Where Vintage Meets Vermont: A Private Estate Wedding Weekend

Kiernan and Max’s wedding weekend unfolded like a love letter to Vermont—intimate, intentional, and steeped in timeless charm. Hosted at a private estate surrounded by rolling greenery, the celebration felt less like a single day and more like a thoughtfully curated experience, brought to life through the lens of our photography member, Emily Battles Photography, with vintage rental curation by our member 1214 Vintage.

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As a wedding photographer herself, Kiernan approached the planning process with a trained eye and a clear creative vision. From the beginning, she knew she wanted the design to echo the aesthetic that inspires her own work. Together, she and Max leaned into a palette of vintage, classic, and timeless elements—choices that felt both elevated and deeply personal.

That vision came to life through layers of thoughtful detail: unique floral arrangements with an organic, unfussy feel; carefully selected rental furniture that added warmth and character; thrifted silver pieces that brought a sense of history to the tablescape; and an overall flow that felt refreshingly untraditional from start to finish. Every element was intentional, yet nothing felt overworked—an artful balance that defined the day.

Once the couple committed to a wide-open green landscape, the design fell effortlessly into place. They leaned into a soft, organic palette of pale yellow, chartreuse, blush, and warm browns, and chose serpentine tables to keep guests feeling connected. With a style rooted in whimsy, vintage romance, and thoughtful restraint, the details felt personal without ever feeling overdone—from a Polaroid seating chart featuring the couple with each guest (hand-built by the bride’s dad) to subtle swan motifs woven throughout, symbolizing love and loyalty. Every element felt layered, intentional, and unmistakably theirs.

The Bridal Dress

Kiernan chose a wedding dress by Allison Webb NYC, a designer known for refined silhouettes and modern restraint—an ideal match for the timeless tone of the weekend. The gown balanced classic structure with softness and movement, allowing the craftsmanship and fit to speak for themselves.

“I always assumed I’d wear something non traditional, but I surprised myself by choosing the most classic tulle princess gown imaginable. The second I put it on, I thought, when else in my life am I going to get to wear this? The blusher veil was non negotiable for me…I loved the drama and softness of it all. It felt ethereal, romantic + very “once in a lifetime.”

Kiernan slipped into vintage beaded kitten heels for photos and blush ballet flats for dancing—though she ultimately walked down the aisle barefoot, a choice that felt grounding and completely her. She wore her mother’s opal necklace with diamond prongs and a well-loved diamond tennis bracelet, adding layers of meaning to her look. Her hair was styled simply in a bun, a quiet nod to Max, who loves seeing her face. Vintage thrifted bags rounded out both the rehearsal and wedding-day looks, a small but deeply personal detail.

The Groom’s Classic Tux

Max wore a tux by Jack Victor Official, embracing a look that was timeless, tailored, and quietly confident. Clean lines and thoughtful proportions gave the tux a classic foundation, while subtle details elevated it beyond the expected.

The Venue

“The property belongs to my husband’s family, and it’s genuinely our happy place. So many of our earliest memories together happened there – lively weekends with friends, and quiet time just the two of us that felt slow and meaningful. We knew we didn’t want anything traditional or overly structured, and getting married there felt like the most honest choice.

Because the setting itself felt so special, I wanted to honor it rather than compete with it. Being surrounded by open land and natural light made it important to stay outside for the entire day, which made a sailcloth tent a no brainer for the reception. We leaned into the landscape with a relaxed outdoor cocktail hour in the sun, accented by a few white umbrellas, and kept the overall design light, organic, and intentional so the property could truly shine. The space shaped everything…it grounded the day and allowed it to feel effortless, personal + completely us.”

Looking back, is there a weekend moment that stands out as especially memorable or meaningful?

“At the very start of the ceremony, our officiant and best friend – Kevin asked us to pause, take a deep breath and really look at the crowd. I’m big on yoga and mindfulness and can be a bit anxious, and in that moment it was exactly what I needed. Seeing everyone we love all in one place felt overwhelming in the best way. Also…Kevin forgot the rings. In true chaotic good fashion, I sent my best friend Tara – who played college lacrosse – sprinting to retrieve them. She was back in seconds, everyone laughed, and somehow it felt so perfectly on brand that people thought we planned it.”

Every element of this private estate Vermont wedding was chosen with care—from vintage-inspired styling to untraditional moments that made the celebration feel entirely their own.

The Polaroid Escort Card Wall

Guests were greeted by a Polaroid escort card wall that felt both nostalgic and playful. “Our seating chart became a collection of Polaroid photos of us with each of our guests…something that felt especially natural as a photographer and that I loved visually. My dad built the frame, and then Max’s sisters and I hammered each photo onto the board together, which made it even more meaningful. I’ve also always loved swans (I even have one tattooed), so they became a quiet motif throughout the day, symbolizing love and loyalty.”

Vintage Silver Trays for Signage

Instead of traditional signage, vintage silver trays were repurposed throughout the day to display meaningful notes and directional details. Their timeworn patina added depth and history, subtly grounding the design in something that felt collected rather than styled. Each tray felt like a small discovery—an heirloom moment tucked into the flow of the celebration.

“Most of the silver and vintage pieces were collected over time specifically for the wedding, and many of them now live in our home…which makes them even more special. I’ve always loved thrifting and sourcing (I’m at Goodwill and local thrift stores almost every single week), so building the tablescape piece by piece felt like a true extension of my personality. That process actually inspired me to launch a rental company, @lacevintageco, so I could share lace linens, silver candlesticks, platters, and vintage fashion pieces with other couples who love that same layered, collected look. I even dragged Max two hours away to source the clawfoot vintage tub that we filled with Coronas and the plan is to give it a second life in our yard, filled with plants.”

Custom Cocktail Napkins

One of the most intimate details appeared unexpectedly in guests’ hands: custom cocktail napkins printed with a handwritten-style note from Max to Kiernan, simply expressing how much he loves her. It was a quiet, emotional gesture—easy to miss, yet impossible to forget. The note transformed a functional detail into something deeply personal, offering guests a glimpse into the heart of the day.

The Guest Book: A Vintage Suitcase & Botanical Playing Cards

For their guest book, Kiernan and Max leaned fully into the weekend’s vintage narrative. A well-worn suitcase held botanical playing cards, each one ready for guests to write notes, wishes, and memories. The cards felt artful and intentional—something worth keeping, revisiting, and perhaps even framing later.

“Max and I love playing cards together, so the idea of a traditional guest book never quite felt right. Instead, we had guests write notes on a deck of cards that matched the whimsical garden feel of the day. It took me a while to find the perfect deck, but once I did, it instantly felt like us – and now it’s something we’ll actually use and revisit.”

The wedding cake was a visual standout, adorned with fresh kiwi fruit and soft florals that echoed the organic design language of the day.

This private estate Vermont wedding weekend is a reminder that the most impactful celebrations are built on intention—and on working with a team that truly understands your vision.

If you’re planning a wedding and want thoughtful guidance from the start, our 100 Layer Cake Concierge is here to help. We personally match couples with trusted creatives who know how to bring meaningful, beautifully designed celebrations to life.