Kristina Stykos' House

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Hannah's Vows

When we first met, I didn’t eat cheese. Or mushrooms, or seafood, or peppers. Or eggs. Now, we ask each other “Indian or Nicaraguan?” “Persian or Thai?” You express love through the making and sharing of food, and the strength of that love has helped me discover a whole world I never knew existed, This is just one way you’ve helped me to grow.

When we met, I was a small-town girl without a clue about the world. I knew I wanted adventure, but I didn’t know where to begin to find it. You made it easy. A lot of people thought I was crazy to move away with you, not knowing what I’d do when we got there, leaving everything I knew behind to follow some guy. What they didn’t understand is that you were giving me everything I wanted, an adventure with the man I love. 





Most people don’t realize that adventures, for the most part, are kinda boring. Most days Frodo and Sam simply walked, fell asleep, and woke up to walk some more. Adventures aren’t thrilling every day, but the hope is that they take you to something that is thrilling. Like today.





I think back to my 20-year-old self sitting in class in awe of this quiet, intelligent, fascinating man sitting next to me. I heard echoes of this day from the very first time you kissed me, and I felt lightning crackle down to my fingertips. I heard echoes of this day in the first weeks we were together, when I knew I was in love with you, and knew it was way too soon to tell you. The more I knew you, the more I wanted to know you, and that has not changed. I’ve known this day was coming for a long, long time, with a certainty that can’t be explained, only felt. 





Now that I’m here, standing in front of you, on this day I’ve felt coming for seven years, I have never felt more certain of us. We have been through so much together, sometimes walking confidently hand in hand, other times hanging on by our fingertips. But we have always made it through, together, which is how I want to walk the rest of my life. Here are my promises to you.





When we met, I had been spending the last few years trying on different personas as I left high school and started college, trying to figure out who I was. When I met you, you helped me feel like I was returning to the true self of my childhood, now with the wisdom and experience of my adult self. I promise to always try to remind you of your true self, to honour him, and to bring you back to him if you lose your way.





That being said, you are going to change many, many times over the course of your life in ways we can’t yet imagine.I promise to continue to learn and relearn who you are for all the days of my life. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”





As we continue to build our lives together and take on more responsibilities and more cares, I promise to help you hold on to your sense of childish play. Having a dance party together in our living room on a random Wednesday night a few weeks ago reminded me how important it is to be silly sometimes, to play, and to share in that together.





Finally, you are my rock and I am your river. I promise to always honor that yin and yang balance, and to provide you with a safe place to drift when you need to. At those times when you can’t be steady and strong, trust me to anchor you; I promise I always will.

Brandon's Vows

The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies was made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff and everyone one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another. For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.&nbsp;Hannah,I remember the first time you took my breath away on our first date, and over the past seven years I've barely gotten it back. We've moved all over in that time, and as hard as its been these past few years, the joy I've had has been in seeing us finally settle into a real life together. It's given me a vision of what the rest of our lives could look like.You are my best friend and co-adventurer. You have plenty of fears but I've seen that you have the bravery to overcome all of them, and I've never been prouder to be your partner than in those many moments that you have. You constantly make me laugh and have a wonderful sense of humor, and in return I promise to remain secretly goofy. You are talented and love to learn, and I will spend my life learning with you. You are kind and loving and make me feel loved, and I promise to love you in return. I will respect you, support you, and be honest with you until one of us kicks the bucket.Thank you for journeying with me, and thank you for becoming my wife.

We met in class the fall of 2009, and quickly bonded over Star Wars, Redwall, and of course, the heavy metal band Gorguts. After that there were two months of increasingly constant communication via AOL Instant Messenger, culminating in very frustrated families over the Thanksgiving break while the two of us ignored everyone else and giggled to our computer screens. Finally Hannah's friend Chelsy flat out asked Brandon when he was planning to ask out Hannah, and a big cartoon light bulb appeared over Brandon's head. A few days later when Hannah mentioned the Vermont Symphony Orchestra was in town next week, Brandon blurted out "sure, I'll go with you!" And so started an epic first date that included the orchestra, American Flatbread, our first kiss, and staying up talking until 7am. There followed three years of being alternately together and long distance due to study abroad, internships, and jobs. Between the two of us we moved NINE times! But we made it through and, in the spring of 2013, we loaded up a truck and left for North Carolina to finally begin our life together. Then we arrived and were like "Whooooeee it's hot here, and things are much too reasonably priced - let's move to Toronto!" So we loaded the truck back up and, with our ferrets Skipper and Boots in tow, made our way to the great city in which we now reside. In the last three years we've made incredible and important friendships, both found our dream jobs, and, of course, we got engaged! We are so excited to share this day with you, the people who are nearest and dearest to our hearts. Nothing about the life we live would have been possible without each and every one of you, so we hope you will join us in celebration of our marriage!

