Arianna + Ryan

How did you meet?

Ryan and I met as freshman in college in Maine. We liked to play guitar together and both were in the outing club. We were friends for three years before I asked if he wanted to be more than friends. I couldn’t bear the thought of graduating and being without my best friend.

When did you know they were the one?

The summer before our senior year in college, we were apart. I was in Burlington, VT and he was in Washington DC. I started to realize how much I missed him and thought maybe it could be something. We dated for a year before we graduated and moved to Hawaii together. When we were in Hawaii, we started talking very long term about what was next. About then I knew that we were in it for the long haul.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Ryan’s the most caring and thoughtful person I know. I love how much he cares for his friends and family. He also is extremely hardworking and driven. As a physicist, I’m constantly in awe of how smart he is. Finally, he loves to be outside and active. Something that is central to our partnership.

Who proposed and how?

Ryan and I mutually decided to go on a backpacking trip after having an engagement ring made using his great grandmother’s diamond. His mother gave us the stone and after the ring was finished, we went camping and read a few words to each other. After that we popped our champagne that we had stored in our backpacks and enjoyed cooking a backcountry dinner while watching the sun set.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I was at A and Be Bridal in Denver when I first tried Elsie on. I had told the stylists that I wanted something very plain with no lace. As soon as I had Elsie on I was in love with the fit, the side cutouts, the deep v neckline, and the subtle and gorgeous floral design. I knew as soon as I had the matching veil on that she was the one.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The best moment for me at the wedding was when the work was over and we could just dance. We had a blues band all the way up to Vermont from Boston and they were amazing. Nobody could stop dancing in their seats as they played during dinner, so by the time the dancefloor opened, it was packed until the last song. I didn’t leave the dancefloor, I never even noticed dessert or went to the bar. I just danced as hard as I could surrounded by my favorite people. My dress kept up, which was the best part.

What were your favorite details?

My favorite details were my florals, our tables named by national parks, our local selection of Vermont beer, and our late-night snack. The florals took my breath away. They were so colorful and textured. Our national park tables signified each park that we had been to throughout the years as a couple. And, who doesn’t love local beer and late-night food?

What advice would you tell other brides?

Get a month-of planner if you don’t already have a wedding planner. Our month-of planner saved us. She coordinated all the vendors and made sure that my family and I could truly settle in and enjoy the weekend. Other than that, be open and honest with your people about what you’re going through. Weddings aren’t always glamorous but they are always worth it.

Any standout vendors?

Our venue, the Ohana Family Camp, was so meaningful to us and they allowed us to have every guest stay on site. Our wedding planner, Kim at Harlow and Dahlia events was a life saver. Our photographer, Addie Roberge, gave us the best gift of our lives – our forever photos. And our band, East Coast Soul, well, everyone is still talking about them.