A Vibrant and Colorful Vermont Indian Wedding

Posted on June 13, 2023

Kamal and Jag’s Indian wedding in Southern Vermont is truly a spectacular celebration! The couple’s epic wedding took place on the family’s 400 acre estate in southern Vermont. This luxurious Sikh wedding came to life with the help of wedding planner, Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer, of NJOY Weddings & Events.

“The colors, music, dance, food, and magical atmosphere made for a wedding that was extremely difficult to leave and even harder to forget!” says Nancy. Continue reading for more breathtaking details of this multi-day wedding celebration.

Traditions Celebrated During The Extravagant Indian Wedding in Vermont

Kamal and Jag chose to incorporate many traditions in their Sikh wedding that are common to other Indian weddings, such as hosting multiple events over several days, using lots of red (an auspicious color for Indian weddings), and incorporating many dancing performances by family and friends. Nancy shares there was also no shortage of delicious food and drink that weekend!

As an example of the meaningful traditions celebrated throughout the week, Nancy shared how the ceremony began with the BARAAT, a parade where the groom makes his way to the wedding site filled with joyful music and dancing. After the groom and his party were situated, the bride made her arrival and the couple stood in front of the holy text, with the groom on the right and the bride on the left. Everyone was ready for the ceremony to begin!

This wedding is an exquisite example of honoring cultural traditions and incorporating your own personal touches. Every detail of this special occasion was perfectly considered and made for a truly memorable celebration!

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: NJOY Weddings & Events, Rentals: Green Mountain Tent Company, Tabletop Rentals: Rhinebeck Party Rentals, Linens: Green Mountain Tent Company, Sound Engineers: Atomic Pro, Desserts: Black Bird Cake Designs, Restrooms: 802 Restrooms, Make Up Artists & Hair: Sneya & Surbalu Vyas, Henna Artist: My Henna by Rashida, DJ: DJ Sabbi, Photographer & Videographer: Virdee Films, Florist & Decorator: Partyland Sajawat.

Best of 2022: Just Married Moments

Posted on January 24, 2023

Can you believe this is our final installment in our Best of 2022 series?! It’s been an amazing year, and we can’t think of a better way to wrap things up than a look at one of our favorite parts of any wedding: those precious just married moments.

Editorial Picks for Just Married Moments

The emotions of being pronounced newlywed is unparalleled, and while many of these features could fit under several categories, we think this important moment deserves to be celebrated in it’s own right! Check out our editorial picks for the best just married moments of the year, and see who you picked for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

Smiles & Sunshine

Everything about this moment at Sterling Ridge Resort is bright and sunny: the weather, the traditional Bengali wedding attire, the sunflower wedding arch by Flower Power VT, and of course, the couple’s beaming smiles.

Photo: Elizabeth Rogers Photography

Cruisin’ Together

These two outfitted their old military style jeep with a “just married” sign, and took off for a drive together after the ceremony. You can feel that just married excitement in this clip!

Film: EightZero2 Productions

Party Parade

Following their ceremony at Inn at Weathersfield, this couple led their guests in a parade to their reception! This is such a fun way to get the party started!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Sunset Dip

This photo is all romance! The couple stole away for some evening portraits, and the groom practically swept his bride off her feet! Won’t lie, we’re swooning a bit.

Photo: Love Wins Photography

The Flip

This couple walked into their Mansfield Barn ready to start the party with a very impressive flip and a shot! Talk about a memorable, fun entrance! We can only imagine how fun the rest of the night must have been!

Lifted High

One of the most iconic moments at a Sugarbush Resort is the “Just Married” private chairlift ride after your ceremony! It’s an amazing opportunity to soak in the day privately with your partner, and get some killer photos!

Photo: Oliver Parini Photography

The Aisle Kiss (Readers Choice Winner)

This couple was so excited to be married, they barely made it to the end of the aisle before stealing another kiss! Too sweet!

Photo: Courtney Cania

Sparkling First Dance

NJOY Weddings & Events planned this stunning Indian wedding celebration, which featured one of the most epic first dances we’ve ever seen! Sparklers and smoke surround the elegant couple, but they only have eyes for each other…this just married moment is straight out of a movie!

