Best of 2023: Wedding Style

Posted on January 15, 2024

Today, we’re diving into a category that’s all about self-expression and personal flair: Wedding Style! It’s not just about the dress or the suit; it’s the full ensemble of attire, hair, makeup, and the overarching vision that brings a wedding to life. 

From sweeping trains boho chic boots, this category celebrates the unique choices that make a wedding genuinely reflective of the couple’s personality and love story. It’s where fashion meets passion!

Prepare to be inspired by the creativity and personal touch each couple brought to their big day.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! After you’ve seen our picks, it’s over to you to vote for your favorite in our Readers Choice Award below. 

Dazzling Duo

This bride wowed us with her dual looks. The first: golden and glowing, with traditional Indian jewelry and dress. The second: casual elegance with loose locks and a stunning off the shoulder gown. 
 
Makeup Artist: Hopcraft Collective
Photo: Liz Andolina Photography
 
 

A Vision in a Veil 

A sweeping veil paired with stunning sleeves adorned with intricate lace creates a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic. It’s absolutely gorgeous! 
 
Photo: Sarah Surette Photography

Lovely on the Lake

Envisioning an Italian getaway at Lake Como, this bride brought her dream to Vermont’s shores! Her classic sweetheart dress with a dramatic train is the perfect look for this elegant lakeside wedding.
 
Photo: Amanda Young 

A Sunny Start

Adorable, custom pearl sunnies added a playful touch to this bride’s look and became a memorable prop, circulating among guests to create a fun TikTok!
 

Cool & Chic

With a seafoam green suit for him, a gorgeous low-back dress for her, and a vintage car serving as a backdrop, this couple’s style is effortlessly cool.
 

Radiant & Romantic

This bride’s natural beauty shines through with a refined updo and glowing makeup. It’s simple and stunning; perfect for a Vermont wedding day!
 
Photo: Idena Beach Photography

Hey Shortie

Rocking a short satin dress with a dramatic bow and matching bowed heels, this bride’s outfit is playful, chic and oh-so-fun!
 

Tips Up

This fun ski lapel pin added a whimsical touch to the groom’s outfit. It’s a perfect nod to the overall theme for this winter wedding.
 

Dragon Dance Delight

This couple wanted to incorporate traditional Chinese elements in their wedding, including this enchanting Chinese dragon dance performed by some of their talented guests.
 
Videographer: Todd Stoilov
 

Boho Beauty

From macrame dream catchers to the colorful bouquet; the off-the-shoulder lace gown to the a white cowboy hat and boots, this couple’s boho style is goals.
 

Flannel Forever

Does anything say “Vermont style” quite like flannel? These brides rocked matching Vermont Flannel shirts while getting ready for their wedding morning. 
 
Photo: Andy Madea Photography
 

Elegant and Classic

This couple is the picture of elegance. From the luxurious white floral ceremony arch to their classic black and white attire, the overall effect is elegance at its finest. 

Photo: Jackie Fox
 

Adventurous Sole

Perfect for this trail-blazing couple, these hiking boots and socks are the ultimate under-the-dress accessory for the ultimate adventure!
 

Rainbow of Love

A vibrant rainbow of bridesmaids dresses add to the celebratory nature of this vibrant wedding.
 
 
 

Party Pizzazz

Sequins, feathers, hats, and all – this couple is dressed to the nines and ready to revel on the dance floor!

Photo: Ben Hudson Photography

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our picks for the best Vermont wedding style in 2023, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Planning Your Own Vermont Wedding?

Snag your copy of our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide  inspiration, advice & guides to plan your very best Vermont wedding! During this month the guide is on sale for only $20.24! 

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Meet Vermont Hair and Makeup Artist, Hopcraft Collective

Posted on August 10, 2023

For brides looking to achieve a timeless wedding look, look no further than Hopcraft Collective. Based in Vermont (and Florida!) Amanda is a talented hair and makeup artist specializing in elevated and classic wedding makeup looks.

With years of experience in the beauty industry, Amanda and her talented team are masters of enhancing natural beauty and creating looks that last through the night. Keep reading to learn more about Amanda and her beautiful work! 

Hopcraft Collective

How did you get into the wedding industry?

As a budding new makeup artist, a very trusting friend asked me to do her makeup for her wedding 19 (almost 20!) years ago. One friend turned into another, and the rest is history as they say.

How would you describe your style?

Refined, clean and classic. I believe in doing simple things well.

What inspires your work?

I love following new trends and learning new techniques- yet at the same time, I am a lover of all things classic and timeless. I find myself constantly inspired to adapt what’s fashionable now into something that is wearable and timeless. I love to follow women in other parts of the world to see what they are wearing and how they style themselves. I also love to flip through vintage fashion magazines.

Any tips for couples choosing or working with a wedding professional like yourself?

