How do I even describe Sam and Phoebe’s wedding day? Joyful. Wholesome. Intentional. Words don’t seem to do it justice. I suppose that’s why I’m a photographer - I love to tell stories with images instead of words. But, I’ll do my best to give some context for the gallery below.
Phoebe and Sam each got ready at Naulakha, a Landmark Trust Property where Rudyard Kipling (yes, the author of The Jungle Book!) use to live. They commandeered separate floors in the house on a cloudy Vermont day in early summer. The rhododendrons around the property were bursting with soft pink blooms and the old wooden floors of the house creaked as everyone made trips back and forth to the kitchen for more bagels. It was a blast - Sam and his friends drank, ate, and played pool in the attic while Phoebe had her hair done by her older sister in a bedroom below while all of her closest girl friends looked on. There was so much laughter and storytelling even then, that I should have known just how much more there was to come.
Once ready, Phoebe and Sam met at the far end of the rhododendron tunnel at the edge of the woods for their quiet first look. As Phoebe approached in her bold blue chunky heels and wispy sheer gown, I swear it was like she floated up to Sam. Their love just felt so light light and carefree as we walked the grounds together capturing them as a pair.
A huge benefit of the first look, aside from having a private moment alone (SO rare on a wedding day!) is that by doing so, it often frees the couple up for family photos before the ceremony. These two took advantage and we captured all of their family groups (including a shot with their darling pup, Zippy!) before heading down the road to Scott Farm Orchard for the ceremony and reception.
During the ceremony, Phoebe and Sam involved their loved ones in the officiating, readings, and ring bearing. After they celebrated their marriage with a kiss and started recessing down the aisle, guests showered them with sprays of dried flowers and petals.
The cocktail hour had the cutest little champagne “farm” stand I’ve ever seen! Complete with a bar, bistro lights, and snack station, it was both an easygoing and beautiful setting. Guests could find their table numbers by finding the piece of chocolate that had their name and table number on it. Phoebe and Sam were so thoughtful that even this part of the day was customized for guests - vegan chocolate for vegan friends, or a Tootsie Roll for the guest who ironically hates chocolate but loves Tootsie Rolls.
My favorite detail in the reception decor was that Phoebe’s mother had lovingly crafted many (I think in the realm of 40!) ceramic vases to hold the dining table florals. These vases rested alongside disposable cameras for guests to use and capture their own favorite moments (tip: if you use disposable cameras at your reception, make signs or an announcement so that guests know to turn the flash ON when indoors!) During dinner, there were about nine different speeches as everyone enjoyed the carefully curated menu (Sam is a chef). I had never been to a reception with so many speeches, and they were each so delightful and touching in their own way. It was another testament to how much Phoebe and Sam wanted to invite their loved ones to participate in their day as much as possible.
After dinner, of course it was time to dance and the crowd was ready to go! The DJ got the party started right away and everyone hit the floor with their best moves. From making giant chains snaking through the room to screaming along with the lyrics with arms around each other, the night passed too quickly under the string lights glowing overhead. It was the perfect way to end a day full of joy and celebration.
Getting Ready Venue: Naulakha
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Scott Farm Orchard
Caterer: A Vermont Table
DJ: Chris Costello
