Best of 2022: Champagne Pop Photos

Posted on January 23, 2023

If you’ve been following along on Instagram this year, you know this to be true: champagne pop photos had a moment in 2022. These fun photos were the must have engagement and wedding shot of the year! Below is our editorial picks featuring our favorite champagne pop photos to celebrate the year of popping bottles!

Check them out and see who you’re toasting as your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below.

Bright & Bubbly

Is there any combo more fun than confetti and champagne?! This bridal squad is ready to get the party started at the Wilburton Inn.

Photo: Swoyer Photography

Fall Foliage & Fizz

The entire wedding party lined up to cheer on the couple as they popped a bottle, and the spray is epic! The bridal bouquets by Fleur Du Nord Farm and rolling mountains at Sterling Ridge Resort served as the perfect backdrop for this fun moment.

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Smoke & Spray (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

This couple’s backlit portrait is one of the most unique I have seen! I love the mix of the groom’s cigar smoke as the bride pops a bottle – definitely a fun, unique take on this photo opp!

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Champagne Showers

Is that rain? Snow? No, it’s an epic champagne pop! In addition to this amazing spray, I love the wedding party’s enthusiasm!

Photo: Jess Rene Photos

A Sparkling Send Off

This adventurous bride took matters into her own hands! The couple had planned a sparkler exit, and on a whim, she grabbed a bottle and showered the crowd! It was a welcome surprise on this hot summer night!

Wedding Film: Beyond Bliss Films

The Private Toast

Noted: add “private forest toast” to your wedding itinerary. This couple shared an intimate cheers as newlyweds, and it’s a great reminder to take a moment alone to soak everything in during your big day!

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Cheers O’Clock

Sarah Judith Events helped this bride and groom plan every detail of their elegant wedding day, including this amazing champagne pop moment!

Photo: Adam Michaels Photography

Bubbling with Excitement

Nothing says ‘congrats’ like a little bubbly! I love this wedding morning champagne toast at Lake Bomoseen Lodge with the bridal party, complete with silver streamers and matching robes.

Photo: Lindsey Vann Photography

Champagne Kisses

Champagne always makes for a fun photo prop, but this couple took it to the next level for their engagement shoot by jumping in the lake with a bottle! Priceless!

Photo: Allison Macy Photography

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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 Venues

Posted on January 17, 2023

Despite being a small state, there is no shortage of amazing wedding venues across Vermont. From mountain retreats to lakeside spots, there truly is something for everyone here. We’re rounding up the best Vermont wedding venues to help you find your perfect “I do” location!

Check out our editorial picks for the best wedding venues in 2022, and vote for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

The Equinox

The Equinox is located in the beautiful town of Manchester, Vermont and has no shortage of sweeping, majestic mountain views. Showcased here is the venue’s picturesque Pond Pavilion, which is located at the foot of Mt. Equinox.

Photo: Jaclyn Schmitz

Sugarbush Resort

If you love Vermont for skiing or snowboarding, then you’ll fall head over heels for Sugarbush Resort! This quintessential Vermont wedding venue, located in Warren, is breathtaking all seasons. The Resort offers several options for gathering spaces and plentiful onsite accommodations.

Photo 1: Juniper Studios

Photo 2: Oliver Parini

Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is nestled on 30 acres of pure romantic and historic charm! This venue is perfect for couple’s looking to provide guests with a weekend-long celebration. Their ceremony site boasts sweeping views, and the unique marble courtyard is the dreamiest setting to dance the night away.

Photos: Swoyer Photography

Hildene

Step straight into a fairytale at Hildene. The formal gardens of the Lincoln Family Home are the perfect backdrop for taking photos and sweeping views of the Taconic and Green Mountains are hard to beat. This is one of Vermont’s most elegant, historic and timeless venues!

Photo: Michelle Lange Photography

An Affair by the Lake

An Affair by the Lake, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, is truly stunning. Along with uninterrupted lake views, this venue also offers a ceremony gazebo, large lawn for a tented reception, and elegant Inn on site for select guests.

Photo: Golden Door Photo

Talta Lodge

Tälta Lodge is one of Stowe, Vermont’s newest wedding venues and conveniently located near lots of outdoor activities, perfect for adventure loving couples. Highlighted here is a timeless summer wedding by Sara Judith Events. Everything about this day at Talta Lodge was customized to perfection for the bride and groom, and showcases what’s possible at this beautiful venue.

Film: Beyond Bliss Films

ECHO

Complete with sparkling views of Lake Champlain, ECHO is truly a unique and modern wedding venue. It’s one of the most memorable wedding venues in Vermont (think: fish tanks & exhibits inside and Adirondack mountains views outside!) and is one of only a few venues directly on the Burlington waterfront.

Photo: Michael Tallman

Farm Road Estate

Farm Road Estate is a historic and romantic wedding venue and inn nestled on 32 acres in West Dover, Vermont. A quintessential Vermont wedding destination, uniquely suited to host Pinterest- ready weddings and large events all year round!

Photo 1: Abigail Jean Photography

Photo 2: Jenna Brisson Photography

The Essex Resort & Spa

The Essex Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for couples looking for deluxe accommodations and Vermont charm. Featured here is a garden party themed summer wedding filmed by Kasaydia Wind Media. The couple’s big day was ethereal, personal and sweet, with the Essex being the perfect backdrop!

