REAL WEDDINGS: Ashley & James

NOVEMBER 24, 2018 | MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT | CHITTENDEN, VT | PHOTOS BY KELSEY REGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Romance... James and I met at Lafayette College in 2011. We were both members of the swim team. Our teammate introduced us a few weeks into the school year and James gave me advice for navigating the engineering program.

The Proposal... James prepared an intimate candlelit dinner at our apartment. We spent the evening laughing and talking about our future. The night was so perfect I began to get suspicious something was about to happen. James got down on one knee and proposed.

Why Vermont... We consider Vermont as a second home and wanted to share our love for the state with our family and friends. Over the years we have spent our weekends pilgrimaging to Manchester, Vermont. Long days on the ski slopes became a shared passion and brought us closer together.

The Venue... The Mountain Top Inn & Resort was love at first sight. We were amazed by the majestic snowy landscape and knew we had to have a winter wedding. The resort has a rustic feel with all the modern comforts and enough space for all of our crazy family and friends. Theme / Color Palette... Greenery, White, Gold, Burgundy

Fav Moments... Our exchanging of vows was one of my favorite moments. We had written our vows separately and kept them a secret until the ceremony. While we each took different approaches writing, they were both honest and sentimental. Another favorite moment would definitely be our first look. In hindsight, it was really special to have that quiet moment together beforehand. It also allowed us to spend more time with our guests during the cocktail hour.

Wedding Advice... Consider taking a day or two to yourselves before returning back to work or heading on your honeymoon. Being the bride and groom is a lot of fun, but it is also an exhausting weekend. We were very happy that we decided to stay at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort an additional night after our wedding. If you know your guests are going to be dancers, make sure you make a diverse playlist and leave space for a big dance floor! We were glad we worked with our wedding coordinator to optimize table layout for maximum dance space. We also worked closely with our DJ to make a playlist that guests of all ages would enjoy.

Special Thanks... We appreciate our supportive family and the guests who traveled to Vermont to be at our wedding. Everyone’s attendance made our wedding day special and memorable.

FEATURED PROFESSIONALS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelsey Regan Photography VENUE, ACCOMMODATIONS, CEREMONY, CATERING, REHEARSAL DINNER, BAR SERVICES, HAIR & MAKEUP: Mountain Top Inn & Resort, www.mountaintopinn.com WEDDING COORDINATOR (Caitlin Layne) Mountain Top Inn & Resort FLORAL DESIGN: Meadow's Edge Floral Design DJ, & PHOTOBOOTH RENTAL: 802 Events WEDDING GOWN DESIGNER: Maggie Sottero WEDDING GOWN STORE: Letitia's Bridal BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bill Levkoff GROOM’S, & GROOMSMEN’S FORMAL WEAR: JoS. A. Bank INVITATIONS: Minted CAKE, & CUPCAKES: Dorset Rising FAVORS: Goodrich's Maple Farm JEWELRY: (engagement ring, & wedding bands) Nina Jewelry, (brides earrings & necklace) Special Design Jewelers WEDDING REGISTRY & GIFTS: The Knot- William Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, & Amazon VIDEOGRAPHER: byDesign Films