Grafton, Vermont Summer Wedding
Randi
Randi found The Grafton Inn through “an obsessive Google attack.” It fit all their desires for a weekend destination wedding in New England. And they took full advantage of the Inn’s offerings. Friday was an “Alex vs Randi” kickball game, complete with team pinnies. Followed by a tented lobster dinner at the Grafton Trails. Randi surprised Alex with a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cart. And the kids played by the lake, enjoying S’mores over a campfire after sunset.
Kickball, Campfires, and Cocktails in the Garden
This Town is Yours!
It’s not often we get a couple inquiring about weekend-long wedding photography in Vermont when they aren’t actually engaged. That came out later in the conversation. And we made them promise to schedule another video chat afterward, so we could hear all about it.
As Randi put it, “It’s really a lesson in communication. We talked about getting married in the next 2 summers”. Alex figured that meant after 2 summers. But Randi actually meant within that time. Alex wanted to do a traditional surprise proposal. However, Randi, a feminist, wanted the engagement to be a mutual decision. They compromised that Alex would take some time to plan his proposal but in the meantime, they would secure a venue. And a photographer.
So it was a few months later we got to hear about their weekend trip from Brooklyn to Martha’s Vineyard. All a surprise for Randi who thought she was simply having their end of summer date night. But instead, Alex secretly packed clothes and laid out some elaborate fables to throw Randi off. Ending the day with a walk on an island beach and a surprise proposal.
For the next 11 months, the fun only continued. We met Alex, Randi, and golden doodle Nori in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for a November engagement shoot. Nori stole the show, acquired some non-photogenic dirt across half her body, but allowed her parents to have a few moments of their own.
Wedding day was a fun mix of friends from the East Coast, California and Alex’s family from Russia and London. And every detail was intricately perfect. Their ceremony by the river, cocktail hour in the garden, then dinner in the Inn. Followed by an amazing band in the Phelp’s Barn complete with hanging floral arrangements.
LED sparklers led the newlyweds off to their after party. And from the looks of some faces at Sunday’s brunch there was likely little sleep achieved. As always, leaving the small Vermont town left us feeling completely fulfilled with a sense of sadness at it being over. Their Grafton Inn wedding was one we won’t forget. For the perfect August weather, incredible team of vendors, and reflection of two pretty awesome personalities. We’re grateful to call Alex & Randi friends, and appreciate the constant stream of Nori photos to our inbox.