Welcome Meet and Greet

The Ponds at Bolton Valley

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

Reception

Photo Sharing App: The Guest

Christina and Joel met in an organic chemistry lab at the University of Vermont. They didn’t interact outside of a chemistry setting until the lab was over because Joel was the instructor for the lab! (and neither knew the other was harboring some interest). Christina attempted some flirting with Joel in her lab reports, but he either glossed over it while grader or dismissed it out of hand – because she wrote a ‘joke’ about her experiment failing because he had “stolen” an inconsequential piece of equipment for a neighboring group to borrow. 

 

She didn’t realize this kind of blame on a ridiculous thing isn’t out of the norm for organic chemistry students, so it just caused Joel to harrumph and ignore it when he hit that line in the report. 

 









Despite being blissfully unaware that Christina was interested in Joel, he decided to ask her out to drinks or dinner on the last day of lab. This would avoid the disapproved interaction because lab was over, but if she wasn’t interested&hellip;they’d never see each other again! So, Joel wrote a sticky note asking about drinks/dinner with his phone number and stuck it to the final returns of the year in lab. Then, as the students were leaving lab, he could hand it over and she could find it later avoiding an awkward lab session. 

 









But Christina had other plans. Of all the students in lab, she unknowingly badgered Joel about whether he had reports and exams to hand back and asked if he could hand them back right then. In the middle of the lab session. 

 









He didn’t have a good excuse not to do so, so he handed everything back (thankfully hers was at the bottom of the alphabetical pile) and then went into the hallway. Because he was worried about it becoming very strange quickly.

 









Thankfully Christina was in fact also interested and excitedly took a picture of the note and texted it to several of her friends. Then had to wait the other half of the lab session to talk to Joel because she’d demanded the reports back only partway through. She hung back until after the lab was over and they got to talking in the hallway after lab. She blurted out “so, it’s restaurant week?” in a questioning tone, so the two were able to plan their first date on the next Saturday evening. 

 









The date, at the Daily Planet in downtown Burlington, went swimmingly. They swapped scar stories, stories about their respective family cabins on ponds in the woods, their athletics, organic chemistry of course, and many others. The date transitioned to the ice cream shop for some maple creemees (that’s soft-serve ice cream for the out-of-staters) and walking along the boardwalk on the shores of Lake Champlain. They spent the next few months together in Burlington while Joel finished his doctorate and Christina finished up the post-baccalaureate program for her medical school applications.

 









Then came time for Joel to move to Pittsburgh and there was a big obstacle, they’d either need to figure out how to do long-distance after only dating for six months or Christina would move to Pittsburgh for her gap year between the post-bac and med school. Thankfully Christina followed the advice of Nonna Supino: “You do like Andrea, you no go, you lose.” So, the two moved together to Pittsburgh and Christina worked at a local hospital while Joel was a postdoc. Their time in Pittsburgh was great and the city will always be the place that really cemented the relationship.&nbsp;









Soon enough it was time for Christina to move to Maine for med school. Joel and Christina figured out how to navigate long-distance until he completed his postdoc five months later. He moved into the tiny apartment in Biddeford, Maine while job hunting for about another five months to avoid the long-distance experience. He’s been in Tewksbury, MA since and the two are only about an hour and a half apart. They’re thankfully able see each other most every weekend or meet up in Portsmouth, NH for dinner during the week when needed. 

 









They got engaged late on an evening in April 2019 after the ring traveled to Portland, a restaurant, a bar, and then a strange dance-club named Bubba’s. Joel had hidden the ring in a photo album (a third anniversary gift) and was originally planning on going to dinner with Christina and then heading back home with her and proposing on a walk to the beach. However, Christina has a knack for interrupting his best laid plans (see above about the initial asking out). When Joel arrived in Maine Christina said she wanted to meet up with another few friends after dinner at a bar for drinks, so the group of people had grown to five. While they were at the bar the group of friends grew to nine. And eight of them wanted to go to Bubba’s for 80’s night to do some dancing. Christina asked Joel if he wanted to go for just a little while, to which he replied&hellip;”no.” He’d already been carrying around the hidden ring in a backpack for a few hours and didn’t particularly want to carry it to a dance club. The “no” wasn’t taken for an answer though so he caved and the group travelled to Bubba’s. Where Joel had to put the backpack in the coat-check. They stayed for an hour and finally left to go home. They found the car at 12:05 AM in a locked parking garage. Thankfully their friend Taxia, who was with them, suggested checking the backdoor and they were able to get in and take the car home. The entire way Joel was having a furious internal debate about whether to give the ring at 1:00 AM or wait until the following day. He ultimately decided to give the ring to Christina and they got engaged at about 1:30 AM.

