Halloween Rehearsal Dinner Party

Bella and Zach’s luxury wedding weekend at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont began with a Halloween rehearsal dinner turned full-scale costume celebration, setting the tone for a wedding inspired by fantasy, storytelling, and music culture. The wedding party arrived dressed in Lord of the Rings–inspired costumes, a style choice that reflects the growing popularity of fantasy and Lord of the Rings–themed weddings. As a Vermont luxury wedding photographer specializing in large, multi-day celebrations, I documented this opening night with more than 200 guests in attendance, where costumes were mandatory and creativity was on full display throughout the historic inn. Bella, the daughter of Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, and Zach Lewellen of the band Guerrilla Toss, welcomed friends and family into an immersive, joy-filled evening that felt cinematic, playful, and deeply personal. These first images focus on the Halloween celebration, capturing the elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and electric energy that launched this unforgettable Vermont wedding weekend.

Zach and Bella dressed in Lord of the Rings–inspired costumes pose together outdoors at night during the Halloween rehearsal dinner at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

he wedding party dressed in Lord of the Rings–inspired costumes gathers outdoors at night during Bella and Zach’s fantasy-themed wedding weekend in Vermont.

Carved pumpkin reading “Zach and Bella” displayed as Halloween décor during the rehearsal dinner at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Guests in costume perform a theatrical murder mystery skit during the Halloween rehearsal dinner at Bella and Zach’s wedding weekend in Vermont.

A guest wearing a shark costume reacts playfully on the dance floor during the Halloween rehearsal dinner at Bella and Zach’s wedding weekend in Vermont.

Guests laugh together in festive circus-inspired costumes during the Halloween rehearsal dinner celebration at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

A guitarist performs live music in costume during the Halloween rehearsal dinner party at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Guests sing into a microphone in costume during a lively performance at the Halloween rehearsal dinner for Bella and Zach’s wedding weekend in Vermont.

Guests in elaborate Halloween costumes take a group selfie during the rehearsal dinner celebration at Bella and Zach’s wedding weekend at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Trey Anastasio in a LOR costume poses with a guest dressed as an astronaut during the Halloween rehearsal dinner at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

The Wedding Day

Bella and Zach Getting Ready

Bella and Zach got ready at the inn, beginning the wedding day in a relaxed and intimate setting surrounded by close friends and family. Bella wore a custom Jade/Kate gown by Lihi Hod, a modern and timeless design that reflected her personal style and love of refined details. A playful duck theme quietly appeared in the getting ready space, with oversized inflatable ducks waiting in the room to make their debut later at the wedding reception. Zach also got ready at the inn, keeping the morning experience close, calm, and connected as the day unfolded. These early moments set the tone for a wedding weekend that balanced elegance, creativity, and joy.

Oversized inflatable duck with a veil and a sign reading Bella is getting ducking married displayed in the getting ready room at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella is reflected in framed artwork while getting ready in her room at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella has her makeup applied during quiet getting ready moments before the ceremony at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Bella looks over her shoulder in her wedding gown during getting ready portraits at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella's mother helps fasten her wedding dress as she gets ready in her room at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Bella stands by the window wearing her custom Jade /Kate gown by Lihi Hod while getting ready at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella adjusts her dress as her mother helps during black and white getting ready moments at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Zach is helped into his suit jacket by family members while getting ready at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Zach laughs with family members while getting ready in a sunlit room at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont

Zach holds the wedding rings in his hand while standing with family during the getting ready moments at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Bella's First Look With Her Father, Trey

Bella shared a deeply intimate first look with her father, Trey, a quiet and emotional moment filled with laughter, tears, and connection before the day unfolded. After their first look, Bella took a few moments to touch up her makeup while her parents looked on with happy tears, savoring the significance of the moment together. Shortly afterward, Bella and Zach chose to have a completely private first look, just the two of them, away from guests and distractions. This uninterrupted time allowed them to be fully present with one another, grounding themselves before the celebration ahead. After their private first look, Bella and Zach spent a few additional moments alone before rejoining family and friends for pre ceremony portraits, creating a calm and intentional transition into the next chapter of their wedding day.

Bella's father waits quietly before their first look, standing by a window inside West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella smiles as she prepares for a first look with her father while he waits facing the door at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella and her father share an emotional first look inside West Mountain Inn during her Vermont wedding day.

