your wedding search simplified
2015 GOWN TRENDS and where to buy them
150+ of VERMONT'S
FINEST VENDORS
REAL BRIDES
share their planning tips from
spring to winter
Inspiration For Every Season
vermontbridemagazine.com
$5.95 USA spring 2015
display until 5.18.15
Contents
winter/spring 2015
14
contributors 10
30
38
Staff Notes
10
vendor spotlight
12
VT Bride Loves | boheme beautiful
14
VT Bride Loves | lovely lilac
22
VT Bride Loves | Precious Jewels
30
your wedding, your way
36
By Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell
76
84
love stories Gown Trends | 2015
38
Devon Brynn & Ross Mroczek
44
Abbie Desrochers & Erik Jefferis
52
Laura Hall & Bruno Ferreira
60
Alyssa Blittersdorf & Alan Blackwell
68
Pauline Schwenk & Brian Samuelsen
76
Elizabeth Mandel & Patrick Wallace
84
the informed traveler | Ireland
90
By Carrie McDougall
the fit spot | learning to love the 'mill
92
By Sara Phillips
6 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
vermont bride marketplace
93
vendor services directory
95
vendor index
96
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Stowe Mountain Resort
ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt ttttttttttttttstowe.com/weddingsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
customize ing your word ! & graphics
4 Jumbo & 2 ClassiC booths available 3 DvDs of all photos for you to keep free webhosting of all the photos six poses per strip professional teChniCian to set-up anD run the booth free props
The “ClassiC�
your wedding search simplified!
802-899-2823
greenmtphotobooth.com
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 7
gestocia� �
Helping brides plan perfect weddings since 1990 PUBLISHERS
Vickie Karnes, Steven Karnes your wedding search simplified
2015 GOWN TRENDS and where to buy them
150+
of Vermont's finest Vendors
REAL BRIDES
share their planning tips from
spring to winter
3
Cover Photo by L'Estelle Photography www.lestellephotography.com Gown by Pronovias
check out the latest news at
Karen Sturtevant | vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com
facebook.com/VermontBrideMagazine
6
vermontbridemagazine.com
$5.95 USA winter 2015
diSplAy Until 2.16.15
VTBride_WinterSpring_2015.indd 1
10/16/14 8:40 AM
EDITOR IN CHIEF
ART DIRECTOR
Colleen Kuerth | colleen@vermontbridemagazine.com staff photographers
Ellen Ross | vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com Sales & Marketing
BLOG
Lynn Roberge | vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com Joe Karnes | vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com
real weddings, vendor insights, tips, trends and more! VermontBrideMagazine.com/blog
5
Contributing Photographers Ampersand Wedding Photography, Carrie McDougall, Christian Arthur Photography, Letter10 Creative, Polis Photography, The Light + Color, Paul Reynolds Photography, Stoilov Studio Copy Editors Karen Sturtevant, Colleen Kuerth, Vickie Karnes, Steven Karnes Contributing Writers Michael Caldwell, Colleen Kuerth, Carrie McDougall, Sara Phillips, Karen Sturtevant
Vermont Bride • P.O. Box 143 Westford, Vermont 05494
follow us! @VermontBrideMagazine
4
vtbride@vermontbridemagazine.com
802.879.3157 Copyright © Vermont Bride Magazine www.vermontbridemagazine.com
PINTEREST find even more inspiration pinterest.com/vermontbride
8 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
Inspiration For Every Season
Vermont Bride is published semiannual and is available for purchase at various local and out of state bookstores and retail outlets. 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
printed by
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
wedding packages
off-peak discounts
accommodates up to 300 guests
The Sunset Ballroom “The only thing we overlook is the lake!�
1712 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, VT | 802-658-3663 |
your wedding search simplified!
vermontspecialoccasions.com
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 9
VT Bride
staff notes W
hile running errands recently I noticed the bright yellow, brilliant red, and orange fire leaves. When did this happen? Seems like overnight. With our calendars crammed trying to manage our over-scheduled lives, we sometime forget to slow down and see, truly see, our surroundings. The changing of seasons compel us to appreciate the beauty Mother Natural has unselfishly offered. Wedding planning is a lot like that: hurry to the florist; quick, pick out the tuxes; choose a vegetarian entrée; who gets cut from the guest list? From all the brides we’ve heard from over the years, the most popular piece of advice is: Take time to appreciate and enjoy the planning process and ultimately, the wedding day. It goes by so fast. Yes, it’s stressful and full of compromise, but also a wondrous, life-changing season in your life.