 









Since then they’ve been working, getting prepped for medical school exams, and of course planning the wedding. They can’t wait to see everyone in Vermont on May 23rd, 2020! 

 









&nbsp;

Meeting Organically

Our Story

Our Wedding

Covid 19 Update

Unfortunately, we will be postponing the wedding due to safety concerns during the COVID pandemic. We have solidified May 8, 2021 as the new date. Please stay safe and we look forward to celebrating with you next year!&nbsp; ....UPDATE: With the news of 2 new vaccines coming to market soonish,&nbsp;we have decided to push the wedding yet again to September 3rd in the hopes we may have a shot at having a more "normal" and safe wedding for all. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see all your smiling faces on&nbsp;Friday of Labor Day weekend :) Stay safe and sane! We miss all of you so much!

Vermont Covid Guidelines

Below is the link to the State of Vermont COVID guidelines we will be following for our celebration. We will be closely watching for any updates as we move forward. Please check back for more specific guidance a month or so prior to the event as information changes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.vermont.gov/vermont-forward#gsc.tab=0">https://www.vermont.gov/vermont-forward#gsc.tab=0</a> 





We encourage all those who are eligible to sign up for the vaccine. Thank you for your continued patience. Stay safe. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions!

COVID 19

Bus Schedule and Parking

Bus Schedule

Below is the&nbsp;bus schedule for the provided Lamoille Valley Transportation Motorcoach.&nbsp;

Please arrive a few minutes before the departure time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Transportation to the wedding: 



1:30PM depart The Essex Inn--&gt;2:15PM drop off at The Ponds 



3PM depart The Essex Inn--&gt; 3:45PM drop off at The Ponds&nbsp;



Transportation from the wedding:



8PM depart The Ponds--&gt;8:45PM arrive at The Essex Inn



10:30PM depart The Ponds--&gt; 11:15PM arrive at The Essex Inn 



 



Please note there is Uber/Lyft service in the area, but it is very unpredictable due to the remote location of the wedding. If you plan to use Uber/Lyft to get to the wedding, booking your ride a day in advance is advised.&nbsp;

On-site parking

On-site parking is available where indicated by the blue star. Please notify us if you need transportation to/from the wedding celebration.&nbsp;We want to ensure the safe transportation of all our guests.&nbsp;

Details

Photos

Registry

Billy and Joel met as high school freshman in French class, entirely by accident. Joel was the last to arrive in class and the only seat option was at Billy's table. Neither were happy about this new seating arrangement but soon enough they bonded over a mutual dislike of the class and combined interest in heavy metal, movies, and books. Over the years they've gone to many concerts together and will continue to do so.&nbsp;

Billy Brennan

Cousins but really best friends/sisters, organizational savant, Belle look alike,&nbsp;animal whisperer, most likely to start her own business

Andrea Robinson

Nick is Joel's longest tenured buddy: because they're cousins and Joel is only six weeks older. They spent their childhoods playing sports together, going to the family camp, skiing, snowmobiling, playing wiffle ball, and most others.&nbsp; They went on a two week trip to UK together and can't wait to go again.&nbsp;They lived together for one glorious year during Joel's first year of grad school/Nick's last year of undergrad.&nbsp;

Nick Drolet

Medical school survivalist,&nbsp;running buddy, laboratory wizard, Greek goddess, most likely to discover a cure for cancer

Taxia Arabatzis

Dartmouth teammate and roommate,&nbsp;Part of MidFay 110 crew, smartest woman I know (she's got big brains and crazy veins), most likely to get a PhD (oh wait&nbsp;she already did that!)

