As the mountains of Vermont transformed into vibrant shades of autumn, Karyn and Chris gathered their favorite people for a wedding weekend that beautifully reflected the places and experiences that had shaped their relationship. With sweeping mountain views, elegant black-tie style, and heartfelt nods to family, their celebration at The Wilburton Inn embraced the beauty of the season while remaining deeply personal.
“Charleston became not just a city, but a canvas for our memories.”
A Love Story That Began in Charleston
Karyn and Chris first met in an undergraduate finance class at the College of Charleston. Both had moved away from their hometowns to begin a new chapter, never expecting that a simple classroom introduction would become the beginning of forever.
Over the next five years, Charleston became the backdrop for countless milestones. They explored the city’s restaurants, spent long days at the beach, graduated together, moved into their first apartment, and welcomed their beloved golden retriever, Boone. Later, another exciting chapter began as they relocated to Boston, embracing new careers and a new city together.
Their engagement felt just as meaningful. During a family trip through Tuscany, Chris proposed among the rolling vineyards and countryside that had already captured their hearts.
An Elegant Autumn Wedding in Vermont
Because Vermont had long been woven into both of their lives, choosing The Wilburton Inn felt effortless. For Karyn, it was where her family gathered each year. For Chris, it was the mountains where he grew up skiing. Hosting their wedding there allowed guests to experience a place already filled with cherished memories.
Their design embraced timeless sophistication while allowing the surrounding landscape to shine. White florals, lush greenery, glowing chandeliers, and refined black-tie fashion complemented the vibrant fall foliage without competing with it.
The ceremony unfolded beneath a mature tree overlooking the mountains as a string quartet accompanied the processional from the mansion to an altar overflowing with white blooms. Throughout the afternoon, live musicians filled the estate with music, creating an atmosphere that felt both elegant and warmly inviting.
Celebrating with the People Who Matter Most
One of Karyn’s favorite memories was simply spending the morning surrounded by the women who had shaped different seasons of her life. Later, the reception became an unforgettable celebration filled with live music, a champagne tower, joyful dancing, and countless moments shared with family and friends.
Inside the reception tent, cascading floral chandeliers softened the formal atmosphere while bringing the natural beauty of Vermont indoors. As the evening continued, Karyn changed dresses and the dance floor remained full until the very end, with guests lifting the newlyweds high above the celebration in a moment of pure joy.
Looking back, their advice to future couples is wonderfully simple:
“Take five seconds every hour to pause and take it all in – it goes by so fast.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
In 2017, both Chris and I (Karyn) were beginning college at the College of Charleston after moving away from our hometowns – I had relocated from Puerto Rico, while Chris came from Stamford, Connecticut. We met during our first finance class, unknowingly beginning the story that would shape the rest of our lives. Neither of us was looking for anything serious, but over the next five years Charleston became the backdrop for our relationship. We explored new restaurants, spent long days at the beach, graduated together, moved into our first apartment, and adopted our goofy golden retriever, Boone. Later, during a family trip to Tuscany, Chris proposed among the rolling vineyards, making one of our favorite places part of our story forever.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Leaving Charleston to begin a new chapter in Boston was both exciting and bittersweet. While it was difficult to leave the city where so much of our relationship had unfolded, we embraced the opportunity to build a new life together. Boston quickly became home as we enjoyed tennis, skiing, nearby beach towns, and being closer to Chris’s family. Looking back, we’re grateful that each city has shaped our relationship in its own unique way.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Vermont has always been incredibly meaningful to both of us. Karyn’s family gathers there every year, while Chris spent much of his childhood skiing its mountains. Hosting our wedding there allowed us to celebrate somewhere already filled with treasured family memories.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
Getting ready with my closest friends from every season of my life was incredibly special and something I’ll never forget. Later, the dance floor became one of the highlights of the entire celebration. The energy never slowed, and seeing everyone we love celebrating together was unforgettable.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Take five seconds every hour to pause and truly soak everything in because the day moves incredibly fast. If it feels right for you, consider doing a first look so you have a quiet moment together before everything begins. Most importantly, don’t stress about the small things you can’t control. At the end of the day, you’re simply celebrating your marriage with the people you love most.
Venue & Catering: The Wilburton
Photography: Duy Ho Photography
Florist: Flowers by Cara
Officiant: Wayne Bell
Reception DJ: Peak Entertainment
Welcome Party & Cocktail Hour Music: Ishbel Melendez
Friday Welcome Music: Blair’s West
Ceremony Music: Pam Reit Quartet
Linens: The Linen Shop
Cake: Fancy Pants Cakes VT
Makeup: Vivian Infantino Weddings
Hair: The Milkhouse Hair Studio
Wedding Gown: Peter Langner
Bridal Boutique: L’Elite Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: V. Chapman
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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