Photo by: Michael Tallman (Home – Michael Tallman Photography)
The votes are in! We’re excited to finally release our highly anticipated Best of 2025 – Wedding Edition winners. After months of rigorous nomination, careful deliberation, and a monumental turnout from your votes, we are thrilled to finally unveil the highly anticipated Best of 2025 – Wedding Edition winners!
This year’s competition was fiercer than ever, showcasing the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication within the wedding industry. From visionary planners and breathtaking venues to exceptional photographers and delicious caterers, these awards recognize the professionals who truly set the gold standard and make dream weddings a reality.
We extend our deepest congratulations to all the winners and nominees who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence. Dive in now to discover the top vendors and trendsetters you need to know for the year ahead! Don’t forget to check out Part Two here:
Best Band Involvement
Couple: Katie & Tim
Wedding Date: Saturday, June 7th at Chapel of the Snows & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Photographer: Laura Swoyer, Band: Funk Evolution, Florist: Bondville Bloomist, Hair: Tiffany Martin, Cake: A to Z Cake
Photos by: Laura Swoyer (lauraswoyer.com)
Katie and Tim brought all the stops out for the season’s best dance party, which was an absolute triumph fueled by an epic live band that proved just how far a great band goes! The energy soared when the saxophone player plunged into the crowd, delivering a searing solo that ignited the dance floor. Capping the night, the band performed a custom song written just for the occasion, transforming the packed venue into a massive choir as everyone joyfully sang along to the unforgettable chorus.
What the couple had to say: “Stratton has everything- our guests loved staying together in the condos, it was like our own private resort for the weekend ( we had an early June wedding), with a fun village with restaurants and activities like golf, pickleball, hiking etc. The food and drinks were excellent, and going up for the tasting event before the wedding was so fun and such a special memory for my mom and I! The mountain club has the perfect layout to fit our guests (180ish) with plenty of room for dancing. The views out of the window are gorgeous- and the cocktail hour on the deck with the mountain/ gondola views were also a highlight”
Best Foliage
Couple: Emily & Edward
Wedding Details: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at the Stratton Summit Yoga Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Photographer: Juniper Studios, Florist: Bondville Bloomist, Band: East Coast Soul, HMU: VT Bridal Beauty, Dessert: Grandma Millers
Photos by: Juniper Studios (Juniper Studios – Vermont Wedding and Elopement Photography)
Some sights need no introduction: Emily and Edward’s wedding day was a masterpiece of autumn beauty. Set against a backdrop of glorious Vermont foliage, the crisp, vibrant leaves provided the perfect, natural canvas for their celebration. When it comes to fall weddings, Vermont is simply unmatched.
Best Ambiance
Couple: Lauren & Ethan
Wedding Details: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at Chapel of the Snows & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Photographer: The Great Blue Photo Co, DJ: Supersounds, Florals: Memory Lane
Photos by: The Great Blue Photo Co (https://thegreatbluephotoco.com/)
Lauren and Ethan planned the perfect fall wedding. From their florals (hanging from the chandelier) to their custom menus and centerpieces, the vibes were incredible that night. Every detail complimented the crisp Autum air.
Best Floral Design
Couple: Caroline & Max
Wedding Details: Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at the Summit Yoga Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Band: A house on Fire, Photographer: Danielle Allendorf, Florist: Bondville Bloomist
Photos by Danielle Allendorf (https://dallendorfphotography.com/)
We absolutely adored the atmosphere Caroline and Max created, and their flowers were the undeniable centerpiece of the aesthetic. From the stunning, textural bouquets to the lush, artful centerpieces, the florals were truly impressive, commanding attention from every angle.
What the couple had to say: We could not recommend Stratton enough for a wedding weekend. The entire Stratton team, especially our event planner Sarah, worked to pull off the wedding of our dreams, and we are so grateful. The best part of our wedding was getting married at the top of Stratton Mountain on the yoga deck. We were lucky to get great weather (despite some risk of rain), and Sarah and her team made sure the whole ceremony flowed perfectly. Our guests loved the ride up to the top in a gondola (with a Champagne toast!) and enjoyed the views from the top before the wedding started. Beyond that, we were very impressed by the food and service at Stratton Mountain Club. We were so pleased that the food exceeded our expectations, and several guests commented how delicious it was, especially the appetizers. We also heard from several people about how friendly and helpful the staff at Stratton were during our event, which added an an extra special touch.
