Meet Vermont Wedding Planner Rachel Vitagliano Events

Posted on November 30, 2022

Planning a wedding is a big time commitment. If you’re looking to reduce stress and hand off certain tasks to a professional, a Vermont wedding planner like Rachel of Rachel Vitagliano Events is a great person to add to your team!

Benefits of a Wedding Planner

Wedding planners and day of coordinators can help you with so many components of your big day such as: budgeting, scheduling, and organizing vendors. Not only that, but they are a treasure trove of industry knowledge and can offer ideas, support, and advice during every step of the wedding planning process.

We recently sat down with Rachel to learn more about wedding planning and how she got her start in the industry. Read on for swoon-worthy wedding photos and Rachel’s advice!

How did you get into wedding planning?

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a wedding designer or planner and as I got older that dream, unfortunately, took a back seat.

Since high school, I’ve been in the food, customer service, management, and hospitality industry (10 years in total). My previous job, however, just wasn’t a good fit for me!

I like to think I got a lucky break when one day I was scrolling through Indeed a Wedding Coordinator position opened up at a local Vermont resort! I immediately jumped on it, and now here I am! After gaining so much valuable experience, and creating so many relationships with couples and vendors, Rachel Vitagliano Events has finally come to life!

How would you describe your wedding planning style?

One word: FUN! Whether you have a planner or not, you’re bound to get stressed out by something, no matter how amazing that planner is! My hope is that with any stress aside, your wedding planning experience will be fun and unique to you!

What inspires your work?

Seeing that glow and excitement on a couple’s face when they enter their reception space! That’s what makes this career so special and inspires me to always go above and beyond for each and every couple.

Any special tips for couples for choosing a wedding planner?

It may sound obvious, but choose a wedding planner or coordinator you truly connect with. Seriously! The planner or coordinator with the most 5 star reviews isn’t always going to be the best fit for you. Chat with different planners, ask about their personal lives, and make a genuine connection! After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time with them!

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

The couple’s first dance! It’s such a special moment and even after seeing hundreds of them, I still get teary-eyed.

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

Skiing, duh! If you’re near the Killington area, or just visiting, you HAVE to go to The Garlic for dinner! If you’re a pasta lover like me, you can thank me later!

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

If I wasn’t a wedding planner, I would love to be an interior designer!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I have two differently shaped thumbs. Wait, is that fun or weird?

Thank you Rachel! Learn more about Rachel Vitagliano Events in the vendor guide.

Meet Wedding Photographer Gabriel Confrey of Rowan Oak Studios

Posted on November 29, 2022

What everyone says is true: one of the best days of your life will be over in a blink of an eye. That’s why investing in an experienced wedding photographer to document it all is so important; their work is what will allow you to reminisce the big day over and over!

How to find your wedding photographer

When searching for a wedding day photographer it’s important to find someone who can support your vision. Someone that knows to put you at ease amidst the chaos. (and of course, someone who effortlessly captures all the details- big and small- that you’ll swoon over for years to come)

No one checks all of those boxes quite like Gabriel, the Vermont wedding photographer behind Rowan Oak Studios.

We recently sat down with Gabriel to learn about his photography style, favorite moments at a wedding, and everything in between. Continue reading to learn more about Gabriel and view the gorgeous, ethereal work Rowan Oak Studios is known for!

How did you get into wedding photography?

I started my professional life as a journalist (after attending Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism) following the threads of narrative that connect our day-to-day.

While I sought out in-depth profiles and investigative work, my first jobs relegated me to covering advertisers’ events and restaurant openings. Obviously disappointed, I looked for other avenues where I could engage with humans at a deeper level, and witness meaningful moments.

After stumbling into my first wedding clients while trying to fund a documentary project, then spending 4 hours talking like old friends in what was supposed to be a 30 min coffee meet-up, I was hooked.

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is calm and intentional, attentive and human-centric. It starts with trust and relationship building, which I view as indispensable throughout the wedding process. I don’t impose, I don’t make people into something they aren’t. I give them room to breathe and encourage clients to be themselves – whether that’s loud or subtle, expressive or reserved. I ask them to focus on how they feel, not how they look, and let me take care of the rest.

