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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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!

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

Loved this post?

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!

Meet Wedding Planner Jackie of Jaclyn Watson Events

Posted on April 22, 2022

Wedding planner Jackie, the owner and lead designer of Jaclyn Watson Events, creates custom, bespoke weddings that her couples and their guests remember for a lifetime. You’ve likely swooned over one (or more) of her weddings on Instagram before yourself! Read on to learn more about Jackie.

How did you get into event planning?

After planning my own wedding, I knew this was something that I would be good at and I dove right in!

What inspires your work?

Knowing that I get to be creative everyday inspires me

Any special tips for couples?

Choose a wedding planner that fits both your budget and your personality – you’ll be spending a lot of time together!

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

When the couple says I do, walks back down the aisle and I get the first hug and congratulations!

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

Go to Scale and have poke bowl or Acai bowl

If you weren’t a wedding/event planner what would you do?

I would have been a paramedic

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I used to be a performer and did juggling

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

“Footloose” – ha!

Thank you, Jackie! Learn more about Jaclyn Watson Events in the vendor guide.

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!

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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.)

A LUXE LAKESIDE WEDDING

Posted on August 17, 2021

Giuliana and Ben had a clear vision for the wedding day, and despite the challenges of wedding planning in 2020, the couple was able to bring that dream to life thanks to the expertise of Jaclyn Watson Events. The couple’s lakeside wedding at Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont was truly spectacular (and safe – the couple was diligent about following state protocols in place at the time).

Elegant Event Design & Custom Wedding Details

The team worked in details to make the design unique to the couple: the blue printed chargers mimicked the couple’s own dinnerware collection; the stationery collage was a custom piece created by a family friend; the collection of eclectic water pitchers used at both the cocktail hour and reception were hand-picked by the couple, and a gift to guests who wished to take them. From the lush centerpieces to the sparkling chandeliers in reception tent, each detail spoke of luxury.

Check out the gallery below for a peak at this elegant, waterfront wedding!

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

A COLORFUL, ROMANTIC SPRINGTIME STYLED SHOOT

Posted on April 20, 2021

When this romantic styled shoot showed up in our inbox we may have audibly sighed. It’s so dreamy!

“We wanted to create a romantic, Old World-inspired session that focused on the vitality of spring,” says photographer Julia.

Unique Wedding Ceremony Floral Installation on a Tree

Blossoming Bough brought this vision to life with lush florals (we especially dig the floral installation on the tree for a ceremony backdrop), a tablescape with natural details like moss and quail eggs, and a dreamy, colorful bespoke stationery suite.

Check it all out below!

More Real Vermont Engagement Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont elopement posts here.

A SPECTACULAR LUXE TENT WEDDING BY JACLYN WATSON EVENTS AT TOPNOTCH RESORT

Posted on April 13, 2021

When Hilary and Adam tied the knot, the ski-loving Texans wanted to provide guests with a weekend-long celebration in Vermont. The couple enlisted the expertise of Jaclyn Watson Events to bring their dreams to life, resulting in a truly spectacular wedding at the Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont.

“The design element of the event took many months to plan, says Jaclyn. The team handpicked each piece to create the special style of elegance that reflected the couple. “Everything from the heavy greenery floral design to the custom stationery elevated the event and wowed the guests and couple alike!” Check out their gallery, captured by Savannah Brown, below.

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Wedding Planner: JACLYN WATSON EVENTS | Wedding Venue: TOPNOTCH RESORT | Specialty Rentals: CHICKADEE HILL | Photographer: SAVANNAH BROWN

BEST OF 2020: DESIGN AND DECOR

Posted on December 18, 2020

Wedding decor is as unique as each couple’s love story and interests, and it sets the stage for the celebration. Here are a few of the most unique and beautiful design moments from 2020 Vermont weddings.

Natural Beauty

This tablescape celebrates the natural beauty of Vermont. Small blooms pop against the light blue napkins and add a special, personal touch on each seat. The elegant glassware provides a great, delicate contrast to the stately wood tables.

Jaclyn Watson Events | Hannah Photography | Nectar and Root

Elegant Elopement

Candles and white flower petals create a simple, elegant aisle and urns spilling over with flowers create a ceremony focal point for this couple’s elopement. Their adorable dog even matches the theme with a floral collar!

Kimpton Taconic Hotel | Mountain Hearts Photography | Haley Goodrich of Nancy Bishop Floral Design

Cozy Elegance

Flickering candlelight down a banquet table adorned with fall flowers creates a festive, cozy atmosphere for a small wedding celebration.

Inn at Weathersfield | Two of Us Photography

Backyard Bliss

This tented wedding is the definition of casual elegance. Small tables were set up around the sail tent to maintain social distance, but the beautiful, natural table decor makes it feel more intimate.
(Read the blog post)

Hannah Photography

Beauty & The Beach

This private beachfront residence is transformed into a boho wedding venue reminiscent of a tropical oasis. A ceremony space is crafted with lanterns, bright florals and beach grasses. Oriental rugs and twinkle lights create a dance floor in the sand. Overall, it nails the tropical boho beach party vibe.

Lindsey Leichthammer Events | Ben Hudson Photography

Lush & Luxe

This tented reception is beyond gorgeous. The chandeliers highlight the soft drapes of the tent and cast a warm glow on the lush, dramatic floral arrangements.

Jaclyn Watson Events

JENNA BRISSON PHOTOGRAPHY

HALLIE JADE PICTURES

MADISON ANNE STUDIO

KEITH MACDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

JUNIPER STUDIOS

MARGARET MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

MOHO PHOTO