inspiration for your wedding Photography Catering Flowers Invitations Health + Fitness Music
and more... Honeymoon
summer 2012 vermontbridemagazine.com
check out our new look!
Rustic elegance can be felt as you enter our beautifully restored 1800’s barn. OPEN AIR PAVILION FOR CEREMONIES 1800’S RENOVATED HAY LOFT WITH CATERERS PANTRY
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NESTLED ALONG THE LAMOILLE RIVER VALLEY AND MOUNT MANSFIELD
Located at the intersection of routes 15 & 104 in Cambridge, Vermont. Contact us for availability.
802.598.5509
Savor
every minute of your unforgettable day.
...and a bouquet-ful of other ways to savor every moment.
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Top right Ponds photo by Todd Stoilov. Middle right Ponds photo by Stina Booth.
Culinary creations from our Certified Master Chef. Soothing massages and facials. AAA Four-Diamond accommodations. A full array of Bridal services in our salon.
s t n e t Con p. 34
p. 46
contributors 15 Staff Notes
18
VT Bride Loves | Purple
22
VT Bride Loves | lace
25
VT Bride Photo Album
26
personalize your wedding music
31
choosing music to paint the town your color
to do or not to do
trend alert
christina (crosby) and shane mispel
photo booths
44
By Grant Allendorf
experiential photography
46
a look at emerging photo trends
By Linda Crosby
Unique and inviting
53
By Colleen Kuerth
34
How to Unite Your Wedding Theme with the Wedding’s Attire
56
love story
58
By Claudia Gonzalez
By Susanna Keefer
terrariums and tablescapes
40
the benefit of custom designed invitations
By Lisa Carlson
exploring and explaining vermont's summer catering trends
love story
38
K jestine (Moon) and Brian Alspaugh
By Pat Esden 8 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
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summer 2012
p. 68
p. 78
love story
64
Lorie (Gardner) and Barry Russell
amazing lace
fit spot exercise push up with a row
86
Why Does My Weight Fluctuate So Much?
87
By Toria Cornett
68
By Josee Telfer
inspiration | A modern affair
73
By Toria Cornett
inspiration | vintage tryst
78
med spa
the informed traveler
82
By Dr. Nancy Carlson Fischer
mexico
By Carrie McDougall
to buy or rent
84
By Kim Dixon
how to choose a dj
By Grant Allendorf
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88
happy summer from lumina
vermont bride marketplace
90
vendor index
94
may i have this dance
98
85
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Elegant
and romantic return to the WonDEr of a cLaSSic Vermont Inn
The Special Value Packages Available
COMPLIMENTARY BRIDAL SUITE ...*when booking event or rooms. Call for details
INN 123 Mountain Road Stowe, VT 05672
Reservations & Info: (802) 253-4030 Fax: (802) 253-4031
www.stoweinn.com
Rehearsal Dinners | Wedding Ceremonies | Receptions | Luncheons The Stowe Inn is situated on a beautiful and lush 4-acre estate perfectly suited to accommodate large weddings and events. With n Onsite catering n Separate areas for both your ceremony and reception n Unique guest rooms n Many other special accoutrements available. Remember, the Stowe Inn has it all.
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Helping brides plan perfect weddings since 1990 PUBLISHERS
cover by polis photography
Vickie Karnes, Steven Karnes
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Karen Sturtevant ART DIRECTOR
Colleen Kuerth Sales & Marketing
Lynn Roberge Joe Karnes Contributing Writers
Contributing Photographers
Grant Allendorf
Larry Asam Photography
Michael Caldwell
Ayer Photography of Vermont
Lisa Carlson
Green Mountain Photobooth
Toria Cornett
Ben Hudson Photography
Linda & Joe Crosby
Lamoureux Photography
Kim Dixon
Letter10 Creative Stacie Maddox Photography Polis Photography
Pat Esden Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD Claudia Gonzalez
RaidenShine Photography
Susanna Keefer
Saint Phalle Photography
Colleen Kuerth
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
Carrie McDougall
Copy Editors
Sarah Minor
Karen Sturtevant Colleen Kuerth
Gayle Oberg
Vickie Karnes
Karen Sturtevant
Steven Karnes
Josee Telfer
Vermont Bride • P.O. Box 143 Westford, Vermont 05494
vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com
802.879.3157 Copyright Š Vermont Bride Magazine www.vermontbridemagazine.com Vermont Bride is published quarterly and is available throughout Vermont and internationally via mail. Statements and opinion published within Vermont Bride Magazine does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Every effort is made for accuracy for all material printed herein, however the publishers of Vermont Bride disclaim all responsibility of liability for omissions and errors.
Member of
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printed by
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Women’s HealtHcare & aestHetics Lumina... Unique Med Spa Setting • Comprehensive Gynecology • Skin Rejuvenation • Laser Hair and Vein Removal • Cellulite Reduction • CoolLipo • Botox & Fillers • Peels / Facials / Microdermabrasion • Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine • Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling
Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD Changing the Way a Woman Sees the Doctor 1775 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 802-861-0200 • nancyfishermd.com
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vermont bride Sum mer 2012 | 13
Whatever Your Style
Love...
is still the same
802. 524.4055
EatonsJ ewelry.com 30 North MaiN St. | St. aLbaNS, Vt
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Mon-Thu 9-5pM; Fri 9-6pM; SaT 9-4pM
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VT Bride
contributors
Grant Allendorf
Carrie McDougall
Grant Allendorf is the owner of Supersounds Entertainment (www. supersounds.com), Video Memory and Green Mt. Photobooth ( www. greenmtphotobooth.com). Supersounds has been voted Vermont’s #1 DJ Service. Contact Grant at supersounds.entertainment@gmail.com.
Carrie McDougall is the owner of Cultural Crossroads, offering customized tours for individuals, family and friends as well as educational and nonprofit organizations. Trips provide cultural opportunities and private unique experiences worldwide. Their tours have been honored by Conde Nast Traveler and have been featured in National Geographic Traveler’s section Tours of a Lifetime. Contact Carrie at (toll-free) 877-479-7040, e-mail Carrie@CulturalCrossroads.com, or visit www. CulturalCrossroads.com.
Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell (whose parishioners call “Rev Michael”) runs the Partnership Center of Vermont (www.coachingcenterofvt.com) from his home in North Wolcott, VT. Along with his ministry in New England’s Congregational tradition, he coaches couples preparing for marriage, and officiates ceremonies all over Vermont, indoors or outside. Contact Michael for a free consultation at 802-888-5811. Email: michael.caldwell.75@alum.dartmouth. org. Website: www.coachingcenterofvt.com.
Gayle Oberg Gayle grew up in Springfield, VT and has been in the Stowe/Waterbury area since 1972. Licensed as a Realtor® in 1985, Gayle was also a licensed teacher in the 1990s while her children were on a school calendar. Gayle has been a full-time agent with Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate, in Stowe, VT since 2002. Kelli Driscoll joined Gayle in September of 2010 and The Oberg Team was formed. E-mail: gayle@theobergteam.com. WEB: www.theobergteam.com.
Lisa Carlson
Karen Sturtevant
Lisa Carlson freelances throughout Vermont in collaboration with numerous instrumentalists, offering duos or trios of flute with harp, violin, piano, oboe, or cello, as well as solo flute and other combinations. She also teaches flute lessons in Central Vermont. She maintains a web site at www.lisaflute. com and a wedding music blog at www.lisaflute.com/weddingblog. Lisa can be reached at 802-229-9901 or lisa@lisaflute.com.
Karen Sturtevant is a freelance writer, editor of Vermont Bride, and will have her first children’s book published in 2012. She lives in Williston, VT with her longtime partner, Mike, and looks forward to visits from her out-of-state college daughter, Kayla.
Toria Cornett
Josee Telfer
Involved in physical fitness her entire life, Toria Cornett, ATC, CSCS, has been a professional in the health and wellness field since 2002. She has Certificates in Athletic Training, Sports and Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, and Health Education. She is also mother to Emma, her adorable four-year-old daughter. Contact Toria at toriadawn@yahoo.com or www.toriaswellness.
Josee Telfer works at Fiori Bridal Boutique located at Five Corners in Essex Junction. Along with assisting brides in choosing their wedding gown, she manages the Fiori blog. Josee also enjoys doing calligraphy for weddings and special events. She lives in Fairfax with her husband Eric and two sons, Michel and Andrew. Josee@ fioribridal.com. www.fioribridal.com. 802-872-9663
Joe & Linda Crosby
Susanna Keefer
The RaidenShine Photography team consists of two dedicated photographers that have a passion about wedding photography, quality and customer service. Joe and Linda Crosby are both award-winning photographers in their own right and combine to make a great team. Active members of Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), they meet annually with other WPPI photographers from all over the world to exchange ideas, new products, and new technologies so that they can bring those ideas and technologies to their Vermont Brides. www.raidenshine.com.
Susanna’s Catering provides exceptional globally inspired cuisine and unparalleled service to events of any size throughout Vermont. Contact Susanna at 802-635-9094, info@susannascatering.com , www.susannascatering.com.
Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD Claudia Gonzalez Claudia Gonzalez is a UVM graduate and freelance fashion writer. She has contributed on fashion photo shoots in NYC and Montreal.She lives in Burlington, VT with daughters Zoe and Mackenzie and boyfriend Dave.
Dr. Nancy Fisher offers comprehensive gynecologic services including menopause counseling, contraceptive management, infertility evaluations, pelvic pain evaluation and treatment, management and treatment of abnormal paps including colposcopy and LEEP, and annual exams with preventive health/cancer screening for women of all ages. Dr. Fisher also offers the latest technology for laser hair and vein removal and laser skin rejuvenation. Knowing that only Dr. Fisher will see her patients on every visit provides the continuity of care women need and deserve. www.nancyfishermd. com, 802-861-0200.
Colleen Kuerth
Kim Dixon
Colleen Kuerth is the owner of Truly Noted Invitations and Stationery and has over six years of experience designing invitations. Contact her for more information on creating the perfect invitation for your wedding. www.trulynoted.net, info@trulynoted.net.
Kim Dixon, owns Insights LLC, a Waterbury-based company (www.insights-llc.com) specializing in marketing solutions for small Vermont business.
Pat Esden Pat has worked in the wedding industry for over twenty-five years. As a master floral designer and owner of Esden Florist in Fairfield, Vermont, she sees the yearly changes in wedding styles and is familiar with the time-honored traditions and in tune with the new conventions. www.esdenflorist.net and http://www. vermontbridemagazine.com/esden-florist.php. w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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I do.
Full of history, charm and beauty, the perfect place to say
The Great Room is the perfect location to celebrate the beginning of your new life together. For a more intimate setting the Cliff House on Mt. Mansfield will take your breath away. Expect nothing less than meticulous planning, worldclass menus, warm, exceptional service and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
stowe.com info@stowe.com 800.253.4SKI w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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VT Bride
staff notes
Vermont Bride is now on
Pinterest!
photo by Larry Asam Photography
W
Karen Stutevent Vermont Bride Editor-In-Chief
e live in a land of go, go, go: always a task to complete, a job to start, a friend to meet, a bill to pay, and a schedule to keep. If there were ever a time to allow ourselves a little leisure, summer is it. Days are long, the sun is bright, and the busy world has turned green with our famous landscapes. This issue of Vermont Bride is our summer slow down offering to you. Kick back and enjoy three love stories. Beautiful couples, touching tales. You will find all bridesto-be have similar expectations, fears, and hopes. One of our hopes for September 2, 2012, is that we will have a small part in making Kelly Greene and Army Guard Specialist Shawn Lane’s day one they, and their guests, will remember fondly. Kelly and Shawn are the winners of Vermont Bride’s Military Wedding Giveaway! Read a sneak peak of their love story in the Engagement Stories section (pages 20-21). Their entire story and wedding details will be featured in our winter issue. Before we start talking about snow and cold, let’s think about the center of the summer table. Searching for centerpiece ideas? Be sure to read Pat Esden’s contribution, Terrariums and Tablescapes for sensational ideas for any season (page 38). Toria Cornett tells us why our weight fluctuates and gives us advice that will help ease that step up on the scale. Warm weather means lightweight, pretty, sleeveless dresses. Tone your arms and tighten your core with our summer exercise (page 86) and make heads turn. Honeymooning in Mexico could be your dream destination and what a great place to bear those sculpted arms. See Fun and Sun in Mexico (page 82) from Carrie McDougall. Regular contributor Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell sums up weddings in the title of his section: Your Wedding, YOUR Way. Your wedding should be done YOUR way and this time he tackles the question on whether women should take their husand’s last name and how this subject has changed as times have changed. Music to enjoy, food to savor, photos to click and beauty to behold—a few things that make us want to come out and play in these days of summer. On these pages are thoughts on subjects presented to help you in preparation for your celebration, regardless of the season. From all of us at Vermont Bride, get out there and have some fun this summer!