What inspires your work?

I draw inspiration from two main sources: my clients’ stories, and the world as I find it (intersections of environments, people and light). My best images have aspects of both, and allow clients to immerse in the memories of them – remembering the warmth of their partner, the breeze off the mountains, the sense of relief/joy/expectation for what was coming next.

Any special tips for couples for choosing a wedding photographer?

Set aside price, set aside logistics, and focus on personality. Find a photographer who makes you feel seen because a full day of deeply emotional moments is going to be uncomfortable if you’re being photographed by someone you don’t trust and who doesn’t know when to push the shutter, or drop the camera and lend a hand instead.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

The first time I get the couple alone for portraits after the ceremony, they let out the biggest smiles of relief and realization. Seeing the looks on their faces gives me a feeling of aspiration for everything that comes next.

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

I’m relatively new to VT and still discovering new spots daily. I’m very partial to several experiences as of late – Kestrel coffee for an afternoon of editing, Grand Isle’s farmer’s market for fresh produce, Green Mountain Nat’l for mushroom foraging…and when I need to just sit on a rock and stare at beautiful things, Red Rock point and Oakledge Park really fit the bill.

If you weren’t a wedding photographer what would you do?

It would be hard to replace the peculiar cocktail of client relationships, art, and world discovery that wedding photography offers, but I have branched out the past year into floristry, mushroom farming, and contract work as a researcher for an AV company, so who knows where’d I land!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I always struggle with this question! I think I have an undeniable compulsion to learn everything all the time (whether that’s fun, you be the judge) – how to juggle, fiddle, embroider, code…I’m endlessly fascinated by most things and can find meaning and value in even the most overlooked.

Thank you Gabriel! Learn more about Rowan Oak Studios in the vendor guide.

Fly Fishing Unique Engagement Session

Posted on November 22, 2022

Today we’re showing off Allie and Tim’s unique engagement session. When discussing their engagement photo shoot with GarrenTee Photography, Ali and Tim made it clear that they didn’t want cookie-cutter style engagement photos. They wanted a unique engagement session!

Like most Vermonters, the couple loves exploring and being outdoors. Tim’s family has a camp in northern Maine and he is an avid fisherman. Ali enjoys activities such as running and hiking. Taking those hobbies into consideration, the couple came up with an engagement shoot that was out of the ordinary, fun and so them!

We Love Unique Engagement Shoots Like This

Engagement photo shoots are a great way to capture your next chapter together as a couple. Many wedding photographers offer one-off engagement shoots or even include them in their wedding packages. One of our favorite things about engagement shoots is that they can be done anywhere and don’t have to match the vision you have in mind for your wedding day. So why not try something unique like an adventurous engagement photoshoot session?

Sources

GarrenTee Photography

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible florals? Check out this Maquam Barn Summer Wedding.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Meet Vermont Florist, Emily, of M’s Wedding Flowers

Posted on November 17, 2022

When you love what you do, it shows! We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Vermont wedding florist, Emily, the brains behind the beauty that is M’s Wedding Flowers.

Located in Moretown, Vermont, Emily works with couples of all budgets and wedding aesthetics. (Think: romantic to rustic to garden party… she covers it all!) M’s Wedding Flowers offers uniquely beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, arbors, and more for your special day. Read on to see Emily’s stunning work and learn more about her take on floral design.

How did you get into wedding floral arrangements?

I was fortunate enough to be hired at my local floral shop fresh out of high school. I worked there for a few years before going to school, where I studied plants and landscape architecture. Once I left school I worked for a landscaping company in Woodstock before switching back to floral when I was laid off for the winter. Once I got my hands back on floral arranging, there was no turning back!

How would you describe your floral arrangement style?

I love building natural bouquets that really show off the individual flowers. I also love working with unique florals, and I love to add fruits to bouquets.

What inspires your work?

The flowers themselves and each couple’s individual style. I love picking out the right flowers to bring a couple’s vision to life!

Any special tips for couples for choosing/working with a wedding florist in general?

Have a good vision for your florals but be flexible in letting your florist guide you. Floristry is an art.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

My favorite part of a wedding is getting to see the space transformed! It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been to a particular venue, it always looks new and magical once everything is set up and in place!

