Editor's Note: The ‘SMOG’ rolls in

In our family, 2010 was the Year of the Wedding. For a woman who gets to put on a wedding magazine editor hat once a year, the idea was both thrilling and intimidating.

Each year in the pages of Stowe and Green Mountain Weddings, we set out to highlight the best of what Stowe and north-central Vermont have to offer brides, grooms and families. The choices are many, the details endless and the decisions voluminous.

So, the opportunity for our family be part of three weddings this year was … scary!

Of all the family weddings this year, my stepson Jeff’s was the most fun, exciting and daunting. Jeff’s mom passed away 10 years ago, and while the family assured me that my participation in the planning was needed and welcomed, I was careful to not to overstep my bounds.

Jeff and his fiancée, Erin, invited my children to be in the wedding, along with Jeff’s sister and her oldest son. Along with Erin’s parents, we all looked forward to the wedding as the big celebration of love, fun and family that it should be.

Jeff and I are not too far apart in age, and I did not exactly feel ready to be the “mother of the groom.” In fact, when someone at the formal wear store referred to me as the “MOG,” I was quick to point out that I was actually the “SMOG.” Throughout the wedding planning, I tried to be supportive but not intrusive, offering to help whenever possible but recognizing that the wedding was really Erin and Jeff’s party. I had such a good time talking to Erin’s mom for hours about the shower and wedding details, I went through a little bit of withdrawal when the whole thing was over.

In the end, Jeff and Erin’s wedding was perfect. From the rehearsal dinner to breakfast the morning after, the celebration was joyous and personal. The ceremony and reception reflected their fun-loving and laid-back personalities. The bride was gorgeous, the groom handsome. The guests danced and laughed and felt grateful to be a part of such a splendid event. Erin’s parents beamed and had a right to.

I hope the articles and tips in this issue of Stowe and Green Mountain Weddings inspire you to create your perfect day, especially if 2011 is your “Year of the Wedding.” Whether you’re planning a surprise wedding (really!) or a more traditional event, you’ll find spot-on advice, beautiful photography and unique ideas in the pages of our latest issue. Enjoy!