Starting tomorrow and going through the weekend - Jackie, my marketing manager, is headed to gorgeous Jamaica and will be staying at the Hotel Riu Montego Bay. She is flying out today to attend the Jamaica Bridal Expo Experience Press Trip.

Be sure to follow along on all my social media channels {links are below} as Jackie will be posting what I am certain will be some pretty amazing scenery and wedding goodness from Jamaica. Her itinerary is like a dream - just like a destination wedding or honeymoon to Jamaica would be. If anyone has any questions about Jamaica that they would like Jackie to answer while she is there, please be sure to leave a comment.

I have a dreamy styled shoot to share with you today, which also happens to be the last day of March. Where did the month go? For me April means spring must be on it's way, so this shoot is a perfect way to welcome in Spring {officially}. Wouldn't it be wonderful to marry on a 150-acre historic ranch where each bridal couple has full and exclusive access to the property, as if they were welcoming their guests to their own home? That is exactly what happens at The Bradford Ranch where this photo shoot from John DeFiora Photography took place. Please see the end of this post for all the details on this amazing venue that's just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego, CA.

PS: I'm trying something a little different with this post and went with a 2 column layout for the photos so you won't have to scroll on and on to see all the images. You can simply click on any of photo you'd like and you will see the image fully enlarged.

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There's such a sweet history behind the location for this styled shoot, that I have to share it with you as you can have your wedding here. The Bradford Ranch {originally founded in the late 1800s by the Walker family} was taken over by Carole and Bob Bradford in the 1980's. They made the ranch their own by restoring the old houses and bringing the amenities up to date - along with added landscaping, a pool, and a full size tennis court. After Bob passed just a couple years ago, Carole "decided that she did not have to sit around waiting to grow old. Instead, she has continued to improve the property that her husband and herself made so beautiful together." Carole has decided to share it's beauty with others and is now offering the ranch as a new wedding and event venue in the San Diego area. The Bradford Ranch has several options for event spaces, allowing couples to choose spaces that fit their wedding style perfectly. There is a private bridal cottage that can be used as both a bridal suite for the Bride and her maids to get ready, as well as a honeymoon suite for the Bride and Groom to stay in the evening of their wedding. Should the couple decide to stay the night, they will be made a farm fresh breakfast in the morning. The new couple can stay the whole next day and relax while hiking, horseback riding, playing tennis, or just listening to the birds as they unwind by the pool. The ranch only allows one wedding per weekend and with it being so secluded from the city, there is no need to end the party early, or turn off the music by a certain time.

See more of The Bradford Ranch here

Wedding Vendors from this shoot include:
Photography: John DeFiora Photography
Floral Designer: San Diego Floral Design LLC
Dress Designer: Iselle Design Studio
Cake Designer: Lovely's Sinfully Sweet Creations
Makeup Artist: Grace Montano (The Doll Service)
Jewelry: Diamond Boutique

Yesterday on the blog I wrote about my weekend away to Vermont and how you can plan the most amazing rustic wedding in a barn {or two} at Riverside Farm in Pittsfield, Vermont. Today, I'm back to talk about the additional venue space, Amee Farm Lodge, in a bit more detail.

Along with holding weddings and rehearsal dinners for up to 200, Amee Farm Lodge is the perfect Vermont Bed and Breakfast for a weekend or mid-week getaway. With Valentine's Day this Friday, why not surprise your loved one with a romantic trip to the Green Mountains of Vermont? Or, how about planning a pre-wedding trip with your wedding party {gals AND guys}?

Amee Farm Lodge is offering an exclusive discount for all readers of Brenda's Wedding Blog. You can receive 20% off your entire stay simply by using promo code BRENDASWEDDINGBLOG when booking online at AmeeFarm.com.

If the dates you prefer look unavailable online, it is a good idea to call directly at 802-449-2519 as sometimes there is availability. Plus, the innkeepers say it's nice to talk to a person {I'd agree with that}.

Wouldn't it be fun to spend the weekend away at a fully-restored post-and-beam farmhouse with complimentary breakfast and many activities {right outside the B&B door} to enjoy during your stay?