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

My favorite things to do in Vermont are gardening, swimming in the river, bonfires, and playing around with snow photography.

If you weren’t a wedding florist what would you do?

I would probably be drafting landscapes and gardening!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I love to draw and sometimes draw out my bouquets before I build them for clients.

Thank you, Emily! Learn more about M’s Wedding Florals in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

A Timeless Spring Wedding at The Grafton Inn

Posted on November 15, 2022

When you think of a Vermont wedding do you imagine rolling green mountain views? Small town charm? Something rustic, easygoing, yet timeless? If you answered, “YES!”, you will love learning more about Toni and Blake’s spring wedding at The Grafton Inn.

Nestled in Southern Vermont, Grafton is one of New England’s prettiest (and smallest) towns. Toni and Blake knew they wanted a classic, small-town New England feeling for their big day, and The Grafton Inn definitely provided it! Their photographer, K. Lennox Photography, loved capturing their special day.

A Beautiful Day Worth The Wait

Like many couples, Toni and Blake had to schedule and reschedule their wedding day due to the pandemic. In the meantime, they welcomed their precious little girl, Lennon, to their family. Lennon served as their flower girl at their wedding, and wait until you see just how cute she looked!

While unseasonably warm for a spring wedding in Vermont (94 degrees!), the heat didn’t weigh down the happy couple or their wedding guests. The day was packed with laughter, dancing, and partying.

Blake and his Best man are co-owners of the distillery Copper Canon in New Hampshire. To incorporate this into the wedding, favors were from Copper Canon, a fun personal touch.

A Quintessential Vermont Wedding at The Grafton Inn

A perfect blend of rustic details and modern-day charm, the Grafton Inn is a quintessential Southern Vermont wedding venue and resort. Nestled between picturesque green mountains and Grafton village, this wedding venue is perfect for couples looking for an enchanting, timeless location.

VENDORS:

Venue: The Grafton Inn, Photographer: Kris Lenox Photography Cake: Kupcakes & Kindness Florist: Susanne’s Wedding Floral Design Studio DJ: Nick of Get Down Tonight Entertainment Hair and Makeup: Haus of Beauty Wedding Favors: Copper Cannon

Your Next Read:

Looking for another Grafton Inn wedding? Check out this Hygge Fall Wedding at the Inn.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Wedding Planning Dilemmas and How to Solve Them

Posted on November 10, 2022

Being engaged and starting the wedding planning process is not always as exciting as it’s portrayed on social media. *sigh*

Whether you’re struggling to find your perfect vendors, your guest list or budget is out of control, or you’re just feeling overwhelmed by the whole wedding planning thing … wedding planning dilemmas happen. Off days happen.

I felt it when planning my own wedding – and I’m here to reassure you that you are not alone in wondering: WHAT THE HECK? Isn’t wedding planning supposed to be fun!?!

Sometimes, even good things like planning your wedding can feel stressful. (And that’s completely normal.) When you’re ready for a reset, I got you. Keep reading for common wedding planning dilemmas and how to solve them.

When you're arguing with your partner over wedding details

Can this decision wait? Put it on the back burner and come back to it at a set time. (Even if it’s 20 minutes from now.)

One of the best pieces of advice I heard was to set a “wedding date night” with my partner. That way, I knew we’d have dedicated time to talk through questions and decisions…but we didn’t have to spend every night talking about wedding planning. It’s important to continue to have a life outside your wedding plans!

When you're feeling disorganized in your wedding planning

Set a timer for 5 minutes and write down everything in your brain right now. Then, look through your list and mark what absolutely must be done now, what can wait, and what can actually be ignored.

(Feeling like you need a bigger organization system overall? Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide.)

When something goes wrong with your plan

Your DJ fell through, your mother-in-law handed you a guest list that’s 50 people long, and the forecast is calling for rain … it sucks. Honestly, sometimes the best thing to do is to feel through these feelings and allow yourself to grieve that some parts of planning aren’t going exactly how you wanted them to.

