Vermont Vows Magazine

From dazzling white beaches and striking volcanoes to exotic jungles, Costa Rica has something for everybody. Spread across just 20,000 square miles, roughly the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica boasts a landscape of breathtaking variety for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind destination wedding.

Its strong central government, 266 days of sunshine per year, and ecological abundance make Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations for American visitors.

Deanna of d.d. Nickel ~ Makeup Artist is pleased to announce her exciting noteworthy news.

Two photo shoots featuring her work  in 2009 have become regional and national ad campaigns!

Congratulations Deanna!

To visit her website for more information, or to book an appointment for your big day, click HERE.

There's hardly a better time than the fall harvest season to bring local color and natural decorative elements into your overall wedding design scheme.

 Late-season local sunflowers lend a glow to autumnal bouquets, and fall produce such as pumpkins, squash, and apples make sculptural centerpieces. Add some straw bales, dried cornhusks, and perhaps a scarecrow or an antique milk can - and don't forget a splash of festive fall leaves from right outside the barn door! Harvest time in Vermont offers riches for the eye and the palate alike.

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.

Anyone who has studied the ever-shifting face of a "mood" ring can tell you that color reveals emotion. The following illustrate just a few of the ways that your cake, flowers, and decor can come together to make a creative color statement that speaks especially to you.

*BLACK & WHITE

Black-and-white may sound perfectly boring, but add a punch of color - any color - and this staid combo jumps to life, creating a look that is at once romantic and edgy.

*PINK, WHITE & SILVER

As your big day approaches and the weather warms up, refresh your palate - and recharge your romance - with a home-cooked feast for two. This provides the opportunity for the two of you to relax, reconnect and refuel.

Whether you're a DIY bride or need help creating your vision, these tips from some of our favorite wedding professionals can guide you on your way.

1) Summer is the perfect time for bold color choices. "Think ocean-blue dresses with seasonal flowers in every color from yellow to orange to red and magenta," suggests Alison Ellis of Floral Artistry.

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Wildflower Linen, whose high-style table linens and chair covers have redefined a vital niche of the local special-event rental industry while gracing world-renowned Hollywood award functions, high-society weddings and gala banquets, has expanded its showroom network by launching a new customer service center here.

More and more brides who value the health of our planet are choosing to express themselves by making sustainable wedding choices. You can find lots of ideas for a greener wedding. Pick what works for you-and feel good about it!

One way to reduce your wedding's burden on the planet is by avoiding unnecessary one-time purchases. Rather than specifying a particular bridesmaid dress, "give them a color palette and let them pick a dress they'll want to wear again or one they already have," suggests Kate Harrison, author of The Green Bride Guide.

Nestled between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, the new Stowe Mountain Lodge is the crowning jewel in a newly updated $400 million alpine neighborhood.

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."

Preparing for outdoor wedding photography can prove a bit challenging, but with these tips, you'll be on your way to perfect photos with even more beautiful backdrops!

Here, some tips from a few of Vermont's most celebrated and seasoned wedding professionals on staying toasty, fabulous looking, and unflustered during outdoor photo shoots.