Photo: Virdee Films

Arriving in Style

This couple arrived to their Farmhouse Flowers VT in style on a motorcycle complete with streamers! We love this fun, unique entrance!

Wildly in Love

I love the expressions on their faces following their Wild Sugar Homestead ceremony! You can just feel their “oh my gosh, we did it!” excitement. Such a beautiful moment of pure joy.

Photo: Hallie Jade Pictures

Romance in the River

This couple stole away for a private moment during their Lareau Farm Inn wedding to explore the area together. It’s a great reminder to take a few minutes on your wedding day with just your partner to check in, soak it in, and steal a kiss!

Photo: Colette Kulig Photography

Confetti Blast

This post-ceremony confetti blast at ECHO is one of the most epic we’ve ever seen! The colors, the applause, the passionate embrace…we’re giddy just looking at it!

Photo: Sam Simons

Streaming Love

This couple ran through a tunnel of streamers after their ceremony, resulting in some huge smile and amazing photos! This is a great, unique alternative to a flower toss!

Photo: Hannah Photography

A Cheeky Farewell

The bride’s makeup, courtesy of Jennifer Perellie, was the only thing left on for this late night, naked pond dive! It’s a cheeky, very fun, and (we’re guessing) refreshing way to end a wedding night and celebrate the start of the next chapter!

Photo: Carl Heyerdahl

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Best of 2022: Reception Details

Posted on January 19, 2023

Pour yourself a beverage and settling in for some incredible inspiration! These couples included beautiful, inspiring, and downright fun reception details for their 2022 Vermont weddings. (You’ll want to steal these ideas for your Pinterest board for sure.)

Below are the editorial picks the best reception details; give them a look and scroll to see your (two!) favorites in our Readers Choice Awards below!

The Sit Down Stunner

We would love to pull up a seat and admire this tablescape Jaclyn Watson Events helped design for this stunning Topnotch Resort wedding. It’s full of color, depth and gorgeous details.

Photo: Rodeo & Co

The Love Language

This is one of the cutest, most unique dinner menus I’ve seen! The cheeky message “Food is our Love Language” adds a fun element on this elegant tablescape at Farm Road Estate.

Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography

Chopped (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

Want to give your guests a unique experience? How about an axe-throwing competition?! That’s exactly what this couple did for their Mansfield Barn wedding!

Photo: Juniper Studios

Ring Ring (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

This couple greeted their guests will an interactive drink wall; guests rang one of the bells and a server’s gloved hand popped through a frame with a personal glass of bubbly! This is such a fun twist on a champagne welcome that Sara Judith Events helped to bring to life.

Photo: Adam Michaels

The Foodies

This couple had a delicious, farm to table BBQ dinner for their Silhouette Hill reception, and even got involved themselves! Yum!

Photo: Sasha Israel

Bouncing for Joy

The matching heart sunglasses … the white bounce house… everything about this reception screams FUN! A bounce house is an unexpected, fun reception addition that will be enjoyed by guests of all ages!

Photo: Jess Rene Photos

Leave a Message

In lieu of a tradition guestbook, this couple opted for a voicemail guestbook. This is such a fun interactive idea for guests, and allows you to capture personal audio from your loved ones!

Photo: Hannah Photography

Love You Stowe Much

This punny neon sign is just one of the many thoughtful details from this Stowe wedding planned by NJOY Weddings & Events. This would be such a fun detail to take pictures with during the reception, and to decorate with at home post-wedding bliss!

Photo: Amy Bennett Photography

Marvelous Mushrooms

This couple played off the natural beauty of Lareau Farm Inn with these unique handmade mushroom table details, wild flowers, and mismatched vases. The overall effect is earthy, boho and beautiful!

Photo: Madison Anne Studio

Botanical Beauty

This seating chart by Blossoming Bough is truly stunning! We love the mix of botanical prints, wildflowers, antique library trays, and seed favors. Absolutely gorgeous!

Photo: Abigail Grey Photography

Under the Lights

We would love to be on outdoor dance floor at Lake Bomoseen Lodge, and by the looks of it, so did the guests! Destinations Found helped create a dreamy dance oasis under the trees with a canopy of lights for this lovely reception.

