I’ve been wanting to post about the wedding for months but between editing thousands of photos and trying to put words to the most pivotal, meaningful, and magical days of my life, it took me a waaaay longer than expected. Excuses, excuses aside, I’m back to SeeingDesign a wed woman and thrilled to share the marriage of Anne Elizabeth Collins to Michael Patrick Howard.
Set in Green Mountains of Chittenden, Vermont, covered in the fresh snow we were hoping for, the Mountain Top Inn was truly the most amazing venue for a winter wedding.Ski days of yore was a subtle theme throughout the day.Plum, winter white, and grey—from silver to charcoal—made up our palette.The bride and groom before seeing one another.For the entrance to the ceremony, my dad escorted me to the aisle in a horse-drawn sleigh. (Total fairytale land.)To make the thought of a beautiful 32-degree ceremony a little more appealing, we provided heat in many forms: spiked hot cocoa, cozy knit throws, and hand warmers in little burlap sacks.Looking out to the snow-covered lake and mountains, 150 guests sat by the bonfire as Mike and I took our vows. With the musician who played at our first date strumming his guitar in the background, Mike kissed the bride.After the ceremony, Mike and I were swept away in the sleigh and into the woods to take a moment to be completely giddy on our own, then we picked up our closest friends for a spin before cocktail hour.For the reception, birch covered votives and mercury glass vessels of different shapes and sizes adorned the tables. Pops of purple in the napkins and blooms brightened up my attempt at a rustic glamour display.With the draped-fabric ceiling, dozens of glittering antique chandeliers, and candles at every turn, the canvas tent felt like a cozy escape from the cold (lots of heaters, champagne, and dancing didn’t hurt either.)Mike and I took in a moment by the fireplace before the after-party and its epic bouts of sledding.
Everyone says weddings are the greatest day of their lives and it’s cliché, but I’m thrilled to be a part of the club.
Born in Hollywood, schooled in Amish country, and most recently residing in New York City, Anne E. Collins quit her job as a magazine editor (formerly for ELLE DECOR, House Beautiful, and One Kings Lane) to take a 675-day honeymoon around the world with her husband Mike and chronicle the journey on HoneyTrek.com.
During arguably the most extensive honeymoon ever, they were brought on as “Newlyweds at Large” for Honeymoons.com, scouting and reviewing the most romantic destinations on the globe. Their writing and photography have also been featured in acclaimed publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, The Knot, and CBS Local.
Extremely passionate about long-term travel, they've decided to take all they've learned from their two years on the road and help more people get out there and explore the globe with HoneyTrek Trip Coach, a one-on-one guide to world travel.