For the Adventurous Travelers:
The entrance to the Green Mountain Trails {20 miles across 750 acres} is immediately across the road from the Amee Farm Lodge. In the warmer months you can hike and mountain bike and the innkeepers even rent bicycles and organize multi-day road bike tours from the lodge. In the winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing on these trails and of course Killington Ski Resort is less than 20 minutes away.

For the Relaxtion-Seeking Travelers:
The Amee Farm has it's own farm animals to visit and of course, the fall foliage in Vermont is one that shouldn't be missed. There's also a local art gallery and the Vermont General Store is right down the road. And, of course relaxing at the B&B with a book or magazine is always a great option. There's also games and puzzles for you to take advantage of.

While Amee Farm Lodge is perfect for smaller weddings, I'm also loving the idea of planning the bacelor{ette} party in the same weekend. The guys can do the biking and hiking {or skiing} and the girls can have group yoga sessions as well as massages in their guest room. Or, maybe you prefer a wine tasting and private cooking lessons. Whatever you wish for your weekend away, Amee Farm Lodge will handle all the planning to create the perfect Vermont weekend for your group.

And, don't forget . . . You can receive 20% off your entire stay at Amee Farm Lodge by using promo code BRENDASWEDDINGBLOG when booking online at AmeeFarm.com.

If the dates you prefer look unavailable online, you can always call directly at 802-449-2519 as there might actually be availability.

Lastly, I have to close with a shout-out to all who hosted and helped make this weekend away to Vermont an amazing experience for my family:
Riverside Farm: Courtney + Joe, Liz, Jen, Peter, Marion and John
Perfect Vermont Retreats: Tom and Erlin
Amee Farm Lodge: innkeepers and Great Bike Tours - Jessica + Simon
Sweet Georgia P's: Rebecca + Joe, Sophie and Max
The Original General Store
Green Mountain Trails
Matt Chase for music
Occasions Catering

All photos in this post are courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography

While I was gifted a weekend stay at Amee Farm Lodge and a tour of the Riverside Farm facilities, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Are you looking to have an unforgettable destination wedding? 
Would you like to have a rustic yet beautifully elegant wedding? 
Maybe an outdoor wedding set amongst the most picturesque, lush green mountains as your backdrop? 
How about celebrating your marriage at a reception in an authentically restored barn, yet with all the modern amenities you'd need? 

If you are considering any of these ideas for your upcoming nuptials, I have the dream wedding location for you today. In January I was invited to a weekend away in Vermont along with several other wedding bloggers, planners and photographers. The location? Riverside Farm and Amee Farm Lodge . . . gorgeous wedding venues that are nestled in the heart of the Vermont Green Mountains in Pittsfield, VT and less than 10 minutes from Killington Resort. The hospitality and atmosphere at both of these locations is unlike anything I have experienced. The one word that keeps repeating in my head to describe the weekend experience is "magical". I still remember the one wedding I went to with my husband in Vermont and it's one I'll never forget. There's something about a wedding in Vermont with a barn reception. It's beautifully elegant and rustic, and the guests are sure to be relaxed and have an amazing time.

Riverside Farm is New England's most exclusive wedding venue and they only serve 15 weddings a year {the entire weekend is yours in Vermont - they never ever plan more than one wedding per weekend}. During our stay, myself {and my husband and two daughters} were welcomed as guests at the Amee Farm Lodge, which also hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions along with rehearsal dinners and more. A little bit later this morning I will have a post dedicated to our stay there along with a SPECIAL DISCOUNT to Amee Farm Lodge for those that would like to plan a fun getaway with your loved one or friends in Vermont {think Valentine's Day gift}. 

But, right now, I will share more details on having your dream destination Vermont wedding at Riverside Farm {with even more photos of the venue spaces}.

Vermont Wedding Ceremonies

There's over 700 acres, 3 properties, a "working" farm and 6 barns which lead to an endless list of ideas of where to hold your ceremony. You can consider the barn, a stone room {which reminds me of a wine cellar}, on top of the mountain or even on the golf course. It's sure to be a wedding weekend the bride, groom and their guests will never forget.

