Rain, Rain Go Away....or not.

This is a classic Vermont wedding problem. We have all this natural beauty and it naturally gives rise to thoughts of fall foliage weddings or spring gardens. Here is Jenn, moments before her wedding at the beautiful Alerin Barn looking out onto a torrential downpour! I know that rain is supposed to be good luck at a wedding but what do you do with all your careful plans?

There is actually a lot you can do. Sometimes the clouds lift and you are left with a wonderland of dew dropped flowers and spectacular skies and sometimes it just rains...all day.
That's when good planning pays off. Choose a venue with porches (like the one above) to get great pictures outside without getting all wet.


Umbrellas make it work too...I love umbrella shots. The Round Barn in Waitsfield has them at the ready for just such instances and they make for wonderfully fun and romantic pictures.

Of course, we don't even have to go outside for great pictures. Above is natural light from a window in Grace Church, St. Johnsbury. It can make pictures very dramatic--in fact there wasn't rain at this wedding but the bride wanted shots done inside the church.

This family came all the way from Florida for their Vermont wedding at Jay Peak...it's a good thing I pack studio lights to every wedding because it poured all day and there was almost no chance to get pictures outside. So never let rain dampen your spirits. The pictures will still be great, it will still be a blast (with all your friends, how can you miss) and fate owes you one...maybe you can use it on your honeymoon.

Burlington Bride

This wedding was up in Burlington. The new Catholic ceremony that I'm seeing more and more really makes pictures hard as the Bride and Groom spend the entire ceremony with their backs to everyone. But, a wedding is not about the pictures and there was plenty of time to get great pictures afterwards in different locations.

That's why it is sometimes vitally important to get pictures done before the ceremony. Not only did we get bridal photos but also pictures with the family and bride's maids.







One thing to think about, as this bride did, was that confession is on Saturday evening starting at 4pm (before Saturday mass) so you have to get out of there pretty quickly after a late afternoon wedding (which this one was).






The pews were full by the time we went back inside which meant no lights could be set up and no picture with the priest who was already hearing confession. Off we went in search of greener photographic pastures...not hard in Vermont.

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.