Showing yourself compassion isn’t the same as wallowing endlessly. By being kind to yourself, you can remind yourself that you’re capable and scrappy and able to problem solve.

When you're feeling overwhelmed making decisions

Put down your phone. Step away from Pinterest and Instagram. Put the bridal magazine away. It’s so easy to get caught up in a million visions for your day. Sometimes, you just need to reset.

My best advice is to pick a couple of trusted accounts and unfollow the rest. And, once you’ve made a decision, stop searching for other ideas or options. Move on and go celebrate your progress!

And when all else fails, please know that wedding planning isn’t all champagne and romance. It’s totally normal to have bumps along the way.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not having the perfect day. In fact, it’s on those days you might just take a break and get back at it tomorrow.

You can always turn to our Instagram or Facebook for help when you hit a wedding planning snag. And don’t forget about our Vendor Guide filled with knowledgeable wedding professionals who are more than happy to help navigate you through the wedding planning process!

Your Next Read:

Looking for advice from a bride who has already planned her wedding? Check out Wedding Planning Advice from an Expert

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Meet Vermont Makeup Artist, Fawn MUA

Posted on November 9, 2022

It’s every bride’s dream to feel pampered and beautiful on their wedding day. That’s why hiring a professional hair and makeup artist is an important task to add to your to-do list! We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Vermont wedding makeup artist, Fawn MUA, who has over 10 years of experience making brides look and feel their best!

Fawn has helped hundreds of brides step out of their normal routine and into something radiant and timeless for their big day. From an elevated all-natural look to radiant and sophisticated glam, Fawn works closely with each bride to discover their dream wedding day look.

Why is a Professional Wedding Makeup Artist Worth The Investment?

Wedding makeup is a whole different ball game than your typical day-to-day look. Experienced professionals, like Fawn, will help pull your entire wedding look together, know the right products to ensure all-day coverage, put you at ease, and most importantly- make you feel gorgeous!

Keep reading to learn more about Fawn and her beautiful work.

How did you get into wedding makeup? I have always been into makeup and products, I started doing weddings when I was working at a local salon and the stylists started referring me to their bridal clients, I ended up leaving the salon to stay home with my daughter and started to build my wedding business. How would you describe your style? I can do all types of makeup looks but I am known for soft and natural glam for bridal looks! What inspires your work? Each bride I get to work with! I truly love what I do. It’s an honor to be part of someone’s wedding day and seeing their reaction when they look in the mirror after I am finished glaming them, it’s just the best.

Any special tips for couples for choosing/working with a wedding makeup artist in general? Book your wedding hair and makeup professionals as soon as you can! I don’t think brides realize how fast we book up for the season, especially for popular dates. What’s your favorite moment during a wedding? My favorite part of a wedding is getting to see the bride’s first reaction to her wedding glam. A bride almost cried when she looked in the mirror because she loved her makeup look so much- it was so rewarding! I have kept in touch with her and also have become friends with many of my brides. What’s your favorite thing to do in VT? My boyfriend lives in Keene, NH so I am always driving through Vermont. I love Bennington, Manchester, and all of the country stores! If you weren’t a wedding makeup artist what would you do? I would love to own and manage a salon. What’s a fun fact about yourself? I am a car nerd! I love old, new, and expensive cars – you name it.

Thank you, Fawn! Learn more about Fawn MUA in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

Springtime Wedding at the Sugarbush Resort

Posted on November 8, 2022

Sugarbush Resort is, of course, a huge ski destination in the winter, but it’s also the perfect venue for a May wedding! Liz and Nick had been together for ten years and engaged for three when COVID forced them to push their wedding an extra year. Everyone was SO excited to finally have their special day; plus, it was one of the first events post-Covid shut down and everyone was ready to party! Kelsey Regan Photography was there to capture it all.

Both Liz and Nick went to college in Vermont and loved it so much they have chosen to build their life here post-college. They specifically chose Sugarbush Resort for their wedding so all of their guests could stay with them on the property. They were able to spend lots of quality time with their guests for the entire weekend and it made for a fun after-party!

