Well, things might have turned a bit upside down in the past couple of weeks, but that is not going to stop me from sharing beautiful memories from last year! I am holding on to every shred of hope that I get to keep all of my 2020 couples and go forward with their weddings, especially if they have to get postponed. I would hate to miss out on days like this West Monitor Barn wedding!

Carissa and Morgan had what I could only describe as an absolutely perfect wedding day last August. It was a clear, warm day, with lots of “happy puffy clouds” as Bob Ross might say, Vermont was showing us the best of the best that day. On top of that, they had their friend perform the ceremony, and I have to say it was probably one of the best, most personal, most entertaining ceremonies that I have been witness to! (And that is quite a few, my friends… hundreds, in fact). The couple themselves just seemed to be basking in all that beauty, with so many of their families and friends from across the country there for them, enjoying every minute. And I was feeling so lucky since they did a first look (yay!), and also we got to sneak out after dinner for sunset photos, which were my favorite of the day.

And I won’t let any of the vendors go by unmentioned! Annika Fullum of Assorted Artistries was the MVP of the day, as the planner extraordinaire, running around while keeping everything running smoothly. The DJ, Patrick Quimby, was just awesome, keeping the afternoon chill and relaxed and then ramping it up for the dancing. And the food, OMG. Farmers and Foragers were there with their food truck, and it was ahhhmazing.

Lastly, the venue itself: West Monitor Barn in Richmond, VT. Carissa had mentioned that they were looking for a barn wedding venue in New England that could seat lots of guests, and West Monitor was it! It’s a gorgeous space inside, but obviously you can’t beat those views outside the barn. The rolling green hills of Vermont right there! Fields of wildflowers! Lots of space for all these kiddos (and kids at heart) to run around outside on a beautiful summer day.

Thanks again you guys for trusting me with your wedding day!! I loved being a part of your wedding at West Monitor Barn.

I’ve asked Carissa some questions about the day, her answers are in italics throughout. Keep scrolling for all the details of this West Monitor Barn wedding!

The amazing backdrop through the fields of wildflowers, walking to the first look location.

How did you meet your partner/get engaged?

We met in grad school, both studying to be physical therapists. After we graduated, he took me up to a mountain waterfall in New Hampshire where I went swimming as a child. After we jumped into the frigid water, he got down on one knee and gave me the ring he had hidden in our towels.

I just love these sweet moments of Morgan walking down the aisle with his parents.

Look at this view! I just can’t imagine a more gorgeous place for a wedding.

What happens when you try to be serious for just one photo…

What were your goals for your wedding day?

We wanted to be outside in nature, leaving plenty of time for people to visit and play between the ceremony and dinner, and we wanted there to be lots of dancing.

Anika of Assorted Artistries made this magic happen in an empty barn! All while keeping everything running smoothly on the day of the wedding.

The couple wanted everyone to be able to spread out and enjoy themselves during the wedding, and that is something you can definitely do at the West Monitor Barn, especially on a perfect day like this was.

You were always there, capturing moments, but honestly I didn't notice you much, which was pretty wonderful. You told us from the beginning that you like to capture the natural moments and blend into the background unobtrusively, which is exactly what you did.

What were your first reactions to the photos?

They were natural, nothing was rigidly posed. It didn't feel like someone else's wedding. It was ours, and I could feel that in the photos.

I absolutely loved their choreographed first dance! They were obviously having so much fun with it.

It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people who loved us, to look around a huge room of people and know every single face.

What is one suggestion you have for other couples who are planning their weddings?

Get someone who will handle things on the day of your wedding so you aren't bothered because something will go wrong and you don't want to be running around in formal wear arguing with vendors or finding the missing items. This could be a wedding planner, a friend, or a family member, they just have to be comfortable and confident putting out fires.

The vendors that made this fabulous West Monitor Barn wedding happen:

Florist: Stray Cat Flower Farm

Band/DJ: Patrick Quimby

Caterer: Farmers and Foragers

Dress/Bridal Shop: Ve’Lace Bridal

Planner: Anika Fullum of Assorted Artistries

Hair: shearEnvy

Suit/Tux: Indochino

While you’re here, check out these other fun laid-back weddings:

Mike and Nicole’s wedding at Box Mill Hall

Samantha and Paulo’s wedding at the Inn at Pleasant Lake