Make Your Bachelorette Party Memorable with These Fun Must-Haves

Posted on July 27, 2023

As you gear up for your Vermont wedding, don’t forget to take some time to celebrate with your gal pals! Your bachelorette party should be a time to let loose and make some unforgettable memories. To help make the occasion extra special, we’ve put together a list of unique and fun bachelorette party essentials that will have everyone in the party mood.

The Perfect Playlist

No celebration is complete without the right music. Hit play on our curated Bachelorette Party playlist to kick things off and get the party started. It’s a perfect blend of classic pop anthems and today’s hits!

The Newlywed Game

This game is always the star of the weekend. (Plus it is super easy to customize for your crew) Here’s how to play:

1. Ask the bride’s partner a series of questions ahead of time (snag these vetted 15 questions to get you started). You could do this via email or video record / voice memo their answers.

2. Bring a copy of the questions & the partner’s answers with you to the bachelorette.

3. Ask the bride the same questions & reveal the partner’s responses to see if they match up! (Tip: reveal responses after each question so the answers are fresh.)

We’ve played where every correct answer earns the bride a chance to give a drink to someone else, and for every wrong answer she has to take a drink… but you do you & be safe!

Frozen Cocktail Pops

These are SO fun and delicious. You can often find these at Costco, but there are plenty of options online as well. (or you could make your own!) If you’re looking to celebrate with a non alcoholic option, our team highly recommends Vermont company, Töst, for a delicious Non-Alcoholic bubbly offering.

Metallic Temporary Tattoos

Remember when you were younger and would plaster temporary tattoos all over your arms? Bring back the nostalgia with metallic temporary tattoos! These always end up being a popular talking point. (Highly recommend busting these out after a few drinks…) We’ve seen tons of cute options on Etsy and Amazon. Bonus points if they match the Bachelorette Party theme!

Places In Vermont To Host Your Bachelorette Party Weekend

Vermont is truly beautiful all four seasons, making is a great destination for a bachelorette party! Below are some of our favorite towns to celebrate in:

Burlington: Vermont’s “big city” offers a vibrant downtown area with numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Enjoy a night out on Church Street, visit local breweries, or take a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain. (Check out our Burlington weekend itinerary for more suggestions!)
Stowe: A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Stowe is the destination for mountain activities like skiing and hiking, as well as the après life with plenty of local spas and top notch restaurants. (And this small town truly shines during peak fall foliage!)
Woodstock: This quaint town is brimming with boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining options. Explore the historic covered bridge, pamper yourselves at a spa, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Manchester: This southern Vermont town has it all: scenic landscapes, luxurious resorts, amazing restaurants and premium outlet shopping.
Jay: Tucked in Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom, Jay has lots to offer, including skiing/snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking/hiking/golf during the summer, and a year-round water park at the Resort.
Lake Willoughby: This beautiful glacial lake is the perfect backdrop to a chill weekend. You can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the pristine waters. Or just relax on the beach and soak in the scenic views.

Your Next Read:

Looking for more wedding planning inspiration? From dress shopping to favors and welcome bags to selecting the perfect venue- we’ve got you covered! Check out any of these.

This Couple Hosted a Colorful Wedding in the Vermont Countryside

Posted on July 25, 2023

If you love the idea of a colorful wedding, this post is for you! Stella and Sam’s wedding was an unforgettable occasion, full of colorful details as bright as their joy! The couple chose the River Road Farm in Manchester, Vermont for their unique celebration, and with Photos by Kintz capturing every detail, the memories of this special day will last a lifetime.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors at River Road Farm

Stella and Sam met over a decade ago while teaching at The Putney School. The couple lives in Brooklyn, New York and visit Vermont frequently, so when they were planning their special day, Stella and Sam knew they needed to honor the special place the state holds in their hearts.

When touring venues, they fell in love with River Road Farm in Manchester, Vermont. Nestled in the Battenkill River Valley, the Farm has a panoramic view of the Green Mountains and unique spaces for receptions and ceremonies. (Check out that pool!)

This couple wanted to celebrate their own unique style. To that end, Sam crafted his suit in conjunction with his costume designer friend, customizing his colorful suit to his exact specifications. Stella also debuted a second look as the evening roared on.

“This celebration was chock full of style, collaboration, and kindness. Everyone pitched in their time and talents.” says Kollen of Photos by Kintz. “There was so much joyful expression, tears of joy, and tender moments between loved ones. Everyone was so happy to celebrate Stella & Sam’s true love story. It was also a huge reunion of their tribes!”

