Sarah + Kevin’s Wedding Private Estate, Clinton CT

A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a navy suit walk hand in hand on a porch.
A bride and groom stand on a porch, embracing, with the bride wearing a long veil and the groom in a suit.
A black and white wedding photograph shows a couple in formal attire, with the groom holding the bride's hand.
A bride in a floral gown and veil embraces a groom in a suit on a porch with a view of trees and grass.

It's always an honor when a couple inquires about their wedding photography, but there's something extra special when a sibling of one of my past couples reaches out. That was the case with Sarah and Kevin. I had the privilege of photographing her sister's wedding, and five years later I was invited back to the same beautiful family home to tell her love story.

A bride and groom stand in front of a white house with a porch, the bride's veil flowing in the wind.
A bride in a floral wedding dress holds a bouquet, smiling, with a man in a suit standing beside her.
A bride in a floral dress and veil laughs with a groom in a blue suit, holding hands.
A couple kisses in a mirror reflecting a wooden-paneled wall with a floral painting and checkered curtains.

There's really something special about showing up at a wedding and seeing familiar faces while meeting new ones. Sarah got ready at her aunt's house on the beach in Clinton, CT, the same house where her sister got ready years before. I see a lot of stunning wedding gowns, but this one was so unique. I literally said wow out loud when I took it out of the closet to photograph it! It was designed by House of Savin, and Sarah bought it from Bridal Atelier Montclair. You can see it's covered in hand-painted flowers, which Flowers by Justine echoed throughout the florals and the rest of the decor.

A floral wedding dress hangs on a hanger in front of a green door and a stone fireplace with decorative items.Five women in matching pajamas and slippers stand together in a room with a stone fireplace and a wooden floor.Two women in elegant dresses stand near a stone fireplace and a teal cabinet.Two women in dresses laugh together in front of a stone fireplace and teal cabinet.Two women in dresses, one in a floral dress with a veil, smiling in front of a stone wall.
Three rings with diamonds rest on a floral-patterned fabric.A wedding invitation set with floral envelopes, flowers, a ring box, earrings, and a small box with a ring.Two women, one in a strapless white dress, stand close, smiling, in front of a stone wall and wooden door.Two women in dresses, one in floral, the other in light blue, pose closely in front of a stone wall and a teal cabinet.A bride in a floral dress laughs while walking with a man in a suit in a room with a bookshelf and a blue cabinet.A bride in a floral dress and veil stands beside a man in a suit, both smiling and gesturing towards each other.

Sarah and her friends spent the morning relaxing and getting ready together. Signature Salon did Sarah's hair and Upstyle did her makeup. She looked absolutely flawless!

Five women in pastel dresses stand together, holding bouquets, smiling in front of a stone fireplace.
A bride in a floral dress walks under a clear umbrella, accompanied by a woman in a light dress, with another couple in the background.
A bride in a floral gown and a groom in a suit hold hands, standing on a porch with glass panels.
A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a suit hold hands, smiling, on a porch with white railings and a view of greenery outside.

Then we drove just down the block to her family's summer cottage for Sarah and Kevin's first look on the front porch, and it was magical. We even took photos with their cat, Mishka! It was so important to the two of them to have photos in a place this rich in family history, a place that holds so many memories with loved ones who have passed, and so many more summers ahead of sitting on that very same porch holding hands, just like they did on their wedding day.

A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a suit hold hands, smiling, in a porch setting.A bride in a floral dress and veil stands beside a man in a navy suit, both smiling and embracing on a porch.A bride in a floral wedding dress and a groom in a dark suit stand on a porch, holding a bouquet of flowers.A couple is reflected in a mirror, the man in a suit and the woman in a floral dress, both smiling.A bride in a floral dress and groom in a navy suit stand in front of a white house with black shutters and a porch.A couple in wedding attire is reflected in a mirror, embracing and smiling.
A bride in a floral gown and a groom in a navy suit hold hands on a porch with white railings and a ceiling.A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a blue suit hold a fluffy white cat on a porch with white railings.A close-up of a couple holding hands, with the bride's hand featuring a ring.A couple sits on a porch, the woman in a floral dress and the man in a suit, both smiling.A bride in a floral dress and veil kisses a groom in a blue suit on a porch with white railings and greenery in the background.A bride and groom kiss in front of a white house with black shutters and a porch.

We got lucky with the weather before the ceremony and were able to take portraits outside before the rain came. And not just a little rain, but a full-blown hurricane! You would never know it, though, thanks to the amazing work of their planner, Sarah Brehant Events, and the rest of the vendor team. The ceremony still happened right on the beach, guests with their toes in the sand and everything fully tented. Kevin is a carpenter, and he built the aisle and the chuppah himself. It's personal details like this that bring so much meaning to a wedding day. They were married on the beach by their family, surrounded by their loved ones, and it was perfect.

