Some weddings feel like they were meant to happen in a very specific place, at a very specific time—and Wendy & Elliott’s wedding at Stratton Mountain in early August was exactly that kind of magic. These two are not only incredibly kind, creative humans, but also dear friends of mine, which made photographing their day all the more meaningful. Stratton holds a special place in Elliott’s heart. He’s a snowboarder through and through, and the mountain has been a longtime escape for him—a place where life slows down and the beauty of nature takes over. For Wendy, a violin teacher and lover of connection and creativity, it was the perfect place to begin this next chapter of life with Elliott by her side.

The morning began with Wendy getting ready at the resort alongside her daughters, Kyra and Mia. It was such a sweet, quiet lead-up to the day. One of my favorite parts was watching Kyra help Wendy into her dress—there was something so deeply tender in that mother-daughter moment. Just down the way, Elliott was getting ready with his guys at the Green Door Pub—because every good Vermont wedding deserves a little time at the local watering hole. With laughter, nerves, and a few good beers, he was surrounded by his people, soaking in the start of something big.

Wendy and Elliott shared their first look in the Stratton Village square, and it was incredibly emotional—especially for Elliott. The kind of emotion that doesn’t need words, just a deep breath and a tight embrace. From there, we gathered the bridal party and headed to a picture-perfect covered bridge near the resort for portraits. The setting was classic Vermont—lush, a little rustic, and totally charming.

Their ceremony took place on the yoga deck at the top of the mountain, with sweeping views of the landscape around them. Elliott was walked down the aisle by his mom in one of the most emotional moments of the day. His father had passed away shortly before the wedding, and you could feel the weight and love in every step they took together. Wendy was escorted down the aisle by her father, radiating joy. And then—perhaps the most unforgettable part of the ceremony—Wendy played To Make You Feel My Love on the violin, accompanied by three of her students. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. The music, the meaning, the vulnerability of it all—it was breathtaking. After their ring exchange and first kiss, Elliott popped champagne with a sabre (because of course he did!) and handed a glass to his new wife as cheers echoed through the mountaintop air. We also had a private moment on the ski lift heaing back down to the village.

We wrapped up family portraits and then made our descent back down the mountain on the ski lift—nothing like dangling over the trees in your wedding attire to keep the joy going. Cocktail hour led straight into their reception, where live music welcomed guests with an electric energy. And in the best surprise of the night, Wendy and Elliott jumped in to play and sing alongside the band—led by none other than my husband! Their day was truly a reflection of them: musical, adventurous, deeply personal, and full of love. It celebrated where they’ve been, what they love, and who they are—surrounded by the people who matter most.