Relaxed. Fun. Friends. Family. These are the words Amy and Kris used in their first communications with me to describe their wedding day plans. Just from these initial details, I could tell they had their priorities straight. The more I got to know them, the more I learned just how true that really is. Amy and Kris have a lot in common, as they both work in healthcare and love to spend their free time in the great outdoors during all four seasons. So, not only do they enjoy connecting with people, but nature as well. Cue my happy dance!
Both bride and groom prepared for their day at Naulakha, a Landmark Trust USA property that used to be the home of Rudyard Kipling. I had captured wedding preparations here before and was so thrilled to return because the buildings are gorgeous and that LIGHT! Huge windows bathe the rooms in beautiful sunshine that’s just perfect for impromptu portraits. Kris got dressed in the Carriage House, which is much fancier than its name would suggest, while Amy got ready with a little help from Vermont Bridal Beauty in the main house. Before heading down to the first look, each opened a special gift from the other - an engraved watch for Kris, and a lovely bracelet for Amy. Once Amy was fully dressed, I could not pick my jaw up off the floor - her veil was jus the perfect touch of drama and it all meshed so wonderfully with the Naulakha interior.
Then came the first look in the garden. Surrounded by the ancient rhododendrons with mountains in the distance, Kris and Amy admired each other and could not stop beaming as we waltzed all over the hillside. The final portrait we captured was one of my favorites - a zoomed out landscape shot of the couple on the Naulakha balcony. Such a special setting!
After some family portraits, we all headed to Scott Farm Orchard for the ceremony and reception. in Vermont was the perfect backdrop for their day. Peter Miles played on guitar to welcome guests to the ceremony space by the pond. Everybody was invited to take a little cup of dried flower petals - these came in handy later :) The ceremony was beautiful and unique to Kris, Amy, and their families. Some memorable moments were when Amy’s dad mixed up his words while presenting her to Kris and the officiant, which had everyone busting out laughing. And the vows…let’s just say I had to blink away tears to see through my viewfinder! After the officiant pronounced the couple married, the guests finally got to toss their dried petals in the air as Amy and Kris recessed down the aisle. That moment was pure joy.
A small subset of The MILES Band played some jazz tunes during cocktail hour while everybody sipped and snacked. Then it was time to head inside for dinner. Everyone enjoyed delicious food by Bloods Catering and loving speeches from family before the band really got the dancing going. For dessert, Kris and Amy sliced up a pie and their loved ones had to make the impossible decision between tasty pies and a BEN AND JERRY’S CART! Such an epic treat and so perfect for a Vermont wedding.
As the dancing was ramping up, I stole Amy and Kris away for a few minutes to capture some final portraits of them at sunset. The moon had risen and the sky was a dusky blue as we wandered among the barns and by the pond, the raucous music and twinkle lights hovering in the distance. Their happiness was palpable, and I couldn’t help smiling ear to ear myself.
Congratulations to Amy and Kris!
Getting Ready Venue: Naulakha
Wedding Venue: Scott Farm Orchard
Catering: Bloods Catering
Music: The MILES Band
Rentals: DBC Rentals Plus
