Vermont Vows Magazine

"I love cake, I really do," says Irene Maston, owner/founder of Irene's Cakes by Design. Her passion dates back to an Easy-Bake Oven and a neighbor who loved to bake. Later, Maston attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and went on to work with award-winning European pastry chefs before opening a restaurant and catering venture with her husband, Michael.

One of Vermont's most experienced and respected wedding pros - Tara Pollio, owner of Tara Pollio Floral-Event Design - offers a "backstage" glimpse into the planning, creative decision-making, and plain hard work that went into creating a "winter wonderland" reception for the wedding of Lindsay Barnes and Maxwell Wilcox last February at Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry, Vermont.

Calling herself "The Parsonne," the feminine form of "Parson," Annie Alexander-Kramer honors a proud tradition. "In the olden days," she says, "the parson would go town to town at different times of the year to marry people and perform baptisms. That's sort of what I'm doing by traveling for ceremonies throughout the state."

Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer of Njoy Events knows that no detail is too small when it comes to planning a wedding fit for a king (and queen).

When Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer says she'll go to any lengths to make a wedding perfect for the bride and groom, she means it.

When it comes to wedding decorations, experience counts for a lot, whether it's uncovering bargains or dealing with the unexpected. Nancy Murray of A Schoolhouse Garden is one floral designer who knows how to find the best for her brides.

*Be flexible about seasonal blooms. Remember that seasonal blooms may have higher demand, making them more expensive than other flowers might be. Trust your designer to offer lower-priced alternatives.

Debbie LaFramboise, owner of Sewly Yours & Once Upon a Bride in Burlington, Vermont, has been offering exquisite custom, vintage, and fine designer bridal wear since 2001. When you walk through the doors of her shop, it becomes apparent why LaFramboise's boutique is one of Vermont's premier bridal-wear establishments.

When Newton Wells of Peak Entertainment enrolled in the Environmental science and Natural resource program at Johnson State College, he didn't expect that 14 years later he'd be making music at Vermont weddings.

Belinda Norris, owner of Belinda Norris Events, knows a lot about weatherproofing for a wedding.  As an event planner, she is always thinking about the big picture. Here are a few of Belinda's tips on how to plan for your memorable wedding:

*Check references. If you plan your own wedding, having reliable vendors is key. Talk to other brides to find the most experienced and trustworthy professionals you can.

Putting a new, spicy twist on the tried and true is the essence of Matthew Pearsall and Maggie Barch's business and their relationship. Former high school sweethearts and now co-owners of Vermont's Spice of Life Catering, Matthew and Maggie offer innovative interpretations of traditional menus, along with easy and interactive menu planning, and an awareness that each one of us is unique, with different tastes, styles and needs.

For native Vermonter Erle LaBounty, making fine confections and baked goods is something that runs in the blood.

"From my great-great-grandfather, who produced confections out of his old farmhouse in Burlington to my grandmothers who inspired me to make delicious delicacies, my family strived to produce high-quality creations," says LaBounty. "I am carrying on that honorable tradition."

Gwen and Minner Hobbs, a mother-daughter team, started their business, Flowers in Season, with the goal of creating beautiful flower arrangements that reflected the country elegance of Vermont.

Tips from Tara Polio: 

*Be realistic. Many times I am given a photo from a book or magazine of a bride's vision. It may be your dream - but does it work with your location or venue? If you want a formal, "fluffy" wedding, don't pick a barn. Work with your environment and surroundings. Your professionals are sure to have advice for you - make sure to keep an open mind.