Vendors:

Venue: River Road Farm, Photographer: Photos by Kintz, Hair: Sarah Beth, Make Up: Elizabeth England Studios, Cake: Sweet Herb Cakes, Florals: Full Moon Blooms, Planner: Alexandra Fraser.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible details? Check out this Rock & Roll Wedding at Old Lantern Inn & Barn.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

An Ethereal May Engagement Photo Shoot in Shelburne, Vermont

Posted on July 20, 2023

This ethereal engagement shoot in Shelburne, Vermont by Rowan Oak Studios looks like something straight out of a movie. The incredible scenery, the perfect weather, and the couple’s undeniable connection to each other are all celebrated in this gallery.

Continue reading for all the details and sweet memories that were captured magical day!

Exploring Shelburne Vermont And Its Stunning Backdrop

Although living in Massachusetts, Delaney and Mason snagged an Airbnb for a little Vermont getaway session this past May. With nothing but rain in the forecast and dark clouds over the Adirondacks, they packed raincoats and expected the worst. But just in time, the skies cleared and they got the outdoor engagement shoot they had hoped for.

“After a few smooches in a lilac bush, Mason lost his footing and fell a little further in it than intended. Clearly it was Delaney sweeping him off his feet,” jokes Gabriel, the photographer behind the lens of Rowan Oak Studios.

Delaney and Mason have a 2024 wedding planned in Manchester, Vermont and we’re already dreaming of how stunning images from their big day will be!

Learn more about Rowan Oak Studios by checking out our Vendor Guide.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another engagement shoot with lake views? Check out this Burlington engagement shoot.

Want more engagement shoot ideas? Check out any of these.

A Fall Wedding at The Inn at Mountain View Farm For An Adventurous Couple

Posted on July 18, 2023

Nothing makes us fall in love with Vermont all over again more than glimmering photos of amber, orange and gold foliage. There’s an extra layer of romance in the air, and this beautiful wedding at the Inn at Mountain View Farm in East Burke serves as proof!

From the beauty of the Vermont fall foliage to the excitement of being outdoors and enjoying nature, newlyweds Liz and Rob had an unforgettable wedding full of amazing memories. Keep reading for more details on their special day.

A Northeast Kingdom Wedding Destination: The Inn at Mountain View Farm

The Inn at Mountain View Farm is an adventure seeker’s paradise. Tucked away in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the Inn is laced with trails, a farm animal sanctuary, beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, mountain biking, fat biking, and cross country skiing on the acclaimed Kingdom Trails (which are located in their backyard!) All of these features, along with bed and breakfast accommodations, make this venue the perfect place for couples looking for a convenient and peaceful – yet activity packed – wedding celebration.

Liz and Rob love being outdoors and the Northeast Kingdom is a special place for them. After Robert attended Burke Mountain Academy and launched his ski racing career, the couple often spent summer weekends in East Burke, exploring the legendary mountain bike trails. With their love of the outdoors in mind, the couple knew they wanted to put together an amazing reception that celebrated their union in the very place that inspired it.

When Liz and Rob set out to plan their perfect Vermont fall wedding, they wanted to make sure that it was focused on spending time with their family and friends. With that in mind, the two organized a mountain bike ride (one of the couple’s favorite activities to do together) for the Friday afternoon before the wedding. With 40+ of their loved ones joining them, it was a truly special experience that set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Complete with rolling mountain views, peak fall foliage and a restored yet rustic Morgan barn for the ceremony this wedding at The Inn at Mountain View Farm is a quintessential Vermont celebration!

Vendors:

Venue: The Inn at Mountain View Farm, DJ: Top Hat, Flowers: Spring Hill Designs, Photographer: Ember Photo, Videographer: Tucker Marshall, Catering: Willys Catering.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with an adventure element? Check out this intimate wedding complete with a picnic and hike up Mount Mansfield.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Meet Wedding Photographer, Courtney Cania

Posted on July 13, 2023

One of the most exciting tasks on a wedding planning ‘to-do list’ is choosing a photographer. How do you want your special day captured? How will your love story be told? Finding a photographer that matches your vision is so important! We recently sat down with Vermont wedding photographer Courtney Cania Photography, whose galleries are filled with authentic and inspiring light and love. Continue reading to learn more about Courtney and her work!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I photographed my first wedding in 2009 at Eolia Mansion in Waterford, Connecticut. An acquaintance from a college digital photography class loved my work and asked me to capture her wedding. I knew I wasn’t qualified and set expectations pretty low. However, I felt compelled to shoot the wedding despite not having any experience and the right gear. It all turned out okay, and I loved every moment!

As more and more friends and family asked me to capture their weddings, I launched a website “just to have a presence”… and inadvertently launched a business! I photographed a handful of solo weddings, then spent a few years second shooting and shadowing talented wedding photographers. I made my return to solo wedding photography in 2021, and couldn’t be happier.

How would you describe your style?