Best Pivot
Couple: Felicia & John
Wedding Details: Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at Stratton Mountain Club Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor team: Florals: Bondville Bloomist, DJ: Supersounds, Hair: The Hair Retreat, Makeup: Luna, Photographer: Granite Stag
Photos by Granite Stag (New Hampshire wedding photographer)
Since childhood, Felicia had envisioned her dream mountain wedding. However, in true Vermont style, the skies had other ideas, unleashing a torrential downpour that forced a last-minute relocation from the mountaintop to the Stratton Mountain Club Deck. Though we’d never hosted a ceremony there before, Felicia met the challenge with incredible grace. Her unwavering trust made the unexpected setting just as beautiful and deeply memorable.
Sweetest Moment
Couple: Bailey & Joe
Wedding Details: Sunday, October 19th, 2025 at The Chapel of the Snows & Grizzlys
Photos by: Jacob Mailhiot (Jacob Mailhiot Photography)
A Vow Before the View: Bailey and Joe kicked off their wedding day with the most intimate move: exchanging their vows privately, backs turned, before ever seeing each other. They wanted that first look down the aisle to be absolutely electric. The moment they shared those promises, sight unseen, was pure, heart-stopping anticipation. Talk about chill-inducing!
Best Pet Involvement
Couple: Laila & Greg
Wedding Details: Saturday, August 31st
Vendor Team: Photographer: Maple Leaf Photography, Florals: Middlebury Florals, DJ: Supersounds – Bucky, Cake: Blackbird Cake Design
Photos by Maple Leaf Photography (Vermont Destination Photographer | Home)
From the first look to the summit vows, Maisel and Flynn were the charming, integral stars of the weekend. These goodest boys nailed every photo op! Their adorable cake topper was truly the cherry on top of the cake—literally and figuratively.
What the couple had to say: “I cannot say enough amazing things about Stratton Mountain and their team! The facility was a dream the day of the wedding. Everything ran as smoothly as possible with all the help of the amazing staff. The staff and the bartenders were very accomodating to everyone of my guests! The wedding planning process with Emily was stress free, which is all anyone can ask for. All our guests raved about how everything was seamless the day of the wedding. We cannot thank the Stratton Mountain team enough for all their hard work to make our day special!”
Best Father Daughter Dance
Couple: Eliza & Rob
Wedding Details: Friday, October 17th, 2025 at The Chapel of the Snows and The Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Photographer: Meghan Marks, Dessert: Dorset Bakery, Florals: Middlebury Florals, Band: Silver Arrow Band
Photos by: Megan Marks (Wedding Photographer | Meghan Marks Photography | United States)
Eliza’s dad (well actually her mom too) was absolutely magnetic on the dance floor, complete with his dedicated dancing shoes! He spun his daughter around with pure joy, eliciting the sweetest, most genuine reaction from her—a captivating moment that was easily the biggest crowd-pleaser of the night.
What the couple had to say: “If you are considering getting married at Stratton this is your sign to absolutely do it — not one complaint except we are sad it’s over!! The Chapel was adorable and could fit our entire group of 160 with seats to spare it was so cute. It was so fun seeing the leaves through the circle window. Taking pictures at the golf club was gorgeous. The Stratton Mountain Club was perfect! The combo of cocktail hour and the reception worked perfectly. The fact that guests could take a break on the wraparound porch in front of the fire pits was such a plus, in addition to the comfy couches in the main area!. The food was AMAZING and the staff was incredible. We will never get over how amazing Stratton is and are forever grateful for making our special day absolutely perfect.”