P.S.
Colleen Kuerth Vermont Bride Art Director 18 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
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Did you notice that Vermont Bride has a brand new look? It is all due to our new Art Director, Colleen Kuerth! We hope you enjoy the updates and fresh new design. Our dedication to providing you with a resource that is both informative and inspiring is breathing new life into each page. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our transformation. Some of our favorite additions include the Vermont Bride Loves color and trend inspiration boards (pages 22 & 25) and the stylized inspiration spreads, A Modern Affair and Vintage Tryst (pages 73 & 78). Look for more amazing, drool-worthy photos in future issues! Have a comment about the new look? We would love to hear from you! Send a note to Colleen at colleen@vermontbridemagazine.com.
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Stay, Celebrate and Enjoy. Twenty private acres above the valley with breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for elegant wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, and goodbye brunches.
Your Destination Wedding Estate Manchester, VT
800.648.4944 | wilburton.com
Please tell your vendors that you found them in Vermont Bride LIKE US on FACEBOOK
19
Engagement Stories
Lauren and Dustin A Wedding Story By Karen Sturtevant
If you were to ask Dustin Weir what his favorite things are about his soon-to-be wife, he would say her contagious laugh and beautiful eyes. There is no denying that Lauren Cole’s eyes sparkle when she speaks about her upcoming, June 22, 2012, wedding. After six years of being together, and with the diamond that once belonged to Dustin’s mother recently reset, a proposal was offered and accepted! The date of their wedding marks, to the day, their seventh year anniversary of being a couple. As if an upcoming wedding and working full-time jobs weren’t enough to keep them busy, in December 2011, they purchased their first house. They plan to add a fence for dogs Quincy and Marley and a garage for their cars. In a tranquil Underhill location, this is their calm and quite refuge. In between choosing paint colors and curtains, a wedding needed to be organized! Lauren gives great thanks to the support of her family and friends and said she couldn’t have done everything without their help. The cost of such a grand celebration and the seemingly endless decisions were the most surprising aspects as Lauren learned the
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fine art of wedding planning. Their wishes for the wedding day are simple: to enjoy a warm, sunny Vermont day where everything runs smoothy, everyone gets along, and every action goes according to plan. To make the day extra special, Lauren’s grandfather obtained a one day justice of the peace license, specifically to officiate the marriage—a true act of love. With all the flurry and expectation of this wedding, when the last guest has left and the last gift unwrapped, how will Lauren deal with the fact that, after months of planning and hundreds of choices
now made and complete, the party is over and reality has returned? A few weeks of honeymooning in the paradise at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica may help. What’s the future hold? Children for sure (he wants one, she wants two)—Quincy and Marley would be happy with either. Preparing for big challenges, being true to themselves and being committed to preserving their marriage are the goals of these best friends and soon-to-be husband and wife. 1
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Kelly and Shawn photo: polis photography
MEET THE WINNERS OF THE VERMONT BRIDE MILITARY WEDDING GIVEAWAY
custom designed invitations to cake flavors, the details are finally coming together. The date is set for September 2 and will be held at the charming ye olde England Inne located in Stowe, VT. Jackie Watson, of VT Enchanted Events, and Colleen Kuerth, of Truly Noted, met with Kelly and Shawn at ye olde England Inne on April 16 to officially award the couple and go over the details of the prize. Other fun outings have taken them to Sweet
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After months of anticipation and deliberation, we were excited to announce on April 15 that Kelly Green and Army Guard Specialist Shawn Lane were the official winners of the Vermont Bride Military Wedding Giveaway. Kelly and Shawn have been engaged since February 1, 2011, and are thrilled to finally be planning their long awaited wedding! Since learning they won the dream wedding package, valued at over $25,000, they have experienced a whirlwind of wedding planning. From Crunch Bake Shop in Hyde Park for a cake tasting, Weddings, Tents and Events to choose linen colors, Sarah's Weddings by Betty's Flower Basket and Jay View Wedding Flowers to discuss centerpieces and bouquets and an engagement photo shoot with Polis Photography. Other vendors who are donating their products and services include: Bear Pond Productions, Cynthea's Spa, Green Mountain Photobooth, Green Mountain Photo Shows, Jamie Norris,
Jonathan Couture Photography, Kim Edwards, Mary Kay by Linda Leu, Nana's Cards, Cakes & More, Soldiers' Angels, The Smuggler's Notch Inn, Top Notch Resort & Spa, SuperSounds DJ Co., Uncle George's Flowers, Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery and Wedding Gloss. All of the wedding details, as well as Kelly and Shawn's love story will be featured in the winter issue of Vermont Bride. 1
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VT Bride
loves
purple
hot color combos lavender + orange
We joyfully invite you to the wedding celebration of
Cary Lawson and Peter Connelly Saturday, the eighteenth of August Two thousand and twelve at half past four in the afternoon Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn, New York
plum + chartreuse
eggplant + butter
Clockwise from top left | Bouquet: sarah's weddings by betty's flower basket, Laurel pattern invitation: laura macchia, Bridesmaid dress: After Six 6622 (fiori bridal boutique), Fascinators: fabulous fascinators by betty's flower basket 22 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
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s don't forget to check out Vermont Bride on s facebook + twitter + pinterest laura macchia PAPER GOODS & CUSTOM DESIGN
DIGITAL & LETTERPRESS READY - MADE & CUSTOM
BEAUTIFUL & AFFORDABLE
WEDDING INVITATIONS
www.lauramacchia.com | 802.279.4063 | info@lauramacchia.com
Innkeeping since 1786
A favorite venue for wedding ceremonies and beautiful receptions in all four seasons. The Brandon Inn has spacious, comfortable public areas including inter-connecting dining rooms with a capacity for 200+ guests and a celebrated Chef/Innkeeper to provide the delicious food.
800.639.8685 20 Park St., Brandon, VT
BrandonInn.com
Listed on the National Historic Register
continued on page 83
lace
VT Bride
loves
Amelia& Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith request the pleasure of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
A me lia Ir is Ja cks on H ewe tt to
Saturday the sixteenth of June two-thousand and twelv e at three o’clock The Basin Harbor Club Vergennes, VT dinner and dancing to follow
Clockwise from left | Wedding gown: watters 1061b (fiori bridal boutique), Bouquet: sarah's weddings by betty's flower basket, Lace cake: kathryn's cake shop, Fascinator: fabulous fascinators by betty's flower basket, Lace invitation: truly noted w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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Vermont Bride Photo Album
te Vermont photographers.
3
4
favori Our favorite inspirational pics from our
for a complete list of Vermont Bride recommended photography professionals, see the vendor index on page 96
1
Vermont Bride Photo Album
favorite shots from Vermont's best! our of re mo h wit ues tin con n atio The inspir
Letter10 Creative
34+4@
Lemoureux Photography Þßà
RaidenShine Photography
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By Sarah Minor Fabulous Fascinators are hand-made hair accessories, created by artist Sarah Minor in the quaint studio of her flower shop. Each piece is a labor of love radiating years of floral experience and dedication to quality. Not sure what style is for you? Ask yourself which features of the fascinator you like the most. Could it be the fabric flowers and fabulous feathers or the beautiful pearls and crystals that illuminate elegance. Many Brides are opting to have that little something extra and unique, that makes their wedding different from everyone else. As the classic veil has become outdated, fascinators have slowly made their way into the bridal scene. Not only for the bride, these are an adorable accessory for flower girls, bridesmaids, and believe it or not simple everyday wear.
The ability of the fascinator to compliment the color, style, and design of everything from a bridal gown to a simple summer dress, is a testament to versatility and practicality of each piece. These nature inspired pieces only commend further Sarah’s skills as a florist and endeavors into the bridal world. She is devoted not only to Fabulous Fascinators, but also fabulous floral arrangements. So what kind of fascinator is for you? The answer is a Fabulous Fascinator, made by Sarah Minor, in her Vermont flower shop, where every fascinator is fabulous.
sarahsweddings.com | or | bettysflowerbasket.com 802.524.5703 | 800.892.7259 | 9 Bank Street Saint Albans VT 05478
WEDDING BARN
whiterocksinn.com
White Rocks Inn
1774 US7 South, Wallingford, VT 05773 802.446.2077 | info@whiterocksinn.com
photo by Stoilov Studio Photography
Personalize Your Wedding Music
wedding music to paint the town YOUR color! Classical music wafting through the air, elegantly winding through the gathered group of family and friends—or would you prefer a little Celtic lilt to put a spring in your step on your special day? Or what about that special hymn Grandma always used to sing? Or that pop tune or show tune you always sang as a kid—or first danced to as a couple? Or maybe something totally different—something composed just for you on your special day? When most people think of “wedding music” what pops to mind is often Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (“Here comes the bride…”) or Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” or perhaps Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” You might imagine a church organ or perhaps a classical quartet. Many couples do choose some variation on the above for their wedding music—and why not? Classic, elegant choices that are easy to walk to, and that are tested by time, will never go out of style. Would a bride avoid wearing a long gown and decide not to exchange rings simply because everyone else does? Traditional choices can w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
by Lisa Carlson say as much about you as nontraditional choices, if chosen from the heart. This type of connection with tradition and the past can be comforting, sentimental, and certainly can make your decision-making simpler! But sometimes couples choose music that’s a little different—and again, why not? It’s your day to paint the town—the music will paint the atmosphere and color the feeling of your celebration—why not choose music that has significance for you personally? That touch of you in the music will touch your guests as well as bring you smiles—or tears—or put a lift in your every move. Again, if the tunes that are significant for you are also popular with other wedding couples, then go for the traditional choices! If not, the sky’s the limit! I had the honor of playing for a wedding last summer where the bride had arranged or composed the music for her own wedding—including a special song performed by a friend. At another, the bride commissioned a friend to create medleys of a series of special songs arranged specifically for our flute, vermont bride Sum mer 2012 | 31
Personalize Your Wedding Music
d “...the music will paint the atmosphere an color the feeling of your celebration –
why not choose music that has significance for you personally?”
violin and cello trio. She chose primarily Broadway songs and hymns for these arrangements, and chose popular but nontraditional classical music for the prelude. Many couples wish to have entirely classical music for their weddings, but prefer to completely avoid the traditional wedding standards. There are too many options to list here, but you may wish to look into music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, for the classic sound that’s not standard, yet is easy to walk to, and has a comfortable, traditional feeling. And by the way—don’t think of these composers as the stodgy old men you often see in pictures— if Bach really were the person we think of when we see his stern representation in portrait, do you honestly believe he would have fathered 20 children or composed the intensely energetic music he did? Bach, in particular, composed some of the most versatile and awe-inspiring music ever heard—and a great deal of his music has been arranged for many different combinations of instruments, and is often heard at weddings, though never as the standards that could be considered “over-used”—so check him out! I’ve also recently played as recessionals: “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles; as processionals: “Til’ There Was You” and the traditional Celtic tune “Fanny Power.” I played one wedding recently where the request was for music throughout the ceremony—a mix of Classical, Celtic, and other traditional songs and hymns, played by flute/violin duo, with music continuing even as background for the vows—violin solo for one and flute solo for the other, and the entire ceremony built on musical selections that were particularly special for the couple. 32 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
Want to get even more unique? Vermont boasts a huge variety of composers and song writers. Why not consider having a special song composed just for your special day? It would lend a whole new meaning to the phrase “playing our song!” Many Vermont musicians can either compose a song or tune for you on request, or can recommend numerous composers or song writers of wide ranging styles—so if this is your cup of tea, ask around! So go ahead—paint the town! Traditional? Nontraditional? Classical? Pop? Celtic? Or brand new, composed just for you? Whatever color paint you choose, make it your own! 1
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Ö-Ö-Ö--Ö-ÖVermont Bride is proud to recommend the following featured wedding professionals for all your live musical entertainment needs:
For topnotch classical music, consider:
Classic Consort | classicconsort.com Duo, trio and quartet options of strings or woodwinds or a combination.
For a polished and purist Celtic approach, including professional storytelling, consider: Sheefra | sheefra.net Celtic harp with concertina.
Lisa Carlson | lisaflute.com A variety of combinations that include flute, choose classical or Celtic, pop, Broadway and more – solo, duos, trios or quartet, with harp, piano, strings, winds or a combination.
If you’d like a full band, consider:
Vermont Wedding Violinist | vtweddingviolinist.com Solo or duet violinist, with optional piano accompaniment.
HP Entertainment | hpbands.com A variety of options of high quality bands in a wide range of music styles.
