Rachel & Nate tied the knot on a beautiful Fall day in October in scenic Vermont. The day began at the stately Shelburne Farms, where the couple planned to have their first look.
“Getting dressed was a joyful experience that roused a lot of excited emotion but emotion nonetheless. Knowing that Nate was down in the library being photographed just downstairs made me so eager to get to him as quickly as I could! It was a magical moment walking out of the Inn at Shelburne Farms across the manicured lawns and down through the impeccable gardens towards my sweet (and handsome!) groom. Tapping him on the shoulder and seeing him felt so comforting and special. I felt his love as he saw me and we immediately began laughing with joy.”
Afterwards, everyone departed for the ceremony at Burlington’s iconic First Unitarian Universalist Church that sits at the top of Church St. As each guest entered the sun-filled church, they were invited to hold the wedding rings as part of a ring warming tradition.
“Walking down the aisle with my dad was super emotional. Knowing our families were at the front, seeing my brother who officiated under the chuppah, and seeing friends from the back all the way to the front made me so excited to get to Nate. Despite the excitement, knowing how much I wanted to slow down and experience each moment and sip it in allowed me to really be present with my dad during our walk down the aisle to the song I always imagined walking down the aisle with him to, “Canon In D”, played on the grand piano by a close friend of Nate and I.
We wrote our own vows and shared them only with each other during the ceremony and this was a really tender experience. It felt like it was just he and I as we shared our promises and commitments yet I knew we had the great blessing of so many bearing witness to this incredible exchange.”
The reception was held at the ECHO Center on Burlington’s Waterfront Park. “The toasts and first dances were very emotional as well as we each got to see and feel the love of our family and friends as a couple and as individuals. Having our family and friends under one roof in love and community with one another was a gift that we will never forget and that we will always treasure. This felt hugely emotional and like an honor that left us in awe and deeply in thanks.”
One things that struck me about Rachel & Nate as a couple was how they were 100% present and joyful throughout the whole wedding. I asked them what advice they would give to other couples on mindfulness.
“This day is about you and your partner above all. Remember to look your partner in their eyes often throughout the day and night and check in with each other as a “home” base that can slow everything else down for that moment. Remember also that people have traveled far and wide to celebrate you and your unique love for one another. They are not coming to see a show or to see anything other than your authentic selves. Show up as you are (albeit a little fancier than every other day, perhaps) and know that you are deeply loved and cared for by each of your guests in their own way. Remember to nourish your body that day as well as to nourish your mind however you need to. Stay out of your head and stay present for the moments because they go by all too quickly! Little things might happen because life is imperfect and making the choice to embrace the imperfections helps a lot. Focus on LOVE, JOY, and the CONNECTION of all of the pieces and pause often to remember those things. “
On advice for the logistics of planning a wedding,
“Our priorities were pretty simple: We wanted to create a space where family and friends could come together in community to celebrate us and to celebrate each other for supporting us and guiding us to this day. We wanted our “people” to feel our love, feel loved, and to move forward in love after our special day. We wanted our family and friends to feel appreciated for all they have shared with us. We wanted a joyful day that looked and felt beautiful. Family and friends were central to every decision we made. We chose the venues with them in mind, the menu with them in mind, and every other piece with them in mind. We knew that would be the key to US having the best day possible. There were of course financial considerations that were a part of our decision making process as well, but creating a lovely experience for ourselves and our guests was the top priority.
As you are choosing your vendors keep in mind that you will remember each person who helped make your day happen long after the wedding! Choose people who you connect with and who you will feel excited to spend the day with. Choose people who you will think of and smile years later. In a really beautiful way they are the ones who are orchestrating the beautiful magic that becomes your wedding day and the day that you will celebrate year after year. We are so very thankful for each person who touched our day and shared themselves with us as we became wife and husband!”
Big thank you to my second shooter Jacquelyn Potter, who is a fabulously talented lovely lady!
Dress: Fiori // Dress Alterations by: Cecile Pratte // Shoes: Nordstrom, Badgley Mischka // Hair: The parlor, Casey Lipka // Make-up: PierVana // Florals: In Full Bloom // Food: Catering by Dale // Bar: Fluid Bar Services // Venues: Inn at Shelburne Farms, First Unitarian Universalist Church, ECHO // DJ: Evan LaCompte Wedding DJ Vermont // Second Shooter: Jacquelyn Potter
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