A Casual, Rustic Outdoor Destination Wedding in Vermont
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Photography: John Dolan1 of 21
Meghan and Chris
Chris was a sophomore in high school when he was hanging out at his friend Ron’s house one day and his buddy’s younger sister, Meghan, entered the room. Chris decided she was the love of his life. Meghan wasn’t as instantly smitten, but Chris was persistent, and two years later, she agreed to a date. They clicked, but parted ways when they went to college. Then, in 2007, the two reconnected through Ron again, this time at a picnic he hosted on his family’s boat, and three years later, Chris proposed.
The pair knew they wanted to get married at Spring Brook Farm, Chris’s family’s 1,000-acre estate in Reading, Vermont. So on September 4th, 2011, they tied the knot, then celebrated in fresh air with farm-to-table food and unique, rustic elements.
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Photography: John Dolan2 of 21
Custom Stationery
The rustic invitation suite included a hand-drawn map of the grounds.
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The Venue
Spring Brook Farm offered views of lush lawns and refreshing serenity. “It’s peaceful, restorative, quiet, and yet full of life,” Meghan said. “We wanted to share that with our loved ones.”
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Photography: John Dolan4 of 21
The Blushing Bride
Meghan carried loosely tied white dahlias, astilbe, garden roses, and anemones mixed with lavender, star-of-bethlehem, geranium leaves, and hypericum berries. She wore an Anne Barge dress and a veil by Vera Wang.
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Photography: John Dolan5 of 21
'Maids in Blue
Meghan shared a laugh with her five bridesmaids, all decked out in navy J.Crew.
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Photography: John Dolan6 of 21
Pre-Wedding Excitement
Chris, dressed in a custom Victor Talbots suit, stood with his parents as he prepared to see his bride.
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With This Ring...
The couple’s rings, secured with a sage green ribbon, rested on a eyelet pillow.
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Into the Mist
The morning’s heavy fog cleared just in time for Meghan and Chris’ afternoon vows. “The sun came out right before the ceremony and stayed out for the cocktail hour,“ Meghan says. “It was all very much meant to be.”
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Photography: John Dolan9 of 21
The Ceremony
Meghan and Chris exchanged self-penned vows before 175 guests on a lawn surrounded by centuries-old stone walls. Here, the bride’s 8-year-old cousin walked the rings—and the couple’s dog, Klaus—down the aisle.
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Photography: John Dolan10 of 21
A Thoughtful Gift
Chris’s dad, a vintage-car collector, gave his 1959 Austin-Healey to Meghan as a wedding gift. “Chris was driving it the day that we rekindled our relationship,” she says. “I’ve loved it ever since.”
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Photography: John Dolan11 of 21
A Sweet Ride
The lovebirds drove across the far to their reception in classic style.
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Mix and Mingle
The post-ceremony scene: The farm’s lush foliage, cozy wicker furniture, and milk bottles filled with white hydrangea, mini green hydrangea, sprigs of lavender, Queen Anne's lace, lemon leaf, cream garden roses and purple and white dahlias.
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Photography: John Dolan13 of 21
Light Refreshments
A pint-size guest cooled off with a Mason jar of pink lemonade.
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The Drinks
Celebrants swizzled cocktails with “You Stir Me” flags.
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Local Cheeses
Fromages, including Spring Book Farm Tarentaise and Reading raclette, were a hit at cocktail hour.
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Rustic Seating Chart
Escort cards awaited their takers in the slats of old shutters leaned against hay bales.
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Guest Book Alternative
In lieu of a guest book, loved ones were invited to leave their best wishes for the newlyweds on paper scrolls.
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The First Dance
Meghan and Chris grooved to their band’s rendition of Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic.”
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Farm Favors
Burlap favor bags contained goat’s milk soap and lavender sachets that meghan found on Etsy, and maple syrup from the farm’s sugarhouse.
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Out With a Spark
Chris’s family surprised the couple with a fireworks display.
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Photography: John Dolan21 of 21
Sources
Location: Spring Brook Farm
Event Design and Flowers: Kate Parker Designs
Catering: Philip Stone Caterers
Wedding Photography: Ned Jackson Photography
Stationery: Gus & Ruby Letterpress
Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones
Cake: Wild Orchid Baking Co.
Reception Music: Kenny Ford Band
Tents: Sperry Tents Seacoast
Bride’s Dress: Anne Barge
Bride’s Veil: Vera Wang
Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew
Groom’s Suit: Victor Talbots
Officiant: LisaAnn DuKaten
Ceremony Music: Bell/Blake Duo
DJ: Ryan Parker
Hair: Hair that Moves
Makeup: DD Nickel
Bride’s Shoes: French Sole
Groom’s Bow Tie and Shoes: Brooks Brothers
Groomsmen Shirts and Ties: J.Crew
Transportation: People Movers
Favors: My Heart’s Design sachet pillows; Back to Nature soap; Farms for City Kids maple syrup (802-484-1236); PaperMart burlap bags
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