The Magic of a Multi-Day Vermont Wedding Weekend
Kayla + Ryan’s September 2025 wedding was a masterclass in intentional, interactive Vermont cottagecore wedding design. Placing guest experience firmly above tradition, the couple curated a journey infused with “goofy” charm (their description!) and heartfelt thoughtfulness. By choosing a two-day format—an intimate woodland ceremony for 19 followed by a 75-person festival the next day—they created a pace that was both soulful and sustainable. This structure was especially meaningful as it allowed Ryan’s father, Paul, who is living with ALS, to enjoy the most sacred family moments with his energy levels at their highest.
The Friday ceremony was a breath of fresh air. While the setting was serene, Kayla + Ryan made sure it wasn’t too serious. In a move that perfectly captured their inherent charm, they opted out of another tradition, having a ring bearer, and instead hid their wedding bands under two random guest seats. The moment the officiant asked the guests to check their chairs, the air was filled with laughter—a perfect ‘Easter egg’ for their loved ones.
The Vendor Team
Photography: Sixpence Studios
Venue: Blueberry Hill Inn
Catering: Adventure Dinner
Desserts: Morningside Bakery (Cakes/Pies) + Sunrise Orchards (Donuts)
Cocktails: The Club Car
Music: Dan Cahill
Kayla’s Wedding Day Dress: Linen Naive
Kayla’s Celebration Day Dress: Of Her Own Kind
Ryan’s Suit: Banana Republic
DIY Projects
This wedding was a labor of love and craft:
- The Florals: Kayla designed all the florals herself, leaning into the “overgrown” look to make the venue feel like a natural extension of the Vermont woods.
- The Fashion: A friend’s mother hand-knitted a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind wedding shawl for Kayla to wear.
- Beauty: Kayla did her own makeup, keeping the look fresh and authentic.
- Coordination: While the venue provided day-of help, Kayla self-coordinated the logistics of a multi-day, multi-location event.
Whimsical Design: From “Hobbit-y” Herbs to Greenhouse Portraits
The aesthetic was a vibrant “wildflower explosion” that leaned into the dreamiest cottagecore elements. For couples seeking a whimsical Vermont greenhouse wedding, the Blueberry Hill Inn offers a botanical sanctuary that looks like a page from a storybook.
- The Living Seating Chart: Guests found their places via wooden herb boxes overflowing with live basil, lavender, marjoram, tarragon and thyme, each marked with hand-lettered wooden plant tags.
- The Altar: A simple birch-branch altar framed the ceremony in organic simplicity, set against the lush greenery of the Vermont woods.
- The Tablescapes: Long farm tables featured potted herb centerpieces and a colorful array of blue, green, and amber glassware, bringing warmth and playful texture to the reception.
Interactive “Cottagecore” Activities for the Whole Family
What truly defines a Vermont cottagecore wedding is the invitation to play. Kayla and Ryan replaced standard wedding formalities with immersive activities:
- Fairy House Scavenger Hunt: A whimsical “Fairy House Hunt” checklist guided kids through the woods to discover hidden treasures.
- DIY Stations: Guests channeled their inner forest spirits at a DIY flower crown station and a dress-up photobooth.
- Handcrafted Favors: The couple shared hand-harvested honey collected by Ryan and handmade ceramic Vermont-shaped ornaments, marking the exact spot of their celebration at Blueberry Hill.
A Photographer’s Perspective: Why the Two-Day Format Works
Observing Kayla and Ryan’s celebration throughout the weekend, it became clear that the “slow wedding” approach is the ultimate way to experience a Vermont cottagecore wedding. By separating the sacred from the celebratory, the couple created a rare space for presence. Friday’s intimate ceremony allowed the weight of their vows to truly land, undisturbed by the logistics of an overly planned event. By the time Saturday’s festival-style party began, the pressure had evaporated, replaced by a pure, “welcomed chaos” (again – Kayla + Ryan’s description) which allowed everyone—from the couple to their families and friends—to simply be in the moment. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a masterclass in how to prioritize connection over a schedule.
We love intimate weddings. We love vibrant colors. If you want to see another one which is a bit of both, check out Sarah + Ben’s elopement here – https://sixpencestudios.co/vermont-elopement-video-love-during-a-pandemic/