This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding with an amazing couple at the picturesque West Mountain Inn.

I began chatting with Nicolette (Nicky) last November. Her emails were peppered with exclamation points and smiley faces and her enthusiasm, excitement and sincerity were palpable. When I finally met Nicky in person she was the absolute incarnation of the exuberant personality I was expecting. Her fiancé Tim was cool, calm, and collected but excited about the upcoming wedding and happy to chat about photography. They were both refreshingly open with thoughts and ideas and together we formed a plan to capture the images they wanted while allowing them to spend the maximum amount of time with their guests. 

The day began in the bridal suite. There was no official bridal party, just family. The room was beautiful, bright and open. It was quiet and peaceful and happy. I have never seen a bride so calm, relaxed and unrushed. We took a few photos in the room and then went to meet the groom for a "first look". There were smiles and hugs when Tim turned around and saw his beautiful bride for the first time. The two had a moment together and then went to meet family members for pre-ceremony photos. The group photos were quick and efficient thanks to Nicky's super organizational skills and we had plenty of time left for couples photos before the ceremony.

Nicky and Tim are two of the most photogenic people I have ever met. When they looked at each other they laughed or smiled and every single smile was genuine. Nicky was fearless in her wedding dress and we ventured from forest to field and then back to the barn. 

Nicky and Tim were married at the West Mountain Inn under a clear blue sky, surrounded by the mountains, the forest, their family and friends. They walked, together, into the center of a circle to exchange vows and rings with the love and support of those closest to them. The ceremony was personal and heartfelt.  It was the first time I have ever seen a circle like this and I hope it won't be the last. It powerfully symbolic of the neverending love and support a bride and groom promise to each other on their wedding day. No one had to move around for a better view or dart into the aisle for a photo. All eyes were on the bride and groom. It was absolutely perfect. 

The rest of the evening was a giant party. There was good local beer and cornhole boards. There was a wonderful solo guitarist for the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour and a fantastic DJ for the dance party inside the Inn's gorgeous barn. There were speeches and hugs, a delicious meal and a Ben & Jerry's cart, cigars on the lawn and the macarena.

At the end of the evening as the light was fading I snuck the bride and groom out for one last photo. It has quickly become one of my favorite images from the day. 

I wish Nicolette and Timothy a long and happy marriage from the bottom of my heart. They are an extraordinary couple with huge hearts and great smiles.

Special thanks to Terry and the West Mountain Inn staff for being so kind and working so hard to make Nicky and Tim's day perfect.  Thanks to guitarist Dayve Huckett for his talent, repertoire and for seamlessly transitioning from "Greensleeves" to "Led Zeppelin". That moment literally made my day. Thanks also to Jim Severance, the DJ who actually played music that made people get up and dance!

http://westmountaininn.com/ , http://www.dayvehuckett.net/ , http://www.partyvermont.com/