East Side, Newport Wedding

I'm always thrilled when a wedding is at a place that I know will do a fantastic job. Dee Ann at the East Side in Newport Vermont runs such a place. It's always the people you can count on rather than the location and Dee Ann knows how to run a party.

Lake Memphremagog is a spectacular backdrop for any wedding and this particular wedding was taking full advantage of the location with a boat ride for the bridal party to the docks at the East Side...how's that for parking?













After dinner and drinks the B&G slipped away for their photos. The grounds at the East Side gave us a lot of options, as you can see.










The dancing never stopped

Romantic Tourterelle

Tourterelle is the French word for turtle dove, that most romantic of creatures, symbol of love. The Tourterelle is an equally romantic wedding venue designed and conceived to add a touch of romantic magic to your special event. Conveniently located less than thirty miles South of Burlington in New Haven Vermont.

Tourterelle is nestled among farm fields and surrounded by mountain views it scores high on all points for a wedding location being convenient for guests, gorgeous for photos, romantic, and run by the owners--which means every detail is attended to with pride.



Abby and Justin were getting ready in the main house of the Inn, upstairs from the lovely dining room. The inn is an old manor house that has been modernized for comfort while all the details lovingly preserved that convey an elegant sense of tradition and history.




The wedding took place by the pond (with fountain). We had perfect weather and what a treat to be outdoors on such a lovely day among the gardens and grounds. We felt like we had been transported back in time. The family and their friends couldn't have been lovelier...as was the staff at the Inn. Christine made sure every detail was perfect...from the iced tea laid out for thirsty guests to last bit of dancing that night.





Abby had Flutist Lisa Carlson to play for the ceremony. Lisa was a wonderfully elegant addition to the ceremony...making everything perfect.



Abby couldn't stop smiling...always a good sign.












Then it was off to take pictures all over the grounds! My favorite part!





Then...It was time to go party!





Tourterelle's food is all local organic fare made delectable by chef Bill. There's even a kitchen garden out back -- no wonder it tastes so fresh!

And then...they lived happily ever after.

Grace Church, St. Johnsbury, VT Wedding Photos,

Mary & Robert

Vermont has such lovely old churches. So much so, that it would be hard to pick just one as a favorite. Grace would make it on the short list. One thing about Grace is that it has places for the bride and groom to get ready that are beautiful places to shoot.

Here Mary and her rainbow of daughters and now step-daughters got ready for the big day. They were a pleasure to shoot. Like a bouquet of flowers with Mary right in the center: a white rose.

(click on the image to see bigger version)



Grace also has a choir loft that is just above and behind the altar. It's perfect for shooting without being in the way. Don't they look happy together?


We took pictures in the garden and in front of Grace first. Everyone who was at the wedding got into one big group shot.
After Grace, we went over to the Elks Lodge in Saint Johnsbury. This is not your typical Elks Lodge. It is a graceful, old mansion with marbled pillars and deeply carved molding. It is every bit as beautiful as some B&B's. While you won't have an Inn Keeper to rely on to get the details right, they do have a kitchen staff that does a great job with banquets.


This cake topper is spun glass...very unique!

Alerin Barn, St. Johnsbury Photos

Once again, I found myself at the Alerin Barn...one of my favorite venues. As a photographer I appreciate the attention to detail at the Alerin. Everywhere you point the camera is beautiful.



Today I was lucky to have an equally beautiful bride to shoot, Jenn. Talk about grace under pressure.

I like to take pictures of the bride at the window of the bridal suite--it's a classic shot with natural light. We pulled up the blind...and...viola...rain. It's raining buckets outside. You can see by Jenn's face that she was taking it all in stride.


We went out onto the big front porch to take more pictures under cover but still with a view of the garden. It was raining like it would never quit but Jenn was certain it would blow over.

After pictures, we went back in for a champaign toast.





When we went back out the rain was gone and there were blues skies and puffy clouds as far as could be seen. It turned into a perfect day!


My husband, Val Davis, played his guitar up on the hill as the guests gathered on the log benches. I must say it sounded wonderful and though I am partial you should check out his playing on line at valdavis.com and judge for yourself.

Jenn and Rich were both a pleasure to shoot...it is obvious how much they love each other and how excited they were to be married. It was really a story-book wedding.










The ceremony was gorgeous...it was hard for me to pick images to show.




One thing I love about the Alerin in St. Johnsbury is that it is so well thought out. I hear a lot of people who say they had to leave their guests to take formal pictures. Jenn was worried about this. She and Rich wanted to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests and not miss out on the party that they had worked so hard to plan.

No worries! The Alerin's best views are right near the cocktail area so we just asked guests to come and join us as they were needed.




This was a great group of people. After dinner the dance floor was always full. I love people who know how to have a good time.





So here is another wedding to add to my favorites. I'm so glad I got to be part of Jenn and Rich's special day.