Ah yes, spring in Vermont. It’s a season that sometimes feels like it doesn’t truly exist. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining, maybe snowing… and yes, you can easily experience all four seasons in a single day! Before we jump headfirst into warmer wedding days filled with sunshine, lush greenery, and milder weather, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to one of the most epic winter weddings we’ve seen: Tricialyn and Dan’s snow-filled celebration at Jay Peak Resort, captured beautifully by husband-and-wife duo Love Wins Photography.
A Magical Day in the Heart of Vermont Winter
Dan, a lifelong ski racer from Whitetail Resort in Pennsylvania, and Tricialyn, who now calls Virginia home with Dan, brought their guests to the snowiest mountain in the East, Jay Peak, just a few miles from the Canadian border and naturally right during a massive snowstorm! The catch? Most of their guests had no real interest in snow. (Surprise!) But that didn’t stop Dan, Tricialyn, and their friends and family from having the time of their lives.
The couple’s big day kicked off with getting ready with family and friends. Tricialyn’s stunning winter bridal look was created by Heather Garrow Studios, the perfect touch for a snowy celebration. Dan suited up with his groomsmen and took a shot before anxiously waiting for a first look. Tricialyn and Dan met at the Jay Peak Tram and then took a “victory lap” off the Metro Quad and into the snowy woods. The first look was so action-packed that Tricialyn had to re-do her hair after the adventure! Due to the epic amount of snow, Jay Peak Resort itself was sold out that day, packed with snowboarders and skiers eager to ride the storm. However, despite the crowds and the typical 30–40 minute wait for the iconic Jay Peak Tram, Tricialyn and Dan managed to sneak in bridal portraits, dress shots, and first look photos between tram runs, giving themselves just three minutes at a time to avoid holding up the line. (Talk about efficiency!) In true Jay Peak fashion, skiers waiting for the Tram couldn’t have been more excited to celebrate the couple’s big day and cheered them on without any impatience.
Frosty Forecast, Fiery Dance Floor
The newlyweds’ ceremony took place inside Jay Peak Resort’s cozy Haynes Room, where a bright, warm setting allowed guests to laugh, cry, and soak in every moment as snow continued to pile up outside the windows. From there, the celebration shifted into full-on party mode with a serious après-ski vibe, even if most guests never actually made it onto the mountain that day. Guests found their seats with the help of miniature skis, each one personalized with their name — a playful nod to the season and setting. As a sweet parting gift, everyone took home a bottle of pure Vermont maple syrup. The band kept the energy high all night long, filling the dance floor with joyful celebration. And in true après-ski fashion, the couple and their guests kept the party going with Shot-skis. (Is this just a Vermont thing? We sure hope not!)
As photographers Kim and Mike from Love Wins Photography put it: “Full-day wedding shoots typically feel like a day’s worth of backcountry touring for us. By the end of the day, our step counts are through the roof, and we’ve burned more calories than the rest of the week combined! Is it worth it? Always. We love what we do, and when we can help a hectic, sold-out powder day wedding run smoothly, such as Dan and Tricialyn’s, it feels extra rewarding!”
Congratulations, Dan and Tricialyn!
Tips for Planning a Winter Wedding in Vermont
Inspired by this Vermont winter wedding? If you’re dreaming of your own winter wedding in the Green Mountain State, view our planning tips below to help you plan an unforgettable (and stress-free!) celebration, snowstorm and all.
Lean Into the Snowy Setting
Schedule a fun, adventurous first look. Think: skiing, skating, snowshoeing, or even a snowy walk, like Tricialyn and Dan did! It’s a memory you’ll never forget (and the photos will be so magical).
Plan for the Weather (and Embrace It!)
Winter in Vermont is absolutely beautiful, but it truly is a beast of its own. When planning a winter wedding, flexibility is key. Have a photo plan that includes both outdoor and indoor options, snowy mountain portraits are magical, but you’ll want a cozy backup space just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Renting clear umbrellas is a smart move too (some photographers even have them on hand!), so you’re ready for anything from gentle flurries to full-on snow showers. It’s also essential to work with vendors who are experienced with winter events; they’ll know how to adapt quickly if conditions change. Keep in mind that Vermont weather can shift fast — so intense storms, freezing temperatures, or high winds might mean moving your ceremony indoors, even if you originally dreamed of saying “I do” outside. Being open to last-minute changes will help you stay relaxed and truly enjoy your day, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
Communicate Clearly with Guests
To help everyone enjoy the weekend, consider including a few packing tips in your invitations, on your wedding website, or in a welcome email. Encourage guests to bring practical winter gear like sturdy boots, warm coats, gloves, hats, and plenty of layers. You might even suggest hand warmers or traction cleats for extra snowy or icy conditions. Trust us: guests will appreciate the heads-up, and it’ll make their entire experience smoother, safer, and way more fun.
Keep Everyone Cozy
Incorporate winter comforts like hot drink stations (hot cocoa or a Hot Toddy, anyone?!), cozy lounges with blankets, and indoor spaces with fires or heaters to create an extra cozy, welcoming environment. Little touches like offering shawls or mittens for outdoor moments, or having a basket of hand warmers by the door, can make guests feel extra cared for and keep the winter wonderland vibes going strong all night long.
Vendors
Venue: Jay Peak Resort, Photographer: Love Wins Photography, Baker: Jenn’s Cakes VT, Florals: Middlebury Floral & Gifts, Hair and Makeup: Heather Garrow Studios, Bride’s Dress: Essence of Australia, Officiant: Friend of the bride and groom.
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Looking for another winter wedding with a fun first look? Check out this wedding at Mountain Top Resort, filled with nods to hockey.
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