From the very beginning, Kate and Hannah envisioned a wedding day that felt like a true reflection of their relationship: inclusive, easy-going, and full of joy. Above all, they wanted their guests to feel comfortable and at ease, never overly formal or stuffy. Inspired by their favorite date nights spent sharing farm-to-table meals, sampling local beers, and getting lost in laughter-filled conversations, the couple used those moments as their guide throughout the wedding planning process. The result? A beautiful and relaxing celebration at The Tillerman in Bristol, Vermont. We can’t wait to dive into more details and photos by Jenna Brisson Photography with you below.
Falling in Love with The Tillerman
Vermont’s importance in Kate and Hannah’s story stretches back long before their wedding day. While Kate first fell in love with the state during her college years, the couple built their shared connection to Vermont early in their relationship. After meeting in Boston, the couple’s first weekend getaway together was to Burlington’s Oktoberfest in fall 2019, which included a memorable dinner at The Bobcat Café in Bristol (just down the road from their future wedding venue!) From that first trip onward, Vermont became a place they returned to again and again, visiting loved ones, exploring Shelburne Farms, skiing in Killington, and discovering new breweries along the way. Over time, it became one of their favorite places to relax, adventure, and reconnect.
When Kate and Hannah discovered The Tillerman, everything seemed to fall into place. The venue’s self-described vibe, “New England meets Northern California, meets a flower market, meets a farmer’s market, meets a warm, vibrant community,” perfectly captured what they envisioned! From the wood-fired, locally sourced menu to the cozy farmhouse inn that welcomed both families onsite, it felt like the ideal setting to celebrate the next chapter of their love story.
The weekend kicked off with an intimate family dinner at the restaurant, setting the tone for togetherness and celebration. By the end of the weekend, The Tillerman had become a place filled with shared memories, one that will always hold a special place in their hearts.
A Wedding Weekend Designed Around Food, Family, and Fun
For the overall aesthetic, Kate and Hannah chose to honor the natural beauty of The Tillerman’s grounds and the surrounding Vermont landscape. Rather than committing to a strict color palette, they leaned into natural wood farmhouse tables, lush greenery, and vibrant, in-season blooms. Much of their inspiration came organically from the venue itself, from Wednesday night music performances (like those by local favorite Lowell Thompson, who helped set the tone for cocktail hour!) to the inn’s ever-changing florals and artwork. To document it all, they placed their trust in Vermont wedding photographer Jenna Brisson, whose timeless and effortless imagery perfectly complemented the relaxed, artful atmosphere they were creating.
Supporting local businesses was also a priority, making it especially meaningful to feature flowers and a stunning chuppah from nearby Lower Notch Farm. Guests were also treated to beloved Vermont staples throughout the day, including Dreamees from Yates Family Farm and late-night tacos from the Caja Madera food truck.
Custom Touches That Made It Theirs
With the help of Jaclyn Watson Events, Kate and Hannah thoughtfully planned a celebration that felt both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their ceremony was set in the venue’s fern grove beside the river and offered a naturally breathtaking backdrop that required little embellishment. Standing beneath the chuppah, surrounded by late-September foliage and the gentle sound of flowing water, Kate and Hannah exchanged vows as family members shared a modern interpretation of the Jewish Seven Blessings. Their ketubah, designed by artist Annie Aqua, was displayed nearby, blending imagery of Vermont’s green mountains with California’s coastline and surrounded by local florals. It served as a beautiful symbol of their journey and the merging of their worlds.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for cocktail hour on the patio and beer garden tables before moving into the tent for dinner. Long farmhouse tables, coordinated with the help of VT Tent, created the feeling of a true communal farm-to-table experience and encouraged easy conversation among guests. Kate designed the table details herself, from place cards to table names, thoughtfully naming each table after a restaurant that held special meaning in their relationship, complete with personal descriptions of why each place mattered to them.
As the evening unfolded, dessert and dancing brought everyone into the venue’s charming historic barn. Guests moved freely between the dance floor, fire pits, and cozy gathering spaces, creating an atmosphere that felt both lively and intimate. One especially memorable moment came after the hora and first dances, when Kate and Hannah surprised guests by changing into custom-designed hockey jerseys featuring their initials and wedding logo. Before revealing their new looks, their photographer, Jenna, whisked the couple away to The Tillerman’s speakeasy, The Cozy, for a playful mini photoshoot. When the newlyweds returned to the dance floor, they completed the moment by passing out matching logo hats for guests to wear into the late-night celebration.
In every detail, Kate and Hannah’s wedding reflected what mattered most to them. Thoughtfully designed, deeply personal, and rooted in place, their celebration felt less like a formal event and more like a joyful gathering of loved ones, one filled with great food, meaningful moments, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Congratulations, Kate and Hannah, on your beautiful day!
Vendors
Venue: The Tillerman, Photographer: Jenna Brisson Photography, Planner: Jaclyn Watson Events, Hair & Make Up: Erica Renee Beauty, Florals: Lower Notch Farm, DJ: Top Hat Entertainment, Live Music: Lowell Thompson, Dessert: Yates Family Farm, Late-Night Food: Caja Madera Taco Truck, Bathrooms: 802 Restrooms, Transporation: Bet-Cha Transit, Other: Officiant: Rabbi Danielle Stillman, Welcome Drinks Venue: Switchback Brewery, Tillerman Art for Save the Dates & Website: Torrey Baron, Ketubah: Annie Aqua Studio, Rentals: Vermont Tent.