For folk, jazz, and/or blues combined with classical options, consider:
Queen City Hot Club | Facebook.com/QueenCityHotClub VermontBrideMagazine.com/Queen-City-Hot-Club.php Gypsy Jazz, Hot Swing, Jazz Manouche
Love That Duo | lovethatduo.com Guitar with violin or mandolin.
Green Mountain Swing | greenmountainswing.com For the big band sound.
Swing Noire | swingnoire.com Gypsy jazz, hot swing, jazz manouche.
-Ö-Ö-Ö-Ö-Ö-Dayve Huckett | dayvehuckett.net Guitar, solo or duos with voila or flute in repertoire to suit your interests.
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To Do or Not to Do Exploring and Explaining Vermont Summer Wedding Catering Trends by Susanna Keefer photos courtesy Suzanna's Catering
A s the inquiries and reservations come flowing in for weddings and summer parties, both for this year and next, so the shift in trends and styles
continues. We all know that there are so many choices and decisions to be made when planning your summer event, it is both exciting and overwhelming as well as a little mystifying and unnerving seeing all those options and possibilities before your eyes. Even though our economy has taken a resounding hit and the wedding business has seen strings tightened and budgets reduced, couples are still getting married and are willing to invest serious amounts of cash into their dream wedding and all the details that make for a truly memorable and personal wedding experience. Here in Vermont, couples are looking to create a feel that truly mirrors their values, their backgrounds and their dreams. Let’s face it, we do have all the ingredients to produce a truly unique event. We have the fresh air, the great views and an abundance of space along with the incredible food and talented artisans. All this combined with timely research and the unbridled assistance of your wedding planner or caterer gives you Vermont where the sky really is the limit! 34 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
The first decisions are number of guests, location and style of event. If you are looking into an off premise wedding, you have a plethora of choices and some really fun options:
A beautiful renovated Vermont barn surrounded by rolling hills, fabulous foliage and lush fields.
A tented event in a beautiful garden whether it is yours or a loner from friends or family.
A fabulous art gallery or sculpture garden which offers you an immediate and colorful backdrop on which to start your design.
A historic building or open loft area which can be transformed into a classy stunning setting for a more formal affair.
A state owned picnic or lakeside space, often providing cover and access to facilities within a reasonable rent.
The facilities which are available to you are going to depend on how many guests you will be expecting as well as the budget that you are working within. It seems that couples are looking to create an environment that reflects w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
to do or not to do
how they like to entertain, one which keeps them within their comfort zone. If you are all about casual, low maintenance entertaining, then translate those ideas into your wedding planning with a laid back BBQ theme or summer garden party motif. If you love cocktail parties with higher end liquor and jazzy music, then go for the same feel at your wedding. It is your day and there are no rules. The trend is definitely unique and more interesting, less formal and more casual. Simple style is timeless and elegant and although incorporating rustic Vermont elements into your overall theme is a natural and logical decision, the “vintage” trend seems to be passing by. This can be applied to your wedding meal as well. Couples are becoming more adventurous in their catering choices and are showing a bolder approach to the dishes that they want to showcase on their wedding menus. They really seem happy to invest in a fabulous food experience. Along with the increased dedication to local, sustainable and farm to table foods comes a surge in vegetarian based menus as well as a desire for low maintenance but high style cuisine. This translates into a hunger for luxury peasant foods or upscale picnic food often reflecting childhood summers as well as an increased demand for simple foods presented in a bountiful manner, often served “family style” on platters placed on each dining table. Our brides of today, both local and out of state, are looking for restaurant quality food with spectacular displays, dazzling presentation and consistent creativity within a catered environment. As caterers we know that health conscience and palette pleasing can be combined on the dinner plate. We also accept that we are facing multifaceted dietary requirements along with the need to provide our clients with the meal of their dreams at an appropriate cost. We have to adapt and improve old favorites, whilst expanding our repertoires to include current new trends. Couples are definitely using the food to infuse their heritage into wedding menus which amplifies the point that wedding menu creating is collaborative and requires flexibility, understanding and great communication. The first decision to make is whether you wish to enjoy a sit down diner either plated or served buffet style, or a continuous cocktail style party with stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres. You can also mix and match by having partial seating for those who prefer or need a chair and then tall cafe style tables or lounges for the younger, less formal crowd. A plated salad can also be followed by a buffet entree, which is again followed by a plated dessert. This set up facilitates large numbers of guests, who therefore, do not have to get up and down too often. Ultimately, the need is to streamline your catering experience so that there is no stress, wasted time or unnecessary hiccups in the flow of your reception. The food at your wedding should wow you and your guests. It is one of the focal points of the event and a definite conversation starter. The appetizers or hors d’oeuvres set the tone for the rest of the evening and the trend here is the more bite sized and edgy the better. Small bites filled with flavor and attitude, served in mini vessels or even edible carriers are all the rage. Whether it is shots of chilled soup, pops of parmesan and poppyseed, elegant spoonfuls of wild mushroom risotto, mini savory cupcakes of mac and cheese or any kind of global bite on a skewer, it will delight the palette and showcase the whimsy. Interactive appetizer bars and stations are a great way to get the party started with lots of mingling and socializing while giving a broader choice to your guests. A table of various chilled soup shots or a global fondue bar provides delicious food as well as an interesting slant to your meal. Keepw w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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to do or not to do ing local and seasonal is the way to go wherever and whenever you can. We have so much incredible artisanal food in Vermont, it’s a crime not to share it with your guests. Shake it up by serving a small plate of local charcuterie and cheeses garnished with homemade relishes and breads instead of a salad or soup course. It’s a wonderful way to showcase your tastes as well as Vermont’s great farmers and food producers. Less is more can be applied to buffet lines when you are catering for a large party of guests. Pick one or two really great entrees and a number of sides rather than a huge line of indiscriminate dishes. Obviously the quantity of food must be bountiful, but, when well chosen, planned and prepared, a shorter buffet line makes for a smoother, more impressive, less wasteful and therefore more budget conscience buffet.
Food and drink pairing menus and themed food stations are a timeless trend which both fit well into the outrageously good local beer, wine and spirits market that we have here in Vermont. Delicious slow braised dishes pair perfectly to our hearty beers, while the abundant selection and quality of Vermont cheeses makes for a match made in heaven when paired with wine or beer. If you love Spanish wine, serve a steaming paella dish as your entree, or pour Argentinean Malbec with your BBQ feast. Perhaps you are going to Italy for your honeymoon. Invite your guests to a taste of what you have coming to you by serving a beautiful Italian meal complimented with Italian style wines. You could even serve the bread Italian style meaning ditching the bread plates which will create an authentic feel as well as saving you money on china.
Another ecofriendly trend is to use gorgeous seasonal fruit for your centerpieces, which can be eaten as or with dessert. If you are serving cupcakes, have them positioned on stands in the center of each table during the meal. Although the wedding cake can be the climax to a wonderful meal. The trend of serving small portions while offering an abundance of choice does flow into the dessert course too. A display of beautifully displayed elegant sexy bites of dessert or a mini scoop sorbet trio is a light and delicious alternative. Whatever your style and your budget, think of your favorite foods, your favorite memories and your favorite hangouts, then combine the most important of these elements to create your dream Vermont wedding. 1
uce a truly unique od pr to ts en di gre in the l al ve “...we do ha ws and an abundance vie at gre the r, ai sh fre the ve event. We ha food and talented artisans." ble di cre in the th wi g on al e of spac
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Wedding Package $40.00/person - includes: Chef Carved Top Sirloin Smoked Boneless Baked Ham Atlantic Salmon with Raspberry Sauce Caesar Salad Oven Roasted Red Potato, & Vegetable Hors d’oeuvres – Cheese or Veggie Platter Champagne Toast Cake by Quality Bake Shop Centerpieces by Village Green Florist We are pleased to customize the menu upon request!
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trend alert:
Terrariums & Table-scapes by pat esden
One of the latest trends in reception decoration is to use terrariums as centerpieces. Terrariums are not only unique and make wonderful favors for
the guests to take home, but they also are reminiscent of Vermont’s lush green environment. Terrariums can be customized to reflect a wedding’s colors, style and theme. Tall cylinders or globes lend a chic, modern silhouette to the natural green mosses and plants they contain. Vintage or reproduction canning jars or clusters of mix-and-matched containers will give the reception a country or vineyard look. The color and textures of the stones, sand, figurines and plants which are put into the terrarium can easily be coordinated with any wedding. Natural stones and shell accents could be used in a wedding where earthy tones and textures are desired. Bright colored sands, artificial gems and vivid blooming plants would go wonderfully with hot pinks, purples or blues—or where sparkle is desired. Small decorative figurines, mushrooms, birds or butterflies not only add color, but also can reflect the bride and groom’s tastes, hobbies or the overall wedding theme. Votive holders can be used for lids on the terrariums. At the reception the votive holders' candles will provide romantic lighting. After the wedding the holders will maintain the enclosed environment which makes terrariums easy 38 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
to care for. Freestanding candles can be combined with terrariums and other plants or decorative items to create a table-scape. The term table-scape refers to creating a miniature tabletop landscape by grouping a number of coordinated decorative items—especially terrariums, candles and natural objects such as larger shells, driftwood and potted herbs. Often the table-scape items are gathered in low baskets, wooden trays, pottery saucers or set on woven mats. Goblets or champagne glasses in a variety of heights and sizes could be used to house tiny moss gardens, then placed together on a silver tray with candles to act a centerpiece. Like terrariums, table-scapes can range from natural to funky and fun, depending on what fits the bride and groom’s personalities and choice of wedding style. Large table-scapes or terrariums alone can be placed on the buffets or bar. Tropical or desert plants and objects can be mixed in with ones which reflect Vermont to hint at the honeymoon’s location. Custom terrariums are available through many Vermont florists and greenhouses. Or, with time and a little ingenuity, a bride and groom can create them their selves. Whether the terrarium is used alone or as part of a table-scape, it is a distinctive piece of living work of art which will add a botanical touch to any wedding and can be enjoyed for years to come. 1 w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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Christina (Crosby) & Shane Mispel Love Story
June 4, 2011 | Alburgh, VT | photos by raidenshine photography
How We Met
It was fall of 2009 at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. I was a junior, and he was a sophomore. I never imagined that the beginning of an amazing relationship would start in drawing class—a class we were both hesitant to take since we weren’t completely confident in our artistic abilities. We sat at different tables, so we were never in a situation to talk, but we definitely noticed each other. Many times our eyes would lock, and we would quickly look away. This happened for a few weeks before we actually spoke. In his words, I would always “bolt out the door” at the end of class, and he could never find the right time to talk to me. The opportunity to talk came on a beautiful October afternoon when the class was sent off to draw the architecture of the buildings on campus. As the class was shuffling out the door, Shane timed his exit so that he was standing next to me. In a casual, but clever way he asked if we could share an eraser because he had forgotten his. Without hesitation I said, “Yeah, sure.” So the two of us sat in the hallway of the Hauke building and talked the entire class period. We were so engaged in our conversation that we didn’t really accomplish any drawing. (continued next page)
After that day, we sat next to each other in
class, and I even stopped “bolting out the door,” and waited for him to walk out together. Our first “date” was a hike up Camel’s Hump, where we both learned that there was a strong connection between us. Our relationship took off from there, and we enjoyed many more dates, and getting to know each other. It was around February of 2010 that we decided we didn’t want to be apart, so I moved in with him in Grand Isle, Vermont. Through living together we learned so much more about each other. There were times when marriage would come up in a conversation, but we would sort of laugh it off. To be honest, I didn’t think he would ever ask, so I continued to enjoy just being together.
The Proposal
It was July 2010 and we were staying at my sister’s house while she was away on vacation. After a long day working with one-year olds at a childcare center, I headed to my sister’s house to meet up with Shane. When I arrived, Shane was sitting on the couch and seemed to be waiting for me anxiously. He explained that he wanted to show me the work he had done at Patty Hill Farm, which belongs to a family friend, in Georgia, Vermont. The land is full of beautiful flower gardens and landscaping that he had worked on all that week. I was a bit tired, hungry, and maybe a little cranky, but I agreed to go anyway. When arriving at Patty Hill Farm, Shane mentioned he brought some drinks, as he pulled a small bag from the back seat. I thought this was a little strange, but didn’t think too much into it. As we walked through the gardens, Shane pointed out what he had done for work that day. We walked and talked for a while. I can remember getting a little inpatient because I was really hungry and tired, but I tried not to let him see that. We came to a garden that had a long aisle down the middle and a bench at the end. As we walked down I kept thinking about what a perfect proposal this would be, but I never imagined 42 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
I was about to experience it. We sat down on the bench, and Shane took out a bottle of wine he had in the bag and poured two glasses. I was very surprised that he brought wine, and started to enjoy myself. He began a conversation about when we first met in art class and how far we’ve come. He seemed to get a little nervous and started talking about the work he did again. Then out of the blue he said that he had more surprises. My first thought was that he brought some cheese to go with the wine because food had been on my mind since we left. To my surprise, it wasn’t food. He pulled out a small wooden box, and told me why he really wanted to take me there. He explained how much he loved me, opened the box, and popped the question. I had never been so surprised in my life. I said, "Yes!" and tackled him to the ground, knocking the wine over. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness. I felt like we were in a movie. When we arrived back at the house Shane cooked me an amazing steak, scallop, and asparagus dinner with wine while I called my family to tell them the news. After dinner, we enjoyed dessert at Chow Bella in St. Albans.
