Jennifer and Canute
When Jennifer Cheung and Canute Dalmasse met at a house party in Hong Kong in 2009, neither was smitten—at first. "Her friends thought I'd be right for her, so they stalled me from leaving while they secretly called her, telling her to come out," says Canute, who works in finance. Recalls Jennifer, a pastry chef, "They practically forced me to show up!" And when she did, it was, in a word, awkward. But turns out the matchmakers were onto something, and nearly two-years-to-the-day later, Jennifer and Canute met again at the hotel bar; he dropped to one knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him. The couple married in Stowe, Vermont, on August 25, 2012.
Snowy Save-the-Dates
The white slopes of Stowe appeared on save-the-dates, which were designed by Tiny Pine Press to resemble a vintage ski pass.
The Serene Setting
The couple wed at Trapp Family Lodge (as in the von Trapps from The Sound of Music), which offers views of the valley where Canute grew up.
For Hong Kong native Jennifer, the decision to wed in the States was an easy one: "Canute's from Vermont, and it's such a special place, we wanted my family and our shared friends to see it."
Custom Gifts
Jennifer chummed around with her sister Jamie, who tied the knot just months prior, before the ceremony; all the girls were presented with custom monogrammed Phillip Lim robes.
Bridesmaids in Blush
The ladies, in Alexander McQueen and Alice + Olivia dresses, carried dahlias, garden roses, Queen Anne's lace, protea, clematis, Russian olives, artemisia, and hydrangeas.
The Ceremony
Swaths of linen draped from posts provided coverage from the sun. Members of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra played as Jennifer walked down a fern-and-hydrangea-lined aisle. Later, Canute's cousin performed "Mr. Tambourine Man" on guitar in memory of the groom's Bob Dylan–loving father.
The Newlyweds
The bride and groom paused for a pic on the fern-lined aisle.
Seats of Honor
Leafy vines and wispy fabric marked the newlyweds' spots. The reception included a lounge area, indoor trees, and, notes Jennifer, "tons and tons of candlelight." The party lasted till 1 a.m., when the couple, exhausted but ecstatic, bid adieu to their beloved guests.
Romantic Lighting
Dozens of hanging lanterns—each chosen, says Jennifer, for their "rustic, vintage feel—illuminated reception tents.
The Dessert
Sugar flowers adorned the amazing four-tier yellow and almond cake by Sylvia Weinstock Cakes.
Sources
Location and catering: Trapp Family Lodge
Event planning and design: Beth Helmstetter Events
Flowers: Saipua
Photography: Steve Steinhardt Photography
Videography: Living Cinema
Officiant: Michael Caldwell
Stationery: Tiny Pine Press
Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes
Music: Vermont Symphony Orchestra String Quartet (ceremony and cocktail hour); Eric Nicolas & One Love (reception)
Rentals: Casa de Perrin; The Korman Group; Weddings, Tents & Events
Tents and lighting: Barker Décor Service
Bride's gown: Christian Dior Couture
There's More!
Whether you decide to go big or small, seaside or mountainside, bohemian or black tie, find more wedding inspiration in our fall Real Weddings issue by downloading our app and buying the digital issue for only $.99.