A Church Wedding in Woodstock, Vermont

When we started in the wedding industry about 15 years ago it seemed like we were at a church or two each weekend.  Over the years the trend has changed to having the ceremony and reception all in one place, usually a venue or private property. 

This summer we had the pleasure of planning two church ceremonies.   Both weddings were unique and special...  While we really do love all weddings, I think I have a soft spot for a church ceremony because my husband, Peter, and I were married in the family church back in 2003 in Arlington, MA.

A church wedding definitely comes with a few advantages.  At your church you will have access to a built in sound system and seating which means you won't have to rent them.  You will not need a rain plan since the ceremony will be inside.  Your officiant usually comes along with price of the church so there is no added expense, of course it is always nice to tip him or her for their services.  Also, there is often a great assistant in the church office that will help us navigate through the policies of the church.

There are also a few details to keep in mind when thinking about a church wedding.  You or your fiance may need to be a member of the church to get married there.  There may be some requirements or classes you will need to complete before your wedding so make sure you contact them at least 9 months ahead of your wedding date.  Which brings me to your wedding date... make sure you know of any restrictions with times and dates before you have your heart set on one.  Also, keep in mind there may be a few decor restrictions such as, no petals on the aisle or they may ask you leave some flowers behind to be enjoyed by their parish during weekend services.

There truly is something so timeless, classic and traditional about a church wedding. Reach out so we can start to plan your ceremony right away. 

Your Vermont Wedding Planner,

Randi

Vermont & New Hampshire vendors who helped bring this ceremony to life:

Grazier Photography || Jasper and Prudence Floral and Events || The Woodstock Inn

Flawless Cosmetic Design ||  Butler Bus Service ||  Katherine Yost, VSO

Father Mike Augustinowitz of Our Lady of Snows

Always have a Rain Plan for your Vermont Wedding

Randi's number one rule for your Vermont Wedding

Always have a backup plan or two in case of rain

Can you even imagine if this was your wedding day?  Storms seem to sweep over the lake or through the mountains very quickly here in Vermont. While the majority of our wedding days are suuny, you never know if a storm will hit during your outside wedding ceremony. Thank God for Weather Bug!  I know that I make my staff crazy by checking the app about every 10 minutes on of our wedding days.  Some might say I'm a little obsessed.  I like to say that I am 'always prepared.'

So, what will I do if it rains on your wedding day?  Well, I will jump into the predetermined Rain Plan.  We will have this plan in place weeks ahead of your big day. 

But what will you do? 

First, just give yourself a minute to be disappointed if you had been praying for sun, then remember what the day is truly about. I will be there to remind you to take a deep breath and focus on the positive.  This will be OK.  It will be better than OK, it's your wedding day!

Next, we want you to get back to that place of calm and happy, (maybe not calm but I aim of I do aim for happy) enjoying your closest friends and family as we change the plans from outside to inside or on to the porch and prep for the impending storm.  We need you to trust your vendors.  They've done events in the rain hundreds of times.  They will be prepared to shift plans on a moments notice.  This is why we encourage you to hire the best seasoned professionals available.

Here's a ceremony that had to be brought up onto the porch at the Grand Isle Lake House captured by North Photography.

Just for a moment let's look at all of the great things that come out of a rainy day wedding.

First, good luck, this is what my grandmother always said.  Who can argue with her or a future full of good luck?

Adorable rain boots...  we know you want to get a pair anyways, now you have a reason to do so.  And of course, a cute umbrella.  If you don't pick one up ahead of time we can always rent them for you. And finally, gorgeous images in the rain like one captured below by Jennifer Mardus Photography.

This next shot is one of my all time favorite rainy day wedding images captured by Stina Booth Photography at Vermont National Country Club.  The misty rain was the perfect backdrop for soft romantic images.  The rain meant we moved the ceremony up onto the porch over looking the gold course.  It really brought everyone together.  The whole day had such a warm and intimate feel.  The rain does not have to ruin your day.

If it does rain on your day, let us help you through it.  We will talk and think about how this scenario might play out ahead of time so that you are mentally prepared.  We will be there with you to walk you through each step.  And all of your vendors will be ready to dig in and help on that day.  Like I mentioned above.  This will be OK.  It will be better than OK, it's your wedding day!

And sometimes you get a few moments when the rain slows and you end with a moment like this.

                                                                                                               Stina Booth Photography

Let's talk soon about your wedding day Rain Plan.  And remember, even on the rainiest wedding day the bride still shines bright.

Your Vermont Wedding Planner,
Randi