Peak Foliage Northeast Kingdom Elopement | October 6th, 2024

Kate and Max embraced the magic of peak foliage in Vermont by celebrating their union with an intimate elopement with their immediate family and friends at Lake Derby in October. The couple planned a day filled with their favorite things, from a custom made pearl necklace designed by the father of the groom to a fully catered dinner celebration with their family. Their day was a true reflection of their personalities, with every moment brimming with laughter, joy, and Vermont's stunning beauty.

The Locations: Sentinel Rock, Lake Willoughby, Lake Derby

Nested in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, the Airbnb at Lake Derby was the perfect location for Kate and Max to host their intimate family elopement. The backyard of their Airbnb that led down to the lake was the perfect location for the couple to host their ceremony with their closest family members. It boasted a huge kitchen and dining area, which was the setting for the couples post-elopement reception with a catered dinner.

Just 20 minutes away from the Airbnb is the town of Westmore, Vermont--home to the famous Lake Willoughby and lesser known but just as beautiful Sentinel Rock. These two locations—close in proximity—were the perfect places to capture Kate and Max's just married portraits.

Peak Foliage Northeast Kingdom Elopement | The Story

Kate and Max began their day at their Airbnb along Lake Derby. They started the day with getting ready, half the group getting their hair and makeup done while the other half set up decor and put together a beautiful charcuterie board while making cocktails. Kate looked absolutely beautiful in a long white gown, paired with a delicate pair of long lace white gloves and kitten heels. Max looked just as handsome in a dark blue suit and blue floral tie.

The couple shared a first look in the backyard under a beautifully bright tree. Kate was so excited to see Max, she didn't even do the classic "shoulder touch,". She just ran around to Max's front to hold his hands and gave him a kiss. The ceremony took place in the backyard, where Kate and Max processed into their circle of chairs with their family members. Kate's sister was even a flower girl, tossing fresh rose petals down the makeshift aisle. Max's parents and Kate's grandmother all gave readings, and a regal blue heron even made an appearance to join in on the celebrating.

After the ceremony, the couple and their family posed for group portraits in the backyard. Kate wanted to ensure each couple got their own "glamour shots", so we did posed couples portraits of all couples in attendance. We even recreated a childhood photo of Kate and her sisters!

Kate, Max and I then headed out to Westmore to catch the sunset at Sentinel Rock. The sun setting over the gorgeous mountains was the perfect backdrop for their just married portraits. They even got a hearty congratulations from a couple watching the sunset from their car in the parking lot! To end the day, we wandered down to South Beach at Lake Willoughby to catch blue hour along the water.

Congratulations Kate and Max on your beautiful Vermont fall elopement. Wishing you both endless happiness and love in this new chapter!