While living in Boston, Georgia + Cal both found themselves at the same party, where they met briefly, but the real meeting happened in the long line to enter the Beacon Hill Pub. They spent the rest of the night talking and playing the basketball games the pub had in the back, and the next day they went on their first official date. (Awww!!) After Georgia graduated from law school, they moved to Philly where Cal was from and purchased an 1820s townhome which was a big fixer-upper. After a summer of redoing the back patio themselves, Cal proposed on their 4th anniversary on a crisp fall evening enjoying their new backyard. How romantic!
Since both Georgia + Cal have ties to Vermont with their grandmothers both living there and frequent trips they would make while living in Boston, they knew right away that the fall in Vermont would be their ideal wedding setting! After not seeing friends and family for over a year because of the pandemic, the goal was to make it feel as intimate and fun as possible for their guests. The celebration spanned the whole weekend, with a kickoff BBQ on Thursday, a game of kickball Friday morning, a welcome party Friday night, rounds of golf for guests Saturday morning, and a farewell brunch at their grandmothers on Sunday. How sweet!
With the help of Jaclyn Watson in terms of planning and event design and florals from Nectar and Root, Georgia and Cal’s wedding will surely make you swoon!! Let’s head to Vermont where Diligent Artists captured this sweet, autumn day that you aren’t going to want to miss!
Welcome to Vermont
The couple had custom tote bags for their guests made with the state of Vermont on them and the Philly LOVE sign in the center! Cal’s mother baked over 400 of her signature sugar cookies and used cookie cutters in the shape of Vermont and Georgia and Cal’s dog Otis! They also made handy recovery kits for after the long weekend, including Vermont maple syrup, a custom map, and an itinerary drawn by Georgia’s friend and talented artist Natalie Burkardt!!
How pretty are these ladies in pink! We are feeling the Nap Dress vibes here :)
Georgia’s bridal look was a sight to behold! The beautiful bride wore a strapless A-line wedding gown by Rime Arodaky and she couldn’t have looked more stunning!
“I went to a number of stores in Philly and in the Philly burbs, and wasn’t finding anything that felt right. Everyone told me I would know it was the one when I tried it on, but I started to feel that perhaps I just wouldn’t have “that” moment everyone mentions having.
I saw a dress on Instagram by Rime Arodaky that I thought could be the one. On the east coast, the only shop carrying the dress was The Mews Bridal in New York City. I sent the dress to my dad and he responded back with another dress, the Alvin dress, saying he thought I’d choose this one. I went to The Mews Bridal after thanksgiving and tried on the original dress I was there for, and though I liked it, I didn’t have “that” moment. However, when I tried on the Alvin I totally did! My dad was right! I instantly loved it and thought it was so unique and COMFY!”
Dad knows best I guess! :)
These bridesmaids look gorgeous in their matching floral dresses!
Carousel
Carousel
There was a field day the day before the wedding where the couple had custom team T-Shirts made. Friends who were in town for the wedding were welcomed to the venue for a game of Slosh Ball (aka boozy kick ball) where they were split into teams, bride vs groom style. The couple shares that it was a great way to welcome people into town and get people to meet prior to all the other events
This groom’s suit is from Alton Lane and he totally rocks it!
Intimate Vows
As a means of keeping these intimate between the two, they shared their vows at their first look before the ceremony took place! We love this idea for a special moment for just the two of you.
Doing our vows during our first look was our favorite part of the day. Both of us have a hard time speaking in front of a crowd, especially when it comes to spilling our hearts out, so being able to see each other prior to the ceremony and to read our vows to each other was a very special moment. During Cals vows he mentioned that I was pregnant with our daughter, Josie, so when we finally got our wedding video back, it was a great way to reveal the pregnancy as well!
Overall being with our friends and family was really special to us, especially after not seeing many for so long due to COVID. We also were very fortunate that Cals father was able to attend the wedding, as he passed away a few weeks after. To have the photos and videos of him interacting with our friends and family will forever be cherished.
The Ceremony
The couple had many Vermont nods throughout the day since this place was so meaningful for the two of them. These included maple syrup popcorn in the welcome bags, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and flowers inspired by the changing Vermont foliage.
We love these biodegradable flower confetti bags – perfect to toss when the couple walks back down the aisle!
River Road Farm in Manchester Vermont was the perfect location to host this couple’s big day!!
Processional: Live Guitarist
Recessional: Live Guitarist
First Dance: She Lit A Fire by Lord Huron
Married at last! Congratulations to the happy couple!!
A Time to Celebrate
This is one good-looking bunch!
Of course Cal’s dog Otis was invited to the wedding! 🐾
The seating chart included polaroids of all the guests!!! Such a sweet idea.
And instead of using a traditional guest book, G + C had their guests sign a cookie recipe book! They share that it has been so fun to read the messages whenever the two make cookies, something they do often since they have quite the sweet tooth!! :)
The bride shares that the venue was hands down her favorite part.
“I loved that there were multiple setups so that at every turn you felt a new vibe. We had the ceremony across the street on the pond, the cocktail hour in the courtyard, the dinner under the tent, and the dancing in the barn. The venue also slept 20+ people, so the wedding party was able to spend the entire weekend together!
We also loved the lighting and lanterns. Adding extra lighting to the courtyard/pool area was a last-minute decision and one that we think really made the venue seem magical at night. The reflection of the twinkle lights, mixed with the candles and lanterns provided by our florist, really made for a beautiful evening.”
Love the hints of pink in this tablescape and decor? We have some more inspiration we think you’re going to love…
Oysters anyone?
How sweet is this moment of the couple’s first dance captured by Diligent Artists! Looking for your perfect first dance song? GWS has you covered!
Hire a planner! Seriously was the best investment we made. Cal and I both have very demanding jobs that take up so much of our day. It would have been so difficult to have planned this wedding in the middle of a pandemic without Jaclyn Watson Events! We are also so happy that we decided to do a videographer. The weekend can become such a blur, so to have it captured in video means we can really relive it!
Congratulations to Georgia and Cal! Your wedding day was truly magical!
photography: Diligent Artists // venue name: River Road Farm, Manchester, Vermont, USA // event design: Jaclyn Watson Events // planning: Jaclyn Watson Events // florals: Nectar and Root // wedding dress: Rime Arodaky // bride's shoes: Freya Rose // hair stylist: Amanda Hopcraft // makeup artist: Amanda Hopcraft // groom's shoes: Stubbs & Wootton // videography: Justin Peay Productions // paper goods: Jolly Edition // catering: Forks and Fingers Catering // tabletop rentals: Vermont Tent Company // furniture rentals: Peak Event Services // linen rentals: BBJ Linens // music: King of Hearts // lighting: Design Light Co // Transportation: Premier Transportation
