taught all the rules, and learned how to break them to create galleries my couples love!

What inspires your work?

Location, location, location! Nothing gets me going like an epic backdrop. (I am also a mega hopeless romantic!) I originally started out as a fashion photographer, so my inspiration is also derived from that.

Any special tips for couples for choosing or working with a wedding photographer?

It’s important to vibe with your photographer. I love working with couples who are fun and goofy – it’s no fun if you don’t get along and the couple doesn’t feel comfortable.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

Sunset hour is such a great reprieve. It’s a moment for us to escape allows the couple to have a quiet moment together.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

I love to take a dip in one of my secret swim spots! And The Hippie Chickpea in Montpelier is a must visit.

If you weren’t a wedding photographer what would you do?

No idea! I am a great dancer, and almost double majored in photography and dance … so maybe a dancer! That or some kind of high class jewel thief. 😉

What’s a song that always gets you on the dance floor?

It’s a tie between Billie Jean by Michael Jackson and Fireball by Pitbull!

Thanks, Arielle! Learn more about Arielle Thomas Photography by visiting her profile in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

A Magical Winter Elopement in Stowe, Vermont With Gorgeous Florals

Posted on August 15, 2023

Couples who are looking for a unique and meaningful way to tie the knot may find that a Vermont elopement offers the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering of just a few family members and friends or a totally private and secluded ceremony, a Vermont elopement can be an incredibly special and authentic way to celebrate your union. With its stunning natural beauty, incredible outdoor adventures, and charming small towns – Vermont is the perfect destination for a romantic and unforgettable elopement.

Sarah and Steven’s winter elopement in Stowe, Vermont is the perfect example of tailoring your special day to your interests and keeping things intimate. Keep reading for all the details (like that breathtaking floral work by M’s Wedding Flowers!)

An intimate Vermont Elopement

Your wedding day is a special event that should reflect your personality in every way possible, from having an elopement or an extravagant celebration to the very details of your decorations. And one crucial aspect of wedding planning that shouldn’t be overlooked is the selection of your floral arrangements.

Your wedding florals not only add an enchanting touch of nature to your ceremony and reception but also hold the power to represent your unique style and personality. We love Sarah and Steven’s floral decorations they designed with M’s Wedding Flowers. The color coordination of Steven’s suit to Sarah’s bouquet is just perfection!

Sarah and Steven opted for a small, intimate celebration at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont on a wintry Vermont day and these beautiful images captured the day perfectly!

Vendors:

Venue: Trapp Family Lodge, Flowers: M’s Wedding Flowers, Photographer: Dear Dahlia, Hair & Makeup: H Studio.

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Meet Vermont Hair and Makeup Artist, Hopcraft Collective

Posted on August 10, 2023

For brides looking to achieve a timeless wedding look, look no further than Hopcraft Collective. Based in Vermont (and Florida!) Amanda is a talented hair and makeup artist specializing in elevated and classic wedding makeup looks.

With years of experience in the beauty industry, Amanda and her talented team are masters of enhancing natural beauty and creating looks that last through the night. Keep reading to learn more about Amanda and her beautiful work!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

As a budding new makeup artist, a very trusting friend asked me to do her makeup for her wedding 19 (almost 20!) years ago. One friend turned into another, and the rest is history as they say.

How would you describe your style?

Refined, clean and classic. I believe in doing simple things well.

What inspires your work?

I love following new trends and learning new techniques- yet at the same time, I am a lover of all things classic and timeless. I find myself constantly inspired to adapt what’s fashionable now into something that is wearable and timeless. I love to follow women in other parts of the world to see what they are wearing and how they style themselves. I also love to flip through vintage fashion magazines.

Any tips for couples choosing or working with a wedding professional like yourself?

When choosing a hair and/or makeup artist to work with, vibes matter! What we do goes well beyond just pretty hair and makeup and quite literally sets the tone for the day. Make sure your personality is a good fit with your artist because you’ll be spending a good chunk of your morning with them.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

I love the moments right before and right after the ceremony. Both moments are equally the best, all of the nerves and excitement leading up to walking down the aisle and then the amazing “post-ceremony high” is so fun to witness.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

Where do I start? I just love to eat and drink my way around the state! I’m a huge fan of Dedalus, The 126, Hill Farmstead, Hen of The Wood…the list goes on. Oh and Palmer’s creemees!

If you weren’t a wedding professional what would you do?

A therapist was always my backup career goal, and realistically, it’s still what I do every day!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

Im lucky to call both Florida and Vermont home. During grad school I was a licensed tour guide for The City of St. Augustine, Florida and 15 years later, I still hold a valid tour operators license.

Thanks, Amanda! Learn more about Hopcraft Collective by visiting our Vendor Guide.

An Elegant October Wedding at Basin Harbor

Posted on August 8, 2023

Fall in Vermont is a beautiful time of year, and the perfect backdrop for an elegant wedding. Megan and Will got married at the picturesque Basin Harbor Resort, located on the shores of Lake Champlain and their photographer, Ben Hudson Photography, captured all of the day’s details beautifully.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Megan and Will enjoyed a beautiful autumn day, full of love and laughter, culminating in a lively, fun-filled reception (aka one heck of a party!)

