Dresses like this one make me happy. A happiness that only lace, three quarter length sleeves and keyhole backs can bring. And the gorgeous bride behind this Jim Hjelm masterpiece? She’s stunning. As is her breathtaking Vermont wedding, which has me all kinds of speechless with its purple infused elegance, glorious images from Forest Woodward and beautiful mountainside setting. See all of the vintage-inspired goodness in the full gallery.
From the Bride… I first want to thank you all for such a wonderful guide/inspiration. Your site helped me SO much during my planning process. My name is Ali (Schiek) Lind, and my husband Jim Lind and I got married June 10th, 2012 at the Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden, Vermont. Jim and I both live in Manhattan, but Jim grew up in Rutland Vermont (near Killington). I always thought I would get married on a roof somewhere in NYC but alas, I found myself at the most perfect location for us, among the most serene mountain landscape. I really wanted the background to speak for itself, and be our decoration- so I went for a very a simple vintage inspired theme. I absolutely LOVE lace, I think Kate Middleton got me even more hooked. So I choose a Jim Hjelm three quarter length dress. It was the first and last wedding dress I ever tried on! I just knew right away it was “the one”. We each had 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen and I choose a gorgeous grey/purple dress from Nordstrom. Our family and friends stayed the whole weekend at Mountain Top, as it proved to be such an amazing mini vacation spot where you can hike, canoe, swim, ride horses etc. We had about 180 guests, mostly from out of town (I grew up in Maryland). I choose a simple hairstyle, just a low pony tail to the side and curled. I had my hairdresser braid my hair starting at the top and swoop it around into the ponytail. I have wanted a birdcage veil since I was in high school so I didn’t even pause when I saw the matching veil from Jim Hjelm (the flowers on my veil matched the lace flower pattern on my dress). My shoes are from BHLDN. They were so cute with little bows covering the whole toe strap. I also got my gold jewelry from BHLND. I am obsessed with butterflies so I wore a pure gold necklace with a butterfly and matching gold flower earrings. You can also see I wore a purple butterfly robe while getting ready!
Getting married on a Sunday was the best decision EVER. Not only do they wave a rental/location fee, you are able to spend more time beforehand with friends and family relaxing the day before. We were SO lucky with the weather, since our whole ceremony was outside on top of a hill over-looking the mountains. I road up to the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage with my father. I felt like I was in a fairytale! Jim’s father, Dave Lind, is a pastor in Rutland, Vermont and we were honored to have him officiate the wedding. You can see it was a pretty emotional wedding since his dad was marrying us… I also added some pictures of Jim’s two brothers Josh at the ceremony. Our flower girl and ring bearer our my niece and nephew Sofia and Evan Lind. They did such a great job! Super cute.
We had a cocktail hour after our reception with live music and drinks over looking the mountains Then our reception was a sit down dinner with live music and a fabulous guest book/photo booth created by my Aunt Teresa. We had mini bottles of Vermont maple syrup as wedding favors, chalkboards from Etsy, picture frames from Etsy, and a card box from Etsy. I then just got confetti and candles and flowers for the tables.
Wedding Photography: Forest Woodward / Wedding Venue: Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont / Floral Design: A Schoolhouse Garden / Officiant: Dave Lind, Father of the Groom / Cake: Made by a family friend / Cake Topper: Goose Grease / Music: A House on Fire / Confetti + Mr & Mrs Chair Covers: BHLDN / Wedding Dress Veil: Jim Hjelm (Dress Style JH8211) / Bride’s Shoes + Jewelry: BHLDN / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom (Style 259204) / Hair + Makeup: Five Elements Salon & Day Spa / Groom + Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: McNeil & Reedy