Here are some favorites from my engagement session with Shawn and Lindsey who are getting married at the Essex this year. They are such a fun, down-to-earth couple and I’m really looking forward to their big day We meandered around scenic Fairfield VT for some fun rusticity.

Although these photos have a decidedly fall flavor, they can still be a reminder to get outside! I’m excited for the upcoming engagement sessions I have this spring and I can’t wait to dive into the summer wedding and portrait season. Mmm, summer.

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I don’t think that when Ben and Christine picked a February wedding date, they had in mind the kind of winter we had this year. I should say didn’t have. Usually you can place a safe bet that it will be wintry in February in Vermont. In most years you might worry that it would get too wintry. But as their date drew nearer I was more worried that we wouldn’t have any snow at all!

When I woke that day to find a dusting of snow…just enough…and a sunny bluebird sky, I was glad that the wedding weather gods had shone down on us. The air was crisp, but just right for soft furry jackets and hot chocolate. And after how absolutely gorgeous it was for Ben and Christine’s long awaited big day I’d like to make the case for more winter weddings. Think about it…no bugs, less traffic, perfect yummy light, and the cold air makes everyone snuggle even closer.

The Old Lantern was a bright pop of color in the winter sun. Christine was getting ready at the Lantern’s new Inn, a bright rustic cozy new spot just a skip away from the Lantern.

While Christine was getting the finishing touches, I poked around to find all the goodies. First thing I found was a handwritten card patiently waiting to be delivered to Ben.

I also found these words…

The bridal suite with its classic decor made a great backdrop for a wedding dress.

While the girls were finishing with hair and makeup, I popped over to the Lantern to see Ben.

Half self-impressed, half bewildered.

Ben kindly helped the boys get ready.

His brother and best man helped with his finishing touches.

Back at the Inn I caught this little peeper…

Christine had plenty of help getting ready.

Mom’s expression was one of joy and sadness. Where does the time go?

The bride…

Both ready to go!

The ceremony was being performed at St. Michael’s College Chapel which is a huge bright space, great for a wedding ceremony. Ben greeted me with a warm welcoming smile. His only concern was if Christine was doing okay which I reassured him she was.

On her way…

A moment together finally, and a moment to relax.

I always love to catch these little moments between a couple. We all have them. Chances are the exchange is usually “Did you remember…” or “Don’t forget to…” but in the middle of getting married, what do we say?

A view of the stunning chapel.

Married!

Family and friends were all good sports for braving the chill for the outdoor group shots. Who could pass up the beautiful light? Here’s a fun shot of the wedding party.

Ben and Christine donned their winter wedding wear…Christine’s faux fur and Ben’s woolly coat…so that we could have more fun outside. We lingered around the St. Michael’s campus for a few.

Then we made a few stops on the way back to the Lantern. This was the view from the Shelburne Museum.

I brought a few treats for the chilly couple…knowing they would need both warmth and a little snack. Christine’s favorite is hot chocolate which makes a great winter photo prop too.

See? There was snow!

This was one of my favorites…a view quickly stolen from a private drive along the way. Shhh, don’t tell.

Our last stop was at the quaint country store in Charlotte. It had the warm Vermonty feel.

Guests were reminded that it was winter with all the snowy decor dressing up the Lantern.

Ski passes made name cards and a snowboarder swooshed atop the groom’s cake.

The couple arrived and started the evening with their first dance.

Speeches followed.

And of course Dad got to dance with Christine and Mom with Ben.

The evening continued with lots of dancing, both fast…

…and slow. My favorite part of Ben and Christine’s day was that they made time for each other. It’s hard to do in the hustle and bustle but so important. Congratulations to both of you…best wishes in all of your travels!

Before the 2012 wedding season gets too far underway, I have one last wedding from 2011 to share. It was a special day for Tom and Casey, who got married last October in St. Albans and celebrated at The Old Lantern in Charlotte VT. It was a day that wasn’t about the weather, or all the crazy last minute details…it was about Tom and Casey surrounded by their amazing friends and family.

I started off the day capturing some moments of the groom getting ready at his family’s home in St. Albans. It was a flurry of shoes, bows, buttons and pocket folds.

According to his nieces, Tom looked good!

The handsome groom…

Tom and his nephew struck this funny pose before I left. The little guy was stressed that his suit wasn’t “hip-hop” enough, but it’s really and attitude…right?

My next stop was visiting the bride to catch her finishing getting ready. She and her ladies were putting the final touches on at Casey’s aunt’s dance studio in downtown St. Albans.

The girls had a great time spinning the day away while they waited for the rest of the ladies to get ready.

Being a dance studio, there was no shortage of mirrors! I had a lot of fun being able to capture Casey from every angle.

The stunning bride…

The weather held off just long enough for Casey and her girls to make the short walk from the studio through the park to the church.

The walk was just long enough for the excitement to build…

Tom’s calm demeanor broke only for a second to reveal just an ounce of nerves…

…until the bride made her way down the aisle. She seemed to have an instant calming effect.

The vows.

Married!

A quick kiss before the crowd swarmed.

We peeked outside to check the weather and it was just starting to drizzle. We reverted to plan B for the group photos.

Before heading out with the wedding party, I was able to grab some shots of the couple in the church’s doorway.

At this point it was really raining. Hard. But it didn’t stop me from finding colorful moments and it didn’t stop Casey from smiling.

I took the wedding party to UVM’s Ira Allen Chapel since it afforded plenty of sheltered wide open space. The guys…

And the girls…

It was a big group!

The chapel has great light and pretty spots to tuck away a couple.

I’d say the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

One last shot of the couple.

We made our way to the Old Lantern for the reception. The warm light and fresh colors of the flowers were a welcome sight after the rain!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Waltz.

A very sweet first dance.

The speeches…

Proud (and tearful) parents.

Let the dancing begin!

These flower girls were not afraid of the spotlight!

The ring bearer finally got to break out his hip-hop moves…not too shabby! Dancing is a big part of both families so I had a blast during the reception. And I caught a quick nuzzle between Jon and Kelsey, one of my former couples.

Candy and cake.

I happened to peek outside to find that it was still pouring but I don’t think the guests inside had a clue, they were having too much fun!

These last two were a couple of my favorites of Tom with his grandmother. First they shared a sweet dance together.

But Tom’s grandmother also had some fun. She fit right in with the younger crowd as they gathered outside for a celebratory cigar. This was just too funny not to post! So many congratulations to Tom and Casey!