From Family History to New Beginnings: A Vermont Mountain Wedding

Emily and Matthew’s wedding at Magic Mountain was a colorful celebration from start to finish, bursting with personal touches and heartfelt moments. Captured beautifully by Vermont wedding photographer Arielle Thomas, no detail went unnoticed, from the vibrant florals to the sweet nods to the couple’s favorite music.  The Event Sisters shared this beautiful celebration, the talented wedding planners behind the day, who called it one of their favorite summer weddings to date. From the stunning mountain views to the surprise fireworks, it’s easy to see why!

Where Family Memories and New Beginnings Meet

For Emily and Matthew, choosing Magic Mountain as their wedding destination was a natural decision. More than just a scenic spot, it’s a place woven with family memories and personal significance. Emily’s family has treasured this Londonderry, Vermont gem since the 1980s, making it an especially meaningful choice for the couple’s own wedding, especially since it was also the site of Emily’s grandparents’ vows. Celebrating their love there felt like a perfect full-circle moment!

Emily and Matthew’s wedding weekend began with a Friday evening rehearsal dinner at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, where guests dined at curATE to the sounds of an acoustic guitar thanks to musician James Gram. When a last-minute pie pick-up hiccup emerged, planner Katie of The Event Sisters swooped in to save the day with a quick 30-minute detour, rejoining the party with various desserts so that the evening ended on a sweet note! Later, friends and family gathered at Equinox Resort for a lively welcome party under the stars.

Vows, Views, and Fireworks at Magic Mountain

The morning of the wedding began with both Emily and Matthew getting ready at the beautiful Equinox Resort in Manchester, Vermont. Before the festivities kicked off, the couple shared an intimate first look and exchanged private vows—a quiet, meaningful moment just for the two of them. Afterward, they parted ways to join their wedding parties and make the scenic 30-minute drive to Magic Mountain, where the ceremony awaited.

The ceremony took place beneath clear skies, creating the perfect backdrop for their mountaintop celebration. Emily and Matthew were married on the Aspen Deck at the base of the Magic Mountain chairlift, with vibrant summer florals by Full Moon Blooms adding an epic burst of color. (We don’t know what we love more, the lush aisle markers or the vibrantly decorated chuppah!)

Following their vows, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour complete with artisanal hors d’oeuvres, a generous cheese board, and beverages from Magic Mountain’s bar, all set to the sounds of The Katahdin Valley Boys Bluegrass Band. A short walk led the party to a tented reception space designed as a “pop-up wedding venue,” where heartfelt speeches and a beautiful dinner by Fin Food + Bar awaited. One of the sweetest details in the reception tent was how each table featured personal nods to Emily and Matthew’s favorite musicians and songs. Beautiful blue linens from The Linen Shop set the scene, accented by delicate bud vases and hand-crafted menus designed by The Event Sisters. Together, these thoughtful touches made the space feel both elegant and deeply personal.

As the night continued, guests returned to the Aspen Deck and Tavern for dancing and a dazzling surprise: a fireworks show planned by Emily’s dad and expertly pulled off by Magic Mountain’s team. The show lit up the night sky and was an unforgettable gift for the newlyweds and their guests!

The evening wrapped with the cutting of a stunning three-tiered Lambeth style cake by Dorset Bakery (their largest cake of the 2024 wedding season!) and non-stop dancing thanks to the help of Supersounds Entertainment. Emily also changed into a dazzling, beaded mini dress perfect for dancing the night away.

For a bride who spends her days as a nurse caring for others, Emily’s wish for her wedding day was simple: to feel like a bride, free to fully experience the joy of her wedding day. Matthew, in turn, hoped to feel “relaxed but excited… and loved.” Judging by the smiles and laughter from these photos, we’d say those dreams were beautifully fulfilled.

Congratulations, Emily and Matthew, on your gorgeous wedding day!

