Some weddings have a way of stopping you in your tracks, and Steph and Dan’s celebration at Mad River Barn is one of them! The moment Vermont wedding photographer GarrenTee Photography shared their photos with me, I was instantly transported to this epic summer wedding—filled with heartfelt moments, breathtaking details, and TONS of personality. From a stunning ceremony backdrop adorned with hundreds of delicate paper cranes to lawn games, an unforgettable outfit change, creemees (a summer staple, of course), and more, every detail was pure magic. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single moment of this unforgettable day!
An Adventure Around Waitsfield, Vermont
A few days before their wedding, Steph and Dan had planned a pre-wedding adventure session with their photographer, Garren, to capture some epic mountain portraits. (But Mother Nature had other plans!) Just as Steph slipped into her wedding gown, the skies opened up, and the rain came pouring down. Instead of letting the weather dampen their spirits, she embraced the moment, threw on the sparkly, mini dress she selected for their cocktail hour, and headed out into the rain—muck boots and all. Steph and Dan laughed, danced through the puddles, and topped off the adventure with maple creemees at Canteen Creemee Company. (Love how the couple just went with the flow!)
A Ceremony as Unique as Their Love
Fast forward to the wedding day at Mad River Barn, and Vermont delivered the most idyllic summer weather—blue skies, warm sunshine, and a light breeze that made everything feel just right. After a relaxing morning getting ready, Steph and Dan opted for a special first look with a twist. Dan helped Steph into her wedding dress, a moment that was as intimate as it was beautiful. Before the day’s festivities officially began, they shared private vows, just the two of them and their sweet pup by their side, making for one of the most heartfelt moments of the day.
The ceremony space at Mad River Barn was both timeless and personal. Guests gathered on long wooden farm benches, surrounded by lush greenery, with ferns lining the aisle for a natural, organic feel. But the real showstopper? The stunning ceremony arch, was adorned with gorgeous blooms from Organics New Leaf and hundreds of delicate, hand-folded paper cranes. The act of folding paper cranes is a Japanese tradition called Senbazuru, which teaches that anyone who folds 1,000 cranes is granted a wish. Steph first encountered this tradition during a trip to Japan with her dad, where they were both captivated by the stunning displays of folded cranes. That moment stuck with her, and when it came time to plan her wedding, she knew she wanted to incorporate this beautiful symbol of hope, love, and good fortune into their special day. Each crane, a symbol of love and good fortune, swayed gently in the summer breeze, creating a breathtaking backdrop as Steph and Dan exchanged their vows.
After their “I dos,” the celebration continued in true Vermont fashion—lawn games, craft cocktails, and plenty of joyful energy filled the afternoon. Guests mingled on the property’s picturesque grounds, enjoying the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere while Steph and Dan took some time to themselves to soak in that just-married feeling. To find their seats, guests were greeted with a mountain seating chart with different ski runs from Killington Ski Resort.
A Dance Party for the Books
When it was time to hit the dance floor, SuperSounds Entertainment made sure the energy never dipped for a second. From Steph and Dan’s romantic first dance to a lively family dance that unexpectedly turned into a full-blown conga line, the night was filled with nonstop fun. As the hours went on, the celebration only got wilder—an epic costumed dance party took over, complete with shot skis, great props, and no shortage of unforgettable moments. Every photo from this day captures the pure joy and electric energy that filled the air. And in the end, isn’t that what a wedding is all about? Making it uniquely yours, surrounded by the people you love most. Steph and Dan did just that, and their wedding at Mad River Barn was truly one for the books!
Vendors:
Venue: Mad River Barn, Photographer: GarrenTee Photography, Florals: Organics New Leaf, Hair and Makeup: Jessica Murphy Hair, Sarah Robinson (SYH Makeup) & Vermont Bridal Beauty, DJ: SuperSounds Entertainment, Dress: Vows in Watertown, MA, Reception dress: Lulus, Suit: Suit Supply.
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