photo by larry asam photography
Karen Sturtevant Vermont Bride Editor-In-Chief
Few occasions are as celebrated as weddings. Let’s raise our glasses with special Love Stories, comfy Boheme styles, a gorgeous gown section, color combos that may surprise you, and sections from getting fit on the ‘dreadmill’ to the charms of Ireland (think honeymoon). You’ll find these precious jewel gems within the pages and much more online at vermontbridemagazine.com and vermontbridelookbook.com/lookbook. Prepare to be inspired. Three things are for certain: Winter white will soon take the place of intense autumn colors; Vermont, in any season, is the state for weddings; and Vermont Bride is here to bring them to you.
Cheers!
To all our autumn, winter, spring, and summer brides,
VT Bride
contributors
Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell
Carrie McDougall
Rev. Dr. Michael Caldwell 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. Contact Michael for a free consultation at 802-888-5811 or snowhavenmaple@gmail.com.
Carrie McDougall is the owner of Cultural Crossroads, offering customized tours for individuals, family and friends as well as organizations. Their tours have been honored by Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler’s section Tours of a Lifetime. Contact Carrie at 877-479-7040, Carrie@CulturalCrossroads. com, or visit www.CulturalCrossroads.com.
Sara Philips
Karen Sturtevant
Sara Phillips is an avid athlete and active lifestyle consultant. As a runner, triathlete and hockey player, she meets and talks with athletes of all levels and backgrounds. She is a mentor of First Strides, as well as a member of the Johnson State College Athletic Hall of Fame. Sara enjoys sharing her nutritional knowledge from her experience in the nutritional supplement industry. Contact her at sara@gmavt.net.
Karen Sturtevant is a freelance writer and editor of Vermont Bride. She lives in Williston with her fiancé, Mike, is a volunteer with Vermont English Bulldog Rescue (facebook.com/VermontEnglishBulldogRescue), Green Mountain Animal Defenders (greenmountainanimaldefenders.org) and is the author of two children's books (gertstuzippy.com) featuring her Russian tortoise, Zippy.
10 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
e te possibili n i g ties a m i We invite you to rediscover the charm of this 1800’s barn, adjoining our eight room Inn with beautiful views of Lake Champlain, nestled in a maple grove. One of the most popular wedding venues in Vermont, The Old Lantern Inn and Barn is a full service facility, providing catering, bar service, and decorating. With a capacity of up to 350 people, minutes from Burlington and Middlebury, and ample parking make The Old Lantern the ideal celebration location.
photos by stina booth photography
The Old Lantern Inn & Barn
Charlotte, VT 802.425.2120 | oldlantern.com
Love
layered
photo by hopskoch photography
With
Custom Wedding Cakes & Favors By Pastry CheF miChelle lunde
delicate-decadence.com 802. 479. 7948 finecakes@myfairpoint.net your wedding search simplified!
15 Cottage st, Barre, vt
’
Serving Brides & Grooms Since 1925.
Three Convenient Locations
10 Dorset St., So. Burlington Downtown Saint Albans & Downtown Newport
1-800-924-Gown (4696) | needlemansbridal.com vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 11
vendor
spotlight
Dennille austin | village green florist vgfloristvt.com | 802-879-7980 How long have you been in business?
I have been doing floral design for weddings for about seven years, on and off. I worked on large events in LA and worked along side an amazing designer in Rhode Island. I have now been doing them solely on my own, in the shop for over two years. How or why did you become a florist?
I fell in love with flowers perusing my grandmothers gardens at a very young age. During my high school years I worked for the Village Green Florist (yes, I bought the shop I worked at in high school- fate) and that is where my passion for flowers took off. I started out as a floor clerk, helping customers, wrapping bouquets and watching the floral designers create in the shop peaked my interest. After high school I was offered an internship at the shop where I learned floral design techniques. I have been in the industry for over ten years and absolutely love wedding work. It is where I can be really creative and get to know great people. What is your favorite floral design you have created?
