There are a million reasons to love this mountaintop celebration, but the one that lands at the tippy top of our list? The beautiful Bride just so happens to be our very own Editor extraordinaire, Elizabeth. Amidst a majestic fortress of the Topnotch Resort these spring break sweethearts said “I do” and every detail was downright divine. From the Petal Floral Design blooms to their shared sweet kisses, Hello Love Photography captured it all in The Vault!
From the Bride… Invite me to your wedding and there is a pretty good chance I’ll be sobbing before you’re even halfway down the aisle. I love love and consider myself incredibly lucky to not only obsess over everything SMP but also call it my job. So that makes today extra special, because I get to step into the shoes of the beautiful brides that I fall in love with every day and share the special memories from our wedding with this amazing, creative community that is Style Me Pretty…
Tom and I met through a mutual friend – one of his best friends, Mike, from childhood became a good friend of mine at Ithaca College. We met a few times when Tom came to visit Mike and then started dating after we all took a group spring break trip to Punta Cana our senior year of college. I guess what happens on spring break doesn’t always stay on spring break… ;)
We grew up together throughout our 20s and Christmas 2013 brought me a sparkly diamond that changed my life. The wedding planning commenced and it was one hell of an amazing adventure to say the least!
As a very detail-oriented, organized (maybe to a fault) person and having had event planning experience from past work, I embraced the whole planning process, finding my main support in my Mom and a true partner in crime in Tom, who helped with research, the physical creation of decor and props, and most of all, a shoulder to lean on when I became overwhelmed with worries and concerns. He calmed my crazy per usual.
But those stresses were few and far between, and instead I look back fondly. For without the planning process, I would never have met such absolutely amazing creatives. Working with people who were not just talented, but who are truly great, kind people made the whole process so much more unbelievably enjoyable and fun! These vendors inspire me and I look back oh so fondly on my time with them.
Casey of Hello Love Photography is too lovely for words and I already look forward to having her capture all future special occasions in our life. Her photos became one of my all-time most treasured items overnight.
Becca of Petal Floral is a beam of sunlight, making the experience so fabulously fun. Floral was one area that while I knew I would love, I was surprised by how much I fell head over heels for. Maybe it was because Petal Floral does such an amazingly beautiful job creating works of art; maybe I untapped an inner passion of my own, but I will forever look back on my bouquet with adoration and love.
As a special touch, we even added a few small fake flowers, from my mom’s wedding bouquet, which since the flowers were fake, have been preserved quite well for over 30 years! I loved that Petal incorporated this little touch that meant so much to me, so beautifully and delicately.
Bre Welch of Leather & Lace Artistry got rid of all my hair and makeup worries and had me feeling my best which I am forever grateful for. Dwight Phetteplace was a joy; I looked forward to chatting with him and always welcomed his song ideas! And Marah King was my wedding fairy godmother, always open to my random ideas and always ready to share some of her own. Her creativity, time and energy still astound me and I’m lucky to call her a friend…. one that I will call upon for years to come whenever stationery needs arise!
It all came together for a wedding weekend to be remembered in the rustic Vermont town of Stowe and it was like time stood still and flew by all at the same time. We said our vows in a quaint, little blue church, after I walked down the aisle to Sleeping At Last’s version of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” basically a slowed down version of the popular song that states “And I would walk 500 hundred miles, and I would walk 500 more, just to be the man who walked 1000 miles to fall down at your door…” I don’t know if anyone picked up on it but I adored it.
Our recessional was “Into the Mystic” which Tom loves and was such a fun, personal touch. We didn’t want the classic processional and recessional music and I absolutely love our choices…though I will admit, I barely remember hearing them, I was in such a wonderful haze during it all.
And that joy-filled haze continued as we took photos at a classic Vermont covered bridge and then with the mountains behind us in the fields by Topnotch Resort. It continued during our cocktail hour where I only regret not enjoying more of the delicious appetizers, Vermont meat and cheeses, and our speciality drink, Stowe Cider; I love hard cider and this one in particular is my favorite.
The overwhelming gratitude-filled haze continued as we entered the beautiful light-filled tent and had our first dance to Elton John’s “Your Song” and as our loved ones toasted us, making my heart so unbelievably happy. We danced the night away and before we knew it, it was over.
The day itself was one glorious blur for us but there are these amazing moments that stand out that I will treasure for the rest of my life…. my sweet girlfriend Sarah trying to help with my jewelry the morning of my wedding but struggling as she teared up….walking down the aisle with my Dad, the feeling of calmness I had, my beautiful bouquet… the laughter in the car ride with our siblings after the ceremony… how hungry we were after taking photos and how Paul, my new brother-in-law fed me pizza from the catering staff’s tent… how my sister was glowing in her gown… my amazing parents, so happy, and myself feeling so happy to be with them…Tom and I sitting with our families at dinner…and more. They almost seem too good to be true.
I’m so incredibly so happy to have these intimate special moments with Tom and those closest to us and so thankful for Hello Love’s photos to remind me that, yes, it all was real.
Looking back, what advice would I share? Trust your gut and do what is best for you as a couple. Don’t rush into any decisions. Be open to doing things differently.
We chose to not have bridesmaids and groomsmen, instead we had each of our siblings stand beside us. It worked out well; Tom has a younger brother, and I have a younger sister. We loved that it was simpler and we loved that we didn’t have to ask anything of our friends but to just come to our wedding and have fun! I have never once regretted this decision and could not recommend it more. However, I really believe “to each their own,” and that phrase rings incredibly true when planning your own wedding.
And lastly, most importantly, just enjoy it all. Enjoy this special time in your life while you can. And don’t forget what you’re actually celebrating. While flowers and dresses and first dances are all amazing, the truly best part was just being with Tom that whole day, wide-eyed and in awe of everything around us and all the special moments. It’s all a blur, from the moment that sparkling engagement ring slips on your finger to the moment you slip off your wedding shoes….and that’s ok. That’s why wedding photos are oh so special.
Photography: Hello Love Photography | Floral Design: Petal Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals | Invitations: Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence | Ceremony Venue: St. Andrew Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Topnotch Resort | Shoes: Tahari | Catering: Topnotch Resort | Hair & Makeup: Bre Welch, Leather & Lace Artistry | Calligraphy: Posh + Prep | DJ: White Label DJs | Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Best Man’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Blue Striped Napkins: RagLady | Bridal Boutique:Cristina’s | Cake Topper: Better Off Wed | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Musician: Dwight Phetteplace | Earrings: INC At Macy’s | Hairpiece: Lulu Splendor | Ivory & Champagne Bouquet Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic | Luxury SUV: Vermont Chauffeured Transporation | Maid Of Honor Dress: JCrew | Personalized Cocktail Napkins: For Your Party | Programs, Menus, Escort Cards: The Pineapple Paperie By Marah King Designs | Speciality Beverage: Stowe Cider | Striped Tablecloth: Pottery Barn | Table Number Stands:Ikea | Veil: Cristina’s | Welcome Boxes: The Pineapple Paperie By Marah King Designs