The Planning
We knew right away that we wanted an outdoor wedding in Vermont. I’ve lived in Vermont my whole life, and Shane spent many years of his life here too. We chose to tie the knot in June 2011 at Alburgh Golf Links, a month after Shane graduated from Champlain College. The location was absolutely gorgeous. We decided to have the ceremony outside on the deck overlooking the golf course and Lake Champlain. After booking the location, we started looking at other vendors. I found Vermont Bride a very useful resource during the planning process of our wedding. We enjoyed sitting down together and picking out our favorite vendors that matched what we were envisioning for the big day. Having all the email, websites and phone numbers in one spot was a huge help. w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
Featured Vermont Bride wedding professionals: Flowers: Sarah’s Weddings By Betty’s Flower Basket 802-524-5703 800-892-7259 sarahsweddings.com bettysflowerbasket.com Photography: RaidenShine Photography 802-598-9186 raidenshine.com
Vendor Testimonials
RaidenShine Photography, an amazing couple that worked with us through the entire planning process, captured our most memorable moments that we’ll cherish forever. They not only captured those moments, but also did it with amazing professional photos that were flawless. Something that was very important to both of us was making sure we enjoyed ourselves without being too caught up in taking photos. RaidenShine did an excellent job at capturing our most memorable moments as they were happening. Their website was easy to use in picking out our favorite images for our wedding album, which is amazing. We love the new lay-flat pages that make it look
dad, I could not have been any more happy to see my future husband waiting there for me. I will never forget the look on his face!
Advice For Other Couples
As the two of you plan for your wedding, always remember that every decision is about both of you. Your wedding is a celebration of the love you share. So if you are tempted to make a decision on your own, stop and get your partner’s opinion first. Planning for your wedding can bring many stressful conversations and debates, but always remember why you are having a wedding. Enjoy every moment of the planning process together because
Resource: Vermont Bride 802-879-3157 vermontbridemagazine.com Additional wedding professionals: Ethan Allen Coachworks Alburgh Golf Links & Links on the Lake Restaurant Rebecca Kauffman, Classical Harpist Perrywinkle's Fine Jewelry Green Mountain Cupcakes Top Hat Entertainment Avalon Tent Company Metro Hair David’s Bridal Best Nails
like there is no seam on the big double page images! Sarah’s Weddings by Betty’s Flower Basket could not have made our ceremony and reception any more beautiful with the perfect flowers she provided. Most of our decorations came from Betty’s Flower Basket including the centerpieces, the rope of flowers that hung over the arbor, and the beautiful white tin buckets full of the most beautiful arrangements that made the whole look and feel of our wedding breathtaking. I wouldn’t change any moment of our wedding. Every vendor we chose did an amazing job, and made our day the most memorable day our lives. We were blessed with a perfect sunny day with blue skies and white puffy clouds, the exact wedding day that we hoped and prayed for. I was honored to have all five of my sisters be my bridesmaids and my niece as my flower girl. As I walked down the aisle with my w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
when your day is finally here, you’ll know that every detail was something you both were a part of. The night before the wedding doesn’t have to be stressful if you put the right people in charge of putting together the final details the morning of the wedding. Make sure that you are comfortable with all of your vendors and be clear to them what you want to happen. Most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes things don’t always go as planned, and you have to remember that the only thing that matters is that you’re marrying the love of your life. As many married couples will say, the wedding day goes by super fast. Enjoy every moment. Take the time to soak up all the joy and excitement around you. A few times during the night Shane and I stopped for a moment to watch our family and friends dancing and just having a great time. It was one of the best feelings to witness our family and friends coming together and enjoying themselves. I can remember my cheeks hurting because I couldn’t stop smiling the entire night. Always remember to smile! It is most important that the bride and groom are happy. 1
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Photo Booths Photo Booths Photo Booths by Grant Allendorf
In my 37 years in the wedding business I have never seen such interest in a
new product as I have seen in photo booths. Nearly 40 percent of brides that use our DJ service use our photo booths too. Photo booths come in basically two varieties: traditional, which are the large steel booths seen in malls and various public places, and portable, which can go anywhere from the top of Mt. Mansfield at the Cliff House to the Spirit of Ethan Allen III. Traditional photo booths, which weigh 800 pounds, cannot fit in these smaller venues and only hold up to four people. However, these large booths have the traditional “look” that some brides desire. The portable boots, on the other hand, hold up to twelve people but lack the retro look. We have six photo booths in our inventory, and we book the portable booths 60/40 over the traditional ones. But both booths produce amazing quality photographs in both color and black and white. Also, a popular option that is included in all of Green Mt. Photobooth’s packages is scrapbooking.
One print goes to the guest and one print goes into a scrapbook where guests comment and the bride and groom are presented with a professional, yet fun, memory at the end of the night. All photos are also put on a DVD and given to the bride and groom after the event. With some clients we webhost their photos so guests can view them after the big day! Photo booths don’t take away from professional photographers but supplement the entertainment and can be entertainment in themselves. We had a 92-year-old great grandmother at a wedding spend over 20 minutes in the photo booth and she thought it was the best invention in the world! Consider photo booths at your next special event! 1 Green Mountain Photobooth 802-899-2823 ssounds@myfairpoint.net www.greenmtphotobooth.com
Do you want to be featured in Vermont Bride Magazine? we want your engagement announcements & love stories visit: vermontbridemagazine.com/uploadbride.php
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Weddings Aboard the
The Spirit of Ethan Allen III is Lake Champlain’s most unique wedding venue. We offer three beautifully appointed decks with sparkling lake and sunset views that create memories to last a lifetime.
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Experience the beauty of Lake Champlain and Vermont in your wedding celebration.
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l a i t n e i r e Exp y h p a r g o t Pho A look at emerging photo trends. by Linda Crosby Photos by Jim Garner Studio
My husband, and business partner, Joe and I
have just returned from a whirlwind week at the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) Convention in Las Vegas, where we attended many amazing seminars with some of the industry’s top photographers. One seminar that we try to catch each year is by Seattle-based photographer, Jim Garner, whom is one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world. Last year, Garner unleashed his spontaneous enthusiasm on his favorite topic, Experiential Wedding Photography. Jim is known worldwide for this style, which embraces that entire day as an experience, and transforms the imagery into a beautiful Wedding Story book, rather than a picture album. After a bit of persistence, I was lucky enough to have been granted an interview with Mr. Garner in April of this year so that we could ask a few questions for our readers and their photographers about this Experiential Style. He explained that he adopted this style from wedding photographers in Australia and the U.K. He reminded me that the culture there is very different from the American culture. “In Australia and the U.K., there is quite often a large chunk of time between the wedding and reception (unlike in the U.S., where the reception usually immediately follows the ceremony).” Garner told me about traveling to Australia to study how they have changed
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their culture to embrace the experiential wedding style. He commented that when he arrived in Melbourne and was walking along the streets on that first day, he noticed these two coffee shops on either corner of an intersection. To his surprise, there in both of those coffee shops, early in the morning, were at least one or two entire wedding parties hanging out enjoying the beginning of a very exciting day with their photographers. There was a relaxed joy on their faces, and it translated into their photographs—candid and full of life. “It was life-changing,” Jim commented, “That one morning and that one experience changed the way he would shoot weddings forever.” He wanted his wedding parties to experience every minute of that entire day. Since the U.S. has their receptions immediately following the wedding and don’t expect their guests to go back home or hang around for four or five hours before the reception, he came up with an Americanized version of this style and started asking his couples and their wedding parties to meet him in the morning before the wedding at someplace meaningful to the couple. He created images throughout the day that were more about the experience than the shoot. He did not want them to portray emotion, but rather enjoy the moments together and use the synergy of the group to evoke emotion in one another.
The photographer and the couple need to make this more about the experience—the walk to the coffee shop, the ride in the limo to a special location for the wedding party, the walk to the wine-bar, the anticipation and the excitement of everyone involved throughout the day. The imagery taken should be more about the experience than a single “great shot.” My next question was, “Can this style work anywhere? Even in New England, steeped in tradition?” “Absolutely!” was his emphatic answer. Garner continued, saying that it starts with a few brides embracing the idea and the style, and then after they and their wedding parties experience it, the contagion is like wildfire and soon that is the way to do a wedding—much less stress, spread the events throughout the day and enjoy every minute of it! When you choose an experiential wedding, because of the atmosphere, and mood of the day, you can almost certainly be assured that you will not only have a unique wedding album, but also that some of the images taken will likely translate into works of art that you will want to have on your wall forever. Then, when asked if he had any advice for our Vermont Brides, Jim Garner had this to say, “Other cultures celebrate for much longer periods of time than we do here in the U.S. Some are for 24 hours, while others celebrate for an entire week!
vermont bride Sum mer 2012 | 49
When yotialu chwedoodisengan, because
experien of the atmosphere, and mood of the day, you can almost certainly be assured that... the images taken will likely translate into works of art that you will want to have on your wall forever.
In the U.S., we are all so caught up in the fast-paced, schedule-driven world where our brides do what other U.S. brides have done before them—crunch everything into a short period of time and completely multitask their entire wedding day. Photos end up getting taken while the guests are enjoying the
cocktail hour. With the experiential style, those group portraits are already taken, and only a few images are needed at the ceremony location, so now the bride, groom, and the entire wedding party will have images taken of them enjoying the cocktail hour right along with their guests.� 1
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Unique & Inviting: The benefits of custom designed invitations by Colleen Kuerth
If you have started to look at invitations for your
wedding, then you may have noticed a plethora of companies describing their products as "custom." The truth is that many of these are not truly a custom experience. They simply mean you can customize the wording and maybe the colors to match your wedding. Seems pretty duh, huh? Of course you are going to want to personalize the wording and pick out a color! No, real custom design means having something completely unique created especially for your event. Using your personality, your love for each other and other elements of the wedding and creating a perfect representation. Invitations are the sneak peek for your guests to experience what is to come, so you want them to reflect the special meaning of the day. But custom anything sounds, well, expensive. You would be surprised at how affordable it is to work with a custom designer, especially when compared to the other services you will be paying for. And just because you are doing a custom design does not mean it has to be expensive overall. Aside from the custom design fee for the creation of the design, you can keep the cost down by choosing a simple format. A beautifully arranged
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flat invitation and RSVP card will still have a big impact, without being a pocketfold or laid in a velvet lined box. Part of what a custom designer does is help you determine what is going to work best for your event, your style and your budget. Here are some other reasons you might want to consider going the custom route:
Custom Invitations are Unique and Special
Just as you don't want to show up at a party wearing the same cocktail dress as someone else, why would you want to get cookie cutter stationery? A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you have spent countless hours making decisions about the season, location, colors, flowers, food etc., all of which goes into creating a unique and special event. You expect to be able to customize those elements of your wedding and invitations are no different. Those tiny, personal details are what bring your dream wedding to life and let your guests connect with you. Also, be sure to inquire about matching wedding stationery, such as menus, programs, escort cards, favor tags etc. Most will offer that service and some include it in the custom invitation design
fee. That way you can carry over the design into the other aspects of your ceremony and reception, bringing everything together. Usually they can offer more variety and options in sizes, paper options and styles than a catalog, and if you can't find exactly what you want, they can possibly create it for you.
Small Investment, Big Impact
Considering that the average cost of food, flowers and photography are in the thousands, paying a couple hundred dollars (or less) for custom design services seems like small potatoes. But, considering that your invitations are the first look your guests get of your wedding day, and it is how you are inviting them to attend, they play just as important of a role as the other elements. There are lots of other things you can trim from your budget that most of the guests will never even notice was missing. If you splurge on your invitations, though, then their impact will be something you hear about for a long time after your wedding. It is not like people get gorgeous stationery in the mail everyday. Something that special and luxurious will stick with them for a long time—perhaps they will even keep it for a memento.
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Attention to Detail
Custom designers treat every new client as a completely different project which means that when they are working on your design their focus is solely on you. They take their time, putting a lot of thought into the concepts they create for you and paying close attention to every small detail. By working with a custom designer you are free to tweak the design and make as many small or large changes that you would like until it is perfect. They can also help to guide you in wording, grammar and etiquette, as well as offer suggestions to fit any situation. Their attention to detail will continue after the design is finalized and throughout printing, proofing the colors, type and paper quality to ensure that everything is perfect.