Maquam Barn

Maquam Barn and Winery in Milton, Vermont can be easily descirbed in one word: romantic! The venue is a working winery with a magnificent, newly constructed barn, and sweeping vistas to backdrop couple’s ceremonies.

Photo: Katie Jean Photos

Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Lake Bomoseen Lodge is nestled in the Taconic Mountains on Vermont’s largest inland lake, gorgeous Lake Bomoseen. the venue includes multiple ceremony locations and on-site accomodations. We’ve seen weddings from all four seasons held here, each breathtaking in their own right!

Photo: Lindsey Vann

Inn at Grace Farm

The Inn at Grace Farm provides couples with a private estate experience for their Vermont celebration. With three ceremony sites, a stunning reception barn, and comfortable on-site accommodations, Grace Farm is a truly magical place to celebrate.

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Sleepy Hollow

Step into a storybook at Sleepy Hollow Inn! Shown here is the venue’s pavilion, a cozy and romantic space in the winter. I’m swooning over the flickering candles framing the aisles.

Photo Credit: Cait Fletcher photo

Silhouette Hill

Silhouette Hill checks all of the boxes when it comes to hosting a quintessential Vermont wedding in the county. They provide a serene, picturesque backdrop for couples looking to customize their big day.

Millstone Hill

Millstone Hill is complete with gorgeous views, a beautiful event barn, and a Bed and Breakfast. For couples looking for a real Vermont feel and charm, this quaint and romantic venue is it!

Lareau Farm Inn

Lareau Farm Inn is a classic Vermont farmhouse venue in Waitsfield, Vermont. Celebrations sprawl from the pavilion onto the expansive lawn, which lends even the most elegant of wedding an intimate vibe. As the home of Vermont-famous, American Flatbread, they also offer catering, including that famous (and ridiculously delish) wood-fired pizza.

Photo 1: MoHo Photo

Photo 2: Hannah Photography

Farmhouse Flowers

Farmhouse Flowers VT is blooming with beauty! As the name suggests, this gorgeous venue is nestled among the lush flower gardens, from which the team crafts stunning wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. The timber frame reception barn is equally lovely.

Photo: Desirae Jean Photography

Sterling Ridge (Readers Choice Awards)

Sterling Ridge Resort is a log cabin resort hidden in the mountains, providing a unique, private space for couples to celebrate with loved ones for an entire wedding weekend. This is an absolutely beautiful backdrop for nature lovers!

Photo: K. Lenox Photography

Wild Sugar Homestead

Wild Sugar Homestead is a stunning, rustic wedding venue perfect for couples who want to create a unique, DIY wedding experience in a place that showcases all of Vermont’s natural beauty. And fun fact: its owners, Hallie and Erik (pictured), were also among the first couple to get married here!

Photos by Jessica Dantowitz and second shooter Miranda Photo Co.

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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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Winter Wedding at Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Posted on December 6, 2022

Vermont winter weddings are so magical! Angela and Matt planned their day at Lake Bomoseen Lodge with hints of vintage glamour and Vermont charm. Tipsy Tulip Designs created beautiful wintry floral designs and McNeil Reedy created a timeless look for Matt and his groomsmen. We always recommend hiring a videographer, and they chose Eightzero2 Productions to capture their wedding day perfectly (see their wedding video below)!

Six years earlier, Angela and Matt attended a winter wedding together in Vermont. Even though they had initially never pictured a winter wedding for themselves, it was so beautiful and enchanting, they knew one day a Vermont winter wedding would be a part of their story as well.

Gorgeous Winter Wedding Details

Velvet and burgundy details were perfect for this winter wedding. From the bridesmaid dresses to Angela’s red velvet shoes, to the groomsmen’s ties…the rich color looked incredible against the snowy backdrop! I loved that they added fur stoles to stay warm and add a vintage flare.

Related: 10 Vermont Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Celebration

Instead of a first look before the ceremony, Angela and Matt decided to do a first touch instead. Matt didn’t want to see Angela in her dress before the ceremony, but she knew her nerves could not withstand waiting until the ceremony entrance. They stood around the corner of the front porch on Pine Cottage and held hands, laughed, cried, and exchanged a couple of cheeky remarks.

Romantic Reception at Lake Bomoseen Lodge

After their ceremony, the couple headed out onto the frozen Lake Bomoseen to take portraits. With temperatures in the mid-teens, Angela came prepared with her fur shrug, snow books, and her “something blue”: Vermont Darn Tough boot socks!

Right before their reception began they decided to do a private reveal of their reception space upstairs in the Loft. While everyone was downstairs in the Taproom wrapping up cocktail hour it gave them 10 minutes to just stop and be present with each other, and savor the bliss of finally being husband and wife. Like everyone says, the day flies by, so one of my biggest tips is to find a few minutes for just the two of you!

Taking these few minutes allowed them to take in all of the details of the reception space (without the blur of the music or people). It ended up being their favorite moment because the DJ was setting up and offered to cue their first dance song, “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton, so they had an impromptu “unofficial” first dance just the two of them surrounded by romantic candlelight.

Vendors

Venue: Lake Bomoseen Lodge, Videographer: Eightzero2 Productions, Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs, Formal Wear – McNeil & Reedy, Photographer: Ever After Photography, Hair & Makeup: Hillary Fay Studios, Music & Entertainment: Big Handsome Entertainment, Cake & Desserts: Dream Maker Bakers

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