Laura Hempel 

Brad and Joel have known each other since they were four or five. They've spent many years playing soccer, basketball, tennis, and especially baseball together. People used to call Joel's house to get to Brad.

Brad Jones

High school bestie&nbsp;(2004-Present), person who taught me how to play soccer, NY queen, most likely to be President

Erin Linnehan

Matt and Joel have been friends since a fateful day as freshman at RIT when they worked for 8+ hours together on a ridiculous calculus project. We've spent the last decade playing video games together, recommending books to each other, and being part of our RIT&nbsp;new years crew.&nbsp;

Matt Ryan

Phil&nbsp;and Joel have been friends since that same&nbsp;fateful day as freshman at RIT when Joel and Matt&nbsp;worked for 8+ hours together on a ridiculous calculus project (Matt and Phil were roommates). We've spent the last decade playing video games together, recommending books to each other, and&nbsp;being part of our RIT&nbsp;new years crew. Joel spent a large&nbsp;part of his last three years at RIT sleeping on the couch in Phil and Co.'s apartment

Phil Huge

Grad school life support and roommate, 1/3 founder of Team Lemonade,&nbsp;most likely to be&nbsp;the fastest lady in the room

Kimberly Maloney

Longest friend to date (1997-present), kindest human I know, most likely to become a humanitarian&nbsp;

Emily Mitchell

College roommate and teammate, part of MidFay 110 crew,&nbsp;most likely to be on your TV:&nbsp;actress extraordinaire:&nbsp;https://www.lizzieshort.com/ (shameless plug for a friend)

Lizzie Short

college roommate and teammate, former "wife",&nbsp;part of MidFay110 crew, official BA and Jill-of-all-trades, most likely to write a famous screenplay&nbsp;

Kate Sullivan

sistah-in-law, architectress, mother to&nbsp;my adorable niece Amaylee, most likely to become an inventor&nbsp;

Alexandria Vann-Supino

Wedding Party

Q + A

The closest airport to The Essex Resort and Spa. There is a shuttle service between the hotel and the airport, as well as car rentals.&nbsp;

Burlington International Airport

With a stay at The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort &amp; Spa in Essex Junction, you'll be next to a golf course and minutes from Links at Lang Farm Course, and close to Essex Outlets. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Essex Family Fun &amp; Entertainment Center and Champlain Valley Exposition.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 119 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.Amenities Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and an indoor pool. Additional features at this Victorian hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the complimentary area shuttle.Dining Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Essex Junction? This hotel has 7782 square feet (723 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. For a surcharge, guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and a train station pick-up service. UPDATED ROOM BLOCK LINK FOR SEPTEMBER 2021: THE ROOM BLOCK IS NOW FULL.

This inn is closest to the venue of the ceremony/reception. However, we will be staying at the Essex Inn where our room block is. When you stay at The Inn at Bolton Valley in Bolton Valley, you'll be minutes from Bolton Valley Ski Area. This ski hotel is within the region of Little River State Park and Casey's Hill.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 58 guestrooms.Amenities Spend the day on the slopes, or enjoy other recreational amenities, which include ski-in/ski-out access.Business, Other Amenities Free self parking is available onsite.

The Inn at Bolton Valley

Amtrak service on the Vermonter Train line, the following stations are serviced via this line: (The Essex Junction-Burlington station is incredibly close to our hotel)

