Aren’t the leaves just beautiful?

All week we have been watching the trees make the change from deep green into their best dresses, billowing gowns of

fire-y orange,

deep mustards,

buttery yellows,

and celebratory reds.

It was like they knew you were coming and they wanted to surround you with a party of new England’s finest splendor. We have been driving round watching the leaves float like ballerinas through the sky, laying a blanket of beauty on our dirt roads.

The nights are getting a little darker and the evenings a little moody-er.

Tonight you will see why people have been singing about the “moonlight in Vermont” since 1944.

It’s like Mother Nature knew you were coming, our very special guests, you came from down the road, over the mountain, and from places very far away.

We had so much fun creating the tables tonight. Having all of our loved ones together, many who have never met… yet we have always wanted to introduce you to each other. Please take time to get to know your neighbors, both at your table and at the nearby tables. We love you! You will love each other! The vermont sky is filled with beautiful stars tonight, but the real shine-y stars in our hearts are all right here, in this tent. And it is my joy to look out at all of you and see your glorious star-y selves.

Your champagne flutes are filled with a special Vermont drink called Töst, it is a non-alcoholic sparkling cider and a favorite of our family.

Tonight our now big collective family would like to welcome all of you to our tiny town in the mountains and we thank each of you for coming to celebrate our darling, darling Bride and Groom. The first toast… our now big giant family… would like to give is to all of their beautiful guests. We are so very grateful to all be here tonight under the Vermont stars. Here is to all of you who took the time tonight to get all snazzed up and shine as bright as the Vermont stars…thank you for coming tonight to cover Brooke and Ethan with love….just like those gorgeous Vermont leaves.