Vermont Wedding Photography – Young

Name | Dan & Lindsay
Date | 09.08.12
Wedding | Waitsfield, VT
Venue | The Farm on Mad River
Vermont wedding photographers | Scott & Penny

Vermont Wedding Photography

On Saturday, September 8th Scott spent the morning sitting at the computer watching the weather report when a tornado watch had been posted!  Normally this would be of concern, but that day it was of particular concern as we had a wedding scheduled to photograph. Not so much about us, but about making sure the bride and groom get the photos they deserve. So we packed our gear and headed to the beautiful Farm on the Mad River in Waitsfield, VT. Along the scenic drive up RT 100 we noticed the sun peeking out of the clouds as hope for a picture perfect day. As we get into Waitsfield the clouds are getting darker and we stop off to grab some details shots of the surrounding area. Next thing you know the rain starts.  We are resolved that this is how the day is going to be.  Turns out the rain passed quickly.  We grabbed some snacks to have for the day and headed down the dirt road to the Mad River.

It started to drizzle again so we found a spot to keep our bags dry and grabbed our cameras and proceeded to get a lay of the land for the ceremony. As we walked down the winding stone path to the river bed we noticed the chairs getting dried off so we knew the ceremony was happening rain or shine. As we looked around it became apparent that this venue is beautiful and we can see why Lindsay and Dan chose it. From the Mad River flowing in the back ground to the rock ledges surrounding the area, we were sure to get some great shots.  Once we had an idea of the day’s events we headed up to the reception tent to get the detail shots of the place settings and the awesome hand painted rocks that indicated where guests were to be seated.

 We later found out that Lindsay and Dan had collected these rocks every time they went out fishing or just for a walk in nature. As we heard this it brought a smile to our faces as we had just done the same thing. When were in York, Maine a week before for a little R&R we had collected some cool rocks from the beach and planned to hand paint the date and the hotel name on them to remember our little adventure together. As we finished up inside the reception tent we noticed people gathering around a tree off to the side of the property. Upon further inspection we saw that Lindsay and Dan had clothes pinned a bunch of photos of them and all their friends and family around the tree. This was such a great idea as it was their life’s branches, sort of their tree of life.

As all this is taking place the clouds were actually breaking up and the sun was peeking through. As ceremony time approached we headed down to the river and awaited the wedding party’s arrival.  With the musicians playing in the background and Dan and the rest of the wedding party waiting Lindsay made her walk down that stone path just as the sun came back out and graced her beauty as she was about to marry her best friend.

After a few tears were shed and the vows were made, Lindsay and Dan kissed for the first time as a married couple. As the wedding party gathered and preparations were being made for the formal photos we carefully watched the sky as it was starting to turn again. We clicked off some shots of friends and family which was made easy, thanks to the help of Susan who took control of gathering all the important guests and family members for the photos (Thanks Susan!)

As we were finishing with the friends and family we noticed the sky clouding up again.  It was time to move on to the bride and groom and get their formal pictures done.  After a few different shots and poses it got really dark and we knew any minute the rain was coming. Next thing you know the rain came down so quick we all scrambled to get under the tent, the wind was gusting so hard that the tent sides were flapping. Now even though our time with Lindsay and Dan was cut short we managed to get some amazing shots they will remember for a lifetime.

The rain slowed down a bit as Lindsay and Dan were announced to their guests and then the party was on. With all their friends and famiy gathered around, toasts were made and laughter and tears were had. One toast that stood out to us was the one given by Lindsay’s Dad, with the mention of her moving to Vermont with her Volkswagen! Now to most people that wouldn’t have much significance, but to us it hit home as we both own Volkswagens and are avid Volkswagen enthusiasts who attend several shows a year.  As the speech carried on Lindsay’s Dad mentioned that he didn’t feel that a Volkswagen and Vermont were compatible, which is ironic since when we arrived to shoot the wedding we discovered there was no way our Volkswagen was making it down the hill to the parking area. Not too long after Lindsay’s arrival in Vermont, her Dad received a phone call that her Volkswagen needed to be fixed.  She found someone to fix the car for free, that person was Dan.  Lindsay’s Dad also mentioned the first time he met Dan and how he was like a Tony Stewart wanna be. Tony Stewart is our favorite NASCAR driver and we had just met him back in Charlotte, NC during Memorial Day weekend at the Coca Cola 600. With all the references throughout the day from rocks, to Volkswagens and NASCAR we knew were the right fit to capture this amazing day. As the food was served and more speeches were had the rain settled into a moderate drizzle and stayed that way for the reminder of our time there.

As we headed home we were reminded of something that was told to us at the last wedding we photographed in the rain, that is: “always remember a wet knot never comes untied!”  Lindsay and Dan, you are an amazing couple and it is obvious that you are meant for each other.  Congratulations!

Scott & Penny