I’ve had to keep this most magical winter holiday wedding underwraps until today- when it was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings!
I can’t tell you how much I ADORE both Lauren & Christian… and I’m so thankful that I was the one that was lucky enough to document all this snowy magic at The Equinox in Manchester, Vermont.
From Martha Stewart Weddings: Lauren Koprowski and Christian Bodner first met when they were nine years old and their parents owned ski homes in Vermont. Despite the fact that they had crushes on each other throughout childhood—and even though Christian’s mom wished on a Thanksgiving wishbone that the two would couple up—the pair didn’t start officially dating until about 20 years later.
Once Christian popped the question with a gold solitaire during a weekend away in Newport, Rhode Island, the New York City-dwelling pair didn’t waste any time planning their winter wonderland celebration near the Vermont slopes where they first met. On December 9, 2017, just eight months after the proposal, the bride and groom exchanged non-religious vows in front of 161 of their nearest and dearest in a red barn at The Inn at Manchester, where a family friend who’s also a judge officiated.
After the ceremony and cocktails at the barn, the newlyweds took off on a sleigh ride to their reception at the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa. And what a ride it was. “We shut down traffic, and the horse took us from the barn to the entrance of the reception,” says Lauren. “It felt like we were inside a perfect Vermont slow globe and it was the most romantic moment of our lives.” Once there, everyone gathered for dinner filled with local touches, like Vermont cheddar sprinkled on top of kale salad, and a few seasonal elements, including letters to Santa and plenty of plaid décor.
Lauren, a former design director, designed the couple’s seasonal invitations, which were gold-foil stamped on hunter green paper, then enclosed in a sheer white vellum jacket with an embossed velvet seal that had the couple’s monogram on it. “I wanted the invitations to feel wintery, upscale, and quintessentially Vermont,” Lauren says. The bride and groom stayed up late for a full week assembling the suites. “He was already an amazing husband before he was officially mine,” Lauren adds.
A welcome bag so full of holiday treats {and hand warmers!} and my favorite Vermont Maple Sap water!
Bridesmaids were each given these perfect monogrammed winter hats.
Christian gifted Lauren with a ski pass as a wedding day gift :0)
Honestly, these red velvet Sarah Jessica Parker shoes couldn’t have been any more perfect.
First look and the first few snowflakes of the day!!!
I wanted to take a brief moment to highlight Lauren’s incredibly sweet and kind parents.. and a special thank you to one of my mentor’s Jon Canlas- who taught me years ago to focus on the PEOPLE and make portraits of the guests- especially FAMILY. Lauren’s father is no longer with us & I am so very thankful that I took the time to document each family member with care. #fuckcancer xoxo
A dear family friend officiated the wedding!
An absolute legit winter-wedding-fairy-tale! {and my fingers may or may not have been almost frostbit..
but I was so excited, I didn’t care!}
Vintage sleigh as guest book: coolest idea.
Ceremony Location, Inn At Manchester
Reception, Catering, and Cake,The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
Flowers and lighting, Tara Pollio Event Design
Calligraphy, Papersoul
Music, The Sultans of Swing
Rentals, BBJ Linen
Bride’s gown, Carolina Herrera
Bride’s accessories, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker shoes; Anomalie reception dress and veil
Hair, Patty Bassett
Makeup, Flawless Cosmetic Design
Bridesmaids’ dresses, Asos; Bhldn; C/Meo Collective; Halston; Ralph Lauren
Flower Girl dresses, David’s Bridal
Menswear, The Black Tux
Horse & Sleigh Lively’s Livery
Brunch and Day-after ski location, Bromley Mountain