More about Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont

Basin Harbor Resort is located in the small town of Vergennes, Vermont. It is a great wedding destination for couples looking for a peaceful, weekend-long wedding celebration. Couples that tie the knot there tend to also incorporate items such as: bonfires, fireworks, outdoor yoga classes, a paint and sip or a sunset cruise into their weekend itineraries thanks to Basin Harbor’s on-site wedding coordinators.

Megan and Will held their ceremony at the venue’s wedding arch area and their reception under a strung light tent at the venue’s homestead lawn. Philly’s Finest put on a great show all evening long, taking song requests and encouraging everyone to bust out their best moves. See all the details from this memorable October wedding below.

Vendors:

Venue: Basin Harbor, Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography, Florals: Holly Flock Flowers, Hair: Jubilance Salon, Makeup: Mirror Mirror, Band: Philly’s Finest

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Venue Spotlight: Mountain Top Inn & Resort

Posted on August 3, 2023

Looking for a wedding venue that offers both stunning scenery and unparalleled amenities? Look no further than the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont!

With its spacious grounds, luxury accommodations, and countless activities and amenities, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort has everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a summer ceremony under the sun or a cozy winter wedding by the fireplace, this venue has it all. Learn more about this stunning venue by reading below.

The Space: What’s the vibe?

Describing us in 3 words: all-inclusive, rustic-luxe and all-season!

The space: Can couples host their ceremony and reception on site? What are those spaces like?

Yes! As an all-inclusive venue, we offer a few different ceremony sites, from our Wedding Knoll, to our Terrace, to the loft or more intimate areas that include our view of the Green Mountains. Receptions can be held in our Event Barn, in our Restaurant, or at our Beach Pavilion (weather depending). All of these areas provide spectacular views, creating the perfect backdrop to your special day.

The amenities: What do you include?

In the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy our outdoor heated swimming pool, a private beach, and 740 acre lake. During the winter months, we have cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more!

The Location: What is There to Do in the Local Area?

We’re a short drive to Killington, but being remote has its perks! Set on 700 private acres, we offer hiking, cross country skiing, clay bird shooting, pontoon boat cruises, ice skating, and more. We have a complimentary shuttle that is also available to take you to Killington for your downhill skiing adventures.

The History: What Is the Venue’s Story?

Centrally located in Chittenden, Vermont, Mountain Top Resort originally started as Mountain Top Inn, a converted barn from the Long Family’s turnip farm founded in the 1870s. In the 1940s, Mr. William Barstow purchased the farm, and turned it into a full-service Inn & Tavern.

From there, William and Margery Wolfe purchased the Inn in 1945, and a few years later in 1954, developed a cross country ski center and trail system that is one of the oldest in the country today with over 60 kilometers of trails. Investors later bought the Inn in the 2000s, and had turned into Mountain Top Resort – one of Vermont’s sought after destination weddings and resort.

The fit: Who are your ideal clients?

With multiple ceremony sites to choose from, along with reception areas, we believe this is the right fit for anyone. Our venue can fit 280 in our Event Barn, but we offer smaller, more intimate areas as well. With an in-house floral team, on-site spa + salon, along with dedicated wedding planners, accredited culinary/service staff, and luxury lodge, cabin & guest house accommodations on site, the idea of all-inclusive starts from the moment you arrive.

Learn more about Mountain Top Inn & Resort in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

A Dreamy Vermont Farm Wedding at Lareau Farm Inn

Posted on August 1, 2023

For couples looking for an idyllic countryside wedding, Lareau Farm Inn in Waitsfield, Vermont is the perfect venue. Nestled in a picturesque Mad River Valley and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, this charming farm is the perfect backdrop for a dreamy summer wedding. It also the birthplace of beloved Vermont staple, American Flatbread — yum!

Couple Brittany and Max had their special day at Lareau Farm Inn on a beautiful July day and Arielle Thomas Photography was there to capture every detail. Continue reading to see more photos and learn all about this colorful wedding.

A Chill Vermont Wedding in The Mad River Valley

Brittany and Max had a laidback July wedding with their closest family and friends, with a focus on having fun together.

“I loved capturing this wedding because you can tell Brittany and Max are super in love with just the way they look at each other. I guarantee their cheeks were sore from smiling so much!” says photographer Arielle Thomas.

The day was filled with sunshine, laughter and loads of high-energy dancing. (And when guests didn’t want to dance, they could easily transition to lawn games, such as corn hole!)

And we can’t overlook the small, sentimental details. Both Brittany’s bouquet charm and ‘love dad’ embroidery on her wedding veil honored her late father so he was there in spirit. (A beautiful example of how to honor loved ones at your wedding) The table numbers during the reception also featured photos of Brittany and Max over the years.

To round out an already sweet day, The Goose Chase Cake Design created a dreamy dessert table to keep guests fueled for an evening of dancing!

Vendors:

Venue: Lareau Farm Inn, Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography, Florist: Cedar Circle Farm, Dessert: The Goose Chase Cake Design, Videographer: Josh Wroblewski, Guestbook “Phone”: FeteFone.

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