Best of 2025: Readers Choice Awards

This past January, we kicked off our annual Best of Series, which celebrates the incredible talent of Vermont’s wedding professionals. From jaw-dropping venues to breathtaking photography, we invited you, our amazing community, to cast your votes for your favorites. And now, the results are officially in! We’re so excited to reveal this year’s Readers’ Choice winners,  the Vermont wedding vendors, and moments that truly captured your hearts during the 2025 wedding season.

Before we jump in, I want to extend congratulations to every Vermont wedding professional who was featured. Each year, this series reminds me just how much creativity, passion, and artistry live within our small but mighty state. I am so grateful to celebrate this community with you!

To you, our readers, I hope this roundup of talent and real celebrations sparks inspiration as you plan your own special day. And above all else, remember that every wedding is beautiful when it reflects what feels most meaningful and true to you.

Best of Party Animals: Pooch Smooch

While getting ready for the day ahead, this bride leaned in for a smooch from her four-legged best friend, floral collar and all. A small, love-filled pause that you all adored.

Venue: Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Coordinator: Rebecca Fields

Florist: M’s Wedding Flowers

Photographer: Sean Hood Photography

Videographer: Mason Mashtare

Makeup Artist: Jesi Dubois

Hair Stylists: Kaylee Lamber + assistant

Officiant: Greg Trulson

Caterer: Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop

Linens: The Linen Shop

DJ: Soundtraxx Entertainment

Best of Micro Weddings & Elopements: Snowy & Sweet

On a snowy St. Albans day, Breanna and Kristina gathered their closest 20 loved ones at Jeff’s Restaurant for a micro wedding that felt effortlessly right. With just one month of planning, their celebration proves that love and great timing are all you really need.
 
Photographer: Madison Anne Studio
 
Flowers: Howard’s The Flower Shop
 
Venue: Jeff’s Restaurant
 
Hair and Makeup: M.i.l.a Beauty
 
Attire: Fiori Bridal Boutique

Best of Design Details: A Recipe for a Lifetime

When one of your bridesmaids is also a wedding stationer, you’re likely to receive something truly special and creative from them as a gift. Grace gathered recipes from each wedding guest and designed them into a beautifully bound cookbook for the newlyweds, complete with a custom illustration of their wedding venue. Our readers loved that this thoughtful design element doubles as a keepsake that the couple will treasure for years to come!

Stationer: Grace Kennedy Design

Venue: Isham Family Farm

Best of Personal Style: Painted by the Season

Emma and Avery’s attire was inspired by the beauty of the natural landscape and the time of year for their joy-filled September celebration. Emma’s skirt was hand-painted by artist Tiff Manuel, inspired by that feeling of being on the lake at sunset right at the cusp of fall and the last breath of summer, while Avery’s delicate vintage-inspired Sezane attire showcased their elegance, grace and beauty.

Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park

Florist: June Farm Vermont 

Jewelry/Rings: Faeber Studio

Attire (Emma): Skirt – Tiff Manuel; Dress – Jenny Yoo

Attire (Avery): Sezane

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Best of Just Married Moments: Officially Married Energy

The moment “we do” turned into “we did.” A beaming bride and a victorious fist pump say it all, pure joy, relief, and that holy cow, we’re married feeling. You all loved this groom’s very real reaction!

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Sydney K Andrew Photography

Florals: Lot 32 Flower Farm

Best of Florals: A Weekend Rich in Color & Culture

This weekend celebration balanced artistry with intention. Lauren and Kash’s wedding featured florals that were striking without feeling overdone. Stock, marigolds, dahlias, ranunculus, bee balm, and echinacea layered together to create designs that felt bold, rooted in tradition, and full of heart.

Florals: Honey Flora

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Second shooter: Danielle Allendorf Photography

Planner: Rachel Vitagliano Events

Videographer: Ink and Aperture

Desserts: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

HMUA: Cashmeir Bridal

Bridal: Veilmonté Bridal Showroom

Best of Joyful Receptions: 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. I feel the stress literally melting away in this photo… and so did all of you!

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images
 
 
DJ: Dj Rome

Makeup: Lamoureaux Artistry

Floral: Spring Flower Farm

Best of Venues: Sterling Ridge Resort

Family-owned and nestled beneath Mt. Mansfield, Sterling Ridge Resort pairs sweeping mountain views with on-site lodging (from cozy log cabins to luxury homes), so guests can settle in and celebrate together all weekend long. With flexible vendor options, outdoor ceremony sites, and space to host everything from welcome parties to farewell brunches, weddings here feel personal, relaxed, and designed around what matters most.