Photo: Sixpence Studios

Love Won

This couple included a bold, rainbow colored Love Wins sign for their wedding reception, which made for a perfect, super fun photo backdrop! Based on their smiles, we think it’s clear: love has won these two over!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

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Best of 2022: Wedding Ceremony Details

Posted on January 13, 2023

Your wedding ceremony is the foundation of your wedding day, and therefore, it should be personal and full of meaningful details that reflect your love story. To inspire your own ceremony, we’re sharing some of our favorite ceremony details from this year’s weddings.

From gorgeous decor to meaningful traditions, these are our editorial pick. Take a look and check out who you picked for your Readers Choice Awards below!

Pretty in Pink (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

The chapel in the woods at the Inn at Weathersfield, is always a lovely spot for a wedding ceremony. However, this couple took it to another level with the bold pink floral aisle decor, matching ceremony arch, and coordinated petal drop as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Devoted Flower Girls

These flower girls were devoted to their duties and their enthusiasm kicked off this summer wedding with an unbeatable energy. Weddings by Janet Dunn shared that one emptied her basket of rose petals long before the end of the aisle, and both were so joyful, the guests cheered! We can’t think of a sweeter start to a ceremony.

Planting Roots

This bride thoughtfully considered every detail of their ceremony set up, including transforming this beautiful old maple tree at The Soule House & Carriage Barn into a simple, elegant ceremony backdrop with draped linens and a boho floral display. Gorgeous!

Photo: Candid Memories Studio

A Grand Entrance

This epic Indian Sikh wedding ceremony, planned by NJOY Weddings & Events, began with the BARAAT, a parade during which the groom makes his way to the wedding site. After the groom and his party were situated, the bride made her way to the groom in front of the holy text. The colors, the traditions, the lavish decor … each detail of this ceremony is memorable.

Photo: Virdee Films

Bubbly and Joyful

This couple opted for a bubble shower instead of throwing flower petals to close out their Sleepy Hollow Inn wedding ceremony. The effect is unique, whimsical, and oh-so-fun!

Photo: Blooming Photo Company

Holiday Magic

Destinations Found Events & Travel helped set the stage for this festive, winter wedding ceremony at Essex Resort and Spa. The backdrop of sparkling trees and glowing candles is stunning and perfectly Christmas-chic.

Photo: Photos by Kintz

A Warm Welcome

This couple welcomed their guests to their ceremony with a unique display featuring an antique sleigh, complete with an “unplugged ceremony” sign, a water station, and card box.

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

The Heirloom Moment

There’s something magical about this painting that draws you in and makes you feel like you are there, watching the couple exchange vows. Undoubtedly, it will be a treasured heirloom for generations that will remind the couple of this sacred moment!

Painting: Hope Sharp Art

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Best of 2022: Favorite First Looks

Posted on January 12, 2023

The emotions surrounding a first look are some of the most powerful on your wedding day. Whether it’s with your partner, a parent, or close friends, that first peak at your completed look as a bride or groom is filled with so much anticipation and joy! It was hard to narrow down our favorite first looks from 2022, but we’ve selected our editorial picks.

Check them out and see who you crowned your Readers Choice Awards below!

All Smiles

This bride’s smile as she approaches for the first look is completely contagious! You can’t help but join in her excitement.

Photo: Ben Hudson Photography

Love on the Lake

The look of joy on this bride’s face as she sees her partner for the first time says it all. Moments like this (at the beautiful Lake Bomoseen Lodge) remind me why first looks are such a powerful, intimate moment.

Photo: Eli Holmes

Brought to Tears

This couple brought each other to tears without a word during their emotional first look. Absolutely priceless!

Photo: Keith MacDonald Photography

All Grown Up (Readers Choice Award)

This dad was brought to tears when he sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day, and honestly, so am I watching this clip!

Film: Beyond Bliss Films

Oh Damn!

I love this genuine look appreciation as the groom checks out his bride! Such a fun, sweet moment of desire caught on their wedding day.

Photo: Hannah Photography

A Daddy Daughter Moment

I love this moment between the groom and his daughter as they see each other for the first time on his wedding day at the Mansfield Barn. Such a sweet moment between parent and child!