Customer Service
The word 'customer' says custom right in it! Because that is part of what makes good customer service—a custom experience that meets all of your individual needs. Most custom invitation designers I know are passionate about what they do and they want their customers to be 100%
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happy with what they create for them. You develop a relationship with the artist and are more connected to the process, enabling you to be involved throughout and knowing that they genuinely care about the final product. Since most custom design stationery businesses are small they are more approachable than a big company, and chances are you will be talking with the owner. This can be helpful if you have a concern or problem with anything and need the issue resolved quickly. If you decide to go the custom route, don't be shy when describing your vision with the designer! If you don't like something then speak up and don't be afraid to tell them what you want to change. It is their job to create the perfect design for you so they're not going to be hurt if you don't love the design the first time around. You are paying more for a special service, so make sure that you end up with something that you love. Besides, the more information you can provide them with, the better they can recreate your vision.
Support a Local Business/Artist
in your area. One that you can meet with face-toface and reach easily. Perhaps one that has a studio so you can go in and browse a portfolio before you decide. Finding a designer that is familiar with your venue and the other vendors you are using can be helpful to the process as well. Custom stationery design businesses are often one or two people who are just trying to make a living doing what they love. You can feel good about helping out your local economy and community, as the benefit will have a trickle effect on the local businesses the designer utilizes and so on and so forth. Buying invitations can be an arduous task, but you can make it less stressful (and more exciting!) by hiring someone to be your guide and take your vision to the next level. Custom design is not for everyone, but I encourage you to at least consider your options and look around. Browse some designer websites and allow yourself to be inspired. Even if you don't end up hiring them, it will give you some great ideas and help you determine what you like and what you don't. 1
Chances are that if you decide to go the custom design route, then you will want to choose a designer
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Finding a designer that is familiar with your venue and the other vendors you are using can be helpful to the process
Ö-Ö-Ö--Ö-ÖVermont Bride is proud to recommend the following featured wedding professionals for all your wedding invitations & stationery needs:
That’s Inviting! www.thats-inviting.com 802-318-3125 419 Main Street Colchester, VT
Truly Noted www.trulynoted.net www.trulynoted.etsy.com info@trulynoted.net
Laura Macchia www.lauramacchia.com 802-279-4063 info@lauramacchia.com
Lydia B. Batten www.lydiabatten.com 802-899-6789 lydia@lydiabatten.com
-Ö-Ö-Ö-Ö-Ö--
How to Unite Your Wedding Theme with the Wedding’s Attire
Many moons ago, I attended a family member’s
wedding, and while there was no “official theme” to the wedding, the color red was exuberantly displayed throughout the wedding. Red roses and red centerpieces on the tables were some of the red inspired details. There were also red signature cocktails, yet the most noticeable part was the dash of red in all of the wedding participant’s attire. The bride wore a red rose in her hair, matched with a red necklace and a red vintage family bracelet. The bridesmaids wore red floor length gowns divided into a corset and a long skirt (mind you it was 1997). The groomsmen had red ties and finally the groom also had a red tie along with a red vest. What started off as a bride’s display for her favorite color ended up looking a little too devilish. I am a great supporter of theme weddings that show off the couple’s personality. But at what point does the theme overtake the bigger picture? It can be tempting to want to spread the theme of the wedding unto the attire of the wedding party, however I also do believe less is more when it comes to the wedding’s party attire. The bride should be the main focus of attention. It can be easy to overshadow the bride by giving the bridesmaids too much of a strong color in their dresses. Or sometimes, the opposite is true. If, in the spirit of keeping with the wedding theme, all the bridesmaids are dressed too much 56 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
By Claudia Gonzalez Photos by Polis Photography
alike, including hairstyles and accessories, than this can become a little monotone when all line up together. To highlight other personal touches bridesmaids can wear different types of dresses or tones that range within the wedding’s theme. It is a fun way to extend the theme without overdoing it and your bridesmaids will be grateful to choose a dress style that best flatters their figure. These suggestions can be used when planning how to incorporate your wedding theme into your wedding party’s attire: Outdoor Weddings/Season Weddings
As the bride, can you choose a dress that reflects the flow of the wedding theme. For instance a flowing gown is a good choice if the wedding is held outside in a vineyard, by water or even in your own backyard. The groomsmen and the groom can skip the tuxedo look and go for a more casual style choice, such as khaki pants. For fall weddings, which are ever so popular in Vermont, small touches of orange can be integrated, such as an orange handkerchief in the groom and groomsmen's suits to complement their look. Your bouquet can be inspired by Vermont’s beautiful fall flowers, add purples, oranges, and deep browns to your arrangement! For summer weddings the bridesmaids can wear a youthful, vibrant color such as a teal or a carnation pink. When mixing details of the wed-
ding to the wedding attire, I say go small but make significant statements in the details of the clothing you choose for yourself and your wedding party. Add on your favorite color to the attire but don’t add it on in every detail of the attire. Romantic/Vintage Weddings
Add touches of reminiscence such as lace gloves or a brooch. If you are paying tribute to a particular era, say you are having an “Old Hollywood” wedding, you can add a touch of glamour by choosing a silk bridal dress. Or the bridesmaids can wear silk gowns along with a unique Old Hollywood hairstyle. Design unique flower bouquets for the bridesmaids, or give your groom a classic sports blazer for a more vintage feel. Fun and Out of the Box Weddings
For these types of weddings, choose a detail or two to unite the wedding party’s attire to the fun spirit of the wedding. In a wedding I attended, the groomsmen all wore Converse sneakers in the spirit of keeping up with the couple’s adventurous personalities. The bride can add some fun by skipping the traditional styles and choosing something more upbeat for instance a birdcage veil to compliment her dress.
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Classic Weddings
Classic weddings can be the most difficult to plan as you have much tradition to upkeep with and more guidelines to adhere to. In these cases, details can be incorporated that truly personalized your wedding such as a bride’s favorite color, or the city the couple met can be mashed into the wedding party’s attire. Just remember to keep it in small doses, make a bold statement by going understated. Unique Theme Weddings
So you both met at country fair and you’ll like to celebrate it in the wedding? Great, just don’t have the entire wedding party all wear flannel shirts and cowboy boots! Add a plaid blazer with gray pants for the groom or maybe even cowboy boots. The bride can choose a flowing, casual dress to match the theme. The bridesmaids can wear knee length dresses to match the idea of the wedding. Put the groomsmen in casual blazers and keep the plaid shirts for them! Go have fun, add personalities to the wedding in a big way by adding small touches of your dream wedding theme without going overboard. Both your wedding party and you will be glad to see your theme sparkle through their attire in unique ways everyone will remember! 1 w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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Kjestine (Moon)
cover bri de Love Story
�
Brian Alspaugh August 13, 2011 Southern Vermont Arts Center Manchester, VT photos by polis photography
{-{ Kjestine }-}
Brian and I met eight years ago while we were employed at Manchester’s Equinox Hotel. We were both in our early 20s then. The hotel is a very stimulating place to work, and meeting Brian there made it even more exciting! I was a dining room hostess and Brian was a bellman, and it seemed like we were always running into each other! At the time, we were both involved with other people, but there was definitely an attraction between us. We became friends, then good friends, and as our other relationships began to end, Brian and I became best friends. We could talk about anything together, and found ourselves spending more and more time together, until one day it was just obvious that we were in love! We were always laughing together, and enjoyed all of the same activities—we went four- wheeling, took trips to the zoo and aquariums, went to drag races, spent long days fishing, or just hanging out… it didn’t matter what we did, just as long as we were together. And during it all, Brian always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. In 2010 some of my family moved down to Georgia, and I went down to help out with the remodeling of their house. It was pure torture for me to be away from w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
Brian, and after 4 ½ months I packed up my things and returned home to the One I Loved. It was Valentine’s Day when I arrived, and he wanted to cook me our favorite dinner—seafood. I was all over that! While he cooked, I went to town to do some errands and see some friends. I was running a little late, and he called me and said to “hurry up,” which I found to be a little strange…Brian didn’t usually talk like that. When I got home, the table was set, and the candles were lit, but Brian was white as a ghost. I thought sure he was sick, but he led me to a chair, then got down on his knee, and asked me to be his girl forever! Of course I said “yes,” and we happily started to make plans for our big day right there and then! After we settled on a tight budget, I knew that I would have to get creative and do a lot of the work myself. It was a busy summer! With the help of a good friend, we came up with fun ideas, and started cutting, gluing, and tying up our plans for the Big Day. Our theme was Classy and a little Country (because that’s who we are!), and featured Vermont country things like birch bark, mason jars, handmade fans, sparklers and fishing poles. To seat our guests for dinner, we had them pick a matchstick with their name on it.
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{-{ Brian }-}
We can laugh about me being “white as a ghost” now, but it really was a huge step for me to propose to Kjestine. When I had first seen her I had thought she was so out of my league that I didn’t dare dream that I would be able to get her as a girlfriend. And now, here I was asking her to marry me! I helped in the wedding plans. Fishing has always played a big part in my life, and now in our lives together. It was because of this that I came up with the idea of having the fishing gear on top of the cake. Jan Kelley did a terrific job, and it was a delicious cake, too. In fact, everything that day was delicious, especially the dinner prepared by chef Mariah McFarland. The weather on the wedding day was absolutely perfect, and the Southern Vermont Arts Center is the most beautiful place in Vermont. I have worked there for six years, and we were really touched when they gave us the venue as a wedding present. I’ll admit I was a little nervous on the wedding day, but events coordinator Jackie Sargood was right there to calm my nerves and make sure everything ran smoothly. Kjestine are I are so grateful to have all the wonderful photos from Polis Photography to remember all of the details that seemed to get lost in the excitement. As the ceremony began, I was standing there, surrounded by all my friends and family, and I couldn’t help but think how happy I was. And then it hit me: This was a dream come true. That amazing, beautiful girl, who I had thought was so unobtainable, was now walking down the aisle to become my wife. I’ll never forget that, the best moment of my life.
{-{ Testimonials: }-}
A lot of fabulous help from the great staff at Southern Vermont Arts Center—without them we never would have been able to have such a beautiful day. And all the great pics from Cricket Polis, (Polis Photography) without her we would not have been able to remember them. The Perfect Wife can be thanked for the hangover and the nerve to pull it off. 1 60 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
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Featured Vermont Bride wedding professionals: Catering: Café Mamie, of Southern Vermont Arts Center 802-362-1405 www.svac.org
Photographer: Polis Photography 802-733-5413 www.polisfoto.com
Wedding & Reception Venue: Southern Vermont Arts Center 802-362-1405 www.svac.org
Hair & Makeup: By friends and the bridesmaids
Wedding Favors: Better Bee
Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal
Wedding gown: Angels Bridal
Jewelry: Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Tables, chairs & linens: Rain or Shine Tent & Events
Flowers: Garden shop florist
Tuxedo: Heinel's Clothier's Invitations: Crane Printers
Music: Apple iPod (run by some friends)
Additional wedding professionals:
Wedding Cake: Jan Kelly (natural food store)
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Your Wedding, Your Way by Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell, Partnership Center of Vermont
The Wedding Information Sheet the coach used
with marrying couples included the following line: “Name after marriage” with a blank space following for brides to indicate whether they would take their husband’s last name or not. Twenty years ago a large number of brides kept their maiden name, in a nod to the feminist movement and the autonomous woman who, though married, would retain her name. In fact, some men got into the act as well. Some couples decided to take on a whole new name, symbolizing that, in marrying, they were in a totally new situation. One couple chose the name “Christopher” as their new last name in common because it meant “Christ-bearer.” Their faith would determine their identity, and the name of their children as well. Or, in other cases, the couple would hyphenate both their names. That was more common for children of husbands and wives with different last names, but some couples chose it for themselves as well. In the last ten years the coach noticed a clear shift. Most brides turned back to tradition. They were taking their husband’s last name. In fact the coach couldn’t remember a bride who kept her name in the last five years. He thought about changing the form, but then he had a conversation with Peter and Allison that made him hesitate.
