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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts in Reviews
The Best Vacuum for Newlyweds + Rug Inspired Color Palettes

I have a fun post today for you as I was recently gifted a Soniclean VT Plus S-200 upright vacuum {the first vacuum cleaner to combine suction with sonic technology}. Now, you might think I'm crazy, but I love vacuuming and seeing how fresh the room can look when finished. But . . . with the vacuum I had been using {a canister and upright in one} the task was always a big chore as it was super heavy. With the Soniclean being incredibly light {only weighs 10.5 pounds}, I'm able to carry it in one hand up the stairs to our bedrooms. Vacuuming is now enjoyable and happening MUCH more often.

The Soniclean VTplus {priced under $250} is the perfect choice for newlyweds to add to their wedding registry list or for gifting the happy couple {if several guests go in together on the gift}.  Since you obviously need a rug to vacuum - how about these lovely patterned area rugs? The color palettes that can be created from these rugs are great inspiration for decorating the entire room of your new home together as husband and wife. Following the color palettes you will be able to see some of the Soniclean's great features:

Soniclean VTplus Features Include:
• produces 12,000 sonic vibrations per minute to dislodge dirt before vacuuming it up
• powerful enough to lift 150 lbs
• fragrance dispensing system that emits a fresh laundry scent while you clean {this isn't required for the vacuum to work as I chose to not use it}
• HEPA filter bag system designed for anti-allergen filtration {which is super important for me, I have always been using vacuums with bags}
• low profile design to vacuum under furniture with ease {and it can be stored flat if space is an issue}
• sophisticated jam protection system automatically shuts off the vacuum if it senses an item is jammed in the brushroll
• green "Paramagnetic" motor uses 50% less electricity than other upright vacuums {this probably explains why it's not blowing any fuses like my other vacuum would}
• weighs only 10.5 lbs
• 35 Foot power cord
• 3 Year motor warranty
• lifetime belt warranty

*** In closing, the Soniclean VT Plus is a tiny bit louder than my previous vacuum, but considering the carpets look brand new again after being vacuumed, I'm ok with that. It's also amazing to see how low I can maneuver it under furniture like our couch. It's also not as wide which means it fits between furniture and tables easier. I will obviously have to purchase a separate canister vacuum for cleaning baseboards and upholstery, but those are typically not that costly. I can honestly say that this would be a vacuum I highly recommend.

PS: While I was gifted a Soniclean VT Plus to review,
the opinions & thoughts in this post are all my own.
Mixed Media Masterpieces : crafting one-of-a-kind wedding journals + keepsakes

Have you heard of Everyday is a Holiday? Jenny and Aaron are the amazingly talented artists behind the popular crafting blog and have now published a book to help you create vibrant art journals {these are perfect for preserving  your wedding memories} and unique mixed media pieces in the easy-to-follow guide called Mixed Media Masterpieces. My personal favorite how-to's are the supercute mini faux doughnuts {which you will see below} and the fauxbulous keepsake cake.

Wouldn't it be so fun to serve doughnuts as the dessert at either your bridal shower or wedding and then send each guest home with a handmade keepsake faux doughnut? You can even turn these doughnuts into magnets or sign the back with a little personal thank you.

You can find Jenny and Aaron online at their blog Everyday is a Holiday and I'm in LOVE with their jumbo, sturdy wooden die cuts that are all handmade by Jenny and Aaron from their original paintings. Wouldn't it be fun to hang one of these wooden paintings behind your dessert table and then display it in your home after the wedding as a keepsake?

PS: You can purchase the Mixed Media Masterpieces book here for just $15.50. A fun idea is to plan a little "un-plugged" girlfriend get-together and gather supplies to have a fun craft night making art journals and more with Jenny and Aaron's easy to follow , step-by-step instruction manual.

Mixed Media Masterpieces with jenny and Aaron - learn the art of mixed media crafting and create your own original masterpieces

this post contains affiliate links

Save 20% when you Plan a Vermont Getaway or Retreat at Amee Farm Lodge
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.
Amee Farm Lodge in Pittsfield, Vermont - perfect location for weddings, weekend getaways and retreats. See blog to save 20% off entire stay. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography
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}?
Save 20% off your entire stay at Amee Farm Lodge in Pittsfield Vermont - discount code on blog - Photograph courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography

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.

Original General Store in Pittsfield, Vermont. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography

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
Amee Farm Lodge in Pittsfield, Vermont - perfect location for weddings, weekend getaways and retreats. See blog to save 20% off entire stay. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography - taken during the Weekend Getaway for wedding bloggers, planners …

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.

Plan Your Dream Vermont Destination Wedding at Riverside Farm

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? 

Riverside Farm in Vermont - #rustic #wedding #destination #venue
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}.
The White Barn Lodging at Riverside Farm in #Vermont - #destinationweddings #barnweddings

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.

Riverside Farm #Vermont #Wedding #Reception {photo by Jose Villa} #rusticweddings #barnweddings

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.}

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.

Love this wooden sign at Riverside Farm in Pittsfield, Vermont - photo courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography
The wooden sign and photos below are courtesy of Jasmine Lee Photography

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.

Wedding at Riverside Farm in Pittsfield, Vermont #rusticweddings #barnweddings #coveredbridge #vermontweddings
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.

My Memorable "Wedding" Weekend Getaway to Amee Farm Lodge and Riverside Farm in Vermont

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.

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.