Hurricane Irene

Vermont has been hit hard by mother nature. Some are saying that this has been the worst disaster in Vermont’s history. My family and I live in the village of Woodstock one of the hardest hit areas. We were extremely fortunate that hurricane Irene did not damage our home. Other than a few minor inconveniences, no power, means of communication to reach the outside world and water, we are safe. In the last few days we have heard several stories of simple acts of kindness, our elementary school opened on Sunday to care for 40 families who lost their homes, a car passing by a home on fire, went in search of the owner to bring her home before she lost everything, a man was swept away by the river while driving home and was found two hours later clinging to a tree and rescued by a complete stranger, several local businesses have been destroyed and community members are working side by side to help clean up their businesses. The simple acts of kindness will continue for some time, some stories we will hear about and others we will not. But at the end of the day, Vermont is about family, neighbors, and our communities helping those in need. Vermonters are a resilient group of people, and rest assured we will work together to rebuild the Vermont we love!

Looking for a way to help Vermonter’s affected by the flooding?

Please consider donating to the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund. An effort initiated to help Vermonters and Vermont Communities affected by the devasting flooding due to Hurricane Irene. 100% of all donations will be distributed to Vermont Businesses through out Vermont Communities in desparate need. If you would like to contribute please make checks payable to:

VT Irene Flood Relief Fund
7 Walker Terrace
Montpelier, VT 05602

If you would like to donate to an effort focused on supporting basic needs like food, and water. The Vermont Foodbank will help turn your $10 donation into $60 worth of groceries for local families in need! Text FOODNOW to 52000 to help fellow Vermonters!

Hurricane Irene

Vermont Wedding Music: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra
I am thrilled to introduce you to our newest member, The Vermont Symphony Orchestra. I was first introduced to the VSO through its wonderful summer concert series fifteen years ago. Since then it has become an annual family tradition to attend the outdoor concert at the Quechee Polo grounds with a picnic basket filled with scrumptious treats to share with friends and family as we enjoy the beautiful music of the VSO. It is simply a magical night!
Vermont Wedding Music, Vermont Symphony Orchestra

History

In the fall of 1934, a visionary Alan Carter gathered Vermont’s scattered musical forces to form the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.  He remained music director for 40 years.

From the start, the VSO was extraordinary.  While most orchestras originate in a single city, the VSO dedicated itself to traveling to any gymnasium, armory, or hillside where an audience could be found.  The musicians, whose numbers included barbers, mail carriers, doctors, teachers and farmers, came from all across the state to rehearse and perform.  In 1939 the VSO became the nation’s first state-supported orchestra when the legislature provided funds for a performance at the New York World’s Fair.

The reins of music director have changed hands only four times.  Alan Carter, Efrain Guigui and Kate Tamarkin each played a major role in advancing the orchestra’s performance and recognition.  But no one has provided greater VSO public and critical acclaim than world renowned violinist Jaime Laredo.

When Laredo made his orchestral debut with the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Examiner wrote “In the 1920’s it was Yehudi Menuhin; in the ‘30’s it was Isaac Stern; and last night it was Jaime Laredo.”

Jaime Laredo stunned the music world in 2000 when he accepted responsibility to serve as music director of the VSO.  Under his gentle but firm hand a good orchestra has become great.

“Vermont is fortunate to be home to one of the finest symphony orchestras in the country. The VSO has brought a love of classical music to all corners of our state, and should be a great source of pride to all Vermonters. The VSO truly embodies what is best about Vermont.”  Governor Jim Douglas

Simon Pearce: The Wedding Registry

The Wedding Registry by Simon Pearce
I have been living in Vermont for over fifteen years, and Simon Pearce is one of my favorite destinations. I love walking into the store to look at the stunning works of art created by Simon Pearce and his artisans, watching them blow glass and throw a bowl so effortlessly. It is where my family knows that if they want to put a smile on mamma’s face take her out to lunch or dinner or add to my growing collection of Simon Pearce glassware and pottery. Simon Pearce has captured the country with his beautiful glass work and pottery, it is fresh and modern and will stand the test of time.

About Simon Pearce:
From inception Simon’s vision has been to create products that are beautifully designed, produced with premium quality materials and time-honored techniques and intended for a lifetime of everyday use. This original vision and inspiration lives on with everything they do. Pearce designs, manufactures and markets original products in hand blown glass and handmade pottery and operates one of Vermont’s most popular fine dining establishments. Founded in 1971, Simon Pearce originated as a small glassblowing workshop in Kilkenny, Ireland. In 1981, the company moved to a historic woolen mill on the banks of the Ottauquechee River in Quechee, Vermont. Today, Quechee remains the flagship for Simon Pearce’s retail, restaurant and production activities. The full range of glass and pottery designs embodies traditional and contemporary styles—all with classic simplicity and elegance.

