If you’ve ever dreamed of a mountain wedding surrounded by breathtaking views, a sparkling lake, and the people you love most, Marissa and Brandon’s Mountain Top Resort Wedding in Vermont in Chittenden was exactly that.

As destination wedding photographers, we are fortunate to travel all over the country documenting wedding weekends, but every once in a while, there is a celebration that stays with us long after we’ve unpacked our bags and delivered the galleries. This was one of those weekends.

Destination Wedding Photography at Mountain Top Resort in Vermont

When we landed in Burlington, Vermont, we immediately understood why so many couples choose the Northeast for their destination wedding. The drive to Mountain Top Resort was filled with rolling mountains, winding roads, and views that seemed to change around every corner.

While Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains will always hold a special place in our hearts, Vermont felt completely different. Every mile brought a new landscape, another incredible view, and more reasons for us to joke about buying property and moving there permanently.

Mountain Top Resort sits in the heart of Vermont’s mountain landscape and offers some of the most beautiful wedding views we’ve ever photographed. Between the mountains, the lake, and the peaceful atmosphere, it felt like the perfect setting for a wedding weekend.

Lakeside Rehearsal Dinner Photography at Mountain Top Resort

One of our favorite parts of destination weddings is having the opportunity to photograph the rehearsal dinner in addition to the wedding day.

Wedding weekends tell a much bigger story than a single day ever could.

Marissa and Brandon’s rehearsal dinner took place along the lake at Mountain Top Resort. Guests gathered near the waterfront, surrounded by beautiful views, a bonfire, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy time together before the wedding day.

The evening felt relaxed and intimate. Family members shared stories, friends gave heartfelt toasts, and everywhere we turned someone was sharing another reason why these two were so loved.

Photographing rehearsal dinners allows us to capture the relationships, stories, and moments that often become some of the most meaningful parts of a wedding gallery. We hear family stories that never make it into the reception speeches. We learn about friendships that span decades. We get to see everyone settle in and simply enjoy being together.

A Vermont Destination Wedding Filled With Meaningful Connections

What made this wedding especially meaningful for us was the connection to the people involved.

Years ago, we photographed Emily and Andrew’s wedding in Richmond, Virginia. It remains one of those weddings we still talk about today because of how joyful and welcoming everyone was.

Since then, we’ve photographed Lindsey’s wedding in Rhode Island last year.. and now her best friend, Marissa. Each one has been such a joy.

So when we arrived in Vermont and saw familiar faces from previous celebrations, it felt like a reunion.

One of the greatest gifts of being wedding photographers is getting to watch families grow, friendships continue, and love stories unfold over the years. Seeing people we’ve photographed before welcoming us back into another wedding weekend is something we’ll never take for granted.

Mountain Top Resort Ceremony With Stunning Vermont Mountain Views

The wedding ceremony took place overlooking the mountains.. it was one of the most beautiful ceremony locations we’ve ever photographed.

The forecast had called for rain.

A backup plan had been discussed.

But ultimately, Marissa and Brandon decided to take the chance and move forward with their outdoor ceremony.

The result was absolutely perfect.

The clouds cleared, the sun appeared, and the mountains created a backdrop that felt almost unreal.

One of our favorite moments happened immediately after the ceremony. After celebrating together as newlyweds, Marissa and Brandon stood back and watched their family and friends come toward them.

One by one, they received hugs from the people they loved most.

Then both mothers found each other in the crowd and wrapped each other in a joyful embrace, laughing, celebrating, and spinning together as everyone gathered around them.

It was one of those moments that perfectly represented the entire weekend.

Pure joy.

Wedding Reception at Mountain Top Resort

Following cocktail hour outside the resort, guests moved inside for the reception.

As the evening progressed, Vermont decided to remind everyone just how unpredictable mountain weather can be.

During the first dances, rain poured down so heavily that the lake completely disappeared behind sheets of water.

Then, just as quickly as it arrived, the storm passed.

A massive rainbow appeared across the property, causing guests to rush toward the windows and outside spaces to take it all in.

It felt like one more unforgettable gift from an already incredible day.

An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend Celebration

The celebration continued with one of the most energetic dance floors we’ve seen all year.

A live DJ performance combined with musicians created an atmosphere that kept guests dancing all night long. The bongos quickly became a crowd favorite as guests of all ages took turns joining the fun.

Brandon also surprised Marissa with a live wedding painter, which was such a thoughtful and memorable addition to the reception.

And because no Vermont wedding would be complete without a local favorite, guests were treated to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream during the celebration.

Every detail felt intentional, joyful, and uniquely them.

Why We Love Photographing Destination Wedding Weekends

This wedding reminded us why we love destination wedding photography so much.

It’s never just about the wedding day.

It’s about the rehearsal dinner conversations.

It’s about the quiet moments by the lake.

It’s about reconnecting with people you’ve photographed before.

It’s about watching families celebrate milestones together.

It’s about being invited into an entire wedding weekend and documenting every chapter of the story.

Marissa and Brandon, thank you for allowing us to be part of this incredible weekend at Mountain Top Resort. Your kindness, your families, your friends, and your joy made this one of those weddings we’ll be talking about for years to come.

Enjoy a few of our many favorites from this unforgettable Mountain Top Resort Wedding in Vermont.

The vendor Team:
VENUE | @mountaintopresort
FLORIST | Meados Edge at Mountain Top
HAIR & MAKEUP | @blushvermontatmountaintop
STATIONERY | @minted
BAKERY | @sweetbirchvt @benandjerrys
ENTERTAINMENT | @toptierentertainment_newyork
DRESS | @alexandrasbridalboutique
SUITS | @theblacktux
BRIDESMAIDS | @azaziebridal
VIDEO | @jp_studios._ @weddingsbylugo