Real Wedding: Katie & Zach
The choice of a Vermont wedding was hardly unexpected for New England-raised Katie and Zach St. Amand-- it is their favorite place on earth-- but their choice of Boyden Farm, a property on the banks of the Lamoille River is particularly fitting, given the meaning the river holds for the couple. Katie explains, "As adults we wait all year to travel up each spring and summer to fish on the Lamoille River, camp, and listen to the mountain air. Zach proposed to me on the bank of the Lamoille River by starlight in 2008, and there was never a question where we wanted to vow our lives to each other. Zach's father passed away a few years ago, and his ashes now flow through the Lamoille."
Katie and Zach were high school sweethearts who met working at Mrs. Murphy's Donuts in their New England hometown (she as "the donut girl" and he as the "mop boy") but they went separate ways after graduation. When Katie finally contacted Zach, in 2006, they hadn't spoken in seven years, although they had continued to long for one another. Their new connection was immediate and revelatory. Zach flew north from Florida and in one night the couple realized that they were ready to spend their lives together.
The proposal took place at a campsite on the river under a starry Vermont sky. Zach convinced Katie to stay up late and look at the stars with him the last night. After they saw a shooting star, Zach disappeared briefly and when he returned, prompted by another shooting star, he got down on one knee an asked Katie to marry him. Katie declares that it was the most beautiful moment of her life. "I am not sure I was speaking English for the first five minutes, or just gasping, giggling, crying and making all sorts of bizarre excited sounds!" she explains. They popped a bottle of chilled champagne and the couple celebrated, watching the cork float down the Lamoille River.
Many of their wedding plans reflect Zach and Katie's connection to the river. The ceremony took place nearby, Katie and Zach could hear it flowing as they said their vows. Their commitment to Vermont's nature was reflected in their wedding favors--donations to the Vermont River Conservancy on behalf of each guest.
The wedding decor also was designed with the natural beauty of the environment. Rocks and stones handpicked by Katie and her best friend served as placecards. The color palette was defined by browns, greens and creams. Kate explains her philosophy, "Between the glorious colors of the seasonal foods and gorgeous leaves, we decided to leave the brighter colors out of any décor, and let nature take care of that aspect."
For the wedding cake, Katie and Zach returned to their roots and approached Rose Murphy, of Mrs. Murphy's donuts, about designing a donut cake. The cake was both a return to a meaningful memory for Katie and Zach and a way to make a connection with wedding guests, many of whom remembered Mrs. Murphy's Donut from childhood ("Not to mention," Katie explains, "that the donuts are the best on the PLANET!").
From high school sweethearts to reunited friends to the married couple they are today, Zach and Katie's relationship has persisted and evolved, like the rivers that are so important to them. As Katie and her father walked through the field at Boyden Farm toward friends and family, the previously gray weather cleared despite the "100% chance of rain all day" weather report, and the sun emerged against all odds. Katie describes the best moment of the day: "we were looking into each other's eyes, outside on the land we love, saying our vows to each other with our friends and family surrounding us."
Kate & Zach's Advice:
1. Make big decisions with your partner when you are both relaxed and excited about things.
2. The ceremony was the most important thing to us both, followed by food and wine/beer. Find out what is most important to you and find time to get things in clear order and the rest will fall into place.