I recently went to Settle WA for a floral design/business workshop under the guidance of Erin Benzakein, an amazing floral designer and flower farmer. After she inspired us, I created one of my most memorable centerpieces!
tell us about the most unique wedding you have designed for?
One of my most unique weddings I designed for a bride that gave me her budget, color palette, theme of the wedding, favorite flowers and told me to go to town! There I was really able to use my imagination. This is not typical, it was so fun. What do you love about working with couples on their flowers?
Everyone's own unique style! What advice do you have for couples when they are choosing a florist
Try not to save the flowers for the last thing on your list or budget. When you go back and look at your photos you will want to see some amazing florals!
crickett polis | polis photography polisfoto.com | 802-733.5413 How long have you been in business?
I grew up with two parents who were both photographers so I would say I have been in this business all my life. Professionally I have been photographing weddings for seven years. why did you become a photographer?
I used to work as an assistant to a photographer and found the work to be fulfilling. I would help her with weddings and portraits and would just get beside myself if someone ordered an image I had taken. I love to work with people and to provide a service that is so important. I started to work with my dad, Dean Polis, and eventually the family business was handed over to me. We still work as a team to this day.. What do you love most about being a wedding photographer?
The thing I love most about being a wedding photographer is meeting so many amazing people. I love to create concepts for each of my clients to tie into their weddings. It really keeps things fresh.
12 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
What is the most memorable moment that you have photographed?
The most memorable moment for me is a postwedding shoot I did with a couple at my parent's farm in Shushan,NY. I had a crazy idea to get the bride and groom to go off the rope swing at the nearby covered bridge! Even though the bride fell in she took it with stride and we all had a great time. We stay in touch on Facebook to this day. What advice do you have for couples when they are choosing a photographer?
The best advise I can give is to find a photographer whose style best represents what you want your wedding day to look like. We offer a free engagement session as a way to better get to know our clients. It is important to feel comfortable with your photographer as you will spend a great deal of time with them before, the day of and after the wedding.
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Tasty
Persuasions Catering
Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers
Offering exceptional catering services at realistic prices, from large receptions to small intimate gatherings. Personalized menus for every occasion and appetite.
Let us make your event a Tasty one!
tastyPersuasiOns.cOm | 802.372.3123 | tina@tastyPersuasiOns.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
your wedding search simplified!
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 13
VT Bride
loves
PRECIOUS JEWEL TONES
Sapphire, amethyst, garnet, and luxurious gold have the sparkle and warmth to heat up even the coldest winter day and shine perfectly against the glittering white snow.
let some luxurious color and glitz peek out from beneath your gown with these stunning shoes by betsy johnson. betseyjohnson.com
plum colored drop earrings made with swarovski crystals are elegant without being too showy. yaelbeldesigns.etsy.com
inexpensive rhinestone-studded, gold chargers will warm up your place settings without breaking the bank. amazon.com/Chargeit-Jay-Gold-Jewel-Charger/ dp/B004WHN1L2
deep purples and gold script, on this cake topper by modern blooms, give even a simple, white cake a pop of drama. modernblooms.etsy.com
these gold foiled macarons from laduree are almost too pretty to eat. laduree.com/en_int
warm your guests with a colorful signature drink, like a bangkok blush, which changes from blue to purple before their eyes. Find the recipe here: kitchentablescraps.com/uncategorized/the-bangkok-blush-a-colorchanging-cocktail
precious jewels
nothing warms the stark winter landscape better than rich colors that saturate with their depth and warmth. paired with glittering gold, precious gem tones come to life and shine.
your wedding search simplified!