Vendors

Venue: Magic Mountain Ski Area, Planners: The Event Sisters, Catering: Fin Food + Bar, Florals: Full Moon Blooms, Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography, Videographer: Matthew Binginot Creations,  Officiant: Brattleboro Area Jewish Community – Congregation Shir Heharim, Dessert: Dorset Bakery, DJ: Supersounds Entertainment, Cocktail hour musicians: The Katahdin Valley Boys Bluegrass Band, Rentals: The Linen Shop; Celebration Rentals; and Jones Rentals, Generator: Atomic Professional Audio, Hair: Scissors + Sparrow, Make Up: Brandi Henderson-Savoy MUA, Accommodations & welcome party: Equinox Resort, Restroom rentals: Preferred Restrooms, Transportation: Dufour Transportation.

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Best of 2024: Wedding Design

Behind every seamless Vermont wedding day is a talented team of wedding professionals working their magic—transforming countless details into a flawless celebration. From executing stunning design concepts and coordinating timelines to handling last-minute surprises with ease, these experts bring creativity, organization, and dedication to every moment. Whether it’s planners, florists, stationers, or anyone in between, their hard work allows couples to relax and fully enjoy their special day. This category celebrates the pros who went above and beyond to bring wedding dreams to life. Explore their incredible work below and help us crown the best in the business.

What is the Vermont Weddings ‘Best Of’ Series?

It’s that time of year—our Vermont Weddings Best of Series is here! We’re celebrating the amazing work of Vermont’s top wedding professionals this wedding season, and we need your help to pick the best of the best. Check out the entries, get inspired, and vote for your favorites via the form at the end of this blog post. At the end of it all, we’ll announce the Reader’s Choice winners. Let’s celebrate together!

One for the Books

This wedding truly turned the page to the next great chapter for the happy couple. Featuring stunning greenery, florals, and an elegant bookshelf seating chart (the bride works at a library), who wouldn’t be charmed? Not pictured is another sweet detail- the bride’s father handmade a flower bud pot for every guest to take home as a wedding favor!

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch

Florals: Snaps and Sunflowers

Sit & Stay a While

Flowers, couches, and candles, oh my! With velvety textures and stunning pops of color, this cozy yet sophisticated sitting nook was the perfect place for lounging, catching up, or snapping picture-perfect moments with guests.

Venue: The Tillerman

 
Planner & Furniture: Julie Martin Olsen Weddings & Events
 
 
Tent: Celebration Rentals

A Fall Fairytale

This floral installation totally nailed the essence of autumn in Vermont! With vibrant colors and rich textures, it feels like stepping into one of the iconic, breathtaking landscapes the season is known for. 

Venue: An Affair by the Lake

Florals: Jayson Munn Design

Linens: The Linen Shop

Photographer: Julia Rebecca Photography

Bound to Bloom

We are absolutely in awe of this stunning display of florals, and its incorporation into a sweet and simple chandelier. With bouquets perfectly poised to surround the couple, this modern ceremony space is truly in full bloom!

Planner: Sara Judith Events

Florals:  A Clover and One Bee

Photographer: Danielle Allendorf Photography

Rentals: Vermont Tent Company

Venue: Waterworks Food + Drink

Timeless & True

This Woodstock wedding is so timeless! Draped in twinkling fairy lights and linens, this reception tent is so effortlessly elegant and sophisticated. With subtle pops of silver, green, and gold, this aesthetic will truly outlast the test of time!

Planner: Jaclyn Watson Events

Photographer: Charlotte Jenkins

Venue: Billings Farm & Museum 

Catering & Bar: Woodstock Inn & Resort

Florals: Valley Flower Farm

Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Co., and PEAK Event Services

Linens: Reverie Social

Restrooms: 802  Restrooms

Lighting & Draping: Griffin & Griffin 

Photobooth: 802 Events

Reception entertainment: On the Move Entertainment

Color Meets Creativity

This couple’s wedding was a feast for the eyes, filled with stunning blooms and meaningful details! We’re in love with their gorgeous chuppah and how the florals flowed beautifully into the decor of their reception tent. Each table was named after artists the couple admires, complete with fun facts about their favorites and song recommendations for guests to check out. Colorful weddings and personalized touches were big in 2024, and we hope this vibrant, creative style is here to stay!

