Some wedding submissions make us feel like we were right there, experiencing every moment alongside the couple—and Elle and Jack’s wedding was one of them! From the heartfelt personal touches to the stunning Vermont backdrop (Hellooo, golden fall foliage!) Elle’s detailed recount of her wedding day transported us straight into the magic. Vermont holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and it’s no surprise that couples who met here often return to say “I do.” Elle and Jack’s wedding is a perfect example, filled with meaningful details, delicious food, and unique touches that make their celebration one you won’t want to miss. Continue reading for all the details of this beautiful wedding at Isham Family Farm, complete with timeless images from Vermont wedding photographer Daniel Schechner.
A Love Story That Began with Crocs
When Elle confronted Jack about his choice of Crocs at a party during their sophomore year at Middlebury, she had no idea she had just met her future husband. What began as a playful argument evolved into a spirited debate and ultimately led to Jack securing her number.
Despite spending semesters abroad on opposite sides of the world, Elle and Jack stayed in touch. As their junior year ended, a shared summer on campus brought them closer together, turning casual encounters into something real. After graduating, they built a life in Boston before distance tested their love once more; Elle’s PhD in California meant years of long-distance. Eventually, Jack closed the distance by finding a job in California, and soon after, he proposed during a misty morning walk by the ocean in Big Sur.
Transforming Isham Family Farm into a Magical Wedding Venue
When it came time to choose a wedding location, there was never a doubt—Vermont had been the place where their story began, and Elle and Jack couldn’t wait to share its beauty and charm with their loved ones! They fell in love with Isham Family Farm, located in Williston. Its scenic views, convenient location to the airport and tons of local activities, plus charming 200-year-old event barn made it the perfect choice for a fall wedding.
Given that food has always been at the heart of Elle and Jack’s relationship, Elle’s first wedding-related decision after securing the venue was booking Palmer Lane Maple to serve their beloved maple creemees. (Now what could be more Vermont than that?!)
A Ceremony with Laughter, Love, and a Calf Named Corky
The night before their wedding, family, and wedding party members gathered at Isham Family Farm to help Elle and Jack transform the barn into a celebration space, hanging disco balls, stringing twinkling lights, and carefully setting tables adorned with personalized menus.
On the morning of their wedding day, Elle and Jack shared their first look in a secluded grove of golden trees, soaking in a quiet moment together before the festivities began. The wedding party donned navy jumpsuits and suits, with Jack standing out in a forest green suit. Bouquets of eucalyptus, mint, and delicate panda anemones by A School House Garden tied everything together with a fresh, modern touch.
Their ceremony took place on a grassy knoll overlooking the mountains, with Camel’s Hump in full autumnal glory as the backdrop. Elle’s uncle, a professional comedian, officiated, bringing laughter to the ceremony while Elle and Jack exchanged heartfelt vows through happy tears. For their vows, Elle and Jack wrote in vow books they had picked up on their last trip to Japan, a heartfelt tribute to Elle’s Japanese heritage.
After the ceremony, guests made the short procession down the knoll and across the road to the cocktail and reception area, pausing to greet an unexpected but welcome guest, Corky the calf, who charmed everyone along the way!
Artful Details Rooted in Love and Nostalgia
The party officially began with a warm and inviting cocktail hour, leading guests into a beautifully designed barn filled with personal touches. Elle’s bridesmaid, Grace, who is also the owner of Grace Kennedy Design, played a key role in bringing their vision to life, designing everything from the invitations to a custom wedding emblem that adorned their stationery, matchbooks, and menus. The seating chart, a tribute to the couple’s love for the outdoors, featured tables named after their favorite hikes. We also love the floral work done by Vermont wedding florist A School House Garden. Lush greenery, including eucalyptus and mint, adorned the farmhouse tables, enhancing their beauty and perfectly complementing the candles, linens, and tableware.
Dinner was an easy choice: Folino’s pizza, a Middlebury staple the couple loves, paired with expertly crafted cocktails from Babes Bar (a dirty martini with extra olives for Elle, an Ideal Manhattan for Jack!) and a selection of natural wines. As the night went on, the celebration took on a lively energy thanks to Supersounds Entertainment, and included as many tasteful Taylor Swift references as Jack could tolerate. However, the party also didn’t stop after the last dance; an after-party in downtown Burlington, DJ’d by a friend, kept Elle and Jack’s celebration going until 3 AM.
With Elle’s father’s family still living in Japan, the couple plans to travel there in March for an intimate, traditional wedding celebration with her Japanese relatives. Congratulations, Elle and Jack, on your gorgeous wedding day!
Vendors
Venue: Isham Family Farm, Photographer: Daniel Schechner, Florals: A Schoolhouse Garden, Stationer: Grace Kennedy Design, Hair and Makeup: Kelsey Rossini and Sarah Robinson, Jewelry: M. Flynn Jewelry, Bridal gown: Coastal Knot, Bar services: Babes Bar, Rentals: Vermont Tent Company, Catering: Folino’s Pizza, Creemees: Palmer Lane Maple, Apple cider doughnuts: Sunrise Orchards, Wedding cake: Sweet Simone’s, DJ: Supersounds Entertainment.
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