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 31
precious jewels
dark, indulgent chocolate stands up easily to the elegant, opulant colors.
one, show-stopping gold kissed flower gives this cake its wow factor.
precious jewels
vendor credits: Photography: the Light & Color, thelightandcolor.com Venue: sleepy hollow inn, skisleepyhollow.com vintage rentals: brianne's vintage chic, briannesvintagechic.com cake: caketopia cakes, caketopiacakes.com whoopie pies: time out for whoopie, timeoutforwhoopie.com Hair & makeup styling: jamie dragon of lush salon, lushstowe.com Flowers: the village green florist, vgfloristvt.com Gown: Fiori Bridal boutique, fioribridal.com jewelry: matthew taylor designs, matthewtaylordesigns.net Stationery: christa alexandra designs, christaalexandra.com calligraphy: lydia batten calligraphy, lydiabatten.com Models: Eric and Hana Place, Beatrice Taylor
38 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Lace gets an update with bold, statement making floral designs. We love the sweet and feminine look of lace overlays and the newest styles are taking some cues from the victorian age, with larger-than-life flowers and flourishes. If you want a romantic, vintage look with modern style, these gowns are for you.
Allure Bridals Style #8800 Available at Needleman's Bridal & Formal needlemansbridal.com
Justin Alexander Signature Style 9736 Available at Fiori Bridal Boutique fioribridal.com
the perfect balance between glamour and drama. This figure flattering silhouette features a body hugging bodice with a skirt that flares below the hip. Perfect for the bride who wants something a little more sexy and fashion forward, or if you just want to show off your curves!
Above CB Couture Style B080 top MIDDLE Stella York Style 5922 Both Available at Fiori Bridal Boutique fioribridal.com
40 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
Above Mori Lee Style #5270 LEFT Allure Bridals Style #9072 Both Available at Needleman's Bridal & Formal needlemansbridal.com
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Essence of Australia Style D1604 Available at Fiori Bridal Boutique fioribridal.com
Laura Hall ďż˝ Bruno Ferreira July 19, 2014
sheraton burlington, vermont photos by paul sarne
"We knew our loved ones were in great hands while staying at the Sheraton Burlington and it was great to have all of our wedding events in one convenient location. We held both our ceremony and reception in the Diamond and Emerald Ballrooms which kept the party going late into the night since no one had to worry about transportation!"
60 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
62 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
How and where did you meet? Bruno and I met in August 2010,
when I was applying for a server position at a local Massachusetts restaurant called Not Your Average Joe’s; Bruno helped interview me for the job as he is a restaurant manager and it became the best interview of my life as it led me to meeting my now husband.
What was the proposal like? Bruno asked my father for permission to propose to me in January 2012, and the proposal did not happen until September 2, 2012— 9 months later. My parents thought he changed his mind! But the proposal was perfect! Bruno proposed at the Boston Public Gardens and surprised me by having our parents present to witness the moment. It was so sweet and such a surprise.
Why did you choose Vermont for your wedding?
I grew up in South Burlington, Vermont and even though we now live in Boston, Vermont will always be “home.” We knew we wanted a summer wedding, and Vermont in July is absolutely stunning. I’m very fortunate to have greatgrandparents living in Vermont and to be surrounded by so many family and friends was incredible.
How did you choose your venue? The Sheraton Burlington Hotel
was a perfect venue for our wedding! We had many guests arriving from out of town, with 30 of Bruno’s relatives traveling from Brazil. The Sheraton Burlington is in a great location, a full-service hotel with a focus on providing exceptional service. your wedding search simplified!
What was your theme/color palette?
Purple and bling! All of my bridesmaids wore a beautiful shade of light purple and we had purple up-lighting throughout the venue, including in our centerpieces. The crystal chandeliers in our venue matched our bling theme! We had purple hydrangea and roses for the bouquets and boutonnieres, jars with bling for the candy bar, and favors with cute purple pearl shaped chocolates.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding? My
mom and I spent a lot of time working on little details like tying purple ribbons on our place cards and finding unique vases for the candy bar. I loved having a tribute to our family members who have passed away and family wedding photos displayed. We had a “flip flop” tree so guests could “treat their dancing feet” and fun signs throughout the cocktail area. There were so many small details that I loved, and to see it all come together after hours of planning was really special. My mom was so amazing to help me create my dream wedding.
How did your wedding reflect your relationship as a couple? Bruno and I love to entertain—we loved that everything was held
in one location and no one had to worry about transportation. We really thought about the details and how to keep the celebration going. Bruno is originally from Brazil and it was great to incorporate Brazilian music throughout the night. We loved combining our cultures on the day that our families became one.
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 63
Sarah’s Weddings by betty’s flower basket
9 bank street, saint albans, vt 802.524.5703
sarahsweddings.com
your wedding search simplified!
