I absolutely love heading up to Vermont for weddings, and I especially love Mountain Top Inn wedding photos. It’s such a unique place to get married, and it feels like you’re so far removed from everyday life up there. I was last there two years ago for a mid summer wedding, but I’m pretty sure that it’s even more gorgeous in the winter. There’s something so romantic about the pretty snow, the wood cabins, and the warm fireplaces dotted around this beautiful resort. Plus, if you’re an adventurous bride and groom, you can go sledding in your wedding clothes the day after the wedding!

Lauren and John live in New Hampshire with their pup Murph. When I first met with them, they told me how John is super outdoorsy, and loves hunting and fishing. Lauren on the other hand loves warm fireplaces and snuggling up with John and the pup. A weekend of winter wedding fun with family and friends could not be more perfect for them, and I was pretty excited to capture their amazing celebration. I headed up the morning before the wedding to settle in and acclimatize myself to the frosty mountain air. It also gave me the opportunity to take some pretty landscape photos of this gorgeous spot, so you’ll see a few of those sprinkled throughout this post too. On Saturday morning, bright and early, I joined John and the guys as they gathered for breakfast at Mountain Aire Lodge, one of the rental properties attached to the Mountain Top Inn. I was greeted in the kitchen by Lauren’s dad, beaming and cooking, and offering me a huge plate of ham and eggs … perfect!

This breakfast was fierce! And oh so very tasty …

The guys were feeling a little rough around the edges after an evening of drinking around the fire pit the night before, but that didn’t stop them from getting cosy on the couch!

Lauren and the girls were getting ready at another of the Inn’s vacation rentals, The Jewel. It’s a gorgeous property with high ceilings and phenomenal views of the main Inn, and the mountains and lake beyond. The atmosphere there was calm and happy.

I love this emotional photo of one of Lauren’s friends watching Lauren get prepped:

Lauren designed her own invitations and they were awesome! I had no idea quite how crafty she is, and walking into the barn later that day was such a fun surprise – she has quite the eye for design.

Lauren’s sister helped her into her sweet dress. You’d think that a winter wedding would be a great time to take advantage of a huge poufy bridal gown … but no, not Lauren! She went with slinky and rocked it, despite the frosty temperatures outside … and she so impressed me by spending much of the afternoon outside for portraits – the high that day was an icy 8 degrees!

After a cute first look, Lauren, John and I headed out into the snow for some portraits. We were in and out of cars, trying to keep warm, and these two were absolute troupers. I was wearing four layers of clothing, a fur hat, snow boots, leather gloves and a balaclava … and I was still freezing. These guys were amazing. And I’m so happy too – we got some pretty great shots.

The wedding party was awesome too – there were no complaints about their frosty Mountain Top Inn wedding photos!

Late afternoon, we finished photos and headed down to the brand new barn for the ceremony. John and Lauren were the second couple ever to get married in the barn, and it was fun working in such a new space.

One of my favorite photos of the day is of Lauren and her dad as they turned the corner to walk down the aisle. Lauren’s expression is just wonderful!

There were four great readings by close friends and family members, on love, friendship, family and marriage.

Lauren’s uncle’s reading was hilarious – I love Lauren and John’s reactions here:

The reception was held downstairs in the main barn. The decor was simple, but so sweet. I especially loved the table numbers; each number had meaning in the couple’s life together. Table seven was for the seven years they’ve been together; table fourteen was for the 14 states they’ve vacationed in together; and table one million was because John always says, “A million times I love you” when he kisses Lauren. Love!

This little flower girl was so precious!

We ran outside for a few last portraits as the sun was beginning to set – love the colors here:

The toasts were pretty emotional …

Such an awesome view!

The rest of the evening was spent dancing to a great band, and eating cider donuts (yum!)

The dancing got crazy at points – and this next photo is one of my very favorites of the evening. This little guy was having the time of his life! Thank you Lauren and John for being such gracious hosts, for having such a beautiful, emotional and fun filled wedding, and for trusting me to document your perfect day. I absolutely loved working with you, and your families and friends! And I hope to someday travel back to Vermont to take some more Mountain Top Inn wedding photos at this magical spot.

The post Mountain Top Inn Wedding Photos in Vermont: Lauren + John appeared first on Boston Wedding Photographer Kate McElwee.

I’d spotted the wooden gate during my run that morning.  The lake was up next – love that beach, love that view!

And a couple of last outdoor portrait locations before we called it a day.  I was soaked up to the knees by that point, and Aldo and Kaitlin presumably wanted to save some of their thinking-sunny cheer for their guests!

For the group photos, I found a covered porch on the front of the Inn.  I love the bridal party’s “silly face” shots. 

After crossing our fingers all day for a break in the rain, it became clear that the outdoor ceremony was not to be.  Still, there’s something moody and romantic about weather like this …

The ceremony was lovely.  We were packed into the tent like sardines, and it felt warm and good.  There was a lot of love in that room.

The final installment will be along in a couple of days – prepare yourselves for some *crazy* party action!

The post Chittenden, Vermont Wedding: Kaitlin + Aldo Portraits and Ceremony appeared first on Boston Wedding Photographer Kate McElwee.