Photo: Juniper Studios

The First Touch

A great first look alternative, this first touch allows the couple to connect before the ceremony, without actually seeing each other! It’s sweet, creative, and a lovely option for couples who want to have a traditional “down the aisle” moment.

Photo: Love Wins Photography

Shock and Awe

This photo made me absolutely beam when I first saw it. The groom’s surprise, the bride’s big smile … it’s such a sweet, pure moment of joy.

Photo: MoHo Photos

The Three Generations

This one had me tearing up. Weddings are a chance to honor your history, and I love that this bride took a moment with her mom and grandma for a first look to celebrate her family.

Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography

Hype Girls

Hype girls, bride squad …whatever you call them, these girls brought the love for their first look with the bride! Planner NJOY Weddings & Events thought of everything, including a champagne toast so the crew could celebrate.

Photo: Amy Bennett

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Best of 2022: Wedding Style

Posted on January 11, 2023

This year like never before, couples slayed their wedding photos in style. From elegant, timeless looks to one of a kind outfits, Vermont couples came dressed to impress!

Check out the style inspiration below in our editor’s picks for Best of 2022 Style, and scroll to see who you voted for your Readers Choice Awards pick!

In Vogue

This unbelievably chic couple looks like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue. Jennifer Perellie created a sophisticated look for the bride that complimented their unique elopement style perfectly.

Photo: Illume by Paul Reynolds

Timeless Beauties

This couple’s style is as elegant as it is timeless! His black tux, from McNeil and Reedy and her embellished gown from Fiori Bridal, are stunning choices for their wedding at The Essex. (And if the arbor by Tipsy Tulip Designs looks familiar, it’s because it was a pick for the best florals of 2022!)

Photo: Amy Demos Photography

The Two for One

Just look at the ruffles on her skirt – how can you help but soon?! This Veilmonté Bridal Showroom gown had a surprise though; not only was it perfect for a romantic ceremony but the skirt detached revealing a sleak, ready-to-dance reception dress. Amazing.

Black Beauty

This bride was determined to show off her darker style in her wedding attire, and she nailed it! Her black lace top and dip dyed skirt combo are stunning. (She even painted her nails black to match!)

Photo: Madison Anne Studio

Shades of Green

Jaclyn Watson planned this stunning wedding which featured shades of green from the wedding party to the decor. This bridal party totally nailed the mismatched look with their coordinated green dresses. I especially love how their bouquets kept in the same green and white palette, perfectly complimenting the style.

Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography

Classy and Classic

I love this timeliness look by Fawn MUA! The subtle makeup and lush lashes compliment her traditional gown and beaded veil perfectly. Perfection.

Photo: Rob Springs Photography

The Winter Wow

This is what happens when your wedding party not understands the assignment but completely rocks it. From the goggles to the boots to the fur shawls, this wedding party has the après party look locked down!

Photo: J uniper Studios

Black and White Beauties (Readers Choice Awards)

The bride’s beaded black suit is truly unlike anything I’ve seen before; I’m obsessed! Add to that her beloved in a stunningly elegant white gown and the wildly lush bouquets by M’s Wedding Flowers and I’m rendered speechless. Their entire look is a showstopper!

Photo: Colette Kulig Photography

The Cape Sweep

This glamorous couple works in theatre, so it came to no surprise to planner Odyssey Events that they understood drama! The bridal cape adds an unparalleled sense of drama and elegance to their classic look.

Photo: Savannah Brown

Wild and Wonderful

Photographer Hallie Jade got married this year at Wild Sugar, the venue her and husband own and maintain. I love their colorful style – from her veil to their wedding party…it’s a little wild, and totally wonderful.

Photo: Jessica Dantowitz (Miranda Photo Co., second shooter)

Modern Love

I love the contrast between the clean, modern lines of the space (how cool is that metal arbor?) with the lush, colorful flowers by Yanique Events. Designed by Ehmann Events, this look is so fresh and lovely!

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

Radiant in Red

The bride wore a stunning red sari for her Sikh marriage ceremony, known as the ‘Anand Karaj’, meaning blissful union. This grand, multi-day event was planned by NJoy Weddings & Events. From the rich colors to her sparkling jewels to her natural excitement, this bride is positively radiant!

