07 September 2024
Lauren & Derek
are getting married
It started the
old fashioned way
Derek and Lauren met through mutual friends during Christmastime 2015 and continued seeing each other around Boston over the next few months. Things really clicked when they went to a Dave Matthews concert together. He knew the words to every song, she knew the bigger hits. They were both singing way off-key, but had the best time together. The rest is history!
Then, on a long anticipated trip to Nantucket, Derek took Lauren for a walk out to Great Point Lighthouse and asked her to try identifying a few birds in the dunes (if you know Derek, you can picture this). When she turned around he was down on one knee. Lauren said "Yes!" and
they spent the rest of the day celebrating on the island.
...You Might Be wondering
How do I get to the venue?
The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch is located in Jeffersonville, Vermont - just beyond Stowe. You can expect a 4 hour drive from Boston’s Logan Airport, 2.5 hours from Manchester Regional or ~1 hour from Burlington International.
Where should I stay?
We recommend lodging at Smugglers' Notch Resort. The resort is convenient to our venue and offers a variety of room options - from studio condos to 4 bed/4 bath units. A shuttle will run between the resort and The Barn on wedding day.
Reservations are only available by calling (800) 419-4615. Please mention the Van Abel/Trunfio wedding.
If you prefer to stay elsewhere, there are plenty of AirBnBs, hotels and motels in the area.
Are there other wedding events?
The Night Before: After settling into your rooms, join Lauren, Derek and the wedding party for drinks at Lot Six Brewing. We’ll be outside on the patio from approximately 7:00 - 10:00 pm. Beer, wine, a speciality cocktail and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Lot Six is working to secure an outdoor TV to show the first Packers game of regular season (Go Pack Go!).
The “Secret Fire Pit” at Smugglers’ Notch Resort will be available following Lot Six, prepped with wood and fire starter, for those who want to spend more time together before the big day.
Après: Following the reception, shuttles will be available to transport guests back to Smugglers’ Notch Resort. We have reserved the gas fire pit in the Village for a bonfire, but will shift the party inside in case of inclement weather. Pizza will be provided, BYOB. Please feel welcome to change into more comfortable clothes!
Are children welcome?
While we love all of the children in our lives, we have decided to keep our wedding and reception adults-only events. Any adult children invited will be included in the online RSVP suite.
What Should I wear?
Our wedding is semi-formal
Ladies: Cocktail, midi and floor length dresses are appropriate, as are dressy separates including pant and skirt suits. Color and pattern are encouraged to celebrate the end of summer. The ceremony site is on grass; dinner and dancing are in The Barn. Please be mindful when selecting footwear.
Gentlemen: A suit or slacks with a blazer and collared shirt are preferred.
The weather will likely cool off at night and there is a chance of rain. Consider bringing an umbrella or a rain jacket, just in case!
What can I do in the area?
Explore and get outside! Derek and Lauren recommend:
Hike up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, reaching 4,395 ft. Mount Mansfield is one of few places in Vermont that is home to an alpine tundra zone.
Not up for a hike? No problem! You can summit Mount Mansfield by car on the historic Stowe Auto Road overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The road up Mount Mansfield is 4.5 miles and you can park at 3,850 ft. Pack a picnic and enjoy the ride. The famous Stowe Gondola also provides great access to some of Vermont’s greatest views.
The 5.3 mile Stowe Recreation Path is perfect for a walk, jog or bike. The greenway crosses the Little River.
Have a sweet tooth, like Lauren? Try a maple creemee. This Vermont staple is essentially maple soft serve... and it’s delicious! Follow the map to find your favorite Maple Creemee in the area. The Ben & Jerry’s HQ is nearby, as well. You can take a factory tour or stop by for a few scoops.
where can i get a bite?
One part restaurant/one part bike shop, Ranch Camp's menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options you can enjoy in their indoor bar and dining room or outside on the patio.
Good burgers. Good beer. What else do you need? Doc Ponds can get busy so we recommend joining their waitlist if you’re going for dinner.
The von Trapp Bierhall (yep, that von Trapp family!) is situated on 60km of cross-country ski and mountain bike trails, serves fresh lager beers and an Austrian-inspired menu.
If you’re just looking for a drink... Alchemist Brewing is a family owned brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPA. Their beer is rarely found out of state. Derek's favorite is "Focal Banger".
Founded to bring something different to the cider scene, Stowe Cider has a consistently rotating tap selection with ciders ranging from dry to fruited and hoppy.
Open daily, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tasting Room is a relaxing place to grab a drink and hangout.
