One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And this year, we’re especially excited to introduce a brand-new category proposed (ha!) by our members: Joyful Receptions.
Think infectious smiles, hands in the air, and that unmistakable shift when the formalities are over, and the real party begins. These are the moments when timelines loosen, shoes come off, and couples or their guests fully let go. From packed dance floors and spontaneous sing-alongs to quiet laughs at the table and full-on, free-spirit celebration, this category captures the energy that makes receptions unforgettable.
More than just a good time, these moments reflect pure joy, connection, and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you are. This Best Of category highlights the receptions that felt electric, heartfelt, and wildly fun. Whether you’re planning your own celebration or just love reliving the party, scroll through, soak it all in, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite joyful reception moment at the end of the post.
What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?
Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!
Double the Celebration
As if their wedding day wasn’t already overflowing with joy, these brides surprised their guests with an unforgettable gender reveal during the reception. Cheers turned to happy tears as they celebrated not only their marriage, but the sweet new chapter they’re about to begin together. Congratulations, Katelyn and Amanda!
Photographer: Sandra Lee Photography
Venue: Outbound Stowe
Lifted by Love
Being tossed in the air and crowd surfing is usually reserved for the movies. But in this magical moment, it was real, and everyone in the tent could feel it! The ease, the laughter, the collective joy all pointed to one undeniable truth: this was the best night of her life.
Photographer: Colette Kulig Photography
Planners: The Event Sisters
Hype Crew Activated
When your bridesmaid is your biggest cheerleader and your loudest hype woman. With the dance floor buzzing, she proudly shows off her best friend’s new bling while celebrating the moment exactly as it deserves, loud, joyful, and full of love.
Venue: Lake Morey Resort
Makeup: Makeup by Gillian Bergeron
Hair: Identity Salon
Video: Poulin Productions
Photographer: Eaton Photo
Second Shooter: K&E Photography
DJ: Mix It Up!
Dessert: Miss Feather’s Bakery
Where the Party Truly Began
At Lincoln Hall at Hildene, the Lincoln family home, the reception space was transformed into a lush oasis with floral installations cascading overhead and a lively band poised and ready to set the tone for the night ahead. Even before the dance floor filled, the energy in the room hinted at what was to come: a celebration rooted in music and movement.
Planner: Jaclyn Watson Events
Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Photographer: Elario Photography
Florals: Lily Of The Valley Florist Events
Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Music Company
Rentals: Peak Event Services, BBJ La Tavola
Little Dance Party
The presence of nieces and nephews meant everything to this newlywed couple, and they made sure there was always room for them on the dance floor. From tiny twirls to big smiles, these moments remind us that the most joyful memories are shared across generations.
Photographer: Love Wins Photography
Soaking It All In
In this quick moment, the bride stands on the dance floor all by herself, smiling and clearly taking a mental snapshot of the day she’s dreamed about! No distractions, just gratitude and a smile that says everything words can’t.
Makeup: Lamoureaux Artistry
Floral: Spring Flower Farm
The Party Starts Now
With all their favorite people in one place, this couple kicked off the reception with a full-guest group photo before moving the celebration inside. A joyful, all-in moment that perfectly marked the transition from formalities to full-on party mode.
Venue: The Barn at Boyden Farm
Photographer: Storm Photography
The More, the Merrier
Bubbles in the air, glow sticks lighting up the dance floor, and a full-on limbo party underway, a lot is happening here, and somehow it all works perfectly. The result? A high-energy, anything-goes celebration that kept the party moving and the smiles nonstop.
Photographer: Michelle Eaton Photography
Venue: Wilburton Inn
How Is She Doing That?!
Proof that formalities are officially over. With guests cheering them on, this bride and her bridesmaid dropped straight into the worm while the crowd watched in awe. A bold, hilarious, and unforgettable reception moment that perfectly captures the free-spirited joy of the dance floor.
Photographer:Hannah Photography
Venue: Sugarbush Resort
A First Look at Forever
Before guests made their way to the reception tent and the music began, this couple took a quiet moment to see their reception space for the very first time. This snapshot captures exactly why that pause is so worth it! The pure awe and joy on the couple’s faces say it all. A breath before the celebration, and the perfect foreshadowing of the unforgettable night that was about to unfold.
Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations
Videographer: Ben Willis
Wedding Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events
Venue, Catering, and Bar: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Invitations: Mulberry & Elm
Florals:Honey Flora
Specialty design: Ryan Designs RI
Hair: Heather Garrow Studios
Make Up: Flawless Cosmetic Design
Suite: Banana Republic / JCrew
Dress: Anne Barge
Tent & Rentals: Vermont Tent
Transportation: Neil’s Wheels (vans) & Lamoille: (school buses)
Entertainment: East Coast Soul
Favors: Welcome bags- VT maple syrups made by Mary Skelton Altadonna
All In, All Night
A dance floor that never took a break. Glow sticks in the air, lush florals overhead, and a crowd that showed up ready to move, this reception was pure, nonstop energy. From the first song to the final encore, the vibe stayed high, and the party stayed packed!
Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm
Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography
Planner: Pop Parties
Florals: Birds of a Flower
Stationery: RH Design House
Rentals: Gooseberry Tabletop, BBJ La Tavola, Atomic Pro Audio, Vermont Tent Company
Pastry (Bride’s Cake): Vermont Sweet Tooth
Pastry (Groom’s Cake): Red Poppy Cakery
Band / Reception Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Orchestra
Rockstar Energy Only
Nothing says epic dance floor energy quite like the groom crowd surfing. In this unforgettable moment, the rules are out the window, and the vibes are sky-high, because if there’s ever a time to live out your rockstar fantasy, it’s at your own wedding.
Venue: Topnotch Resort
Planner: Katie Hopkins Events
HMUA: Hillary Fay Studios
Florals:A Schoolhouse Garden
Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography
Teeing Off the Celebration
Teeing off on an unforgettable evening, this couple brought a playful twist to cocktail hour by adding golf to the mix. A fun, unexpected way to kick off the night and get the party energy flowing before the first song even began.
Photographer: Blooming Photo Company
Tears of Joy
Sometimes joy doesn’t come in loud cheers or packed dance floors. It sometimes shows up as happy tears. During heartfelt speeches from family and friends, this moment captures the kind of emotion that runs deep, where love and gratitude meet at once.
Photographer: Hazelton Creative
Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park
Florist: June Farm
Catering: Richard Witting
Party Pros at Work
This bride and groom truly know how to throw a party, and they’ve got the experience to prove it! Alongside their two best friends, they help produce the Green Mountain Reggae Festival, and that creative, high-energy spirit carried straight into their wedding reception. From the collaborative vision to the unforgettable transformation of this barn, every detail reflected a celebration designed by people who know exactly how to keep the energy going all night long.
Photographers: Photos by Kintz
Dip, Kiss, Repeat
Nothing beats a perfectly timed dip and kiss in the middle of the dance floor, with everyone cheering them on! A cinematic moment full of energy, love, and just the right amount of drama. Sometimes, the best wedding day memories happen right in the heart of the party.
Location: Mud City Loop at Rooney Farm
Catering & Bar: Black Diamond BBQ
Planning : Green Mountain Gatherings
Photographer: Jesse Schloff
Videographer: Dale Nelson
Entertainment: Top Hat Entertainment
Florals: Glad Farm
Linens: The Linen Shop
Rental: Scenic Tent
Restrooms: MC Restrooms
Joy in Every Seat
Sometimes the most joyful reception moments don’t happen on the dance floor; they happen right around the table! Set inside a vibrant, colorful barn, this snapshot is an instant mood boost and a reminder that the magic is often in the shared laughter and connection.
Photographer: Peaks and Pearls Photography
Venue: Private residence
Fueled by Ice Cream & Love
Looking like total celebs, this couple had the wind working overtime like a paid actor. Ben & Jerry’s in hand and smiles turned all the way up, they’re fueled, refreshed, and more than ready to take on the rest of their lively evening.
Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography
Venue: Mountain Top Resort
Florals: Meadows Edge
DJ: Big Handsome DJ
Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s
Dance Floor Proof
The photo speaks for itself. When someone’s busting out epic moves like this, you know the dance floor is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Because if there isn’t at least one unforgettable move, is it even a dance party?
Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography
Readers Choice Awards
Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont reception moments in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.