When you picture a September barn wedding in Vermont, you imagine moody mountains, candlelight, and the kind of romance that warms you from the inside out—and that’s exactly what Lauren and Derek’s wedding day delivered.
These two met back in December 2015 through mutual friends, during a time when Lauren was wrapping up her MBA in Boston and Derek was working with the National Fish and Wildlife Service in Rhode Island. Despite the distance and busy lives, they instantly clicked. By the summer of 2016, after a concert date that sealed the deal, they were officially inseparable.
Fast-forward to a windswept July proposal on Nantucket’s Great Point Beach—a favorite spot of Lauren’s—where Derek popped the question after sending her on a mini birdwatching quest through the dunes. (Yes, really. It doesn’t get more romantic-meets-adventurous than that.) They celebrated with Cisco Brewers and fireworks on the Cape with friends. Just dreamy.
Why Stowe, Vermont Was the Perfect Wedding Destination
Lauren and Derek are avid skiers, so it was only fitting that they chose the Stowe area for both their engagement photos and their big day. Their photographer, Nicole Kiernan, suggested the Von Trapp Lodge for their engagement shoot, which offered that perfect blend of elevated elegance and wild Vermont beauty.
They even got caught in the rain as their engagement session wrapped up—an unexpected moment that, in hindsight, felt like a sweet prelude to their wedding day. As Lauren shared, the weather gave them “some really special, spontaneous images.”
A Barn Wedding at Smugglers’ Notch
The couple tied the knot this past September at The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont—a rustic venue tucked into the Green Mountains. And like any good Vermont love story, the weather tried to stir up a little drama. But in true storybook fashion, the rain held off just long enough for them to say “I do.”
The reception that followed was pure candlelit magic. With dozens of flickering flames casting a glow across the barn’s warm wooden beams, the night felt cozy, romantic, and totally unforgettable. Lauren shared one of her favorite memories: her grandparents flying in from California and dancing the night away—cameos on the dance floor and all—until 11:00 PM.
Wedding Vibes: Romantic, Natural, and Full of Heart
From windswept proposals and mountain engagement shoots to a candle-heavy reception filled with family, laughter, and late-night dancing, Lauren and Derek’s wedding was a heartwarming example of why Vermont weddings are pure magic. The natural beauty, the moody skies, and the close-knit feel of their celebration came together for a day that was deeply personal and effortlessly beautiful.
Whether you’re planning your own barn wedding in Vermont or just love a good love story, this one’s got all the ingredients: love, laughter, and just a little bit of rain for good luck.
Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch | Photographer: Nicole Kiernan Photography | Florist: Kingsley Floral Co. | Makeup: Sarah Robinson | Hair: K Rossini Stylist
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