Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Joyful Receptions

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And this year, we’re especially excited to introduce a brand-new category proposed (ha!) by our members: Joyful Receptions.

Think infectious smiles, hands in the air, and that unmistakable shift when the formalities are over, and the real party begins. These are the moments when timelines loosen, shoes come off, and couples or their guests fully let go. From packed dance floors and spontaneous sing-alongs to quiet laughs at the table and full-on, free-spirit celebration, this category captures the energy that makes receptions unforgettable.

More than just a good time, these moments reflect pure joy, connection, and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you are. This Best Of category highlights the receptions that felt electric, heartfelt, and wildly fun. Whether you’re planning your own celebration or just love reliving the party, scroll through, soak it all in, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite joyful reception moment at the end of the 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!

Double the Celebration

As if their wedding day wasn’t already overflowing with joy, these brides surprised their guests with an unforgettable gender reveal during the reception. Cheers turned to happy tears as they celebrated not only their marriage, but the sweet new chapter they’re about to begin together. Congratulations, Katelyn and Amanda!

Photographer: Sandra Lee Photography

Venue: Outbound Stowe

Lifted by Love

Being tossed in the air and crowd surfing is usually reserved for the movies. But in this magical moment, it was real, and everyone in the tent could feel it! The ease, the laughter, the collective joy all pointed to one undeniable truth: this was the best night of her life.

Photographer: Colette Kulig Photography

Planners: The Event Sisters

Venue: Private property 
 
Tent + Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Company
 
Rentals: Romeo & Juliette
 
Florals: Country House Florals
 
Hair & Makeup: True Vermont Beauty
 
Band: A House on Fire

Hype Crew Activated

When your bridesmaid is your biggest cheerleader and your loudest hype woman. With the dance floor buzzing, she proudly shows off her best friend’s new bling while celebrating the moment exactly as it deserves, loud, joyful, and full of love.

Venue: Lake Morey Resort

Makeup: Makeup by Gillian Bergeron 

Hair: Identity Salon

Video: Poulin Productions 

Photographer: Eaton Photo

Second Shooter: K&E Photography

DJ: Mix It Up!

Dessert: Miss Feather’s Bakery

Where the Party Truly Began

At Lincoln Hall at Hildene, the Lincoln family home, the reception space was transformed into a lush oasis with floral installations cascading overhead and a lively band poised and ready to set the tone for the night ahead. Even before the dance floor filled, the energy in the room hinted at what was to come: a celebration rooted in music and movement.

Planner: Jaclyn Watson Events

Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Photographer: Elario Photography

Florals: Lily Of The Valley Florist Events

Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Music Company

Rentals: Peak Event Services, BBJ La Tavola 

Little Dance Party

The presence of nieces and nephews meant everything to this newlywed couple, and they made sure there was always room for them on the dance floor. From tiny twirls to big smiles, these moments remind us that the most joyful memories are shared across generations.

Photographer: Love Wins Photography

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. 

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images
 
 
DJ: Dj Rome

Makeup: Lamoureaux Artistry

Floral: Spring Flower Farm

The Party Starts Now

With all their favorite people in one place, this couple kicked off the reception with a full-guest group photo before moving the celebration inside. A joyful, all-in moment that perfectly marked the transition from formalities to full-on party mode.

Venue: The Barn at Boyden Farm

Photographer: Storm Photography 

The More, the Merrier

Bubbles in the air, glow sticks lighting up the dance floor, and a full-on limbo party underway, a lot is happening here, and somehow it all works perfectly. The result? A high-energy, anything-goes celebration that kept the party moving and the smiles nonstop.

Photographer: Michelle Eaton Photography

Venue: Wilburton Inn

How Is She Doing That?!

Proof that formalities are officially over. With guests cheering them on, this bride and her bridesmaid dropped straight into the worm while the crowd watched in awe. A bold, hilarious, and unforgettable reception moment that perfectly captures the free-spirited joy of the dance floor.

