Real Wedding: Caitlin & Christopher
Event Planning & Design: Storied Events
The second time was the charm for Caitlin Kennedy.
When the couple met at a friend’s birthday party in Boston, the attraction was instant and their love soon blossomed. But two years into their relationship, Caitlin moved to Burlington, Vermont, where she’d been accepted to medical school, and maintaining a long-distance relationship proved more difficult than either of them had anticipated. They went their separate ways, but neither could shake the thought of “the one that got away.” Then, almost two years later, a casual e-mail brought them back in touch, and they realized they were meant to be together just as Chris’s electrical engineering firm transferred him out west to San Diego.
“Although the distance was greater, somehow it seemed much less daunting,” says Caitlin. She and Chris shuttled back and forth between Vermont and California, racking up frequent-flier miles. By now, being together was a given.
One fall, when Chris came to Burlington for a regular visit, Caitlin balked at taking a walk to Shelburne Farms. Usually it was one of their favorite places to visit, with baby animals, cheese-making demonstrations, and gorgeous
grounds, but the cold, drizzly day wasn’t exactly conducive to pleasant strolling. But Chris insisted, and Caitlin came around. When they came to a spot with a stunning view of Lake Champlain, Chris stopped and fumbled in his pocket. Almost before Caitlin knew what was happening, Chris was on one knee and asked Caitlin to marry him. Teary-eyed, Caitlin said yes. They called both sets of parents, who had known about the plan since Chris’s last trip
to Burlington, when he’d asked Caitlin’s parents’ permission to marry their daughter.
There was no question that they’d have the wedding in Vermont. Caitlin had grown up in the state, and her parents still lived there — It was home. And while Chris was from Southern California, his time at Dartmouth in New Hampshire and years of visiting Caitlin had given him ample opportunity to fall in love with her home state. They celebrated the rehearsal dinner at Dartmouth College’s Hanover Inn, a sentimental choice for Chris, and decided on an outdoor ceremony and reception at Murphy Farm at the Quechee Club, which had been a fixture of Caitlin’s childhood summers.
“We chose to have the ceremony and reception outside because one of the things we love most about Vermont is how beautiful it is,” says Caitlin. “It was ideal for us to exchange vows with the backdrop of rolling hills and the beautiful pond.” Chris and Caitlin wanted to share the place they loved with friends and family who’d never gotten to experience it. So to get their guests excited about traveling to Vermont for their wedding, they sent out small tins of genuine Vermont maple syrup with handmade labels.
Caitlin knew the weather posed a threat, but despite a deluge of rain the day before, the special day dawned bright and clear. For their wedding, Caitlin had chosen a restrained palette of soft whites and ivories to let the gorgeous greenery of the site take center stage. Caitlin’s bouquet of lily of the valley blooms was exactly what she’d dreamed of as a little girl. And the ceremony was full of special touches. Caitlin’s sister, a pastry chef, concocted a delectable four-tiered cake so delicious one guest went back for fifths. A cart of Vermont cheeses paired with California wines
represented Caitlin and Chris’s past and future. Caitlin’s mom collected summer blueberries from their backyard to make jars of homemade jam for wedding favors. Chris’s family secretly arranged for a fireworks show at the end of the evening with all white fireworks to match the wedding décor, delighting the bride and groom.
“When I pictured my wedding, it was always a beautiful, sunny Vermont day, and that’s exactly what I got,” says Caitlin.