Photo: Virdee Films

The Getaway Look

I love this bride’s feathered jacket for the most perfect getaway outfit! It adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to their sparkler exit.

Photo: Idena Beach Photography

French Fête

This couple’s celebration was inspired by classic French culture (they even shared their first dance to a classic French song!). The bride wore an off the shoulder gown, and the groom wore a white tux jacket. The elegant style was mirrored by their decor, including the lush florals by Anaphora Flowers. Each detail provided the perfect ambience for their intimate fête.

Film: Eightzero2 Productions

Nailing It

I love this close up shot of the bride’s bedazzled nails. The design is fun and glitzy, and the neutral color palette keeps it sophisticated. Hands down, a great look!

Photo: Jess Rene Photo

Dark and Dreamy

This couple embraced their dark side with a color palette that was both dreamy and dramatic! It’s a great choice for their emotional fall wedding (just try to watch their vows without crying).

Film: Kasaydia Wind Media

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Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for more inspiration and actionable tips (plus spreadsheets you can use to get organized immediately) to plan your dreamy Vermont wedding!

AN EXQUISITE SUMMER WEDDING FOR MODERN ROMANTICS

Posted on March 21, 2022

This elegant summer wedding is a modern romantic’s dream! Featuring classic, exquisite design, and on-trend, modern touches (like those Bridgerton inspired bridesmaid gowns, and the rattan chandeliers) NJoy Weddings and Events created a wedding celebration not easily forgotten,

After postponing their wedding due to covid, Courtney and Reid were overjoyed to celebrate with their family and friends in their hometown of Manchester, Vermont. The couple invited their guests for several days of activities including golf, hiking, and plenty of time to relax and catch up by the pool. “From a lovely bridal lunch at their country estate, to their gorgeous, blow out reception at the Country Club, their wedding was truly an unforgettable event for all,” says Nancy. We agree and invite you to check out the full gallery below!

BEST OF 2021: COMMUNITY

Posted on December 28, 2021

The best part of weddings in 2021? Hands down: the community moments. While the people are always the true highlight of celebrations, 2021 weddings were even sweeter after months of social distancing. Long awaited hugs and overwhelming joy to be together again…that’s what stands out the most across Vermont weddings in 2021.

As we close out our Best of 2021 series, we hope you enjoy these moments of community, and that it inspires gratitude for your own family and friends.

Besties & Bubbles

A bottle of bubbly and your best pals by your side… the best way to kick off your magical wedding day, planned by NJOY Weddings & Events at Hildene.

(Photo: Corinne Parker Photography)

Just Married

In this painting, wedding painter Hope Sharp captures that “just married” magic of twirling down the aisle as a married couple at The Essex Resort and Spa.

Flying High

This couple is quite literally being lifted by their community, and by the looks on their faces, they are soaking in every celebratory moment! (Photo: Ben Hudson Photography)

Epic First Dance

This couple’s first dance on the marble court at the Wilburton Inn looks amazing – check out that lift and twirl. And the looks on their wedding party’s faces… priceless! (Photo: Jesse Schloff Photography)

The Quiet Family Moment

We love this special, intimate moment soaking in the excitement of the day as a family before rejoining the party. (Photo: Jess Driver Photography)

The Tear Jerker

This couple postponed their wedding over a year, so they and their community was VERY ready to celebrate their wedding. From their emotional vows to their family’s toasts, the entire day was filled with love. (Video: Beyond Bliss Films)

Epic Champagne Toast

When The Old Lantern Inn’s owners’ daughter tied the knot this year, the celebration was epic. One standout moment? The groom, father of the bride, and father of the groom all sabered champagne bottles and poured a toast to the union of the families. (Photo: Andy Duback)

The Glow Up

The glow sticks are super fun, but the real glow comes from the couple in love who know their community is always there to lift them up. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

Confetti Toss

This theatrical wedding planned by Destinations Found included an epic, colorful confetti drop that is sure to be a standout moment for these wedding-goers for years to come! (Photo: GarrenTee Photography)

Parachute Party

Who remembers these parachutes from elementary school?! This couple busted one out during their reception at Topnotch Resort to the delight of guests. What a fun idea! (Photo: Henry Cotton)

A Sparkling Beginning

The end of your wedding day is the start of your next chapter as a married couple. If this couple’s sparkler exit is any indication, we’d say they have a very bright future ahead! (Photo: Juniper Studios)

The Childhood Reading

The bride had asked her nephew to read Shel Silverstein’s “The Romance” during their wedding at The Inn at Weathersfield. During dinner, he worked up the courage and delivered a memorable performance. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

A Royal Send Off

Talk about a fairytale ending to a romantic wedding day! (Photo: Keith MacDonald Photography)

That’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 series. This was truly an incredible year.