Planner: The Event Sisters

Venue: Magic Mountain

Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography

Videographer: Matthew Binginot Creations

Florals: Full Moon Blooms

Rentals: Celebration Rentals, Jones Rentals and The Linen Shop

Bathrooms: Preferred Restrooms

Brewing Up Love

These newlyweds seamlessly blended one of their favorite things—craft beer—with their new chapter by featuring personalized beer bottles for guests to enjoy during their reception. When it comes to your big day, it’s all about the little details, especially when they reflect your interests (and your new last name!)

Venue: Sugarbush Resort

Photographer: Juniper Studios

Florals: M’s Wedding Flowers

Pastels Please!

Bursting in joy and color, this wedding is an enchanting garden party dream come true! Bright florals, glowing candles, and an intricate and inviting seating chart created a cheerful and vibrant ambiance on this couple’s special day.

Planner: I Dews Design & Events

Venue: Mountain Top Inn & Resort

Florals: Oak and Bee Florals

Photographer: Anne Mientka Photography

Something Blue

This bride (who happens to be a wedding pro!) knew that every detail counts on your big day. From the matching accent pillows to the perfectly coordinated carpet, she and Wild Fern Boutique created the ultimate getting-ready spot that seamlessly tied into her wedding color palette.

Month of planner: Sara Judith Events

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs

Seating area rental: Wild Fern Boutique

Entertainment: 802 Events

Photographers: Jenna Brisson Photography and Danielle Allendorf Photography

Hair: Ashley from AshleyMStudios

MUA: Brittney Eileen Beauty

Desserts: Cronin Cakes & Sweets

Snow in Love

This couple’s love of snowboarding and Vermont added a unique, personal touch to their special day. Their seating chart invited guests to “Find your peak,” with each table named after a mountain the couple loves. The custom photo booth during the reception was a hit, featuring a snowy Stowe Mountain backdrop, and vintage ski props –  a fun tribute to the bride’s impressive snowboarding skills!

Photographer: K. Lenox Photography

Photobooth: Saratoga Photo Booth

Venue: Old Gray Barn

Florals: Flowers by Cara

Day of Coordinator: Candice Grace Events

Greenery Galore

A tent lined with draping greenery, lines of practically floating rattan lanterns, and subtle floral tablecloths tie together such a special occasion! White and green blooms scattered across the venue added a lively touch to the beautiful tables.

Venue: Equinox Resort

Linens: The Linen Shop

Florals: Birds of a Flower

Photographer: Rodeo & Co

Planner: NJoy Events

Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Co.

Vintage Treasures and Rustic Elegance

This wedding blended rustic elegance with vintage charm, thanks to the collaboration between the bride and her wedding planner, Dannie! Thoughtful details, like the bride’s bouquet honoring her late mother, and beautifully curated vintage elements—antique rugs and weathered suitcases—created a whimsical ambiance!

Planner: Green Mountain Gatherings

Florals: Pistil Productions 
 
Photographer: Mia Moran
 
Venue: Squabetty

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our picks for the best Vermont design in 2024, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Falling in Love: A Gorgeous Autumn Wedding at Sterling Ridge Resort

Located the perfect distance from Burlington, Stowe, and Smuggler’s Notch, three of Vermont’s top destinations, Sterling Ridge Resort creates a quintessential “summer camp” feeling for a wedding. By booking the “Ultimate Wedding Package,” at Sterling Ridge, Shannon and Tommy took advantage of being able to reserve all of the cabins on the property for their stunning late fall weekend wedding. Congratulations to the happy couple, whose love was beautifully captured by Ben Hudson Photography and White Mountains Wedding Photography! Continue reading for more details about their special day.