<ul><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station1Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/sab.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/sab.html">St. Albans, VT (SAB)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station2Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/esx.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/esx.html">Essex Junction-Burlington, VT (ESX)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station3Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wab.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wab.html">Waterbury-Stowe, VT (WAB)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station4Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/mpr.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/mpr.html">Montpelier-Berlin, VT (MPR)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station5Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/rph.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/rph.html">Randolph, VT (RPH)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station6Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wrj.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wrj.html">White River Junction, VT (WRJ)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station7Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wnm.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wnm.html">Windsor-Mt. Ascutney, VT (WNM)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station8Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/cla.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/cla.html">Claremont, NH (CLA)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station9Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/blf.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/blf.html">Bellows Falls, VT (BLF)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station10Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bra.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bra.html">Brattleboro, VT (BRA)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station11Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/gfd.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/gfd.html">Greenfield, MA (GFD)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station12Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nht.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nht.html">Northampton, MA (NHT)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station13Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/hlk.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/hlk.html">Holyoke, MA (HLK)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station14Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/spg.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/spg.html">Springfield, MA (SPG)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station15Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wnl.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wnl.html">Windsor Locks, CT (WNL)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station16Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/hfd.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/hfd.html">Hartford, CT (HFD)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station17Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/ber.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/ber.html">Berlin, CT (BER)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station18Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/mdn.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/mdn.html">Meriden, CT (MDN)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station19Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wfd.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wfd.html">Wallingford, CT (WFD)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station20Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nhv.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nhv.html">New Haven, CT - Union Station (NHV)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station21Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/brp.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/brp.html">Bridgeport, CT (BRP)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station22Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/stm.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/stm.html">Stamford, CT (STM)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station23Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nyp.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nyp.html">New York, NY - Penn Station (NYP)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station24Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nwk.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nwk.html">Newark, NJ - Penn Station (NWK)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station25Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/met.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/met.html">Metropark, NJ (MET)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station26Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/tre.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/tre.html">Trenton, NJ (TRE)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station27Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/phl.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/phl.html">Philadelphia, PA - 30th Street Station (PHL)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station28Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wil.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wil.html">Wilmington, DE (WIL)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station29Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bal.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bal.html">Baltimore, MD - Penn Station (BAL)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station30Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bwi.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bwi.html">Baltimore, MD - BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station31Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/ncr.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/ncr.html">New Carrollton, MD (NCR)</a></li><li><a class="wrapping-list__list_anchor am-fm__popup-link" data-automation-id="station32Id" href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/was.html" data-popupurl="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/was.html">Washington, DC - Union Station (WAS)</a></li></ul>

Essex Junction Station

This inn is in Waterbury, about 15 minutes from the venue and about 30 minutes from The Essex.

The Old Stagecoach Inn

Another option is Essex Junction close to The Essex where we will be staying. Located in Essex Junction, Baymont Inn &amp; Suites Essex Burlington Area is in the suburbs and convenient to Vermont Genealogy Library and Champlain Valley Exposition. This hotel is within close proximity of Saint Michael's College and Saint Michael's Playhouse.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 117 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.Amenities Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an indoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a fireplace in the lobby, and a picnic area.Dining A complimentary breakfast is included.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Essex Junction? This hotel has facilities measuring 598 square feet (56 square meters), including meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.

Baymont by Wyndham Essex Burlington Area

Travel

Longer hikes: Mt. Mansfield or Camel's Hump

Shorter hikes: Mt. Philo, Sterling Pond, Mt. Elmore

Hiking

If open: Tour the main Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, VT!

Ben & Jerry’s

Vermont is the home of many famous craft breweries, all relatively close to Essex and our venue. Here's a few of our favorites;&nbsp;The Alchemist (Heady Topper) and Trapp Family&nbsp; Lodge brewery in Stowe, VTLost Nation and Rock Art in Morrisville, VTSwitchback, Foam, Citizen Cider, Magic Hat, Zero Gravity, Fiddlehead in the greater Burlington areaHill Farmstead in Greensboro, VT

Breweries

Great place for shopping, getting maple creemees (soft-serve ice cream), enjoying the waterfront, and restaurants.&nbsp;

Church Street Marketplace

There is a 4-mile long, 10 foot wide gravel path extending across Lake Champlain that connects to the original Rutland Railroad bed.<img src="https://media.gannett-cdn.com/38321751001/38321751001_5665656653001_5665654208001-vs.jpg?pubId=38321751001" alt="Colchester Causeway trail scheduled to reopen July 30 after repairs" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" style="width: 585px; height: 329.063px; margin: 20.4188px 0px;">

The Causeway Rail Trail

Vermont has many beautiful golf courses that are open to the public!

Joel & Christina

Joel & Christina

Photos