Bella embraces her father during their first look, sharing a tender and emotional moment at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Bella touches up her makeup as her parents watch with happy tears following their first look at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Bella parents share an emotional hug after the first look, surrounded by family during the wedding day at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

A Few Pre-Ceremony Photos

Before the ceremony, Bella stepped into the quiet edge of the woods with her family for a series of pre-ceremony portraits that felt both grounded and deeply meaningful. Surrounded by tall Vermont trees and soft autumn light, these moments unfolded naturally—shared glances, gentle laughter, and the unmistakable closeness of a family savoring what was about to come. The bridal bouquets, designed by Nancy Bishop Floral, was absolutely stunning—lush, romantic, and perfectly suited to the natural woodland setting. The forest offered a calm pause before the celebration, giving Bella and her family a chance to be fully present together, honoring the love and connection that shaped the day from its very beginning.

Bride Bella walks through the Vermont woods before the ceremony with family members helping carry her lace wedding gown, holding a romantic bouquet by Nancy Bishop Floral.

Bella smiles as she walks toward the ceremony with her mother, wearing her lace wedding dress and veil and holding a soft blush bouquet by Nancy Bishop Floral at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Black and white portrait of bride Bella laughing with her parents during pre ceremony family photos in the woods at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.

Black and white photo of bride Bella with her bridesmaids, all smiling and holding floral bouquets, during pre ceremony portraits in a wooded Vermont setting.

ella laughs with her bridesmaids during pre ceremony photos in the Vermont woods, wearing her lace wedding dress and holding a bouquet by Nancy Bishop Floral.

Close up of bridesmaid and bridal bouquets featuring blush, peach, and garden roses with greenery, designed by Nancy Bishop Floral for a Vermont fall wedding.

Bearing Witness

When it came time to sign the marriage license, Bella and Zach were joined by one very memorable witness—their best man, fully committed in a bear costume. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it was a perfectly on-brand moment that captured the couple’s sense of humor and love of playful surprises. Proof that even the most official moments of the day can still be full of personality, laughter, and a little bit of absurd joy.

Black and white photo of Bella and Zach seated at a table signing their marriage license while their best man stands behind them wearing a bear costume, creating a playful and memorable moment at their Vermont wedding.

Bella and Zach smile while signing their marriage license indoors at West Mountain Inn in Vermont as their best man, dressed in a green suit and bear costume, acts as an unforgettable witness.

The Ceremony

The ceremony unfolded before an awe-inspiring Vermont autumn backdrop, with more than 200 guests seated and taking in the golden leaves, crisp mountain air, and unmistakable charm of West Mountain Inn. As Bella made her way down the aisle, the processional set the tone with a joyful twist—flower men delightfully handing out wild flowers, instantly drawing laughter and smiles from the crowd. Zach’s father officiated the ceremony, making the moment deeply personal and heartfelt, while Nancy Bishop Floral’s stunning arbor and arrangements framed the scene beautifully, perfectly complementing the bridal color palette and elevating the natural landscape. As always, her florals were nothing short of exceptional. From the ceremony setting to the elegant dinner tent and onward to the reception barn, the seamless flow of the day embodied everything West Mountain Inn does best—timeless Vermont charm paired with a relaxed yet refined sense of luxury.

A Brief Escape for Portraits Before the Party Begins

During cocktail hour, Bella and Zach stepped into the colorful labyrinth garden at West Mountain Inn for a brief, romantic photo session. Surrounded by autumn mums and wild grasses, they wandered quietly together—newly married, unhurried, and fully present. It was a natural pause in the day, offering a few intimate moments before rejoining their guests and the celebration ahead.

Bride and groom holding hands and laughing during natural documentary portraits in the labyrinth garden at West Mountain Inn.

Black and white candid of bride and groom laughing together during an unposed cocktail hour photo session in the garden.

Black and white portrait of bride resting her head on groom’s shoulder during intimate cocktail hour photos at West Mountain Inn.

Bride laughing as groom lifts her in the labyrinth garden at West Mountain Inn during autumn cocktail hour in Vermont.

Bride and groom smiling and walking toward each other in the garden during relaxed cocktail hour portraits at West Mountain Inn Vermont.

Bride twirling in her lace wedding gown among autumn mums and wild grasses at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

A Little Breather Before the Big Night

Cocktail hour at West Mountain Inn was anything but ordinary, with laughter, relaxed group photos, and an interactive murder mystery unfolding throughout the grounds. Guests explored, mingled, and compared notes as clues were scattered here and there, turning the cocktail hour into part party, part playful puzzle. From college friend group shots to spontaneous moments of discovery, the energy was lively, social, and perfectly suited to a Vermont fall wedding with personality and flair.

