1768 Hubbell Homestead at Colgate Park Wedding in Bennington, VT

There’s something undeniably special about a Vermont wedding — the mountains, the open fields, the sense of calm you feel the moment you arrive. Colleen and Christopher’s celebration at Hubbell Homestead in Bennington captured all of that rustic Vermont magic. Set on a hillside overlooking rolling fields, the Homestead blends historic character with sweeping views, making it a dream location for a late-summer or early-fall wedding. Even all these years later, this one still stands out as a classic East Coast Soul moment from our early days.

In 2011, when ECS was still operating as one unified ensemble, the full band made the trip to southern Vermont to bring the soundtrack to Colleen and Christopher’s celebration — from cocktail hour through the very last song of the night.

A Rustic Vermont Venue with Mountain Views

Hubbell Homestead at Colgate Park is a Southern Vermont staple for couples seeking a wedding that blends rustic charm with natural beauty. The long gravel drive, historic stone buildings, and panoramic views of the Bennington countryside make the entire property feel warm, welcoming, and deeply Vermont. Guests can explore the grounds, enjoy the mountain views, and settle into a space that feels relaxed yet elevated.

For Colleen and Christopher’s wedding weekend, the Homestead provided the perfect mix of scenery and celebration — a spacious ceremony lawn, an outdoor cocktail area, and a tented reception space just right for a full-band dance party.

Ceremony & Cocktails

East Coast Soul didn’t perform for the ceremony at this event, allowing the couple to curate a personal and private musical moment of their own. Once guests transitioned to cocktail hour, however, the band stepped in with a laid-back set of jazz, soul, and classic melodies — the perfect backdrop against the Vermont hills.

Guests mingled on the grounds as we played songs inspired by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and more. The ambiance was easy, elegant, and full of that unmistakable Vermont calm.

A Vermont Reception Under the Tent

As guests moved into the tent for dinner and formalities, East Coast Soul took on MC duties and helped guide the flow of the evening. One of the most memorable moments was Colleen and Christopher’s first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne — a perfect choice for a Vermont wedding, and one that fit beautifully with the rustic-chic style of the venue.

After dinner, with the sun fading behind the hills of Bennington, it was time to open the dance floor — and this crowd was ready.

The Dance Floor: Soul, Motown & Vermont Energy

This early-era ECS setlist was pure joy — a mix of classic Motown, funk, vintage soul, and early-2010s favorites. We kicked the night off with songs by Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, The Temptations, and other timeless artists. These songs always bridge generations and get that first wave of people onto the dance floor.

From there, we moved into high-energy material: Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sly & The Family Stone, Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Prince, Michael Jackson — the kinds of songs that turn an outdoor Vermont tent into a full-blown celebration. Later in the night we mixed in more contemporary hits like Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, and even a James Brown medley to keep the energy soaring.

One special request from the bride: making sure she was on the dance floor for “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — which, in hindsight, could not have been a more perfect fit for a mountaintop Vermont wedding.

A Perfect Vermont Celebration

Colleen and Christopher’s wedding was everything we love about Vermont: warm people, beautiful scenery, great food, and a dance floor that never slows down. Hubbell Homestead remains one of the region’s most beloved venues for rustic and elegant weddings alike, and this celebration is one we still look back on fondly.

A huge thank-you to Colleen and Christopher for having us — and for giving East Coast Soul another unforgettable Vermont wedding memory.