The Full Best of Vermont Weddings 202 Series:

Read Now: Best of Engagements
Read Now: Best of Style
Read Now: Best of Flowers
Read Now: Best of Party Animals
Read Now: Best of Design & Details
Read Now: Best of Elopements
Read Now: Best of Location
TODAY – Best of Community

Don’t forget to pop over to Instagram to see even more community moments, and the “semi finalists” for each of the other categories.

We’re excited for another year of memorable weddings ahead!

BEST OF 2021: DETAILS & DESIGN

Posted on December 16, 2021

From traditional and elegant to boho and casual, a couple’s style informs each design choice and detail on their wedding day. Here are a few of our favorite details and designs from 2021 Vermont weddings.

Love this post? We’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks on Instagram. Go check it out for even more inspiration!

Fresh & Floral

As a nod to the groom’s Georgia roots, Lindsey added whole and halved peaches into Clayton Floral’s amazing green garlands (also peep that archway installation – it’s UNBELIEVABLE), and painted custom place cards, menus and table numbers to include peaches as well. This Maquam Barn wedding is definitely a highlight of the year. (Photo: Julia Luckett Photography)

(Read the full wedding story)

The Bold & Beautiful

This “camp” inspired lakeside wedding designed by I Dews Design & Events was equal parts fun, beautiful, and sentimental. Their wedding incorporated nods to their family, including the groom’s grandfather’s UVM beer stein in their tablescapes. (Photo: Obsidian)

A Celebration of Cakes

Why have one cake when you can have a whole table of them? We love this display of multiple cakes (we especially love the gold brushstroke design) by The Goose Chase Cake Designs. It creates a huge visual impact and provides a variety of flavor options for guests! (Photo: Dear Edith & Lily)

Fresh & Festive

The chandeliers, the drapery, the neon sign and the pink tufted chairs … we can’t get enough of this design by Jaclyn Watson Events. It’s classically beautiful, but with a bit of a fresh update! (Photo: Rodeo & Co)

Elegance Under the Tent

NJOY Weddings & Events created a timeless, romantic reception tent for this Hildene wedding. We especially love how the tent glows after dark from the strands of twinkling lights that highlight the tent’s drapes. Total modern romance! (Photo: Corinne Parker)

Love-Inspired Logo

This couple, both graphic designers, designed their own (super cool) wedding logo, and made these candles – holders and all – as gifts for all their guests. (Photo: K Lenhart Photography)

A Stand Out Seating Chart

This seating chart floral display by Nectar and Root is one of the most unique, lovely design choices we’ve seen this year. It’s a small sample of the gorgeousness that is this wedding by Lindsey Leichthammer Events at the Inn at Grace Farm is gorgeous. (Photo: Jenna Brisson Photography)

(Read the full wedding story)

Love Notes

The bride, a teacher, asked her students to write down what love and marriage mean to them. The resulting cards are sweet, adorable, and unique additions to each table. (Photo: Love Wins Photography)

Dinner Party Goals

This al fresco dinner party at The Grafton Inn is stunning; we love the bright florals and lanterns down the center of the table. It’s casually elegant, and oh-so-fun. (Photo: Loveland Creative)

Paradise Found

We love how The Linen Shop’s neutral table liners show off the long farmhouse tables and lay the perfect backdrop for the lush greenery. Topped off with oodles of greenery and twinkling lights, and we feel like we’re in a garden paradise! (Photo: Cassi Claire)

A DIY Dream

Both wedding filmmaker Madison Anne Studio and photographer Juniper Studios highlighted this gorgeous boho wedding. The bride handmade many of the decor pieces, including the incredible crochet ceremony backdrop.

Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 series! Don’t forget to check out our “semi finalists” on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get each Best of post emailed to you weekly this month!

***

Quick recap: what is Vermont Weddings Best of 2021 Series?

A little backstory if you’re unfamiliar: we started the Best of series last year (2020) to highlight some of the amazing work by the talented teams in the Vermont wedding industry. It’s an opportunity to both celebrate a year’s worth of weddings and inspire couples who are planning a future Vermont wedding. (A quick note on the word “best”: the intention isn’t to make this a competition between weddings, but to share a small, but representative, sample of the weddings in Vermont this year. To that end, please know that we love each and every wedding that was submitted, and the final picks are carefully chosen based on a variety of factors to create a compelling series.)

Here’s what you can expect:

All December, we’ll be rolling out inspiring stories in various categories:

Read Now: Best of Engagements
Read Now: Best of Style
Read Now: Best of Flowers
Read Now: Best of Party Animals
Best of Design & Details
Best of Elopements
Best of Location
Best of Community

Plus, because the submissions were just THAT good, we’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks for each category on Instagram. That means you’ll want to follow us to see even more highlights, and come back to the blog each week to see the “best” picks in each category.

We recommend signing up for our newsletter – we’ll send you an email each week with the highlights so you won’t miss a thing. (Going forward we only send 1 – 2 emails a month.)

MEET NANCY OF NJOY WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Posted on April 27, 2021

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, epic wedding that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come, you need to know NJoy Weddings & Events. From weekend-long celebrations at a private estate to something uniquely you (like getting married on an ice rink), their team brings wedding dreams to life.

Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer, the Founder, Chief Event Officer, and Creative Director of NJoy Weddings & Events, sat down with Vermont Weddings to share how she got her start in the business over 30 years ago, and after planning hundreds of weddings, what her favorite moment is.

How did you get into wedding planning?
While working toward my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion & Design at Ryerson University in Toronto, I modeled wedding gowns on the weekends at the Robert Simpson department store. The combination of my degree, modeling, and weddings inspired me to work in the industry and eventually begin my own wedding planning business.

How would you describe your style?
We create fashion forward weddings for modern romantics. Our style is timeless and epitomizes classic design principles, elegantly presented, with luxury and romance front of mind.

What inspires your work?
As a designer I’m inspired by everyday things in the world around me: line, form, shape, color, movement, flow, balance. These constants are evident in the great designers who I most admire: Givenchy, Chanel, and Dior to name a few. Classic and timeless!

As a planner, I am appropriately obsessed about details, timelines, order, and structure in order to create peace and calm in what could otherwise be chaos with hundreds of wedding planning details.

Any special tips for couples for choosing / working with a wedding planner?
It’s critical for a couple and a wedding planner to “click” and to have great chemistry. Each party needs to understand the other’s role in the relationship. Ultimately the couple needs to have great trust in who they are hiring. For my team, this begins with one-on-one conversations with the couple to discover who they are as individuals, as a couple, and how they fit into their collective family.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?
That’s easy, as it always brings a tear to my eye…When I’m standing with the bride and her dad, or both parents, fluffing her gown, just before they process down the aisle. This is such a “real moment” of love, anticipation, the past, and the future all together in one single moment. It’s pure magic!

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?
Well, given that we haven’t gone anywhere or seen anyone in so long…I’d love to host an immense family reunion at a private estate home on a lake with views of the mountains. We’d have lots of activities for “kids” of all ages like old fashioned campfires and singalongs, boating, games, and lots and lots of stories.

If you weren’t a wedding planner, what would you do?
I would definitely be a producer of some variety. I’ve produced countless stage productions: major fashion shows, epic Gala fundraising events, and full length Broadway musicals (at least 15). I co-founded the Stowe Theatre Guild in 1995, have taught junior choir, and served on several Boards in support of the Arts.

I’m known for being the person to ask if “you want something done, and done well,” and I absolutely love production – from conceptualizing to engagement to execution. Every step along the way fills me with great satisfaction!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?
My husband says I have a great sense of humor. When the inevitable pressures arise during a planning experience it’s important to remember to laugh, and to inspire those around you to do the same!

Thank you, Nancy! Learn more about NJoy Weddings & Events in the vendor guide.