Backyard Fairytale Wedding by Ampersand Wedding Photography

When I saw these photos by Ampersand Wedding Photography, I fell in love with the magical cadence of Rilke and Jeff’s Vermont wedding. I just love the images of Rilke and her bridesmaids wearing pretty petal pink, in the mossy woodland glen, as if straight from a fairytale. Top that off with handwritten vows, a horse drawn carriage, rustic reception details, and stunning earthy floral design by a friend of the bride – it made for quite the celebration! Oh, and bubbles? I’m a huge fan! They add whimsy and endless smiles. Read below for how Rilke and Jeff met, and how he proposed. Have a lovely three-day weekend, Violets!

Before the Ring:
Jeff and I first saw each other at a gym in Waterbury, VT while I was teaching a group exercise class. We are both personal trainers, he is a natural body builder, and so we love the fact that our first glimpse of each other was at a gym. Anyway, we had a mutual friend who arraigned for a “chance” meet a few weeks later. We both have dogs (and are obsessive dog people!) so our first date was a doggy play-date that lasted 5 hrs…and the rest is history.

The Proposal:
On our 2 year anniversary we had planned to go camping at Branbury State Park – the first state park job I had after college. Jeff had asked my mom (with tears on both sides apparently) if she would give him her blessing the day before, and apparently had a grand plan to drop down on a knee as we sat by the campfire and propose. As it turns out, he couldn’t wait a second past pulling into our campsite! He dropped down on one knee (in gravel) and told me the that the favorite part about today had been walking our dogs and talking about our future together because he knew our future would be together…and he wanted to solidify that future with a ring. I believe I laughed, cried, and then said “Wow, I’ve never been engaged before!”

Details of the Day:
The whole day was pretty much a blur of perfection…don’t know how else to describe it. Jeff seeing me for the first time was probably his biggest moment (accompanied by many tears!) We wrote our own vows and it took me several tries and a few tissues to get through mine, but the ceremony was absolutely amazing. Eyal Amiel, my big brother, was our officiant and having him there marrying us in front of our friends and family was so special and meaningful. Jeff didn’t know about the horse and carriage, so that was a pretty cool surprise. The photo booth was a huge hit with our guests, and something we can keep looking through and laughing over. Our first song (Train’s “Marry Me”) was performed by my family and friends, and was really incredible.