To welcome their guests to the Green Mountain State, Shannon and Tommy held a casual welcome party on Friday, opting to take advantage of the resort space. Karaoke, yard games, a taco bar, and a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck created the perfect Vermont welcome, especially with all of the vibrant foliage on display.

On Saturday morning before the ceremony, the couple enjoyed the resort’s high-end, A-Frame cabin by having both their first look and bridal party captured there. During their first look, Shannon and Tommy opted to share their personal vows, making the special moment even more intimate! Vermont wedding photographer Ben Hudson did a great job of capturing the beauty of the resort while maintaining focus on the couple themselves. 

The Wedding Day: Elegant Florals and Warm Hues

The wedding took place on a beautiful lawn adjacent to the pond at Sterling Ridge, and the couple highlighted nature with simple, elegant decor. To keep the backdrop of Mount Mansfield and the fall foliage unobstructed, the couple asked Flowers by Nicole to do a floral ground arch, which ornamented the venue perfectly. As well as the arch, the couple chose to use church-style pews as seating for the guests, offering an elegant permanence. Their wedding planner, Katie of The Hoppy Wife, was married at Sterling Ridge the year before (and during the same weekend!) which meant that she easily understood how to make the resort into the perfect space for Shannon and Tommy. The bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in various textures, all in similar golden hues that matched the warmth of the fall colors. 

After the ceremony, the couple hosted their reception in a simple tent with intimate bistro lighting and long farmhouse-style tables. The space was also ornamented by floral arrangements and candles that transformed the space into something magical. Guests of all ages hit the dance floor – thanks to the amazing DJing by Talena at Premier Entertainment. We also love how Shannon stayed in her wedding dress for the entire night of dancing, proving that you don’t need a second dress to have fun! At the end of the night, the couple had a sparkler send-off from all of their guests, which was a charming way to celebrate the newly married couple. 

Kirstin, the Marketing Manager at Sterling Ridge Resort, said that Shannon and Tommy were a perfect fit for the weekend-long wedding experience that the resort offers. Their quintessential Vermont fall wedding was a beautiful mixture of intimacy and radiated so much joy. Congratulations to Shannon and Tommy!

Vendors:

Venue: Sterling Ridge Resort, Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography, Videographer:White Mountains Wedding Photography, Planner: The Hoppy Wife, Flowers: Flowers by Nicole, Hair: Hair by Emily Staab, Makeup: Mirror Mirror, DJ: Premier Entertainment & Events, Catering: Cold Hollow Catering, Restrooms: Preferred Restrooms.

A Vermont Wedding Venue Like No Other: Sterling Ridge Resort

Sterling Ridge Resort is a log cabin resort nestled in the mountains providing a unique space for couples to celebrate with loved ones for an entire wedding weekend. With on-site accommodations for roughly 100 guests, you and your family and friends can enjoy cozy, convenient lodging just a short walk or drive from ceremony and reception sites. The resort’s tranquil setting, modern amenities, and close proximity to local activities and attractions allow your guests to feel like they are on vacation celebrating all Vermont has to offer, while, most importantly, celebrating you!

Picture-Perfect Vermont Weddings by Photographer Ben Hudson

Ben Hudson Photography is a documentary-style wedding photographer intent on capturing the unforgettable moments that make up that special day. Since 2007 Ben has been a wedding photographer intent on capturing the unforgettable moments that make up that special day. It is an honor to be present as families and friends come together to celebrate the unity of loved ones.  He highlights the atmosphere and special details so clients can enjoy their guests and the magic of the day!

Vermont's Leading DJ Service: Premier Entertainment & Events

Premier Entertainment & Events specializes in DJ entertainment services, uplighting, and photo booths to help give your big day the wow factor it deserves! Their experienced team truly listens to  clients to bring their vision to life- and it is what makes Premier Entertainment unique! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand soirée, they have something for everyone – from dj services to photobooth services and games.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible foliage? Check out this pretty fall wedding at the Wilburton Inn.

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