Best Weather Backup
Couple: Karina & Jacob
Wedding Details: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at Timber Hall and Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Florals: Fern to Table, DJ: Supersounds, Photographer: Dream Love Photography
Photos by Dream Love Photography (Boston & Western Mass Wedding Photography | Dreamlove Photography)
This Memorial Day Weekend was nothing short of memorable. With snow dancing on the summit deck, Karina and Jacob made the choice to hold their ceremony in front of the fireplace at Timberhall. Their exquisite choice of florals created a backdrop that vied even with Stratton’s summit views.
What the couple had to say: Getting married at Stratton Mountain was the best decision we made during our wedding planning (aside from choosing each other), and we couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else. From the start of the process, Sarah and the incredible staff worked with us to bring our vision to life, and made the entire day feel like “us”. The whole mountain team made sure guests were aware of important info, and everyone in the village made us feel so loved during our wedding weekend. We got married in late May, and even we got rained out of a summit ceremony, everyone was incredibly adaptable and helpful, and the ceremony in Timber Hall was perfect. I can’t recommend this venue enough, and thanks so much to the whole crew at Stratton for memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Best Views
Couple: Kelsey & Will
Wedding Details: Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at Summit Yoga Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Band: Silver Arrow Band, Photographer: Katherine and Tyler Photography, Dessert: Wilcox Ice Cream Cart, Dessert: Dorset Bakery, Florist: Flower power
Photos by: Katherine and Tyler Photography (Husband & Wife Team | Timeless Imagery & Films)
Nothing but blue skies and the fluffiest white clouds for Kelsey and Will’s wedding summer Vermont wedding. They really took advantage of all the stunning and sweeping views Stratton has to offer. Those views and that dress, just wow
Best Ring Barker
Couple: Jenn & Chris
Wedding Details: Sunday, October 5th, 2025 at Summit Yoga Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Photographer: Lewis Berman, DJ: DJ Joe Bell, Florals: Karen Lenahan Floral Design, Pianist: Dan the Piano Man, Photobooth: Equinox Photobooth
Photos by: Lewis Berman
Captain was undoubtedly the star of the ceremony. He performed his special duty with remarkable grace, trotting down the aisle to carefully deliver the cherished rings directly to Jenn and Chris, making for an unforgettable and heartwarming moment during their exchange of vows.
Best New Trend
Couple: Haylie & Kurt
Wedding Details: Friday, June 7th, 2025 at the Summit Yoga Deck & Stratton Mountain Club
Vendor Team: Hair/Makeup: Liesel Manchester -True Vermont Beauty, Photographer: Laura Sowyer, Videographer: Colby Thompson, DJ: DJ Big Handsome- Brian Hodnett
Photos by: Laura Swoyer (lauraswoyer.com)
Forget tradition—Kurt and Haylie introduced us to a stunning new custom! Instead of the usual, they each honored their new family members by dancing with their respective mother- and father-in-law. This moment was the perfect picture of family merging, sparking deep emotion and ensuring every heart (and eye) in the room was touched.
What the couple had to say: “We want to start by saying Stratton is the absolute best. The entire staff is genuinely kind and personable. The food was absolutely excellent. We had almost every guest tell us it’s the best wedding catering they have ever experienced. The bartenders were so friendly and fun to hangout with at the tasting and the day of the event. The entire experience of planning was flawless. We live in another state and the Stratton team facetimed us, met with our parents, and went above and beyond to answer all of our questions. This venue had everything – lodging for everyone’s needs and price points, shuttles, after party options, and an amazing vendor list of people who have worked many Stratton weddings. The thing that sets Stratton above the rest is their event coordination team. Our day went absolutely PERFECTLY and it’s a huge credit to Emily and her team at Stratton. If you want a stress free, fun, organized wedding where your guests have options to stay, things to do and just have a good time- Stratton is it! We are walking away from the best day with zero regrets and tons of happy memories. Stratton truly makes you the priority for the weekend (including the businesses in the village that had a congrats signs with our names and the hotels having timelines printed for us). We can’t wait to come back and celebrate anniversaries in years to come.”
🏆 And the excitement isn’t over yet! Don’t miss Part Two for the complete list of all the other winners!
Posted by: Emily Ladroga & Sarah Andersen on December 11th, 2025