Photographer: Gabby Torres Photography

Best of Dishes & Desserts: Baked with Meaning

This cake proves it doesn’t get sweeter than something made with meaning. Featuring fresh berries from the bride’s own farm, Arbor Farmstead, this dessert was a true celebration of place and story. Baker Beatrix shared, “I love collaborating with my clients to incorporate ingredients from their own Vermont businesses into their wedding desserts.” A beautiful reminder that the most memorable details are often the most personal.

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop

Venue: Grand Isle Lake House

Photographer: Gallery Nine North

That’s a Wrap on Best of Vermont Weddings 2025

Thank you to everyone who voted in our Readers’ Choice Awards! And a huge congratulations to every featured member in our Best of Vermont Weddings series! The Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide is truly made up of the most creative and dedicated wedding vendors. We are grateful for their support and their incredible work that continues to inspire all of us.

While this is one of our most popular string of blog posts for the year, we write about engagements, elopements, and weddings year-round. Have a celebration you’d like to share with us? Fill out a blog submission form for a chance to be featured.

It’s safe to say that 2025 was an amazing year for weddings, and we can’t wait to celebrate along with you all in 2026. (and beyond!) Happy planning, friends.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Design Details

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And when it comes to categories that truly stop us in our tracks, design details always rise to the top. From lush florals and layered tablescapes to thoughtful signage, stationery, and those just-right finishing touches, these elements are where a wedding day’s personality really shines. They set the mood, tell a story, and turn a beautiful celebration into an unforgettable experience.

More than just pretty moments, design details reflect intention, creativity, and the care that goes into crafting a day that feels deeply personal. This Best Of category highlights the design elements that made Vermont weddings feel elevated, meaningful, and uniquely them. Whether you’re in the thick of planning or simply gathering inspiration, scroll through these standout details and vote for your favorite at the end of this blog 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!

Dapper Is in the Details

This couple’s wedding at Frost Moon Mountain was all about intentional design. From a timeless white Mustang arrival to a tented reception filled with lush florals and striking table details, every element felt cohesive. The contrast of soft design against the black barn backdrop created a moody, elevated vibe!

Venue: Frost Moon Mountain

Rental Car: 1913ack

Caterer: Cloud9 Caterers

Photography: Mountain Hearts Photography

Videography: Beyond Bliss Films

Planning: Harlow & Dahlia Events (Coordinator: Chelsey Opalenik)

Bar: The 126vt Bar

Florist: Nancy Bishop Floral Design

DJ: Top Hat Entertainment

Bright Blooms & a Warm Welcome

Bursting with bright pinks and bold florals, this wedding was full of joyful, personality-packed details. The standout? A custom welcome sign that doubled as a drink display, inviting guests to grab a sip as they headed into cocktail hour. Designed to mirror the couple’s floral invitations and the rustic beams of Maquam Barn & Winery, it was the perfect blend of functional, fun, and unforgettable.

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

Photographer: Jenna Brisson Photography

Coordination: Sweet As Lace

Catering: Let’s Pretend Catering

Florist: Kingsley Floral Co. & Tipsy Tulip Designs

Stationery + Signage: RH Design House

Hair & Makeup: Hillary Fay Studios

Gowns: Madeleine’s Daughter

Tailor: Life In The Pink

Jeweler: Bella Lusso Jewelers

Band: The Grift

Dessert: Cronin Cakes

Rentals: Vermont Tent

Furniture Rentals: Wild Fern Boutique

Photo Booth: The Luxury Photo Booth Experience

An Effortless First Impression

Hanging softly from the trees, this oversized linen welcome sign felt meant to be!  A natural, understated statement that welcomed guests most effortlessly.

Photographer: Luna Munn Photography

Venue: Lareau Farm Inn

Pretty and Planet-Friendly

This Killington wedding was eco-conscious from start to finish. Every element of the tablescape was thoughtfully chosen and 100% compostable, proving that sustainability and beautiful design can go hand in hand!

Florist: Flower Power VT

Venue: Killington  Resort

In Season & In Style

2025 was a big summer for tomato fans, and this couple leaned all the way in. Their playful “we picked you a seat” seating chart featured baskets of green tomatoes, paired with an effortlessly cool color palette that felt modern, fun, and perfectly of the moment.

Photographer: Matao Aric Bonner Photography
 
Florals: Honey Flora
 
 

Once Upon a Dinner Party

From the draped sailcloth tent with floating florals and crystal chandeliers to the plaid napkins, vintage china, and candlelit farm tables, this wedding is a standout for how it transformed an average Vermont field into an intimate, storybook dinner party!

Planning & Design: Jaclyn Watson Events

Floral: Birds of a Flower

Rentals: Vermont Tent | Uniquely chic Vintage | BBJ |Goosberry Tabletop

Photo: Chris J Evans

Video: Align Films 

Catering & Bar : Forks & Fingers 

Entertainment: Divina Strings & Jordan Kahn Orchestra

Lighting & Draping: New England Lighting Company

Designed to Bloom

This “please be seeded” seating chart featured each guest’s name on a packet of flower seeds! Part escort card, part favor, and 100% charming. A simple, creative way to let the celebration bloom long after the couple’s wedding day was over.