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Allison would be changing her name. She’d take the time and effort to go through the legal process by which to do it, and change her driver’s license and credit cards and subscriptions. But she was curious about the line on the form. “Do you get brides who don’t change their name?” “Not much anymore. It was customary, almost, in the seventies and eighties, but not so much now. Why, do you wonder about it?” “I do. My family is important to me. So my name is important to me. I want to take Peter’s name because that’s the tradition. But I do feel a sense of loss about it.” “Some women change their middle name, too. They make their maiden name their middle name, and drop their former middle name. Or, I suppose that could be retained as well if you didn’t mind a long name. The name doesn’t get carried down, technically, to the next generation. Unless maybe kids get not only their dad’s last name, but also their mom’s name as a middle name too…” “So if I become ‘Allison Holmes Whitman’ and our first child is a son, we could name him – I’m dreaming here—Donald Holmes Whitman.” That’s when Peter spoke up. “There’s something awesome about that. Never thought of it before. It’s a way that both our names can be retained. Maybe I’ll change my middle name to Allison’s maiden name… well, then again maybe not…
but I like the idea that our kids would get both our names.” “Think about it,” the coach offered. “You’ve got time, but it’s good to get clear on it as part of your process leading to your ceremony. It also comes into how you want to be introduced at the end of the ceremony.” “How do you mean?” “Well, I don’t recommend using ‘Mr. and Mrs. Peter Whitman.’ That does tend to sound like the bride is becoming a mere appendage of the groom. So imagine me introducing you after the blessing as ‘Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Allison Holmes Whitman.’ You don’t have to hyphenate it. Genealogical research isn’t complicated over the generations because it’s technically still a patrilineal line. But it makes people think. And that way of doing it retains both family names.” “Lots to think about.” “It’s exactly the time to get clear. Just be clear. And have fun with it!” 1
Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell (whose parishioners call “Rev Michael”) runs the Partnership Center of Vermont (www. coachingcenterofvt.com) from his home in North Wolcott, VT. Along with his ministry in New England’s Congregational tradition, he coaches couples preparing for marriage, and officiates ceremonies all over Vermont, indoors or outside. Contact Michael for a free consultation at 802-8885811, Email: michael.caldwell.75@alum.dartmouth.org, Website: www.coachingcenterofvt.com
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Lorie (Gardner) & Barry Russell Love Story
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Barry and I were destined to be together. Our
story is a true love story, and we enjoy the response we get in telling it. We are both originally from Connecticut. My parents had a summer cottage across the street from Barry’s folks, which happened to be a small Morgan horse farm. I always had a love of horses, and would spend every waking moment in the barn just to be close to the animals. My favorite horse was a seven-year old mare named Missy that I would ride and care for. I also had what I thought was a secret crush on Barry—turned out not to be so secret. On my 15th birthday, during a horse show barbecue at the farm, Missy was led out into the arena by Barry with a big blue ribbon around her neck. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday,” and it would take me a while to realize my parents had bought this horse for me. The fact that Barry presented her to me was the icing on my cake. One year later, Barry and I started dating, and we dated exclusively for the next seven years. Everyone anticipated that we would get married, but we split up and went our separate ways (as many young couples do, trying to find their way). We never totally lost sight of one another and certainly never stopped loving each other. Barry and his family moved out of state, and we led separate lives for the next 16 years; but we always believed deep down that we would someday be together again. Our lives mirrored that of the story in the movie, The Notebook. In fact, ironically enough, a few years prior to reuniting with Barry I saw that movie with his sister, and we both turned to one another in astonishment throughout the show at all the parallels. Everyone goes through their own life trials
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and tribulations. Life just has a way of happening, and steering you in directions that you never may have expected. When Barry and I met up again after all those years, we knew we were destined to be together. We started dating again, but it was a long distance relationship. I still lived in Connecticut and Barry now lived in Vermont. I sold my house and left my job of 20 years to move to Vermont to be with him. I did, however, have some baggage. I still had Missy, and now her daughter, so I had two horses and two dogs in tow. We shared a home with Barry’s parents, and my horses were once again in the backyard of the family they originally came from.
The Engagement
We were sitting on our back patio having dinner on May 1, 2010. Barry gave me a wrapped gift in which was a ring like one I had purchased for my sister (and wanted for myself). It was a marble ring with a bag of interchangeable marbles. He then explained his intentions and asked if I would accept it as an engagement ring until we could pick out a diamond together. I of course said, “yes,” and I joked about the fact that we got engaged with a marble. We sat on the patio overlooking the paddock where the horses now reside and had a beautiful evening planning our reunited futures together. We eventually picked out a beautiful diamond, but I still wear the marble on my other hand.
The Dress
I was a bit untraditional in the dress selecting process. I took Barry shopping with me because I wanted his input into the selection and his opinion on what he would want to see me wear on our wedding day. He said he would love me in anything, but was a good man and sat through numerous dress viewings. I wanted to buy my dress from Fiori’s Bridal in town because I loved the quaintness of the little shop. Ever since I moved here, I would drive by their shop and dream of buying a dress from there someday. They were wonderful to me, but I underestimated the time it takes in ordering a wedding dress, and waited a bit too long. So, I continued to shop around, and one day walked into Needleman’s Bridal and Formal. There it was, the dress on the mannequin was the one! I asked to try it on and fell in love with it immediately. The staff had said they often wondered what type of person could wear that dress and they agreed, it was me. This
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time I didn’t let Barry see me in it. The staff was very accommodating, and I was very happy to learn it could be ordered in enough time for our wedding. Barry then picked out a suit to rent with the assistance of the wonderful staff. I have to say that Fiori’s Bridal was truly happy that I found a dress and were so gracious to assist me with alterations despite the fact that I didn’t purchase my dress from them.
The Wedding
We struggled with what type of wedding to plan. We both shared a passion for wine and at this point in our lives we appreciated the intimacy of a possible elopement. We decided on an elopement package in wine country California, where we stayed at a beautifully romantic inn, in Sonoma. It was like a fairytale with just the two of us exchanging vows on the first day of summer, June 21, 2011.
The Reception
We decided to have our wedding reception two weeks later on July 9 back in Vermont to share with our family and friends. I am a country girl at heart and dreamed of an outside country reception. We rented a tent and tables complete with linens, real dishes and glassware and set up in our backyard. We dressed up again for our entrance, cocktail hour, and dinner—me in my dress and Barry in his suit. After all, what bride gets to wear her wedding dress twice? I also decided to get a second dress— a casual summer dress that I could change into for the rest of the party, as we anticipated in continuing well into the night. 66 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
The Vermont Tent Company did a wonderful job for us. They helped us in designing from a color scheme through to table placement within the tent. The staff worked very hard in poor conditions to bring it all together and achieve the look we envisioned—country elegance. They even set up the tent a couple days prior to the event in a terrible thunderstorm and severe winds. Among the decor were hay bales, chalkboard signs and fresh cut garden flowers from Price Chopper and our own backyard plantings. My two sisters, mother and I laughed in the kitchen as we prepared a salad, appetizers and fresh raspberries from our garden for the champagne toast. Barry’s father cooked prime ribs of beef on a rotisserie, and we had asparagus and twice baked potatoes from Sneakers Bistro in Winooski. Our cake was a cupcake tower from Cupps cafe in Winooski. Cupps set
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up our cake table taking into consideration the warm weather and adjusted timelines accordingly. They arranged the table using some of our extra garden flowers for that extra embellishment and personal touch. One flavor we chose was carrot cake decorated with little horseshoes staying true to our horse roots. They tasted just as wonderful as they looked. Our family and friends enjoyed the Vermont scenery and the weather was “picture perfect.” We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day! Our special moments were all captured by RaidenShine Photography, who did a wonderful job of assisting in telling our story with photos from an engagement shoot through our reception including pictures with my horse Missy, now 34 years old. They made selecting our images easy with their website and then created the most amazing album with panoramic images of our day. We also ordered one of our favorite images in canvas and will cherish it forever. Our family and friends repeatedly commented the sentiments “finally together forever.” Everyone, including Barry and me, knew that a love like ours would find its way back. But, it was ultimately a Vermont founded Morgan horse that brought us together so many years ago, and is still kicking up her heels in our now Happily Married Lives. 1
Advice
My advice to bridal couples is to make it about yourselves. Make the experience an opportunity to share time together during the planning process. Don’t allow yourselves to get too consumed or overwhelmed, stay true to your intent. Remember it’s a celebration, not a show. Enjoy each other, and it will be the happiest day of your lives despite any flaws.
Featured Vermont Bride wedding professionals: Bridal Gown Alterations: Fiori Bridal Boutique 802-872-9663 fioribridal.com
Photographer: RaidenShine Photography 802-598-9186 raidenshine.com
Additional wedding professionals: Bridal Gown and Groom’s suit: Needleman’s Bridal & Formal Wear
Floral embellishments: Michael’s Crafts
Food:: Sneakers Bistro
Nails: Best Nails
Cupcakes: Cupps Café
Flowers: : Price Chopper and Own Garden Plantings
Jewelry: Sewly Yours Bridal
rentals: Vermont Tent Comapny
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Essense of Australia D1319
Soft sweetheart a-line gown with alternating lace and royal organza layers.
Amazing Lace by Josee Telfer
T
rends may come and go but few have the lasting power of lace. For centuries, it has been a major component of wedding gowns whether completely covered or simply accentuated. It's clear that lace is a classic that is here to stay. That said, no two lace gowns are alike. There are several different types of lace with many different patterns and, lace gowns can have very different silhouettes be it modern, classic or whimsical. Of all the bridal trends in the last two years, lace has been the biggest. First, full lace gowns and now, for 2012, gowns that have illusion necklines with sheer lace and re-embroidered lace appliquĂŠs. Lace is romantic, timeless and traditional. However, it can also be modern, fresh and a perfect choice for a young bride. It's also an excellent option for the bride who wants a simple look that isn't plain. These lace gowns are excellent examples of how lace has been refreshed and renewed for 2012. They are all available at Fiori Bridal Boutique located at Five Corners in Essex Junction, Vermont. Not to worry, if lace isn't your thing, we have plenty of other gowns, too. 1 Visit us at www.fioribridal.com or call to schedule an appointment at 872-9663 18 Main Street Essex Junction, Vermont.
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Essense of Australia D1264
Lace over dolce satin gown with a cut-out back detail.
Essense of Australia D1273
Lace over luxe taffeta with a soft fit and flare silhouette.