The Story of Us

Brandon visited Quebec City as a child with his - wait for it - tap dancing troupe, but he really fell in love with it on a school trip during his time studying in Montreal in college. He wrote to me when he got back and said "we need to go there. It's the most romantic place I've ever been in my life. Also, it's basically real-life Harry Potter." With its cobblestone streets and picturesque frosting of snow, it was easy to see that this was the kind of place for us, and we finally got the chance to go in January 2016. Our first day there we were both ready and excited to walk around the Old City and go to the winter carnival. Quebec City is surrounded by a defensive wall (it has a history of being fought over by the English, French, and Americans due to its strategic location on the St. Lawrence river), and as we walked Brandon kept searching for a way to get up on the wall. This did not seem strange to me at all, as Brandon has a passionate interest in military history. Even when we were about to enter the carnival, and Brandon asked if we could wait because he was 'on a mission' to get on top of that wall, my suspicions were not aroused. Brandon gets on missions. That's just Brandon. Finally we found a steep embankment that seemed to lead up to the wall and scrambled up it, Brandon half pulling me to reach the top. We had come out on top of a stone archway in the wall that crossed over a busy street, and it was clear we were not supposed to be up there. The snow was pristine, we could see the city and the carnival and the river, and we were the only people in sight. It was breathtaking. Brandon stood up against the high wall, peering down at the street and people below, and then asked me if I was tall enough to see over. I stretched up on tip-toes for a minute and then turned excitedly to tell him that yes, I could see everything, only to find he was down on one knee. He pulled out a beautiful wooden ring box and opened it to reveal a shimmering sky-blue stone. "Miss Hannah Long," he said. "I love you, I want to spend my life with you, I want to have adventures with you. Will you marry me?" Yes.

The Proposal

Our Story

Dogs

We love dogs, but unfortunately we can't accommodate them at the wedding. The property owner's cats, the nearby farm, and the buffet style meal are all reasons why we can't allow beloved fluffy companions. Thanks for understanding!

Ticks

It's tick season, so be prepared! We will provide repellent, but we also encourage everyone to avoid tall grass and check yourselves regularly, especially in these areas:1. Under the arms2. In and around the ears3. Inside belly button4. Back of the knees5. In and around the hair6. Between the legs7. Around the waist

Don't Trust GPS

GPS is a wonderful invention, but can't always be trusted in our beloved Vermont. There is no way to access the wedding from the north on Pepper Road! The only way is to go to the center of Chelsea and get on Pepper Road from the south. There will be signs from the Chelsea town center onward.

Shoes

The ceremony and reception will take place on grass, so choose your footwear accordingly!

Updates

Our Wedding

Wedding Party 1

Details

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

This beautiful inn has 13 rooms set aside for wedding guests at a 10% discount! They are a 30 minute drive from the wedding location, and are close to hiking, mountain biking, and golf. Two of their rooms are suites that can accommodate up to six people.

Three Stallion Inn

An hour's drive from the ceremony site, Burlington International is the closest airport to the wedding, and has a number of car rental companies located inside the terminal. It is on the small side, so there may not be direct flights from locations further away, however you will likely get there with one short layover. Burlington is also the town where Brandon and Hannah met, and is worth taking some time to explore if you can! Go to any number of excellent restaurants, walk on the boardwalk of Lake Champlain with a view of the Adirondack Mountains, and shop up and down Church Street for the full experience.

Burlington International Airport (BTV)

This outstanding B&amp;B has 8 rooms set aside for wedding guests. It's about an hour away from the ceremony site, but the beauty and comfort of your stay is well worth the extra drive. To book, visit the website, check availability for wedding weekend dates and look for rooms that say "Call" or "Open" next to them. The "Call" rooms are booked specifically for the wedding, so you'll need to call the toll-free number to reserve them.

Breakfast on the Connecticut

Logan airport is a 2.5-3 hour drive from the wedding location. If you'd rather not drive, the Dartmouth Coach can take you from Logan to Lebanon, NH, which is 40 minutes away from the wedding site. From there you can take a cab to one of several nearby car rental places.

Logan International Airport (BOS)

Bradley International Airport is just under three hours away from the wedding site, and provides complimentary shuttles to various car rental companies. It's a very easy drive - a straight shot up I-91, then north on I-89.

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

This beautiful home sleeps 8 and includes a private golf course, a pond for swimming, jacuzzi and steam room, and gorgeous views.

 Airbnb for 8

This home would be ideal for a family of five. There are three bedrooms, one with a queen bed, one with a set of bunk beds, and one with a single bed.