Florist: Heavenscent Floral Art

Venue: Essex Resort and Spa

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

A Thoughtful Touch of Remembrance

Throughout this couple’s wedding day, subtle tributes to lost loved ones served as quiet reminders that while life moves forward, the love and memories we carry remain forever. The bridal bouquet carried that sentiment beautifully, holding cherished charms that kept the family close throughout the day.

Photographer: Love Wins Photography

Sit Back, You’re in Vermont

This bright summer wedding was filled with joyful details, but one of our favorites was the seating chart made up of miniature Adirondack chairs (a true Vermont staple!), all styled in the couple’s wedding-day color palette.

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Venue: Basin Harbor Resort

Florals: A Blooming Affair

Details and Stationery: Clover and Crane Co.

Avant-Garde in Full Bloom

Grounded in the opulence of orchids and the sculptural drama of anthurium, this wedding design delivered a high luxury statement defined by rarity, scale, and avant-garde beauty!

 
Photographer: GarrenTee Photography
 
Venue Management, Planning & Coordination: On Thyme Events 
 
Creative Director & Floral Design Production: Boom & Bloom

A Recipe for a Lifetime

When one of your bridesmaids is also a wedding stationer, you’re likely to receive something truly special and creative from them as a gift. Grace gathered recipes from each wedding guest and designed them into a beautifully bound cookbook for the newlyweds, complete with a custom illustration of their wedding venue. A keepsake they’ll treasure for years to come!

Stationer: Grace Kennedy Design

Venue: Isham Family Farm

Disco, Dialed All the Way Up

Proof that more couples should lean all the way into the disco-party, bright-color vibe. This celebration went bold with a hot pink and orange palette, complete with ceiling fringe for a true ’70s-inspired moment!

Photographer:  Arielle Thomas Photography

Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn – Weddings, Ski & Bike Center

Rentals & Design: Assorted Artistries

Coordinator: Libby Sky Events

Desserts: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Design That Invited Play

Chinese drums were an intentional part of the couple’s vision from the very beginning, woven thoughtfully into the flow of the wedding weekend. Rather than simply incorporating them as décor, they let guests help bring them to life, setting aside time to paint each drum with color and personal expression.  A perfect example of how a wedding can honor artistry, connection, and play, all alongside the ceremony itself!
 
Photographer: Lisa Frare
 

A Love Story, Middle-Earth Style

Lord of the Rings, anyone? John hand-built a moon gate for his moon-loving partner, Callie, to get married in front of on their wedding day. The last-minute addition of a Hobbit door added a pop of color (and personality!) that really made them stand out during their beautiful forested fairytale ceremony in their backyard.

Photographer: Danielle, Hazelton Creative

Florist: Glad Farm

Oh My Gourd

This wedding was fall in its purest, most personal form. One of the sweetest details? The bride’s high school truck, once part of her everyday life, returned as décor for the day, overflowing with gorgeous pumpkins and nostalgia!

Venue: Equinox Golf Resort & Spa

Photographer & Content Creation: Lillian Seibert Photography

Planner: Candice Grace Events

Rentals: Vermont Tent,  Rain or Shine  &  Nuage

Personal Design, Down to the Last Detail

The bride created a mix of handmade and thoughtfully curated place cards for each guest, turning a simple seating detail into a small work of art. Set at The Brick House, the wedding echoed the museum’s signature sense of storytelling, with artful vignettes woven throughout the day. When every detail is chosen with this much care and intention, it’s impossible not to fall in love!

Photographer: Allison Macy Photography

Venue: The Brick House

Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events

Florist: Blomma Flicka Design

Baker: Sweet Simone’s

Front Page News

This couple turned one of their engagement photos into a custom newspaper designed as a heartfelt thank-you for their wedding guests. Filled with playful details, like how the couple met and guest award categories, it was a thoughtful, creative keepsake that guests could actually take home and enjoy. A design detail that proves personality and storytelling go a long way!

Photographer: Photos by Kintz

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont elopements and microweddings in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Disco Balls, Pizza, and a Calf Named Corky: Elle & Jack’s Unique Vermont Wedding

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.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another effortlessly cool barn wedding? Check out this vintage-inspired wedding at Bliss Ridge Farm.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Before you go...

Heads up: you’re leaving our website to learn more about an amazing Vermont wedding vendor!

If you decide to reach out, let them know you found them through Vermont Weddings. It helps our members know where their couples are coming from and helps our team continue to connect you with Vermont’s very best for your big day.