Vermont Wedding Receptions

Riverside Farm is a 300-acre manicured property that features two historic post and beam barns that can be transformed into the most spectacular spaces for large dream weddings. Amee Farm Lodge is idea for smaller ceremonies and events of up to 200 people.

All images in the gallery below are courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography {Jasmine was one of the attendees at the weekend and it was an honor to meet her, not only because she came all the way from sunny California, but because I also featured her Wine Country Wedding on my blog back in 2012.}

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Wedding Decorations

You cannot believe the barns and hidden storage areas that hold charming antiques that are at the ready to help decorate your wedding. There's antique tractors, a classic Ford pick-up truck, copper lanterns, wooden farm tables and much more that are all available to help you turn your Vermont wedding into one you and your guests will always remember.

Kids and Weddings

Having kids at your wedding is easy at Riverside Farm. With Joe and Courtney {the venue owners} having children of their own and living on the grounds, there's a play set at the ready. During cocktail hour the parents can enjoy the time with the other adults while the children play and are supervised by local pre-school teachers.

The wooden sign and photos below are courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography

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Wedding Guest Lodging

Between the 3 properties owned by Joe and Courtney {Riverside Farm, Amee Farm Lodge and Trailside Inn}, you will have plenty of space for your guests to room and attend all your weekend wedding events. Right on the estate at Riverside Farm, overnight accommodations are available for up to 25 people. On the surrounding properties, another 80+ guests can be accommodated. Unique accommodations include the River Studio, the Caretaker's Cottage, the recently renovated Stables, the stunning Bridal Suite, or the new Groom's Cabin.

Other Events and Activities

While in Vermont, your guests might like to partake in some of the fun area events that are right near the venue spaces. There's hiking, biking {snowshoeing + snowmobiling in the winter months}, gold, yoga, a "working" farm complete with goats and the Original General Store is one spot that is a must-visit.

At Riverside Farm, you can be assured that you and your guests will be cared for and you will have a wedding experience no one will ever forget. With everything possible being thought of for you and your guests, it's truly the most amazing Dream Destination Wedding Location.

If you are interested in finding out more or to get started planning your elegant Vermont Wedding, you can call Riverside Farm toll free 888-618-7017 or visit riversidefarmweddings.com. And, be sure to let them know that Brenda's Wedding Blog sent you :)

Tomorrow on the blog - I will tell you a bit more about Amee Farm Lodge. I also have an exclusive discount offer for you to take advantage of when booking a weekend or week away with your love or maybe a group of gals or guys {ps: there's even yoga, massage, biking and hiking opportunities}.

While I was gifted a weekend stay at Amee Farm Lodge and a tour of the Riverside Farm facilities, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I originally planned to share an engagement shoot with you today, but will hold off on that for a few days as I wanted to share with you some fun photos that I took over the weekend during my stay at Amee Farm Lodge. I am still pinching myself for having been able to experience such warmth, friendly conversation, "walking on ice" {more details on that to come}, yoga two days in a row, yummy food, and amazing hospitality. I took a tour of the most amazing wedding venue destination . . . Riverside Farm {New England's most exclusive wedding venue}. I was also able to meet some wonderful wedding vendors, including Jasmine from Jasmine Lee Photography {I even featured a wedding she photographed back in 2012, a wine country wedding}, Kristin of Reverie Events {she's an amazingly talented event designer, planner, floral designers, stationer and stylist},  Jennifer of The Clutch Guide and Hill City Bride, Mary of Mary Dougherty Photography, Heidi of Heidi Vail Photography, Christine of Christine Lee Smith Photography and Jessica of Jessica Bossé Photography along with many others.

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Above are some snapshots from this weekend {I have even more amazing ones on my good camera that I have to download}. To read more about each photo, please be sure to visit me on instagram and if you aren't already following along, please do follow me. I have much more coming very soon about how you can have the most amazing destination wedding to Vermont or even a girls or guys weekend getaway. It will definitely be a wedding or weekend you will never forget.

Please know that while I was gifted a weekend stay at the Amee Farm Lodge, my opinions are truly my own.