A bride in a floral dress walks down an aisle with her father, surrounded by guests in a tent adorned with flowers and string lights.
A wedding scene with a bride in a white dress, groom in a dark suit, and guests in formal attire under a floral arch.A group of people seated in chairs under a tent, surrounded by floral arrangements, attentively watching a ceremony.A bride in a floral dress stands between a groom in a suit and a officiant holding a book, with guests seated in the background.A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a blue suit stand at an altar under a floral arch, exchanging vows with a officiant.
A bride in a floral dress holds hands with a groom in a navy suit under a floral archway during a wedding ceremony.A bride in a veil and gown stands facing a groom in a suit, with an officiant holding a book beside them under a canopy of leaves.A woman holds a young girl in a wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests and floral decorations.A group of people in formal attire are seated on wooden chairs, smiling and laughing during a wedding ceremony.
A bride in a floral dress and a groom in a blue suit exchange rings during a wedding ceremony under a floral archway.
A couple kisses under a floral archway at a wedding ceremony, with guests seated and a ring bearer holding a child.
A bride in a floral dress and groom in a suit walk down a wooden aisle under a floral archway, surrounded by guests clapping.
A couple kisses under a floral archway at a wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests clapping.

The reception was an elegant garden party. The design brought in romantic greenery and beautiful floral arrangements, with a live garden in the center of the clear tent. I especially loved the chandeliers and the garden lights. They gave the whole tent a little sparkle and such a cozy warmth.

A couple stands together in a beautifully decorated wedding reception with floral arrangements and elegant decor.
A bride in a floral dress and veil kisses a groom in a dark suit under a tent with hanging lights and greenery.
A couple walks hand in hand under a white canopy, surrounded by greenery and wooden furniture.
A couple stands together, holding drinks, in front of a floral cake and a decorated tent.
A couple dances in a tent adorned with chandeliers and floral arrangements.
A beautifully set table with floral centerpieces, candles, and elegant tableware under a tent adorned with string lights and greenery.
A table is adorned with a blue and white patterned tablecloth, featuring three vases of flowers: peach, yellow, and blue hydrangeas.A two-tiered wedding cake adorned with flowers and small decorative elements sits on a floral-patterned tablecloth.A wedding cake on a floral tablecloth under a tent with hanging greenery and potted plants.
A beautifully set wedding table adorned with floral arrangements, candles, and elegant tableware under a tent decorated with string lights and greenery.A wedding table setting features a red drink with blueberries, a yellow drink with a jalapeño slice, a lit candle, and a napkin with initials and a date.A beautifully set table with pastel flowers, greenery, candles, and elegant place settings.
A beautifully set table with pastel flowers, green tablecloth, white napkins, and elegant glassware.A wedding reception inside a clear tent with floral arrangements, a statue, and a cake in the background.A wedding bar setup features two colorful drinks, vases with white and pink flowers, candles, and a sign for signature drinks.A beautifully decorated wedding tent with floral arrangements, hanging lights, and wooden chairs.A long table is set for a wedding reception with floral centerpieces, white plates, and neatly arranged silverware.

Guests had cocktail hour in the main tent, and Sarah and Kevin kicked off the night with the most incredible choreographed first dance. I loved listening to all of the speeches, especially the one from her sister and maid of honor Katie, one of my past brides.

A bride in a floral dress and veil kisses a groom in a dark suit under a clear tent adorned with greenery and hanging lights.
A couple dances joyfully in a tent adorned with hanging lights and greenery.
A bride in a floral gown and veil kisses a groom in a navy suit under a canopy of greenery and sparkling lights.
A bride and groom stand close, embracing on a wooden dance floor under a tent with hanging lights and floral decorations.
A man in a suit holds a young girl in a pink dress, both smiling, at a wedding reception with guests and decorations in the background.
A bride in a floral dress and a man in a suit smile at a seated woman in a colorful dress at a wedding reception.
A man in a suit hugs a woman in a lace dress under a tent with string lights.
A couple dances joyfully on a wooden floor under a tent adorned with lights and greenery.
A couple dances under a canopy of lights and greenery at a wedding reception.
A couple dances closely on a wooden floor under a tent adorned with lights and greenery.
A couple dances on a wooden floor in a tent with guests seated at tables in the background.
A woman in a floral dress stands at a microphone, smiling, while a man in a suit stands beside her, both in a tented wedding setting with guests seated in the background.A woman in a floral dress stands at a microphone, smiling, with a man in a suit beside her, while guests sit at tables in the background.A man in a suit stands on a wooden floor holding a microphone, addressing a seated audience under a canopy of lights and chandeliers.A bride in a floral dress sits with her arm around a man in a suit at a wedding reception.
A woman in a light blue dress stands at a microphone, smiling, with a group of seated guests in the background under a tent decorated with lights and greenery.Guests at a wedding reception raise their glasses in a toast under string lights and floral decorations.A man in a suit holds a cane and a microphone, speaking at a wedding reception with guests seated at tables.A bride and groom smile at a wedding reception table adorned with flowers and candles.
A couple sits at a table adorned with flowers, smiling and laughing during a wedding reception.A bride smiles at a guest at a wedding reception, surrounded by floral arrangements and candles.A group of people sits at a table adorned with flowers and candles, laughing and enjoying a festive moment.A bride hugs her father at a wedding reception, with guests seated at tables in the background.