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a
inspiration
Modern Affair
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Vendor Credits
Makeup | Emily Smithson, Lush Salon, Stowe VT
Flowers | Stray Cat Flower Farm, Burlington, VT
Photos | Stacie Maddox Photography
Hair | Kerry Armstrong, Formal Hair Styling, Stowe VT
Cupcakes | my little cupcake, Burlington, VT
Models | Matt Moulton & Christina Metropoulos
Dress | Fiori Bridal Boutique, Essex Junction, VT
Rings | Designer Circle, Burlington, VT
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inspiration
vintage tryst
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Vendor Credits:
Makeup | Emily Smithson, Lush Salon, Stowe VT
Photos | Stacie Maddox Photography
Hair | Kerry Armstrong, Formal Hair Styling, Stowe VT
Cupcakes | my little cupcake, Burlington, VT
Models | Mike Blount & Rhiana Schenck
Dress | Fiori Bridal Boutique, Essex Junction, VT
Rings | Designer Circle, Burlington, VT
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Flowers | Stray Cat Flower Farm, Burlington, VT
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L
ying south of the U.S., Mexico has world-class resorts and prices for the budget conscious. It offers a wide variety of experiences and is a feast for the senses, from the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and rich green jungle to the bright colors of its festivals and fairs and succulent tastes and smells of its food. While many travel to Mexico for its beaches, there are also mountains to hike and rappel, rivers for whitewater rafting and lakes for fishing. Wonderful architecture can be found in both the old colonial towns and modern cities, history and culture are everywhere, and romantic opportunities abound. Below are some places to consider, keeping in mind that there are too many to mention in this article. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Mexico City was founded by the Spaniards in 1525, but the Aztecs were there long before, and most their ruins have since been covered. Some ruins can still be seen, both here and in the Xochimilco Ecological Park, with its many canals. Mexico City is a bustling city with baroque and neoclassical architecture of the historic city center, wonderful museums, shopping, markets, nightlife and cobblestone streets. A popular honeymoon destination, Acapulco sits below the Sierra Madres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a beautiful bay. It offers a little of everything, from water sports, the famous cliff-divers, golf, great food and lots of nightlife. It is also is a port for many international cruise ships. Cancun lies on the northeast coast and has some of the most popular resorts. There are lovely white beaches and coral reefs with many water sports. While full of entertainment, shopping and restaurants and water sports, there are also day trips to archeological ruins, and don’t forget the romantic sunsets on the beaches. For a more relaxed getaway, the island of Cozumel has smaller accommodations and is quiet and out-of-the way as is the nearby Isla Mujeres. 82 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
TOP AND bottom PhotoS: jeff schneiderman Photography
MIDDLE PHOTO: Ricardo espinosa
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Sitting on the Mexican Caribbean is the Yucatรกn Peninsula, home to the Mayan Riviera, with over 70 miles of unspoiled coastline, aqua blue water and soft and sandy secluded beaches. Water activities abound, there are parks to visit, horseback riding and birding. Even in this area, there are interesting small communities with traditional cultures and arts and crafts, and archeological sites, such as the well-known Tulum. The state of Campeche has Maya cities and empires dating to the pre-classic period. Campeche City and the surrounding areas have warm, friendly people and some great seafood. At the end of the Baja Peninsula of California is Cabo San Lucas. The climate here is wonderful. Whale watching and water activities, golf, nightlife, quiet beaches and sunsets attract honeymooners. A land of many indigenous groups, Oaxaca is a region of great diversity and contrasts, both in its people and topography. Two mountain ranges surround the 5,000 ft. Oaxaca City, which is located in the Central Valley. These mountains roll down to the Coastal Plains of the Pacific and a lush tropical land of mangoes. Traveling to Chiapas, you will go from the Highlands, to the dense tropical rainforest of the Lowlands. This was the center of the Classic Maya empires. Today, it is home to numerous and diverse Maya populations with unique languages and traditions. Mexico is a large country, making it difficult to suggest the best time to go. Generally, it can be wet in August and September and hot from June to October, and the South is hot with rainfall from May to mid-October. It is mostly dry from mid-October to April. Moderate climates can be found in the interior, and November to February can be cold in the North. In the High Plains it can be cool in the evenings, even in the summer, but the coastal regions in the south are very nice most of the year (hotter in summer). Late December to January, Easter and spring break can be very busy. June to October in the Yucatรกn Peninsula and the Southern Pacific coast is hurricane season. A world of fun and sun and romantic getaways await you in Mexico. 1 vermont bride Sum mer 2012 | 83
Rent or Buy? Depends on what you want By Kim Dixon
Nearly every week, an engaged or just married
couple asks Stu or Marion Baraw, owners of Mountain Associates Realtors in Stowe, “Should we rent or buy?” “There is no quick answer to that question,” advises Marion, co-owner of the 30-year-old firm. “Because buying a house isn’t only about money — it’s about your short- and long-term plans. You must first ask yourself how long you want to live in the area. That should tell you if you should rent, or try to buy.” “If you plan to stay for a while — and qualify for a loan — then absolutely you should buy,” chimes in Stu. “In fact, right now prices are very good and interest rates are great. I cannot remember interest rates ever this low — as much as 4 percent and even lower” on a 30-year mortgage. If you decide to buy, the couple agrees that a 20 percent down payment is a good idea if you can afford it, though only 10 percent is required for most conventional loans. With 20 percent down, you can avoid private mortgage insurance and keep your payments manageable. “You never know what may come up as a homeowner,” Stu says. “You don’t want to be mortgage-poor.” Smartmoney.com advises, “Lenders consider two ratios: front-end and back-end. The front-end is your mortgage payment, plus taxes and insurance, divided by your monthly salary. The back-end adds your monthly debt payments to your PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) payment before dividing that total figure by your salary. A 50 percent debt ratio is a high ratio. A high debt ratio means you may not qualify for the loan.” “Knowing what you can borrow before you start house-shopping will prevent you from falling in love with a house that you simply cannot afford,” Marion Baraw says. “An easy way that I recommend is to keep your payments at about 25 percent of your income. You can figure that 84 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
out even before you start looking. “I further recommend working with a bank, credit union or mortgage broker to establish exactly how much you can borrow. They will also provide you with a prequalifying letter that states the amount. This letter becomes really important when you make offers and allows you to negotiate from a position of strength.”
Buying a house can be a daunting experience, so having the help of a professional real-estate agent is essential. Morrisville-based Union Bank, on its website, sees home-owning as an investment in your future: “Homeownership opens the door to benefits that aren’t available to you as a renter. In addition to the security and stability of owning your own home, you also gain important financial advantages, including: An asset that can grow over time. As you pay down your mortgage, you build equity, which you can access with a home equity account, use to buy your next home, or save for retirement. “Mortgage interest and property taxes that are tax-deductible. In most cases, the mortgage interest and real-estate taxes you pay are fully
deductible for income-tax purposes. “A big tax advantage when you sell. After you’ve lived in your home for two of the past five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple of profit from the capital gains when you sell.” So what about tapping into your IRA for buying a home to live in (or rent)? Smartmoney says, “Congress has a soft spot for first-time home buyers. IRA owners can withdraw up to $10,000 as a lifetime credit penalty-free (but not tax-free) for the purchase of a first home. This means you and your spouse together can withdraw up to $20,000 (as long as each of you pulls $10,000 from your individual accounts).” Buying a house can be a daunting experience, so having the help of a professional realestate agent is essential. Find an agent you trust, who is familiar with the area you want to buy, in and hire the person to be your “buyer agent.” The agent will be able to help you through the entire process, including detailed information about recent sales, home values in the area, and negotiating offers. Remember, your buyer agent will represent you in the transaction; the property’s listing agent represents the seller and will work to get the highest possible price for the client. And the best part: Hiring a buyer agent costs you nothing. The listing broker agrees via the multiple listing service to pay a portion of his or her commission to the buyer agent upon a successful closing. 1 Information: mountainassociates.com, smartmoney. com (click “Spend” and “Real Estate”), www.stoweresorthomes.com, www.unionbank.com.
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I have been in the wedding business 37 years and continue to be astounded
by how little time some brides put into hiring a DJ. Sometimes when I return a bride’s message regarding an inquiry of our services just five minutes after she’s left the message, I discover she has already hired a DJ. Whenever this happens, I am disappointed because I know there is no way she has had the time to know that she is getting quality DJ services.
In talking with many vendors and brides over the years, I have learned that most agree that the strength of the event will be determined, in a large part, by the strength of the DJ. A great DJ makes a great event; a so-so DJ, a so-so event, and so on down the line. If it is such an important element of the reception then it only makes sense to spend the time necessary to secure an experienced professional. I let my clients know that they should be looking at four elements when choosing a DJ and offer the following advice: top right photo: Raidenshine photography
start here First, look at the company website. Does it make sense and is it informative?
Second, review the information the DJ service sends regarding their wedding package. Is it well laid out and does it make sense?
tion you have with the owner. The owner’s demeanor and professionalism should be immediately evident and will speak volumes about the company and what you will receive in terms of customer service. Does the person cut down competitors or does he talk about the strengths of his company?
Fourth, and most important, make sure you see video clips of the individual DJ that you are hiring. This, above all else, guarantees not only that your DJ is qualified and experienced but also that his or her style is one with which you are comfortable.
bottom LEFT Photo: synchronicity photography
Third, evaluate the conversa-
Ö-Ö-Ö--Ö-ÖVermont Bride is proud to recommend the following featured wedding professionals for all your dj entertainment needs:
El Folio Entertainment 802-558-3800 e1foley@aol.com www.vermontdj.net
Peak Entertainment DJ, INC 802-888-6978 email@peakdj.com www.peakdj.com
Gerry Lawrence 802-655-7534 gerry@accuritepayroll.com
SuperSounds DJ Co. 802-899-2823 supersounds.entertainment@gmail.com www.supersounds.com
Wedding DJ Vermont 802-338-2726 evan@weddingdjvt.com www.weddingdjvt.com
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health + fitness
Fit Spot Exercise
Push-up with a Row by Toria Cornett
Summer is the time for sleeveless shirts and tank tops. Add this move to your current upper body workout for toned arms and a tight core. Begin with 8-10 reps, 1-2 times a week. Grab 5 or 8 pound dumbbells. Starting in the push-up position lower into a push-up and return to start
Before lowering into the pushup again bring your arm up into a row with the dumbbell in your hand. Then repeat with the other arm. That is one rep
Execute another push-up and row each arm again. For beginners do the push-up on your knees and progress to performing the exercise in the full push-up position (on your toes).
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health + fitness
Why Does My Weight Fluctuate So Much? by Toria Cornett
As a professional fitness mentor, I often hear
the people I work with sigh in frustration when they step on the scale and see that their efforts to lose those last few pounds are fruitless. However, what they don’t know is that it is normal for people to have weight fluctuations of three to five pounds in a single day! There are several factors that can change your reading on the scale in a single day. Unfortunately, weight fluctuations can lead to frustration for folks that are focused on the scale and weight loss goals they have set for themselves. It shouldn’t deter them from their goals. When weighing yourself consider this:
Did you just eat a big meal? 3 Have you consumed a lot of 3
salt recently?
How is your digestive functions 3 working?
Where are you in your menstrual cycle? 3 If you weigh yourself after consuming a big meal, your weight may increase several pounds. Consider the food volume: 500 calories equal 500 calories. When you eat 500 calories in spinach, it looks a lot different than 500 calories in chicken. Once the digestion of your food takes place, some nutrients are distributed and used while others are stored and may increase your weight. If you eat two pounds of chicken and two pounds of spinach, the volume will be different, however, two pounds are two pounds, and
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you will see the number on the scale drift up if you choose to weigh yourself before your body has had a chance to digest the food. This is considered short term effects of food eaten. Another thing to consider is how much sodium have you ingested with your meal. We already know that Americans consume too much salt in their diet. The CDC recommends 1,500 mg a day, and we are eating an average of 3,436 mg of sodium a day! When we have excess sodium in our system our bodies hold onto water. This in turn may cause the number on the scale to creep up a couple of pounds, especially if you have a high sodium meal the night before weighing yourself. You have to drink water to decrease the sodium and this will decrease your weight! Make sure you stay properly hydrated to maintain weight and for overall health. How does working out affect your weight? I have clients who weight themselves right after a workout. Your workout can affect how the scale will report to you. If you do an intense cardio workout and lose water by way of sweat, most likely you will see a decrease in your weight compared to what you weighed before your workout. However, if you did an intense weight lifting session, your muscles will have more water delivered to them and you may see the scale increase slightly because of this increase in muscle recruitment. A couple of other considerations include when your last bowel movement was and where you are in your menstrual cycle. It makes sense
that your weight may fluctuate before and after you get rid of food byproduct. Hormonal fluctuations, especially before menstruation can cause bloating and an increase in weight. So when is the best time to weigh yourself ? The best time is first thing in the morning after you have used the bathroom. How often should you weigh yourself ? That is up for debate. Some say that weighing yourself daily may help keep you focused on your weight loss goals. Others say to weigh yourself once a week because the normal fluctuations in weight can confuse and perhaps frustrate folks with specific weight loss goals in mind. I say everybody is different. Figure out what is going to keep you motivated to stay on track to reach and maintain your goal weight. When we are consumed with the number on the scale we have to consider several factors before we get frustrated with the variation in our weight. We all have a predetermined genetic weight. Muscle weighs more than fat, and the weight we are losing should be fat. How do you feel? How are your clothes fitting? Being comfortable and confident with you is what should drive you to successful completion of your wellness goals. 1
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MED-SPA
Happy summer from Lumina
by Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD
Wedding season is in full swing in Vermont. If
you are planning a wedding or are in a wedding, do not forget to attend to your skin care and makeup needs! Many pictures are taken at a wedding and you want to look your glowing best! At Lumina we offer an amazing pre event peel called the Illuminize. This peel from SkinMedica is the perfect treatment 10-14 days before a wedding. The Illuminize Peel is a very superficial peel designed to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. This noninvasive peel utilizes a novel approach to chemical peeling with a newer generation of alpha hydroxy acids, mandelic acid and malic acid, in combination with phytic acid and the commonly used peeling agents salicylic acid and resorcinol to maximize skin rejuvenating effects with low irritation. Your skin will appear smooth, tight and luminous for the special day! The Illuminize peel also prepares your skin for flawless makeup application. At Lumina we ECHO_vermontbride_2_9.pdf
2/7/11
offer a complete line of Jane Iredale makeup. Lori Barlow, our aesthetician and professional makeup artist, has over 20 years of experience providing makeup consultations and wedding day makeup services. Looking your best for a wedding also frequently means shedding a few pounds before that special day. At Lumina we offer some unique options for weight loss. One is the Isagenix program which is an all natural meal replacement system. Expect to lose inches everywhere with this amazing diet! The basis of this program is a shake which is taken twice daily along with a light lunch and a few healthy snacks. My personal testimonial is that I lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks and felt absolutely fabulous! Please call us for more information about the program. Another option at Lumina for weight loss is acupuncture. Sarah Kaplan will assist you in your weight loss goals with acupuncture, herbal
remedies, dietary therapy, and exercise suggestions. Lumina offers comprehensive healthcare for women as well as aesthetic services. My nurse practitioner Lisa Kelley and I see patients for gynecologic care Monday through Friday and also have limited Saturday appointments. There have been many changes recently in the screening guidelines for women regarding pap smears and mammograms. Please call us for an appointment if you have any questions about these changes. You can review all of the services at Lumina at nancyfishermd.com. Yours in health and beauty, Nancy Carlson Fisher, MD LUMINA 1775 Williston Rd., Suite 220 So. Burl., VT 05403 802-861-0200 www.nancyfishermd.com
10:42:12 AM
With our Lakefront location, breathtaking views of the Adirondacks, three f loors f illed with sparkling aquariums, and elegant indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and parties, you’ll f ind ECHO to be the most memorable and unique location in Vermont. Exclusive Building Rentals Private Room Rentals LEED Certified Building Green Weddings For more information check out our website under facility rentals or call to speak with a private events coordinator.