Photographer:Hannah Photography

Venue: Sugarbush Resort

A First Look at Forever

Before guests made their way to the reception tent and the music began, this couple took a quiet moment to see their reception space for the very first time. This snapshot captures exactly why that pause is so worth it! The pure awe and joy on the couple’s faces say it all. A breath before the celebration, and the perfect foreshadowing of the unforgettable night that was about to unfold.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Videographer: Ben Willis

Wedding Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events

Venue, Catering, and Bar: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort

Invitations: Mulberry & Elm

Florals:Honey Flora

Specialty design: Ryan Designs RI

Hair: Heather Garrow Studios

Make Up: Flawless Cosmetic Design

Suite: Banana Republic / JCrew

Dress: Anne Barge

Tent & Rentals: Vermont Tent

Transportation: Neil’s Wheels (vans) & Lamoille: (school buses)

Entertainment: East Coast Soul

Favors: Welcome bags- VT maple syrups made by Mary Skelton Altadonna

All In, All Night

A dance floor that never took a break. Glow sticks in the air, lush florals overhead, and a crowd that showed up ready to move, this reception was pure, nonstop energy. From the first song to the final encore, the vibe stayed high, and the party stayed packed!

Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm

Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography

Planner: Pop Parties

Florals: Birds of a Flower

Stationery: RH Design House 

Rentals: Gooseberry Tabletop, BBJ La Tavola, Atomic Pro Audio, Vermont Tent Company

Pastry (Bride’s Cake): Vermont Sweet Tooth

Pastry (Groom’s Cake): Red Poppy Cakery

Band / Reception Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Orchestra

 

Rockstar Energy Only

Nothing says epic dance floor energy quite like the groom crowd surfing. In this unforgettable moment, the rules are out the window, and the vibes are sky-high, because if there’s ever a time to live out your rockstar fantasy, it’s at your own wedding.

Venue: Topnotch Resort

Planner: Katie Hopkins Events

HMUA: Hillary Fay Studios

Florals:A Schoolhouse Garden

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

Teeing Off the Celebration

Teeing off on an unforgettable evening, this couple brought a playful twist to cocktail hour by adding golf to the mix. A fun, unexpected way to kick off the night and get the party energy flowing before the first song even began.

Photographer: Blooming Photo Company

Tears of Joy

Sometimes joy doesn’t come in loud cheers or packed dance floors. It sometimes shows up as happy tears. During heartfelt speeches from family and friends, this moment captures the kind of emotion that runs deep, where love and gratitude meet at once.

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park

Florist: June Farm

Catering: Richard Witting

Party Pros at Work

This bride and groom truly know how to throw a party, and they’ve got the experience to prove it! Alongside their two best friends, they help produce the Green Mountain Reggae Festival, and that creative, high-energy spirit carried straight into their wedding reception. From the collaborative vision to the unforgettable transformation of this barn, every detail reflected a celebration designed by people who know exactly how to keep the energy going all night long.

Photographers: Photos by Kintz

Dip, Kiss, Repeat

Nothing beats a perfectly timed dip and kiss in the middle of the dance floor, with everyone cheering them on! A cinematic moment full of energy, love, and just the right amount of drama. Sometimes, the best wedding day memories happen right in the heart of the party.

Location: Mud City Loop at Rooney Farm 

Catering & Bar: Black Diamond BBQ

Planning : Green Mountain Gatherings

Photographer: Jesse Schloff

Videographer: Dale Nelson

Entertainment: Top Hat Entertainment 

Florals: Glad Farm

Linens: The Linen Shop

Rental: Scenic Tent

Restrooms: MC Restrooms

Joy in Every Seat

Sometimes the most joyful reception moments don’t happen on the dance floor; they happen right around the table! Set inside a vibrant, colorful barn, this snapshot is an instant mood boost and a reminder that the magic is often in the shared laughter and connection.

Photographer: Marissa Baker Photography

Venue: Private residence 

Fueled by Ice Cream & Love

Looking like total celebs, this couple had the wind working overtime like a paid actor. Ben & Jerry’s in hand and smiles turned all the way up, they’re fueled, refreshed, and more than ready to take on the rest of their lively evening.

Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Florals: Meadows Edge

DJ: Big Handsome DJ

Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s

Dance Floor Proof

The photo speaks for itself. When someone’s busting out epic moves like this, you know the dance floor is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Because if there isn’t at least one unforgettable move, is it even a dance party?

Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography

Readers Choice Awards

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

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Just Married

One of our favorite moments of the year has officially arrived: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series. Today, we’re celebrating the just-married moments, the ones that happen when the ceremony ends and it finally sinks in -“we did it!”

These are the moments filled with pure emotion and release. The walk back up the aisle hand in hand, grinning through happy tears. The deep breath after saying “I do.” The quiet pause away from the crowd, when it’s just the two of you, soaking in everything that led to this exact second. Sometimes they’re joyful and loud, sometimes soft and fleeting, but they’re always unforgettable.

Across Vermont, we witnessed so many of these heart-stopping, pinch-me moments: raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. This Best Of category honors the instant a couple officially becomes married, whether it’s celebrated with cheers and confetti or shared in a quiet, stolen glance. Scroll on to relive these just-married moments, and don’t forget to vote for the one that made you feel it, too.

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!

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.

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Sydney K Andrew Photography

Florals: Lot 32 Flower Farm

Personal Touches, Perfect Timing

After a day of crossed fingers and hopeful glances at the sky, the rain cleared just in time for their ceremony, made even sweeter by the bride’s charming cowboy boots and an arbor handcrafted by the groom.

Venue: Sterling Ridge Resort

Photo: Rachel Colvill Photography

Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs

Day-Of Coordinator: Green Mountain Gatherings

Makeup: Mirror Mirror

You & I

Oftentimes, the most meaningful moment after “I do” is what happens next. The first pause, just the two of you, taking a breath and letting the day you planned turn into a memory you’ll keep forever!

Venue: Inn at Weathersfield

Florals: Anaphora 

Photographer: Stephanie Berenson Photography 

Showered in Joy

This couple felt pure joy as they walked back down the aisle, showered in dried flower petals that danced through the air, marking the very first moments of their marriage with celebration and undeniable happiness.

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

Photographer: Corinne Ryan Photography

Florist: New Leaf Organics

Beauty: Vermont Wedding Hair

Catering & Bar: Bevo

Rentals & Linens: Vermont Tent Company

One Quiet Moment

Sometimes the sweetest part of getting married is the first quiet moment alone together, away from the crowd, the nerves disappear, and everything finally feels real. (and twinkle lights overhead are a beautiful bonus!)

Venue: The Pitcher Inn

Photographer: Gabby Torres Photography

A Colorful “I Do”

“I do,” followed by a colorful explosion of flower petals. Married at a private residence and showered in color, this just-married moment is pure happiness.

Photographer: Marissa Baker Photography

Venue: Private residence 

Bubbly Energy Only

Sometimes, just-married celebrations call for bubbly. One cork pop, their favorite people, and expressions you can’t help but smile at.

Photographer: Jessica Notargiocomo Photography

Venue: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Just Hitched & Making a Splash

After a summer “I do,” this couple skipped the traditional recessional and ran straight into the water in their swimsuits, turning their just-married moment into an afternoon of carefree fun!

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Photographer: Juniper Studios

Rentals: The Linen Shop

Just Married Joy

Just after tying the knot, this couple stepped into their just-married moment wearing bright suits and even brighter smiles. The joy of the day is written all over their faces. It’s one of those unfiltered, happy seconds where everything finally sinks in and nothing else matters.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Florals: Flower Power VT

Venue: Red Clover Inn

Entertainment: Premier  Entertainment and Events

Rentals: The Linen Shop

The Beauty of a Small Gesture

Stripped back to black and white, this hand-kiss photo says everything. A timeless moment, captured just as it was felt. Beautiful wedding days aren’t defined only by the big celebrations, but by the soft, in-between moments too.

Venue: Wilburton Inn

Photographer: Lory Lyon Photography

Rentals: The Linen Shop

A Wedding Day, Preserved in Paint

Just married and captured forever in paint. Hope Sharp Art has worked closely with the Groom’s father over the years to create meaningful, often unconventional pieces for the whole family. For this third commissioned painting, he asked for something “traditional”, with the children involved.  The finished piece beautifully reflects what matters most: the story of their home, their non-traditional celebration, and the deep sense of family that surrounds them.

Painter: Hope Sharp Art

Venue: Private residence

Talk About Perfect Timing

A perfectly timed dip, a kiss sealed with a rainbow, and a mountain backdrop that feels straight out of a dream. This just-married moment feels like nature’s way of celebrating right alongside them. Pure Vermont magic!

Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Photographer: Mermaid’s Reel Photography & Videography

Florals: Lily of the Valley

Floating Into Forever

When the bubble storm hits right as you stop for a kiss down the aisle…this is what just-married magic looks like! This walk turned into a moment that felt light, joyful, and completely unforgettable.

Venue: Follow Your Heart Farm

Photographer: Foley Photography

 

Making the First Move as Newlyweds

After exchanging vows and before the celebration began, this couple carved out a quiet moment for a game of chess. Not your average wedding day moment, and that’s exactly what made it perfect!

Venue: Woodstock Inn & Resort

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

HMUA: Hillary Fay Studios

Florals: Blue Door Flower Company

On Top of the World

At the end of the aisle and on top of the world at Killington Resort, this effortless dip says it all. Sleek, fashion-forward looks, artsy florals, and a sweeping mountain backdrop came together for a perfectly modern just-married moment.
 
Photographer: Kristy Burrell Photo
 
Florals: Honey Flora
 

Mirrored Moment

A quiet pause just for the two of them, tucked away by their venue’s pool. The mirrored reflection below adds a soft, dreamy layer to the scene, an intimate just-married moment that feels calm, personal, and beautifully still!

Planner: Julie Olson Events and Sydney Minnerly

Venue: River Road Farm

Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography

Rentals: Blood’s Catering & Party Rental

Linens: The Linen Shop

Florist: Anna’s Blooms

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best just-married moment of 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Party Animals

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best of Series!  And we could not have thought of a more fun category to kick things off with. There’s something undeniably special about animals being part of a Vermont wedding day. From beloved dogs proudly walking down the aisle to cats lounging near the ceremony décor, and yes, even the occasional charming farm animal cameo, these furry (and sometimes feathered!) friends bring personality, warmth, and unforgettable moments to celebrations across the state.

More than just adorable additions, they reflect what makes a wedding day truly meaningful: personal details, intentional choices, and moments that feel authentic to you as a couple. This Best Of category highlights the wedding-day animals that completely stole the spotlight. Whether you’re deep into planning or just beginning to dream, scroll through these sweet, scene-stealing moments for inspiration and vote for your favorite wedding guest 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!

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 reminds us weddings are just as much about these little moments as the big ones.

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

The Chicken Dance

Per the bride’s request to unleash as many farm animals as possible during her big day… meet Earl. Equal parts unexpected, iconic, and very Vermont, Earl officially stole the show (and possibly the dance floor).

Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm

Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography

One Proud Pup

Standing tall like they’re the one getting married, this pup was thrilled to be included in their parents’ big day. And that floral collar perfectly matching the bridal bouquet? Absolutely main-character behavior!

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Caroline Moretz Photography

Florist: Glad Farm VT

Peak Wedding-Day Relaxation

While the celebration buzzed all around him, this pup found the perfect sunny spot and lounged belly-up, completely unbothered. Proof that wedding days are best enjoyed at your own pace, and that being the (cute!) center of attention can be “ruff”.

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Photographer: Idena Beach

Florist: Meadow’s Edge

A Bear Cub Cameo

Only in Vermont could you find yourself celebrating alongside a black bear cub! This curious party animal just wanted to stop by and say hi. You never quite know who or what might make an appearance on a Vermont wedding day. 

Venue: Tälta Lodge

Planners: The Event Sisters

Photographer: Katie Palatucci  Photography

Post-Wedding Chaos, Perfected

Two little kids, one happy dog, and zero interest in slowing down! This joyful trio took full advantage of the post-ceremony freedom. Sometimes the best wedding moments happen when no one’s posing at all.

Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography

Venue: Lareau Farm Inn

Planner: Odyssey Events

Flowers: Flower Power VT

Let’s Paw-ty!

The cutest (and tastiest) way to include your pup on your wedding day! Not every wedding venue allows for furry friends to join in on the fun, so we love these cookies that double as wedding favors because no one should miss out on celebrating, even your four-legged best friend!

