Cate and WJ: An Autumn Wedding in Vermont

One of the many blessings of living in Vermont is the month of October: cool, crisp air, flavors of fall, and colorful foliage that begs to be photographed. Add in a country wedding and you pretty much have a recipe for beauty. What made this wedding all the sweeter for me is that I have known the bride for over ten years, since we graduated college together and became friends. I love that kind of event, where you get to cross paths with people you haven't seen in years.

Now planning an outdoor wedding in Vermont can be a little tricky at any time of year, but in the fall that is especially true. You could have a downpour, you could have clouds and biting wind, heck, you could even have snow. But the day was bright and balmy, the sun was shining on the hills, and it was unseasonably warm. The ceremony and reception was held at the Millstone Lodge in East Barre, a beautiful spot high on a hill with so much character and charm it should be booked year-round for Vermont country weddings.

The wedding itself was small and intimate, with Cate and WJ choosing to have just one attendant each, and a small gathering of guests seated on the white wooden chairs perched on the hill overlooking Vermont's autumn splendor. The bride's uncle built them their wedding arch, a keepsake they can put in their garden and enjoy forever. On each chair was a box adorned with a maple leaf cutout and filled with Lake Champlain chocolates. The bride special-ordered a unique guest tree drawing for everyone to leave their fingerprint and signature, a sweet touch that will be a daily reminder in their home of their wedding day. After a cocktail hour filled with apple cider and delicious Vermont cheese, the guests enjoyed a good old-fashioned pig roast, with maple glazed pulled pork and trays of homey macaroni and cheese. Everyone mingled, toasted to the newlyweds, and prepared for a night of dancing and cutting loose. Not before the happy couple sliced into their wedding cake of course, homemade by the bride and frosted and assembled by yours truly.

Cate and WJ, you had such a perfect and lovely wedding day, and I am sure that your marriage will bring you both so much happiness. I am so happy to have been a part of these memories, and I hope you will enjoy looking back on your wedding images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.