Y
Picture courtesy of Patricia Tedesco, Photography by Patricia
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The Beauty of Simplicity in the Vermont Countryside
We specialize in custom-designed weddings for up to 150 guests in an elegant, intimate barn setting. We serve French-inspired cuisine, made with fresh local products. Rehearsal dinners and off-site catering are also available.
New Haven, Vermont ď‚› tourterellevt.com ď‚› 802.453.6309 w w w.v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m
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Vermont Bride
Marketplace
Snaffle Sweets Cakes that are moist and delicious, from simply elegant to extravagantly unique.
802-434-2400 www.snaesweets.com
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Vermont Bride
Marketplace The Crimson Poppy
Create Your Own Love Story at SVAC
Flower Shoppe
54 Bridge Street, Richmond VT (802) 434-5143 crimsonpoppy@myfairpoint.net
As featured on this issue’s cover
P.O. Box 617 • West Road Manchester, VT 05254 802.362.1405 • www.svac.org
Fine pewter gifts for the entire wedding party. Made by hand in Vermont. (800) 222-3142 www.danforthpewter.com
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Create an artful bouquet that will tell the story of your Wedding Day!!
We have an online BRIDAL REGISTRY! 52 Seymour St, Middlebury 111 Church St, Burlington Cabot Annex, Waterbury Quechee Gorge Village, Quechee
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Vermont Bride
Marketplace
Jennifer McGovern HomeStyle Specialist
802.318.1303 jnjmcgovern@aol.com athome.com/jmcgovern
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Vermont Bride
Marketplace Golden Eagle Resort The Golden Eagle Resort is
Stowe’s perfect spot for your small and intimate wedding ceremony or reception. Located on over
Photo: Larry Asam Photography
60 acres in a beautiful park-like setting, with perennial gardens, ponds, and a covered bridge.
Function room(s) available for rehearsal dinners.
802-253-4811 • www.goldeneagleresort.com
STACIEMADDOXBLOG.COM STACIEMADDOXPHOTOGGPHY.COM STACIEESTACIEMADDOXBLOG.COM M8022 92336659
Enriching Cultural Journeys and Exclusive, Customized Tours
The Bakery at Junior’s Specializing in Wedding & Special Occasion Cakes We also provide Full Service Offsite Catering
877.479.7040 toll-free • 802.479.7040 office Carrie@CulturalCrossroads.com • www.CulturalCrossroads.com
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Cuisine that is as Beautiful as it is Delicious! 802-655-5282 • juniorsitalianvt@gmail.com • www.juniorsvt.com vermont bride Sum mer 2012 | 93
visit H
for more vendor resources
vendor index
vermontbridemagazine.com Vendor Services
Website
Page
sewbasket.com
33
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
6
Moon Studio Day Spa
moonstudiodayspa.com
19
Nailz & Makeup Artistry by Sue
ksvideovermont.com/sue
n/a
Purple Sage Salon & Spa
purplesagesalonspa.com
90
Salon at Stoweflake
spaatstoweflake.com
5
Wendy Kluin - Makeup Artist
vermontbridemagazine.com
92
nancyfishermd.com
13
sewbasket.com
33
fioribridal.com
20
BakeAria LLC
bakearia.com
19
Bakery at Junior's
juniorsvt.com
93
Ben & Jerry's
benjerry.com
17
Delicate Decadence Cake Boutique
delicate-decadence.com
13
Snaffle Sweets
snafflesweets.com
90
Sweet Cruunch Bakeshop & Catering Co.
sweetcrunchbakeshop.com
95
The Abbey
abbeygroup.net
55
Ben & Jerry's
benjerry.com
17
Junior's Long Island Catering
juniorsvt.com
93
State Street Catering
statestreetcatering.com
92
Susanna's Catering
susannascatering.com
37
Sweet Cruunch Bakeshop & Catering Co.
sweetcrunchbakeshop.com
95
Tasty Persuasions Catering
tastypersuasions.com
89
Waterfront Catering Group
vermontspecialoccasions.com
20
Wetherbee's Catering
wetherbeescatering.com
39
Gerry Lawrence
vermontbridemagazine.com
52
Peak Entertainment
peakdj.com
89
Supersounds DJ Co.
supersounds.com
30
Wedding DJ VT
weddingdjvt.com
90
Lisa Carlson - flutiest
lisaflute.com
91
Classic Consort
classicconsort.com
39
ALTERATIONS The Sewing Basket BEAUTY & WELLNESS
BEAUTY & WELLNESS -Aesthetic Services LUMINA - Nancy Carlson Fisher MD BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION The Sewing Basket BRIDAL SHOPS Fiori Bridal Boutique CAKES & PASTRIES
CATERING
ENTERTAINMENT - DJs
ENTERTAINMENT - MUSICIANS
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vendor index Vendor Services
Website
Page
dayvehuckett.net
92
ENTERTAINMENT - MUSICIANS contd. Dayve Huckett - guitar Love That Duo
lovethatduo.com
92
Vermont Wedding Violinist
vtweddingviolinist.com
91
greenmtphotobooth.com
16
BakeAria LLC
BakeAria.com
19
Delicate Decadence Cake Boutique
delicate-decadence.com
13
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
94
Snaffle Sweets
snafflesweets.com
90
VT Mountain Syrup
see our ad
92
Crimson Poppy Flower Shoppe
vermontbridemagazine.com
91
Sarah's Weddings by Betty's Flower Basket
bettysflowerbasket.com
57
Esden Florist
vermontbridemagazine.com
89
Hawley's Florist
hawleysweddingflorist.com
37
Howards The Flower Shop
howardstheflowershop.com
90
Peck's Flower Shop
pecksflowershop.com
93
At Home America - Jennifer McGovern
athome.com/jmcgovern
92
Danforth Pewter
danforthpewter.com
91
Fabulous Fascinators By Betty's Flower Basket
bettysflowerbasket.com
24
The Kitchen Store At J.K. Adams
thekitchenstoreonline.com
23
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
94
bettysflowerbasket.com
24
culturalcrossroads.com
93
Lydia Batten CALLIGRAPHY
lydiabatten.com
91
Laura Macchia - Paper Goods & Custom Design
lauramacchia.com
24
That's Inviting
thats-inviting.com
39
Truly Noted
trulynoted.net
72
Eaton's Fine Jewelry
eatonsjewelry.com
14
Precious Things Jewelers
preciousthingsjewelers.com
13
Shelburne Country Store
shelburnecountrystore.com
94
Waldron and Rhodes Jewelers
vermontdiamonds.com
37
Photo Booths Green Mountain Photobooth FAVORS
FLORIST - FLORAL DESIGNS
GIFTS & BRIDAL REGISTRIES
HAIR ACCESSORIES Fabulous Fascinators By Betty's Flower Basket HONEYMOONS Cultural Crossroads INVITATIONS
JEWELRY
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vendor index contd. Vendor Services
Website
Page
LIFE PLANNING INFO- Home Builders Northern Builders Inc.
Vendor Services
Website
Page
Larry Asam Photography
lasamphoto.com
72
Ayer Photography of Vermont
ayerphoto.com
52
Green Mountain Photobooth
greenmtphotobooth.com
16
PHOTOGRAPHERS vermontbridemagazine.com
57
LIFE PLANNING INFO- Realtors Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate
gayleoberg.com
92
Ben Hudson Photography
benhudsonphotography.com
94
Signature Properties of Vermont
signaturepropertiesvt.com
92
Lamoureux Photography
lamoureuxphotographystudio.com
12
Letter10 Creative
letter10Creative.com
92
Kim Martin Photography
kimmartinphoto.com
n/a
LODGING Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
33
Polis Photography
polisfoto.com
45
Brandon Inn
historicbrandoninn.com
24
RaidenShine Photography
raidenshine.com
11
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
capitolplaza.com
23
Saint Phalle Photography
saintphallephoto.com
90
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
100
Jeff Schneiderman Photography
jeffschneiderman.com
14
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
6
Stacie Maddox Photography
staciemaddoxphotography.com
93
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
93
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
30
RECEPTION SITES
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
21
The Abbey
theabbeyrestaurant.net
55
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
23
An Affair By The Lake
anaffairbythelake.com
19
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
6
Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
33
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
93
Barn at Boyden Farm
boydenfarm.com
4
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Brandon Inn
brandoninn.com
24
Stowe Mountain Resort
stowe.com
17
Burlington Country Club
burlingtoncountryclub.org
7
Stables & Inn at Pigeon Hill Farm
pigeonhillfarm.com
52
Burlington Elks Lodge
burlingtoncountryclub.org
37
Stowe Inn
stoweinn.com
10
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Ctr
capitolplaza.com
23
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
stoweflake.com
5
Catamount Country Club
catamountcountryclub.com
16
Sunset Ballroom
vermontspecialoccasions.com
11
ECHO at Leahy Center
echovermont.org
88
Tourterelle Inn - Dining & Events
tourterellevt.com
89
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
100
White Rocks Inn
whiterocksinn.com
30
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
6
Wilburton Inn
wilburton.com
19
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
93
Hampton Inn
burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com
2
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
30
Junior's Italian
juniorsvt.com
93
OFFICIANTS Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell
coachingcenterofvt.com
63
ten great reasons to visit
vermontbridemagazine.com
1
2
3
4
love stories real vermont
blogs
vermont bride
vendor
their handsome
pi nter es t
download &
facebook i s s u e s resource brides & twitter past & present from a-z grooms 96 | vermont bride Sum mer 2012
and more
view online
all in one convenient place
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vendor index contd. Vendor Services
Website
Page
RECEPTION SITES contd.
Vendor Services
Website
Page
REHEARSAL DINNERS contd.
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
21
Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington
hivermont.com
30
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
23
Junior's Italian
juniorsvt.com
93
Old Lantern
oldlantern.com
52
Middlebury Inn
middleburyinn.com
21
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
6
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
mountaintopinn.com
23
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
93
Old Lantern
oldlantern.com
52
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Ponds at Bolton Valley Resort
thepondsvt.com
6
Southern Vermont Arts Center
svac.org
91
Quality Inn Burlington
qualityinnvt.com
93
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
soea.com
45
Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Ctr
sheraton.com/burlington
99
Stowe Inn
stoweinn.com
10
Southern Vermont Arts Center
svac.org
91
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
stoweflake.com
5
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
soea.com
45
stoweinn.com
10
Stowe Mountain Resort
stowe.com
17
Stowe Inn
Sunset Ballroom - Waterfront Catering Group
vermontspecialoccasions.com
11
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
stoweflake.com
5
Tourterelle Inn - Dining & Events
tourterellevt.com
89
Stowe Mountain Resort
stowe.com
17
White Rocks Inn
whiterocksinn.com
30
Sunset Ballroom - Waterfront Catering Group
vermontspecialoccasions.com
11
19
Tourterelle Inn - Dining & Events
tourterellevt.com
89
White Rocks Inn
whiterocksinn.com
30
Wilburton Inn
wilburton.com
19
Celebration Rentals
celebrateinvermont.com
14
Classy Potty's - Portable Restroom Services
classypotty.vpweb.com
39
Weddings, Tents & Events
weddingstentsevents.com
3
Burlington Limousine & Car Service
burlingtonvtlimo.com
12
Middlebury Transit
middleburytransit.com
12
Vermont Chauffeured Transportation
limovermont.com
12
KS Videography
ksvideovermont.com
95
Video Memory
supersounds.com/videomemory.htm
90
Wilburton Inn
wilburton.com
REHEARSAL DINNERS The Abbey
theabbeyrestaurant.net
55
Arlington Inn
arlingtoninn.com
33
Barn at Boyden Farm
boydenfarm.com
4
Brandon Inn
brandoninn.com
24
Burlington Country Club
burlingtoncountryclub.org
7
Burlington Elks Lodge
burlingtoncountryclub.org
37
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Ctr
capitolplaza.com
23
Catamount Country Club
catamountcountryclub.com
16
ECHO at Leahy Center
echovermont.org
88
Edson Hill Manor
edsonhillmanor.com
100
Essex Resort & Spa
vtculinaryresort.com
6
Golden Eagle Resort
goldeneagleresort.com
93
Hampton Inn
burlingtonvt.hamptoninn.com
2
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