Airbnb Perfect for Family of Five

This beautiful cabin is located on a working farm right in the town of Chelsea! There is one bedroom with a King bed and another with a Queen bed. The second bedroom also has a futon that could be used for two additional people if needed. Enjoy the porch surrounded by forest and a wildflower meadow, as well as the animal occupants of the farm.

Airbnb Cabin for 4-6 people

This house would be ideal for a larger family or friend group of up to 10 people. Close to hiking, horseback riding, and blueberry picking.

Airbnb Accommodates 10

This apartment is right on the White River, perfect for swimming and tubing if you're very brave (it's chilly in May!).

Airbnb for 4 on the White River

This charming carriage house is bright, spacious, and perfect for two couples or a family.

Airbnb for 4

There is plenty of space on the wedding site property for people to pitch tents and camp if they so choose! We encourage and invite you to party with us all night without worrying about getting safely to your hotel. Spring weather in Vermont is unpredictable, so bring tarps to stay dry and layers to stay warm!

Camping at Ceremony Site

Travel

At the website above, specify the activity and difficulty you're looking for, and then search within Orange County. There are many trails in the area for hiking, walking, and biking!

Hiking, Walking, and Biking

Visit Hannah's favorite restaurant in the entire world, The Worthy Burger. Gourmet burgers of every kind, the best craft beers Vermont has to offer, and mouthwatering sides such as Parmesan Truffle Fries. Honestly, you'll probably run into Hannah and Brandon there.

The Worthy Burger

If you're staying at the Three Stallion Inn, this golf course will be right next door!

Montague Golf Course

45 minutes from Chelsea is the Ben &amp; Jerry's factory, where you can take a tour and see how they make the delicious Vermont ice cream! This is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and best of all there is a gift shop where you can get some ice cream after your tour.

Ben & Jerry's Factory

The college town of Burlington is the largest in Vermont with 42,000 residents. Only an hour away from wedding site, it's a great place to enjoy a laid back day of eating, drinking, and shopping. Our favorite suggestions: Walk on the boardwalk by the waterfront Shop on Church Street, a pedestrian-only street in the heart of town where you can get great Vermont souvenirs such as <a href="http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/" target="_blank">Lake Champlain Chocolates</a>, <a href="http://vermontflannel.com/" target="_blank">Vermont Flannel Company</a>, and <a href="http://www.froghollow.org/" target="_blank">Frog Hollow</a>. Visit the <a href="http://echovermont.org/" target="_blank">Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center</a> Visit one of the MANY excellent restaurants, including <a href="http://www.farmhousetg.com/" target="_blank">The Farmhouse</a>, <a href="https://skinnypancake.com/" target="_blank">The Skinny Pancake</a>, <a href="http://www.pizzeriaverita.com/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Verita</a>, <a href="http://www.leunigsbistro.com/" target="_blank">Leunig's Bistro</a>, <a href="http://www.cortijovt.com/" target="_blank">El Cortijo</a>, <a href="https://asinglepebble.com/" target="_blank">A Single Pebble</a>, <a href="http://www.trattoriadelia.com/" target="_blank">Trattoria Delia</a>, and <a href="http://henofthewood.com/" target="_blank">Hen of the Wood</a>. But really, you'll have a hard time going wrong anywhere in this town, it's pretty much all about food. And beer. It's all about beer in Burlington as well. Tour some excellent breweries such as <a href="http://switchbackvt.com/" target="_blank">Switchback</a>, <a href="http://www.magichat.net/" target="_blank">Magic Hat</a>, <a href="http://www.fiddleheadbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Fiddlehead</a>, <a href="http://www.zerogravitybeer.com/" target="_blank">Zero Gravity</a>, <a href="http://www.foambrewers.com/" target="_blank">Foam Brewers</a>, <a href="http://www.burlingtonbeercompany.com/" target="_blank">Burlington Beer Company</a>. If you visit Fiddlehead, they are attached to a great wood fired pizza place called <a href="http://www.folinopizza.com/" target="_blank">Folino's</a>. Fiddlehead has a license to sell beer, Folino's has a license to serve beer, so grab a growler next door and head in where a frosted pint glass and delicious pizza will be waiting for you. If beer isn't your thing, you can also find <a href="http://www.citizencider.com/">Citizen Cider</a>, <a href="http://www.shelburnevineyard.com/" target="_blank">Shelburne Vineyard</a>, and the <a href="http://eastshorevineyard.com/" target="_blank">East Shore Vineyard</a> tasting room on Church Street. Head to Oakledge park to picnic, play frisbee, or just hang out by the water. Catch a show at the <a href="http://www.flynncenter.org/" target="_blank">Flynn Center for the Performing Arts</a>

Hannah & Brandon

Hannah & Brandon

Registry