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 65
What were some of your favorite moments?
Bruno and I had a “First Look” which was a really special moment that then led to our bridal party hopping on a trolley and riding around Burlington to take photos. I’ll never forget walking down Church Street with our best friends and having all of the people around us clap, cheer and wish us well! Bruno and I have fun photos of us dancing outside to a live band. It was such a beautiful day and a fun time to share with our closest friends before the wedding ceremony. I loved my father-daughter dance; I surprised my dad with video footage from the first time he met Bruno and then a slide show of photos of us throughout the years while we danced to Frank Sinatra’s, “The way you look tonight.”
What song did you choose for your first dance?
Bruno and I danced to “Carinhoso” which is a Portuguese love song that Bruno would sing to me when we first started dating—we then surprised our guests with a choreographed dance to “Do you Love Me?” It was a blast!
How did your vendors help make your wedding day perfect? We had so many amazing vendors! The Sheraton Burlington was amazing to work with, especially Maura McQuade who made sure every vision of mine was executed brilliant. Maura is incredibly organized and responsive and helped make the day of my wedding completely stress free! I stumbled upon Paul Sarne's Photography’s website and fell in love! Photography was something that was incredibly important to me and I could not be happier with the photos that this team took! Paul was with us the entire day. The photos we received allow us to relive each moment, and we’ll cherish them for years to come. Snaffle Sweets created a delicious wedding cake that looked even better than my inspiration photo! Buds and Roses created my dream bouquet and all of our flowers were stunning and never wilted despite the July heat!
What advice would you give other couples planning their wedding? Always remember that your wedding is the celebration of your
marriage—your guests are there to celebrate your love and therefore your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple. Discuss what elements of the day are most important to you and figure out what kind of “feel” you want for your special day. Wedding planning can and will be stressful but it is so rewarding!
Vermont Bride Preferred Vendors: Venue & Catering: Sheraton Burlington Hotel sheratonburlington.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Sarne andweddingphoto.com Other Vendors Wedding Gown: Blushing Bride, blushingbride.me Videographer: Tommy Sleeper Florist: Buds and Roses Cake: Snaffle Sweets, snafflesweets.com Musician/DJ: DJ Raul Transportation: Historical Trolley Tours of Burlington, trolleytoursvt.com 66 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Your Event Is Our Specialty
Photo: Portrait Gallery
The INN at Willow Pond
8000 sq fT PosT aNd beam lodge caN accommodaTe uP To 250 guesTs 40 fIrePlace suITes aNd guesT rooms offerINg oN & offsITe caTerINg by Photo: Jeff Schneiderman Photography
TED
tedrestaurant.com 802.768.8183 INNaTWIlloWPoNd.com
800-533-3533
Photo: Portrait Gallery
maNchesTer, VT
At Burlington Country Club we begin with an experienced staff, add your creativity and vision to our expertise, and then deliver an event that will make you the toast of your guests. Let us do the work and you enjoy your guests.
BURLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB 802.864.4683 (ext.103) burlingtoncountryclub.org lisa.wright@burlingtoncountryclub.org your wedding search simplified!
vermont bride winter/spring 2015 | 67
Don't miss the next issue of the LOO KBOO K
fe b r u ary 2 0 1 5 inspirational real weddings, the latest trends, vermont's best vendors, and more! available online for easy viewing on any mobile device
vermontbridemagazine.com
98 | vermont bride winter/spring 2015
w:v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e.co m f:fa c eb o o k .co m/v er m o ntb ri d e m a g a zi n e P:p i nterest.co m/v tb ri d e
Your dream day as you have always imagined At Sheraton Burlington we believe life is better when shared • Tiered and custom wedding packages start at just $46 plus tax and gratuity per guest • Enjoy your special day and let our team take care of you and your guests • Make memories for a lifetime with our rehearsal dinners and wedding brunches • Your honeymoon’s on us! Host your wedding with us and earn bonus Starpoints® to help pay for your honeymoon. Receive your points right away so you can start planning.
SHERATON BURLINGTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 870 Williston Road Burlington, Vermont 05403 t - 802 865 6620 sheratonburlington.com