I capture weddings with a blended lifestyle and documentary approach. I step in with direction and guidance when needed, and document all those wonderful unscripted moments as they unfold. I have a timeless, light-inspired aesthetic. My goal for my editing style is to reflect the wedding day accurately. I keep color tones a bit muted to avoid neon hues, but stay true-to-life.

What inspires your work?

Inspiration comes to me in many different forms. I’m inspired by beautiful light, the moment, and the energy of the scene. I draw inspiration from art, other photographers, and trends, however, my creativity is guided by one rule: look inside, then look outside. This helps me keep my work authentic to me.

Any special tips for couples for choosing or working with a wedding professional like yourself or a wedding tip in general?

My biggest tip for choosing a wedding photographer is to trust your instincts. There’s lots of practical advice out there on this topic, and I have even blogged about how to choose a wedding photographer. To sum it up, allow your intuition to navigate the process.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

Weddings are full of incredible heartfelt moments, all of which hooked me as a wedding photographer. I am a sucker for portraits. I love the first look because it gives couples precious alone time on their day, and more time with family and guests after the ceremony. I love the joyful “just married” moment when a couple processes down the aisle. And I love the great times on the dance floor.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

Spending time at farms or wading in the many brooks and swimming holes we have here in Vermont are highlights for me. I grew up next to a river with beautiful waterfalls. Spots like these feel like home. Also, I love to indulge in a maple creemee!

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

Before becoming a wedding photographer I worked in marketing and web development. Experience in these fields has helped a great deal in the daily management of my business. I love running a business as much as being out in the field photographing. Someday I’d like to help aspiring business owners gain the confidence and skills to set out on their own.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

As a kid I envisioned a life traveling to meet different people in unique circumstances to listen to their stories. I believe strongly that we benefit from hearing and sharing different perspectives. Perhaps not in the way I expected, being a photographer mirrors this vision.

Thanks, Courtney! View more of Courtney’s beautiful work by visiting her profile in our Vendor Guide.

Meet Tanglewood Floral Preservation

Posted on July 6, 2023

Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life, and you want to make sure that you can look back and cherish the memories forever. One way to do this is to consider wedding flower preservation. With the help of professional floral preservation services like Tanglewood Floral Preservation, couples can keep their wedding flowers forever, allowing them to relive their big day whenever they like! Continue reading to learn more about Jana, the artist behind Tanglewood Floral Preservation.

How did you get into floral preservation?

From a very young age I have always had an infatuation with nature and flowers so when I began to experiment with resin and discovered the art of drying and casting flowers, I was immediately hooked! I began to research and started experimenting with small scale casting at first and learning how to properly dry flowers. Right before the pandemic we bought our first home and It just so happened that our new house had a workshop/studio and full ventilation system in it!

One day scrolling on Instagram I saw these amazing “floral blocks” and I had this “aha! Moment” With more time on my hands and a strong creative drive to find my “niche” I threw myself into learning all I could about floral preservation and just a few months later our business was born. The last 18 months have been such a fun adventure! We are at the point now where we are getting to create some really beautiful art because we have all the technical stuff perfected.

How would you describe your style?

I think my style is more ethereal and intuitive. I love how nature – and specifically flowers – are so perfect in their imperfection. No two are ever exactly the same and it’s the same with our art. We really try to work with our client’s vision and create based on their specific style unless given artistic interpretation. We are always learning and trying new techniques and always looking to improve our processes etc.

What inspires your work?

Floral preservation is such a unique craft and it’s one that’s always evolving, which keeps it inspiring and fun. I also always remember that it’s an honor to preserve such special flowers and the memories they hold. Not very many people in the world get to do this type of work, and that inspires us daily!

Any special tips for couples for choosing / working with a floral preservationist? Or about preserving flowers in general?

I think it’s important for couples to choose an artist/company with whom they feel a connection to and share an artistic vision with. It’s also important to find someone that has a good amount of experience working with resin as a medium, because like anything worthwhile, it takes lots of practice. Finally, it’s also important to note that floral preservation can be thought of as a long term investment since it’s something you’ll get to keep forever!

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

When the couple is done with their vows and they walk down the aisle with such happy “We did it!” smiles.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT? / Local spot to visit?

Nature walks along Lake Champlain, catching some live music. We love Foam and BBCO breweries and many different area restaurants.

If you weren’t doing floral preservation what would you do?

I love the ocean so I’d probably be on a beach somewhere or riding my horse.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

One of my earliest memories is learning to press flowers in books with my older sister who is now a part of our flower drying hub in New Hampshire!

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

We don’t get to dance much these days but Behind the Sun by Odesza and the entire album has us dancing around the studio.

Thanks for chatting with us, Jana! Learn more about her work by checking out Tanglewood Floral Preservation’s profile in our Vendor Guide, or by visiting our 2023 Gift Guide.