But possibly my favorite part of the night was when they brought out a sword to cut their cake! And their cake by Storybook Cakes had beautiful flower details that matched her dress.

A couple cuts a multi-tiered wedding cake at a decorated reception.
A bride and groom celebrate at their wedding reception, cutting a cake under a tent decorated with fairy lights and greenery.
A couple kisses near a wedding cake at a tented reception with string lights and floral decorations.
A bride in a floral gown and a groom in a suit dance under a canopy of lights and greenery.
A couple embraces under a canopy of lights and greenery at a wedding reception.
A woman in a floral dress dances with a man in a suit under twinkling lights.
A bride in a strapless gown dances with a man in a suit under a tent adorned with lights.
A bride and groom dance under chandeliers and string lights at a wedding reception.
A man and woman dance closely, smiling, in a warmly lit wedding reception setting.
A man and woman dance together at a wedding reception under string lights.
A man and woman dance together on a wooden floor under string lights, surrounded by seated guests at a wedding reception.
A bride and groom are seated on chairs, held aloft by their wedding guests in a decorated tent with greenery and lights.
A lively wedding reception with guests raising their hands, adorned with greenery, string lights, and elegant chandeliers.
A group of people in formal attire dances joyfully under string lights at a wedding reception.
A man and a woman dance together at a lively wedding reception under string lights.A woman in a light blue dress claps enthusiastically, surrounded by guests in formal attire under string lights.A bride in a white dress dances surrounded by guests in a warmly lit, decorated tent.Two women are embracing and smiling at a wedding reception with string lights and tables in the background.A bride in a white dress dances joyfully with guests under a tent adorned with string lights and chandeliers.A man in a blue jacket and orange tie dances on a wooden floor surrounded by guests in a warmly lit room.A black-and-white wedding photograph shows three people dancing joyfully under a tent decorated with string lights.A bride and groom dance joyfully at a wedding reception under string lights and a disco ball.An older couple stands together at a wedding reception, smiling and embracing, with a decorated table and floral arrangements in the background.A black and white wedding photograph captures a lively dance floor with guests in formal attire, holding drinks, and enjoying the celebration.A bride in a white dress dances with a man in a white shirt and dark pants under a festive tent with string lights and chandeliers.A group of people in a tent decorated with lights and chandeliers, smiling and laughing together.A bride in a white dress raises her arms in celebration at a wedding reception under string lights.A group of people dances joyfully under a tent adorned with string lights and chandeliers.A woman in a blue dress laughs while surrounded by guests at a wedding reception.A bride and groom are lifted on guests' shoulders in a festive wedding celebration.A bride in a white dress dances joyfully with guests in a festive outdoor setting adorned with string lights and a disco ball.A bride dances with guests in a lively wedding reception, capturing a joyful moment.A bride in a white dress dances with guests at a wedding reception under string lights.
A bride and groom dance joyfully on a wooden floor under a canopy of greenery and twinkling lights.A man in a suit dances joyfully with a woman in a black dress under a tent adorned with lights and flowers.A woman in a floral dress dances with a man in a white shirt and black tie at a wedding reception under string lights.A bride in a strapless dress dances with a man in a white shirt and tie, surrounded by guests in a tent with string lights and disco balls.A woman in a green velvet dress holds a drink, smiling, while a man in a white shirt and tie stands beside her at a festive event.A bride in a floral gown dances with a man in a white shirt and dark pants under a disco ball and string lights.A bride in a white dress makes a heart shape with her hands while seated guests look on at a wedding reception.A man is being lifted in the air by another man at a wedding reception under a tent decorated with lights and flowers.Three people laugh together at a festive event with string lights in the background.A bride and groom dance joyfully under a tent adorned with lights and greenery.A bride in a white dress dances with a man in a white shirt and black tie under a tent adorned with lights and greenery.A bride dances joyfully with guests under a canopy of lights and greenery.A black-and-white wedding scene shows a man in suspenders dancing, a woman in a white dress laughing, and another woman in a patterned dress singing, under a tent with string lights.A bride dances among guests at a wedding reception under string lights.A black-and-white wedding scene shows a bride in a dress dancing with guests under a tent adorned with hanging decorations.A group of people in formal attire dances joyfully under string lights and a chandelier at a wedding reception.A bride in a white dress laughs while surrounded by guests at a wedding reception under a tent.A couple kisses on a dance floor surrounded by guests at a wedding reception.

It was an amazing wedding weekend, and I'm so glad I got to celebrate with them and tell their story.

A bride in a white dress dances with a man in a white shirt and black tie under a tent adorned with hanging lights and greenery.
A couple in wedding attire shares a kiss on the dance floor amidst guests and string lights.

Vendor Team