Black and white photo of wedding guests gathered near the floral arbor at West Mountain Inn during cocktail hour, laughing and reacting to the festivities.

Black and white action shot of a guest leaping into a large group photo during a high-energy cocktail hour at West Mountain Inn.

Wide group photo of wedding guests posing together during cocktail hour with the Vermont mountains and ceremony site in the background.

Black and white image of Bella and Zach holding hands and running joyfully through a crowd of cheering guests after the ceremony.

Black and white candid of guests holding murder mystery clue cards during cocktail hour at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Black and white detail photo of a handwritten shopping list used as a murder mystery clue during the wedding cocktail hour.

Black and white candid of guests smiling, holding drinks, and enjoying cocktail hour under the reception tent at a Vermont wedding.

Bride posing playfully outside the inn during cocktail hour, surrounded by autumn decor and Halloween details at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Dinner, Toasts & A Song to Remember

A lavish plated dinner was served under the grand tent at West Mountain Inn, welcoming over 200 guests to an evening that felt both elegant and deeply personal. The tent was beautifully decorated by Nancy Bishop Floral, with thoughtful details and lush arrangements that elevated the entire space. Each table featured a handwritten notebook where guests were invited to share sentiments and wishes, created to be opened and read by Bella and Zach on future anniversary years. A series of toasts followed—some comical, others heartfelt—before the evening reached a joyful high point with a fun, surprise song performed by Bella’s family, filling the tent with music, laughter, and the unmistakable magic of a Vermont wedding celebration.

Wide view of the grand reception tent at West Mountain Inn set for a plated dinner with long wooden tables, candles, and fall floral centerpieces.

Flat lay of handwritten anniversary notebook and pens on a reception table with florals by Nancy Bishop Floral at a Vermont wedding.

Guests clink glasses and toast together at a long dinner table during the wedding reception at West Mountain Inn in Vermont.

Guest delivers a heartfelt toast with a microphone during the wedding dinner under the tent at West Mountain Inn.

Black and white portrait of Bella listening emotionally during a toast while seated beside Zach at the reception dinner.

Black and white photo of Trey Anastasio and family members singing and laughing together during a surprise song performance at the wedding reception.

Black and white photo of Bella and Zach laughing together during dinner while listening to heartfelt toasts under the reception tent.

Trey Anastasio and family members gathered behind microphones singing together during a fun and emotional musical moment at the wedding reception.

Trey Anastasio smiles broadly during the wedding dinner under the reception tent at West Mountain Inn in Vermont, wearing a suit with a floral boutonniere.

Black and white candid of the groom being hugged by Trey during the reception dinner as the bride sits nearby holding a glass of wine.

This Is Where It Gets Loud

The reception photos captured an unforgettable night of live music, laughter, and pure celebration as the Love Revival Orchestra kept the dance floor packed at Bella and Zach’s West Mountain Inn wedding reception in Vermont. One of the most joyful surprises came when Trey Anastasio joined his family on stage to perform a hilarious, heartfelt song written just for the newlyweds—an unscripted moment that had guests cheering, laughing, and wiping away tears. As if that weren’t enough, the energy soared even higher when a fully choreographed flash mob involving more than 200 guestserupted on the dance floor, turning the reception into a full-blown rock-and-roll party. These candid reception photographs reflect the spirit of the night: live music, spontaneous moments, and a wedding celebration that felt as epic and original as the couple themselves.

A Celebration That Felt Like Pure Joy

Bella and Zach’s wedding was the kind of celebration that reminds you why you love this work — effortless joy, meaningful moments, incredible music, and a room full of people truly in it. From heartfelt toasts to laugh-out-loud surprises and a dance floor that never slowed down, the entire weekend felt more like a once-in-a-lifetime party than a traditional wedding day.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels elevated yet unfiltered, luxurious yet wildly fun — whether it leans rock-and-roll, fashion-forward, or beautifully unconventional — I would love to document it for you. Get in touch to learn more about my bespoke wedding collections and availability. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

The Dream Team Who Made It Happen

A celebration like this doesn’t come together without an extraordinary team. Bella and Zach were surrounded by an incredible group of creatives who brought vision, style, and heart to every detail.

venue: West Mountain Inn

main photographer: Sally Carpenter

assistant photographers: Gael Cantlin & Russell Fox

florist: Nancy Bishop

hair: Candice Birns

make-up: Misha Shahzada

ceremony musician: Ethan Silver Wheeler

reception band: Love Revival Orchestr

deserts: Dorset Bakery