Ali and Brad’s wedding at Mountain Top Inn & Resort

One of Ali and Brad’s first dates was in the mountains, they got engaged in the mountains, and so it was only fitting that they marry and celebrate in the mountains as well. Mountain Top Inn & Resort set the scene for the rustic-elegance of the day introduced with stationery by August and White Designs, filled with florals by A Schoolhouse Garden and a stunning bride in Katie May Collection. Christina Bernales was on hand to capture the details and moments in these lovely images.

I think the wedding felt as special as it did because the people we love most in our life were there. It was overwhelming to look at the room and see everyone present and enjoying such an important moment in our life. These are the people that got us to where we are today, to have them there; supporting our commitment to one another meant so much. We fell in love with Mountain Top the second we arrived on the property. We looked at one another in the car and knew this was the place. Being in the mountains is where we feel the most comfortable. One of our first dates was hiking up north, we got engaged in the mountains; it was only fitting we celebrate our wedding in the mountains. We also loved that the majority of our guests could stay on the property and just enjoy. For so many, they shared this became a getaway weekend and mini vacation. We were glad our guests were a part of our wedding weekend but also able to relax and make time for themselves.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I had looked a quite a few gowns in and around Boston. It was hard to pick one that I loved. They are right that shopping for a wedding dress is one of the best parts of planning a wedding! My cousins had wonderful experiences at Ceremony Boston in Beacon Hill so I knew I had too look there. They had so many unique gowns, once again it was hard to pick a favorite. Then I did a bit more looking online and found a designer I hadn’t seen in any of the stores, Katie May. Immediately I fell in love with her style and all the dramatic back options. I also loved the classic look of sleeves and really wanted my wedding dress to have them. The Verona gown had everything and I had been looking at it for days. Her closest store was in Connecticut so I had planned to take a trip down in the coming week. One afternoon I noticed Ceremony Boston was highlighting a new designer for one weekend only and it was Katie May. Immediately I emailed the store and set up an appointment for that Sunday. As I looked at myself in the mirror with my first Katie May dress on, I turned to my mom and said we are getting a dress today. I wasn’t sure which style just yet, but I knew I was leaving with a Katie May gown that day. The moment I put on the Verona gown it was everything I had hoped it would be and more. It had the sleeves, the back, and the fit. It was stunning. I felt amazing. And once they put the cathedral veil on, I knew this was it.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?My wedding cake topper was the same one my grandparents had on their wedding cake over 60 years ago. It was so special to have that memory of their day be a part of mine. The farm tables and natural, floral runners were something I had been envisioning from the beginning. Our florist was just incredible and turned my vision into something magical.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

I will never forget looking directly into Brad’s eyes as we said our vows. That was certainly the most impactful moment of the whole wedding. For that moment, you forgot all our guests were just feet away watching us.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Brad and I met in September 2011 on a blind, double date (he says he did not look me up but I certainly did!). We were set up by my cousin Courtney and her now husband, Andy. Courtney and I lived together in Brighton, MA at the time and Andy had played football at Tufts University with Brad. Courtney had said earlier in the year she had this great person for me to meet. I had said okay but it took a few months to put it together. That evening we went to dinner a restaurant around the corner from our place. We had a great time and then all came back to the apartment for another drink. By 3am Brad and I were still chatting away talking about everything and nothing at all. The rest, as they say, is history.

Photographer: Christina Bernales // Floral Design: A Schoolhouse Garden // Stationery: August and White Designs // Venue: Mountain Top Inn & Resort // Dress: Katie May Collection // Bridal Boutique: Ceremony Boston // Band: Ripcord Music // Shoes: Sam Edelman // Hair: Colleen Mac // MUA: Charlotte Phinney // Linens: Linen Shop VT // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box