One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer is celebrating love – all the time, all year long. You’re probably wondering how I feel about dancing to “Hips Don’t Lie” 20-plus times per year (it’s a favorite!) or whether we enjoy all that wedding food (give me ALL the pasta!), but what I like most is the celebration. And wedding venues in CT do not disappoint. From barns to beaches, estates and beautiful restaurants, we’ve got it covered.
Location is everything
This couple chose Water’s Edge in Westport, CT for its gorgeous venue, fantastic food – AND first-look photo opportunities!
If you’re a beach baby, you want oceanfront – and if you love all things rustic, you’ll want a barn wedding. We have gorgeous vineyards, beautiful estates, and timeless urban elegance. Whichever location you’re considering, be sure to consider what’s most important to you and your fiancé: does your venue reflect your personalities? Does it allow your guests to get to know you? Did you have your first date – or first kiss – there? Your location should be a reflection of who you are, and allow your guests to have an experience that’s unforgettable, not because it’s exorbitantly expensive, but because it’s undeniably you.
The fun factor
This Muslim wedding, celebrated at the Mystic Marriott, Groton CT, featured incredible decor in which the bride and groom hosted their guests.
Does your venue allow you to do what you want to do? For example, one of my clients is planning a field day wedding reception at a Woodstock, CT park – complete with giant Jenga and other games (awesome, right?!). But this couple chose their venue specifically because it allowed them to host a non-traditional, super fun reception that was perfect for their guest list. Likewise, other clients have opted for a smaller, very elegant venue because it allowed them to use candlelight for an intimate reception; or a private beachfront property that permitted lanterns at the end of the night. If there’s something important to you – whether that’s having therapy llamas at your ceremony, or dancing the night away under the open skies, be sure to choose a venue that will let your personality shine through.
…And the food
This beautiful couple opted for a mimosas-and-brunch celebration that their guests absolutely loved. They took a photo with each and every person, and it’s a day their guests are sure to remember!
I always joke with my clients that their wedding day will pass in a blur, and their guests will remember two things: how good the food was, and whether the couple remembered to say hello. I’m only half-kidding 😉 The great news is that your wedding photographer should be capturing all of those amazing moments for you – big and small and everything in between – so you’ll remember them later. As for taking care of your guests, there are a few things you can do to make sure they remember their experience. First, definitely do a tasting at your wedding venue, and consider Facebook groups and other local resources to network with brides who have held weddings there. Was the chicken perfectly seasoned? Were the steaks overdone? Was the pasta al dente? (yes, I love food. ALL THE FOOD). But seriously, making sure the food is on point ensures a great guest experience. And mingling with your guests – making them feel valued for the time they spent – and the gift they brought – is important. I always ask my clients whether they want to go around to greet their guests, and if they do, we always follow, documenting laughter, hugs, fist bumps, and great candid moments.
Choosing a venue is always your first step. Selecting a venue that offers the location, experience, food and opportunities for connection with your guests isn’t difficult – it just takes identifying your priorities, making a few visits, checking reviews – and showing up, dressed and ready to celebrate!
