Colorful Garden Party Wedding in Mystic, CT | Tyler & Hendrick
A GARDEN PARTY WEDDING
These two!! We first met Tyler and Hendrick at Lindsay & Kyle’s Shore & Country Club wedding in 2022. They were recently engaged and just in the beginning stages of planning their own wedding day. Hendrick and Tyler were sweet as can be, and I was so excited when they were considering Arturo and me to be their wedding photographers for their Mystic, Connecticut wedding day.
By the time we photographed their Glen Island Park engagement session, their wedding planning was well underway. I remember Tyler describing the vibe of their wedding as “Gay Garden Party”, which I loved! He shared that they were planning a fantastic soirée with spring vibes and colorful florals. “We want everyone to look and feel their relaxed best without feeling stuffy. We are encouraging florals, colors, and a celebration of spring as we are leaving winter behind. Truly a fun and vibrant celebration!”
Hendrick and Tyler pulled off their vision and more. The grooms were surrounded with so much joy and love on their beautiful wedding day! It was an honor to have a front-row seat and witness these two become one as they started their new season of life together.
THE LOVE STORY
Hendrick and Tyler met online just before Thanksgiving in 2017. Tyler had made the drive back to Connecticut from Maine where he was spending the holiday with his family. After a quick nap to muster up some energy (he almost canceled!), Tyler made it to the Stamford train station to pick up Hendrick. When Tyler spotted someone in a white winter coat, he thought, ”That can’t be him, he’s way out of my league!” Meanwhile, Hendrick was nervous about getting into a stranger's car, but that’s just how things were done at that time. Nonetheless, all of his apprehension melted away when he saw Tyler’s bright smile.
The date was unforgettable—the kind of first date everyone dreams about. While waiting for their food at the restaurant, Hendrick leaned in at the perfect moment for their first kiss—a magical, movie-worthy moment that solidified their instant connection. They ended the night with a post-dinner drink, and both knew this was the start of something extraordinary.
By Valentine’s Day, Hendrick and Tyler decided to make things official and within a few months, they exchanged their first "I love you." Over the next several years, they shared countless adventures—fun vacations, cozy date nights—and even survived a global pandemic together, thanks to their "quaranteam" friends!
Nearly four years after that magical first date, Hendrick orchestrated the perfect proposal in November 2021. It started with brunch in DUMBO and a beautiful stroll through Brooklyn, leading up to Hendrick getting down on one knee. Tyler said yes, of course! The moment was captured by a dear friend, who was secretly snapping photos from afar, thanks to Hendrick’s thoughtful planning.
Congratulations Hendrick and Tyler! Cheers to much love and many adventures ahead!
I hope you enjoyed this spring wedding in Mystic! Do you know Tyler and Hendrick? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Wedding Venue: Haley Mansion | Photography: Shaina Lee Photography | Officiant: Kimberly Patton | Floral Design: Blush Floral Design | Hair: Wicked Hair & Beauty | Makeup: Niki Artistry | DJ: Stephanie Stardust | Tyler’s Attire: Sebastian Cruz Couture & A’dor Couture | Hendrick’s Attire: State & Liberty | Cake: Lovely Cakes
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.
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