Baker: Sweet Vermont Treats

The Perfect Catch

ECHO is the only aquarium wedding venue in Vermont, and this couple fully leaned into the magic. Captured in front of the venue’s new freshwater tank, they scored the perfect shot as a curious fish friend drifted by, flawlessly framing the moment. 

Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 

Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography

Florist: A Clover and One Bee

Hee-Haw Ever After

One of this couple’s most talked-about moments of their wedding was a visit from a family friend’s donkeys, who quickly became honorary guests and absolute crowd favorites! Set against rolling green hills, the couple embraced the whimsy, weaving a thoughtful, personal touch into the celebration that had everyone smiling.
 
 
Photographer: Lisa Frare

Bolo’s Big Day Out

Sweet pup Bolo adored being included and clearly loved being the center of attention. Just look at that smile as he soaks it all in among the bridesmaids. And his perfectly posh plaid bandana? A detail we’ll never get over!

Photographer: Marissa Baker Photography

Venue: White Barn Farm

An Animal-Lover’s Dream Wedding

Ashley and Tom, a veterinarian and her groom, celebrated their love of animals at the Vermont Wedding Barn with the famous running of the alpacas! Other details of the day included beloved farm cats mingling at the reception, as well as a woodland-themed dessert table complete with a handcrafted figurine of their cherished dog.

Planner: Green Mountain Gatherings

Ceremony & Reception Venue: VT Wedding Barn/Champlain Valley Alpacas
 
Caterers: Almost Home Catering
 
Bar: 802 Cocktails
 
Cake: Thistle and Honey Baking
 
Photographer: Eaton Photo
 
Rentals: Taylor Rental
 
Officiant: Kathryn Blume, VT Wedding Officiant

Readers Choice Awards

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

An Engagement Session Filled With Heart: From Handmade Rings to Furry Friends

Nestled in Southern Vermont, Woodstock served as the perfect backdrop for Kate and Reece’s spring engagement session with Marissa Baker Photography. Known for its quintessential New England charm, covered bridges, boutique shops, and endless outdoor recreation, the town is beloved by couples seeking both adventure and timeless romance, making it an ideal match for these two! See more photos from their afternoon with Marissa below.

A Dreamy Woodstock, Vermont Engagement Shoot

To celebrate this season of their relationship, the couple chose to start their engagement shoot at Mt. Peg, one of Woodstock’s most scenic spots. They ventured up the trail and spent time at the summit soaking in panoramic views and quiet moments together, a nod to their shared love of exploring, adventuring, and experiencing the outdoors side-by-side. One of the sweetest elements of the day was the presence of the couple’s beloved dog. While unable to attend the wedding, their pup played a meaningful role in documenting their engagement, adding such joyful energy to the photos!

During the shoot, Marissa learned something unique about Kate’s engagement ring. More than a piece of jewelry, it was a handcrafted family heirloom made by her father, who has a personal tradition of creating rings for family weddings. (How special is that?!)

After finishing their time on Mt. Peg, Kate and Reece changed into a second outfit and continued exploring downtown Woodstock, an effortless next stop thanks to its close proximity and charm. From the iconic Middle Covered Bridge to cozy cafés, artisan boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants, it’s the kind of place where an engagement session naturally flows into an unforgettable afternoon date. Also in that area, we highly recommend checking out Billings Farm & Museum, enjoying the trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, visiting the Ottauquechee River, or booking a stay at Woodstock Inn & Resort for a romantic overnight.

With stunning scenery, historic character, and countless ways to savor time together, Woodstock remains one of Vermont’s most romantic destinations, and Kate and Reece’s session beautifully captures why!

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Planning a Vermont Wedding? Tips for Finding Wedding Vendors Who Get You

When planning your Vermont wedding, getting caught up in the visuals is easy. Stunning venues! Dreamy florals! Perfectly curated Instagram grids! However, beneath the aesthetics lies something even more important: connection. What do we mean by this? It’s about hiring vendors who get you, who understand your values, make you feel comfortable, and support you and your partner throughout the entire process.

Today’s guest blog post writer, Marissa Baker Photography, knows this better than most. As a Vermont wedding photographer and a licensed therapist, she brings a unique perspective to her work, blending artistry with emotional insight. (Because while we often joke that wedding vendors double as therapists, Marissa actually is one, and she’s here to share how finding the right team can make your wedding feel not just beautiful, but truly meaningful!) In this post, she shares her insight on how to build a vendor team that feels like a true support system.