Bright Florals & Meaningful Wedding Details

Liz’s mom, Linda, is a florist, so flowers were a huge focus of the day – both for the ceremony and the reception. It was Linda’s dream to make these flowers ones to remember, and they certainly were! She designed an incredible arch with flowers covering the entire arch from start to finish. At the end of the aisle, there were big, bright arrangements atop two whiskey barrels. Everything from the bouquets to the table arrangements looks gorgeous for a spring wedding! Plus they complimented the unique floral bridesmaid dresses!

Liz and Nick are big hikers, so the entire day had a mountain theme. Each table was named after a Vermont mountain that they’ve hiked together. Next to each mountain sign was a photo of the couple at the summit of that mountain and the date that they hiked it. “Since we have been together for a decade, it wasn’t hard to collect 15 summit photos,” says Liz. We love this how this detail both compliments the ski resort venue and gives guests a glimpse into the couple’s life together!

They also helped Justice of the Peace Greg Trulson write their ceremony because it was very important for the couple to have it be personalized with their love story. He knocked it out of the park and it was such a beautiful ceremony.

Spring Wedding at Sugarbush Resort

Using a ski resort in the “off-season” is a great option for Vermont weddings! The mountain views are a stunning backdrop to an outdoor ceremony! (Also take advantage of the ski lift for a photo opportunity!) Their guests had access to the entire property all weekend and got to enjoy all of the springtime activities at Sugarbush Resort!

VENDORS:

Venue: Sugarbush Resort, Photographer: Kelsey Regan Photography, Officiant: Greg Trulson, Videography: Dan Hopkins, Florals: Copper Leaf Floral Design, DJ: The Vermont DJ Co. Jim Companion, Make-Up: Hillary Fay Studios, Hair: Mallory Shangraw of Hairmasters, Desserts: Sweet Simone’s

Your Next Read:

Check out some other weddings in the Stowe, VT area. Read A Black Tie Stowe Wedding Filled with Happy Tears & A Golden and Green Wedding at Sugarbush Resort.

Want more wedding posts? Check out any of these!

Fun-filled Wedding at Talta Lodge in Stowe, VT

Posted on November 3, 2022

Taylor and Zach’s goal for their wedding was to create a day where everyone had as much fun as possible! With the help of Sara Judith Events – that is exactly what happened! Talta Lodge in Stowe, VT was the perfect place for this fun-filled, summer wedding! Beyond Bliss Films was there to capture it all in a meaninful wedding fim.

Outdoor Summer Wedding at Talta Lodge

Both the bride and groom were raised in Vermont and met at UVM. They moved to Boston after college where they got engaged, added dog Finley to their family and are now back living in Vermont!

They knew Talta Lodge, located in the heart of Stowe, VT, was the perfect wedding venue. Talta is a modern, boutique lodge with all of the cozy mountain vibes. The open outdoor grassy area allowed for a beautiful sailcloth tent to be the backdrop for the day, as well as a dog friendly ceremony space! We love when your fur baby can join in on the fun!

Unique & Fun Vermont Wedding Vendors

Taylor and Zach worked alongside Sarah Judith Events to hire unique vendors to make their day unique. The handmade wood fired pizzas were a huge hit followed by the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream truck for dessert. They had a mix of elegant and traditional touches, with super fun and memorable experiences for their guests.

The couple’s goal of bringing energy to the dance floor was a success, every single guest was out of their chairs and up on that dance floor! Even though there were close to 200 guests in attendance, it somehow felt intimate with how much love was surrounding the couple.

Beyond Bliss Films always does such a great job telling the story of the day from start to finish. It overcast day in Stowe, but as soon as the bride started walking down the aisle the clouds parted and the sun came out for the ceremony! Be sure to check out their wedding film below!

VENDORS

Planning: Sara Judith Events, Videographer: Beyond Bliss Films, Venue: Talta Lodge, Photographer: Kerri McWade, Caterer: 802 Dinner Party & Open Hearth Pizza, Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck, Wedding Cake: Our Family Treats, Bar: 802 Cocktails, DJ: Kevin Thibault, Rentals: Undercover Tents LLC

Your Next Read:

Looking for more Stowe, VT weddings? Check out this Epic Winter Car Camping Elopement.

Check out all of our real Vermont weddings here.