Here are ten rewarding reasons to register. Check out the minimoon.
1. The minimoon.
2. Your very own registry specialist.
3. Try before you buy.
4. Break-free guarantee.
5. Registry checklist.
6. Online gift manager.
7. Free shipping for your guests.
8. More gifts for you upon completion.
9. 10% completion savings.
10. Donate to a charity of your choice.

The Wedding Registry by Simon Pearce

A Vermont Wedding: Kim and John

A Vermont Wedding: Kim and John
Kim and John met on the slopes of Sugarbush. So when it came to finding a location to get married Kim and John choose Sugarbush Ski Resort and Golf Club as the perfect setting for their wedding celebration with family and friends.

Real Vermont Wedding, Kim and John

Real Vermont Wedding: Kim and John
Wedding Team:
Photography:  Paige Hiller Photography \ Ceremony and Reception Venue:
Sugarbush Ski Resort and Golf Club \ Floral: Blue Toad Florist

A Vermont Wedding: Monica and Hayri

A Vermont Wedding: Monica and Hayri

A perfect day in Vermont to celebrate the marriage of Monica and Hayri. Surrounded by family and friends Corey Hendrickson captured the intimate celebration.

Real Vermont Wedding: Monica and Hayri

Wedding Team: Photography:  Corey Hendrickson \ Caterer: Bistro Henry \ Floral: Nancy Bishop Floral Designs \ DJ: Peak Entertainment   
Ceremony & Reception Venue: West Mountain Inn

 

The Wedding Glossary

A Wedding Dictionary

I have created a wedding glossary that defines wedding terms in easy to understand language. Some of the definitions are just that: simple definitions. Others are abbreviations and the definitions. I tried to keep the definitions as simple as possible.

The wedding glossary will be continually updated (there are still a ton more terms to add), so if you don’t see a word on there that you would like to know more about, please let me know.

Enjoy!

The Wedding Glossary Logo

A Vermont Wedding Venue: The Blue Horse Inn

The Blue Horse Inn: An Intimate Vermont Wedding Venue

 

The Blue Horse Inn is the ideal setting for your Vermont Wedding. With sweeping grounds overlooking the Ottauquechee River and Mt. Tom, ten gracious rooms to accomodate your wedding party, sophisticated common spaces that your guests will love, and easy access to Woodstock village, The Blue Horse Inn offers the perfect balance of luxury and intimacy for your destination wedding in Vermont.

Built in 1831 by Joel Eaton, the house at 3 Church Street has seen many incarnations. It is rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad and local lore has it that General Lafayette may have slept here. The east wing was added in the 1860′s and was later used as a recovery home for civil war veterans.

Ms. Eleanor Paine converted the house to a bed and breakfast in the early 1990′s. Known simply as “3 Church Street,” the house became a beloved local landmark, and Ms. Paine is still fondly remembered by former guests and Woodstock residents as kind and full of good-humor. In 2006, 3 Church was rechristened “The Lauren” under the proprietorship of Jack and Nicole Maiden. The Maidens carefully updated the old house, combining a classic aesthetic with a modern twist. The house becam The Blue Horse Inn when is was purchased by the current owners in August 2009. The new owners are excited to see their own interests and enthusiasms contribute to the history of the house at 3 Church Street, and they look forward to continuing its’ tradition of conviviality and hospitality.

Hosts, Anna and Keri delight in opening their home to kind people, good food and fun gatherings, though their backgrounds in modern European history and ancient religions did not explicitly prepare them for the hospitality industry.

What is the craziest thing that has happened at a wedding? We promised not to tell.

The Blue Horse Inn

 

A Vermont Wedding: Kara and Jason

A Vermont Wedding: Kara and Jason

Real Vermont Wedding: Kara and Jason's Lakeside Wedding

 Wedding Team: Photography:  Paige Hiller Photography \ Ceremony and Reception Venue:
Equinox Resort and Spa, The Pond Pavilion \ Floral: Flowers, Flowers Floral Designs

August 2011

Within you, I lose myself.
Without you, I find myself wanting to be lost again.
Unknown
Vermont Weddings, August in Vermont