Why Choosing The Right Vermont Wedding Vendors Matter

Your wedding vendors are more than just a checklist of services. They’re the people you’ll spend some of the most important moments of your big day with. From your photographer capturing emotional first looks to your planner calming nerves behind the scenes, the energy and support your vendor team brings can shape your entire experience. That’s why it’s so important to choose people who not only do great work but also resonate with your personality and values.

“Your vendors should share your values, whether that’s sustainability, inclusivity, or simply keeping things low-stress and fun,” says Marissa of Peaks and Pearls Photography. “When your team aligns with what matters most to you, the whole planning process becomes more effortless and enjoyable. A photographer who gets your love for candid, emotional moments (hi, that’s me!) or a florist who uses local blooms to reflect your eco-conscious mindset can make a world of difference. Most importantly, when you trust your vendors, you can truly relax and be present on your wedding day, no worrying about timelines or details, just soaking in the joy.”

How to Identify What Matters Most for Your Wedding

Before you can find vendors who align with your values, you and your partner need to know what those values actually are. This isn’t about making a Pinterest-perfect checklist; it’s about reflecting on what matters most to you as a couple. Is it throwing a laid-back celebration where everyone feels welcome? Honoring family traditions? Creating space for quiet, meaningful moments? Your wedding is a reflection of you, so taking time to define your shared priorities will help guide every decision with intention.

Start with a conversation (preferably over a glass of wine or a cozy breakfast!) and ask each other: What do we want our day to feel like? What do we want people to remember? What matters more to us: aesthetics or atmosphere, fun or formality, tradition or personal touches? There’s no right or wrong answer, only the answers that feel true to you. Once you’re clear on your values, it becomes easier to find vendors who support them and can help bring that vision to life.

Tips For Finding Wedding Vendors That Align With Your Vision and Values

Here are Marissa’s top tips for finding wedding vendors who truly align with your values, not just your budget or aesthetic. These thoughtful steps can help you build a team that feels like a genuine support system throughout your planning process and on your big day:

Start with Research & Recommendations

Google, Instagram, and wedding directories (like Vermont Weddings!) are excellent places to begin your search. As you explore vendor websites, social media profiles, and client reviews, pay close attention to the language they use. Are they emphasizing certain values? Do the weddings they feature look and feel like the kind of celebration you’re planning? And most importantly, what do their past clients say about them? Were they communicative, calming, and collaborative? These subtle cues can offer insight into whether a vendor might be a good fit before you even reach out!

Ask the Right Questions

Once you’re in touch with a potential vendor, go deeper than just asking about pricing and availability. Use your conversations to explore whether their approach aligns with your values. Questions like, “What’s your favorite part of working on intimate weddings?” or “How do you ensure an inclusive experience for every couple?” can reveal a lot about their priorities and personality. If you’re planning a laid-back celebration, ask how they handle last-minute changes or unexpected weather. The way they answer, and how they make you feel when doing so, matters.

Trust Your Gut

Sometimes, it’s not about the checklist; it’s about the vibe. After a conversation, do you and your partner feel heard, respected, and supported? Are you excited to work with this person, or do you feel hesitant or unsure? Those gut instincts are valuable. Listen to them!

Things to Look Out For

While it’s important to focus on what feels right after talking to vendors, it’s equally helpful to know what might be a red flag. 

– If a vendor is unresponsive, vague about pricing or services, or avoids answering direct questions, proceed with caution. 

– Pay attention to how they communicate. Are they respectful of your time and preferences, or do they come across as dismissive or overly salesy? 

– Did they try to push you toward choices that don’t align with your values or vision? For example, if you mention wanting an inclusive celebration and they brush it off, that’s a sign they may not be the right fit. 

Ultimately, your vendor team should make you feel confident, comfortable, and supported, not confused or second-guessed. At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t just about the details. It’s also about the people. From the loved ones who show up to celebrate you to the team of vendors behind the scenes, the energy you surround yourself with matters.

