Laura and Paul’s love story began with a mall rendezvous that didn’t quite score Paul new sunglasses but did snag him Laura’s phone number. Fast forward six years, a daring Scottish proposal, and a ring with a splash of Scotch later, their wedding at Smugglers’ Notch turned the page on a romance that started with a fashion faux pas and evolved into a mountainous love affair with bagpipes and candlelight.
Of her MARINA gown, Laura said: “I was so worried when I started dress shopping, I didn’t think I would ever find something that felt right to me. All I knew was I wanted something timeless and comfortable, and something that felt like me. The moment I put this dress on I knew it was the one. It has so much amazing detail, and just felt right. ”
Names: Laura and Paul
Wedding Date: 9.29.23
Guest Number: 100
Wedding Location: The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch – Jeffersonville, VT
Photographer: Jordan Jankun
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
It all started 6 years before we actually went on our first date. I (Laura) worked at the mall in the summers during college break. One of these summers Paul lost his sunglasses overboard while sailing, so in an attempt to replace them he stumbled into a store at the mall, that I just so happened to be working at. We’d like to say that I helped Paul pick out a pair of sunglasses, we exchanged information, and the rest was history. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy. Paul left the store empty handed (unless you count my phone number), and our paths didn’t cross again for 6 years. After enough persistence, strategically timed text messages and photos of sailing in the Caribbean, I finally agreed to a boat ride and we’ve been together ever since. Maybe if he had actually bought the sunglasses it wouldn’t have taken so long!
How Did He Put A Ring On It?
Where did you draw inspiration from?
We love the mountains and the outdoors, and love nothing more than a good dinner party, so we wanted our wedding to feel like a big cozy dinner party in the mountains! Paul grew up skiing at Smugglers’ Notch, and it’s the first place we ever said I love you. We were able to get married with that mountain behind us, and had a candlelit reception to follow. Fall in Vermont is beautiful, and very special to us, so we tied that into the florals, and the wedding colors.
What made the wedding personal to you?
Scotland has played a big role in our relationship, so we tied that in wherever we could (including a handfasting ceremony, a bagpipe band, and a sword to cut the cake!) Our dog was there for photos, we had a signature drink for each pet at cocktail hour, and espresso martinis (our favorite) served with dessert. We’re also big wine lovers, and used corks my parents collected over the years as our name card holders.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
The vows! We wrote our own and read them in front of everyone – it was so special to share that moment with all of our guests.
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I was so worried when I started dress shopping, I didn’t think I would ever find something that felt right to me. All I knew was I wanted something timeless and comfortable, and something that felt like me. The moment I put this dress on I knew it was the one. It has so much amazing detail, and just felt right.
What stockist did you get it from?
Tulle in Andover, Massachusetts!
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
Being played into our reception by bagpipes, it felt surreal!
Vendors to credit:
Hair NICOLE WALKER // Makeup HILLARY FAY // Photography JORDAN JANKUN // Florals TIPSY TULIP DESIGNS
Lisa
Loved reading this!