Summer Vermont Elopement Reception | August 9th, 2024
Carole and Tom gathered family and friends for an exuberant summer Vermont elopement reception at the Grand Isle Lake House in Vermont. The pair had eloped the year prior and wanted to commemorate their union with a party, dancing, and good food with loved ones in attendance.
Tom's previous wife tragically passed away, but the love that he discovered with Carole kicked off a 20-plus year connection, and they decided to formally marry in 2023. The couple's rainy summer day consisted of joyful family portraits, bicycle entrances, a live band performance and a beautiful rainbow behind the signature green mountains of Vermont.
The Venue: Grand Isle Lake House | Grand Isle, Vermont
Located along the shores of Lake Champlain just an hour north of Burlington, the Grand Isle Lake House has gorgeous views of the mountains. The venue offered plenty of open space for photos, gathering and dancing.
Summer Vermont Elopement Celebration | The Story
Carole and Tom began their day at the Grand Isle Lake House greeting attendees and getting ready for the reception with loved ones. For the occasion, Carole wore a non-traditional pink dress and was assisted in putting on her wrist corsage by her sister, while Tom looked debonair in a navy blue suit, striped shirt and orange tie. Carole personally assisted him in putting on his matching orange corsage. Because there was no wedding party for the elopement, the couple spent the early afternoon taking official photos with each other, family and loved ones on the porch in the rainy Vermont afternoon before cocktail hour. Hurricane remnants didn't put a damper on the festivities as The Grift created a lively musical experience for the start of the celebration.
The party and wedding guests made their way down to a large white tent for the official wedding reception, where Tom and Carole made their grand entrance on a two-seater bicycle—with a "Just Married (Finally)" sign on the very front—to cheerful applause from those in attendance. The couple are avid cyclists, riding all over the world from France to the United States, so this was the perfect way to make their grand entrance.
Tom and Carole exchanged emotional speeches in the presence of guests ahead of dinner, which was enough to clear the cloudy skies in favor of a sunnier evening and a rainbow to boot! Everyone made their way back to the lake house for speeches from the wedding party and a special PowerPoint from the wedded couple's siblings, containing memories throughout the years. The Grift took the stage one more time as guests danced vibrantly and took more photos to round out the night.
Congratulations, Carole and Tom, on your beautiful Vermont elopement and reception. Wishing you continued jubilation on your journey together!
Looking to book a photographer for your Vermont elopement or summer reception? Get in touch with me today!
Venue: Grand Isle Lake House
Florist: Savage Gardens, Amanda Gervais
Cake/Desserts: Em’s Cakery, Emily Hertle
DJ/Band: The Grift
Hair/Makeup: Marisa Ward
Catering: Let’s Pretend
Wedding Dress(es): Black Halo
Shoes: Rieker
Jewelry/Rings: Monelle's
Save the Dates/Programs/Invites: Paperlesspost
Favors/Gifts: Swaying Daisies Honeybee Farm, Karen Posner