When choosing a hair and/or makeup artist to work with, vibes matter! What we do goes well beyond just pretty hair and makeup and quite literally sets the tone for the day. Make sure your personality is a good fit with your artist because you’ll be spending a good chunk of your morning with them.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

I love the moments right before and right after the ceremony. Both moments are equally the best, all of the nerves and excitement leading up to walking down the aisle and then the amazing “post-ceremony high” is so fun to witness.

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT? 

Where do I start? I just love to eat and drink my way around the state! I’m a huge fan of Dedalus, The 126, Hill Farmstead, Hen of The Wood…the list goes on. Oh and Palmer’s creemees!

If you weren’t a wedding professional what would you do?

A therapist was always my backup career goal, and realistically, it’s still what I do every day!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

Im lucky to call both Florida and Vermont home. During grad school I was a licensed tour guide for The City of St. Augustine, Florida and 15 years later, I still hold a valid tour operators license.

Thanks, Amanda! Learn more about Hopcraft Collective by visiting our Vendor Guide.

These Brides Crafted a Unique & Meaningful Wedding Day All Their Own

Posted on June 20, 2023

Erin and Rachel’s colorful wedding is sure to put a smile on your face and inspire you today! These two brides had a clear vision for their big day – and with the help of their wedding team, brought those stunning dreams to life with their fall wedding in Waterbury, Vermont.

Colette Kulig Photography captured each heartfelt memory and meaningful detail. This couple’s celebration is a good reminder that with a little creativity and a lot of love, anything is possible when it comes to your Vermont wedding!

A Day Filled With One-of-a-Kind Wedding Details

Erin and Rachel put a lot of thought into every detail, making sure their big day was truly one-of-a-kind. They started the day with handwritten letters that they read to each other during their first look. It was a beautiful and intimate moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.

M’s Wedding Flowers created the lush arrangements that added pops of color to every corner of the venue. From the bouquets to the centerpieces, every detail was autumnal perfection.

The reception was just as fun-filled and creative as the rest of the day. There was colorful confetti, a scavenger hunt, and of course, plenty of dancing. It was a celebration of love and life, and everyone had a great time.

Amazing Bridal Style

But perhaps the most unique element of Erin and Rachel’s wedding was Erin’s black, beaded jumpsuit. This non-traditional bridal look was a showstopper and even won the Best of 2022: Wedding Style category! We can’t stop swooning over it.

Hopcraft Collective crafted hair and makeup looks for the brides that accentuated their natural beauty and matched their styles perfectly. 

Waterbury, Vermont – A Dreamy Wedding Destination

Waterbury, Vermont is a wonderful wedding destination. It’s a historic town with plenty of attractions nearby, such as the serene Waterbury Reservoir, the Ben & Jerry’s factory, and award-winning restaurants. Plus, you’re close to Stowe, Burlington and Montpelier to offer guests even more options for outdoor recreation, shopping, and entertainment. Erin and Rachel’s venue, Zenbarn, is nestled in the heart of Waterbury.

Vendors

Venue: ZenBarn, Photographer: Colette Kulig, Florist: M’s Wedding Flowers, DJ: Michael Phillips (“Sparky”) of Aux Boston, Hair: Ali Garofano, MUA: Hopcraft Collective.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible florals? Check out this Maquam Barn Summer Wedding.

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

Elegant Summer Inn at Burklyn Wedding

Posted on October 18, 2022

Hillary and Albert’s elegant Inn at Burklyn wedding can be easily described in one word: breathtaking! After postponements and venue cancellations,  the Burlington-based couple fell in love with The Inn at Burklyn in East Burke, Vermont, and the day could not have been any more perfect. 

Of all the seasons, summer in the Northeast Kingdom is nothing short of magical! Kelsey Regan Photography captured the area’s natural beauty, which was highlighted by the couple’s simple decor, timeless florals, and classic color palette. 

A Special Day with Sweeping Mountain Views

Hillary and Albert first met when Albert was bartending at Hotel Vermont in downtown Burlington. The couple alluded to this detail of their love story throughout the day, including offering a signature cocktail and taking cute couple portraits at the Inn’s bar. 

The Inn at Burklyn is filled with stunning views no matter which way you turn, and we love that the ceremony was kept simple for uninterrupted Northeast Kingdom views. The couple’s reception was held under a beautifully decorated tent for dinner and dancing.

The Inn at Burklyn: An Elegant Vermont Wedding Venue

The Inn at Burklyn is a one-of-a-kind estate-turned wedding venue in East Burke, Vermont. It has spectacular views of the North East Kingdom’s breathtaking mountains and is an excellent backdrop for couples looking for a romantic wedding venue in Vermont.

VENDORS

Photographer: Kelsey Regan Photography, Venue: The Inn at Burklyn, Hair & Makeup Artist: Hopcraft Collective, Signs: Lindsey Leichthammer, Planning: Willow Hill, Florals: Clayton Floral, Invites: Shelburne Gift Co, Rentals: VT Tent, Chickadee Hill Caterer: Let’s Pretend, Band: Closing Time Boston

Your Next Read:

Looking for another elegant estate wedding? Check out this Colorful Summer wedding at The Wilburton Inn.

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