By choosing Vermont wedding professionals who align with your values, you’re setting the stage for a more joyful, intentional, and authentic experience. As Marissa reminds us, when you feel seen and supported by your vendors, you’re free to be fully present and that’s what makes the magic happen!

About Vermont Wedding Photographer, Peaks & Pearls Photography

Marissa is the heart and lens behind Peaks and Pearls Photography. Based in Vermont, she’s more than a wedding photographer—she’s also a licensed therapist, a firm believer in real connections, and a champion of authenticity in every form. Her approach is grounded, intentional, and full of heart. Whether she’s capturing the quiet in-between moments or the wild dance floor energy, Marissa is there to tell your story honestly and artfully. When she’s not photographing love stories, you’ll find her chasing peaks, soaking in nature, and building a life rooted in joy and purpose. You can learn more about Marissa and her work by checking out Peaks and Pearls Photography in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

A Thoughtful & Intimate Wedding at The Inn at Weathersfield

Some weddings feel like pure magic from the moment they begin, and Sarah & Kevin’s intimate celebration at The Inn at Weathersfield was one of those days! With just 35 of their closest family and friends, their wedding was an intentional gathering, blending elegance, connection, and a touch of Vermont’s natural beauty. Continue reading for all the sweet details and images from Vermont wedding photographer Marissa Baker Photography.

From Grad School to Green Mountains

Sarah & Kevin’s love story began eight years before their wedding, when they met in graduate school. During those years as busy (and often broke) grad students, their favorite way to escape the city was by camping in the Upper Valley and hiking nearby Mt. Ascutney. Vermont quickly became their retreat; a place where they could unplug, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and simply be together! So when they got engaged, it felt only natural to return to the landscape they loved so much. Sarah’s mother discovered The Inn at Weathersfield, knowing how special that part of Vermont was to them, and the rest was history. Surrounded by a small, tight-knit group of family and friends, Sarah & Kevin said “yes” to spending the rest of their lives together at this hidden gem of a wedding venue.

A Quiet Beginning to a Beautiful Wedding Day

Before their ceremony, Sarah & Kevin chose to share a quiet first look; a moment just for them before the day unfolded. Kevin even carried a hidden detail close to his heart—inside his suit jacket, the  couple’s wedding date was delicately embroidered, a sentimental reminder of the day they made ‘forever’ official. It was the perfect reflection of how they approached their wedding day in general: with intention, connection, and love. 

For the ceremony itself, Sarah & Kevin exchanged vows in a serene wooded clearing, the Inn at Weatherfield’s Chapel in the Woods. The space was surrounded by towering trees and the quiet rustle of autumn leaves. The ceremony space was brought to life with stunning florals by Fast Pony Flowers, featuring a rich autumnal palette of warm oranges, deep reds, and golden hues that blended seamlessly with the beauty of the season. 

A short walk away was the cocktail hour and reception space which was equal parts charming and beautiful. Guests were welcomed into the space with personal touches that brought Sarah and Kevin’s personalities to life. Some of our favorite details include matchbooks marked with their names, playful fanny packs featuring the couple’s beloved cats, and a vinyl record guest book, a nod to their love of music and the soundtrack of their relationship.

With just 35 guests, Sarah & Kevin embraced the intimacy of their celebration by gathering everyone around one long, family-style table under bistro lights. The setup encouraged conversation, laughter, tear-jerking speeches, and a true sense of togetherness. Surrounded by candlelight and autumnal florals, the atmosphere was both elegant and deeply personal.

And when it came time for dessert, the couple skipped the traditional wedding cake in favor of something that felt more like them: a spread of homemade pies, each bite a sweet taste of fall. (Because really, what’s a fall wedding without pie?!)

As the evening continued, their intimate celebration turned into a joyous, unforgettable party. Laughter filled the air as heartfelt toasts were shared, and soon, the dance floor was alive with energy, thanks to DJ Outlaw. It was elegant yet effortless, sophisticated yet so much fun—a wedding that felt not just beautifully planned but deeply, wonderfully them. Congratulations, Sarah and Kevin!

Vendors

Venue and catering: The Inn at Weathersfield, Photographer: Marissa Baker Photography, Flowers: Fast Pony Flowers, Entertainment: DJ Outlaw, Favors: Deer Ridge Farm.

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