The Barn on Gobeille Farm Wedding in Sharon, Vermont | Andrea Van Orsouw Photography
Laura is a writer. So it makes complete sense that her wedding felt like the opening chapter of something really good.
She and AJ got married on August 30, 2025 at The Barn on Gobeille Farm in Sharon, Vermont, surrounded by views of the White River Valley stretching all the way to the peaks of Killington Mountain. It was overcast in that perfect way where every color pops and the light wraps around everything softly. Vermont in late August. You can’t beat it.
The Morning
Both Laura and AJ got ready in a cottage on-site, which gave the whole morning this unhurried, already-home feeling. Same property, same grounds, and simply easing into the day before it got started.
The First Touch (That Became a First Look)
Laura and AJ had planned a first touch…that moment where you hold hands around a corner before the ceremony without actually seeing each other. Except AJ could not help himself. He peeked!! Laura loved it. AJ’s take afterward: “It may have gone wrong but any mishaps like that is just a story to tell for future us.” That sentence tells you everything you need to know about these two.
A Maid of Honor Moment That Wrecked Everyone
Laura’s best friend and maid of honor got sick right before the wedding. Instead of missing the speech entirely, she recorded herself giving it and surprised Laura with it during the reception. I don’t want to oversell it, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the barn.
The Details (A Love Letter to Books)
Laura is a writer, and this wedding knew it. The guest book was a collection of vintage books where guests signed old-school library checkout slips and tucked them inside. Each table was labeled by chapter- Chapter 8, Chapter 9- with pages from favorite books. Jars of Scrabble tiles sat at every table. Guest favors were hand-crafted wood-burned bookmarks. The whole aesthetic was light academia done right: warm, layered, and completely personal without feeling overdone.
Outside felt like a really great backyard party. Cornhole on the lawn, Adirondack chairs around a firepit, guests wandering the grounds and soaking up those Killington views. Late night snack? Giant pretzels. Just in case you needed a reason to love this wedding even more.
The Ceremony and Reception
The ceremony was held outside with the White River Valley spread out behind them and mountains in the distance. Inside, the barn was gorgeous: hanging chandeliers, warm light, and a dance floor that got serious FAST. Their first dance was to “Long Lost” by Lord Huron. If you haven’t heard it, go listen and then imagine dancing to it in a candlelit Vermont barn with mountains outside. Yeah. I could live that moment on repeat.
The Photos
Overcast August light in Vermont with mountain backdrops is basically a photographer’s dream. Every color was saturated and rich, the light was even and flattering, and Laura and AJ made it completely effortless. They wanted to be together, drink a beer, and have fun, and that energy carried through every second.
Laura made my day after she got her gallery: “AJ and I have spent the last week obsessing over them and sharing them with friends and family. You were amazing to work with, and we’re so grateful.”
I’m so grateful too, you two. What a day.
As a Vermont wedding photographer, honestly, any time I get to shoot in this state, I’m reminded why I love traveling for weddings. The landscape does half the work and the couples do the other half.
If you’re planning a wedding in Vermont and looking for more venue inspiration, I’m building out a full Vermont wedding venues guide! Check back soon, or get in touch and I can point you in the right direction.
Vendors
Venue: The Barn on Gobeille Farm, Sharon, VT
Photographer: Andrea Van Orsouw Photography
If you’re exploring Vermont wedding venues, I’d love to help you find the right spot. And for more New England wedding inspiration, check out my complete guide to New England wedding venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is The Barn on Gobeille Farm located? The Barn on Gobeille Farm is in Sharon, Vermont, about 20 minutes south of Woodstock and roughly 2.5 hours from Hartford, Connecticut. It sits in the White River Valley with sweeping views toward Killington Mountain. One of those venues where you feel like you’re genuinely in Vermont the moment you pull in.
Q: What is The Barn on Gobeille Farm like as a wedding venue? It’s a working farm with a restored barn, on-site cottages for getting ready, and outdoor ceremony space with mountain views. The vibe is relaxed and natural. Guests can wander the grounds, play lawn games, sit by the firepit, and actually enjoy themselves rather than being stuck at a table all night. The barn interior has gorgeous hanging chandeliers and plenty of warmth for an evening reception.
Q: What’s the best time of year for a wedding at Gobeille Farm? Late summer and fall are both stunning. Laura and AJ had a perfect overcast August day where every color popped against the green hills. Fall foliage season would be equally beautiful if you can get the date.
Q: Do you travel to Vermont for weddings? Yes! I’m a Connecticut-based wedding photographer and I travel throughout New England regularly. Sharon is about 2.5 hours from me and absolutely worth the drive. Let’s talk about your day.
Q: What is a first touch at a wedding? A first touch is an alternative to a first look. Instead of seeing each other before the ceremony, you hold hands around a corner so you can feel connected without breaking the tradition of not seeing each other. It’s a really sweet middle ground. AJ peeked. I don’t blame him.
