Smith Farm Gardens Wedding in East Haddam, CT | Anna & Stephen

A SMITH FARM GARDENS WEDDING

There's nothing quite like a New England wedding, and spring is the perfect season for it. Anna and Stephen’s beautiful wedding at Smith Farm Gardens in East Haddam, Connecticut was everything you'd expect from a quintessential New England countryside celebration. From the thoughtful personal details to a fantastic couple, the day was truly unforgettable!

Arturo and I first spent time with Anna and Stephen last spring when we photographed their Walnut Beach engagement session. We adored every minute we spent with them then, and had been looking forward to their wedding ever since! Stephen and Anna chose a blue and white color palette for their wedding, which perfectly complemented the natural beauty of Smith Farm Gardens. It combines the best features of everything that Stephen and Anna love: New England, history, and architecture!

Anna looked absolutely stunning in her Allure Bridals gown, with its intricate floral lace and layers of soft tulle. Her bridesmaids wore dusty blue dresses that perfectly matched the wedding color palette. Stephen and his groomsmen were equally as dapper in their navy suits, which completed the elegant, yet relaxed style of the day.

Their wedding ceremony took place on the side of the farmhouse, in between the columns which framed the bride and groom perfectly. The sunny weather made everything bright and cheerful, and the trees on the property were in full bloom, adding another level of beauty to the ceremony. Stephen and Anna exchanged vows in front of their family and friends, with the sounds of nature surrounding them.

Smith Farm Gardens is a charming Connecticut wedding venue, with its lush gardens, wonderfully renovated farmhouse, and picturesque scenery. There was no shortage of photo locations, especially when it came time for some golden hour portraits! The glow of the setting sun cast a soft light onto the grounds, adding even more romance to Anna and Stephen’s wedding portraits.

The reception was held under a sailcloth tent with bistro string lights and greenery that climbed the tent’s support beams. It had been beautifully decorated with white linens and blue accents, and the centerpieces featured lush white flowers. Throughout the night, Anna, Stephen, and their guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the relaxed atmosphere of Smith Farm Gardens. These newlyweds are certainly loved by all that know them, and were celebrated late into the evening with heartfelt toasts and endless dancing!

THE LOVE STORY

Stephen and Anna met when they were on their high school’s swim team. In his sophomore year, Stephen decided he wanted to become the girl’s swim team manager. Each season, there was a ritual to TP the houses of the seniors that were on the team. The team members who organized the TP ritual planned to meet at Stephen’s friend’s house after dark, since the chance of being caught would be greatly reduced.

When the members of the team arrived, Stephen opened the door, expecting to see the team members dressed in all black and ready to go. Instead, only two of the team members were at the door, Anna and her friend. The girls burst through the door, Anna laughing at what her teammate had said during their conversation outside the house. Up until that point, Stephen and Anna had never spoken before, but at that moment, he knew he had to get to know her!

That night, as they TP'd houses, Stephen would ask Anna random questions or intrude into her conversations with the other teammates just to see what she was like. After that night, Anna and Stephen became friends and started hanging out regularly with a larger group of mutual friends. They remained friends over the next year and when Stephen needed a last-minute date to his junior prom, he decided to ask Anna. After prom was over, they spent the entire night talking to one another until the sun came up the next day. It was clear that night that they had a connection but they didn’t realize that everything they had talked about—their dreams, careers, ideas about what their lives would look like—would be the story of their real-life today. After 11 years together, they’re finally married!

Congratulations Anna and Stephen! Cheers to many more happy years ahead!

smith-farm-gardens-wedding-east-haddam-connecticut-photographer-shaina-lee-photography

Anna was a stunning bride with a classic and timeless style!

How perfect is Stephen’s tie for their wedding celebration at this historic venue?!

After 11 years, they’re finally MARRIED!

Anna and Stephen were surrounded by the most wonderful people on their wedding day!

These two are just a DREAM to work with. Their joy and excitement could be felt by everyone around them!

Stephen and Anna’s tented wedding reception was absolutely stunning!

I hope you enjoyed this spring wedding at Smith Farm Gardens! Do you know Anna and Stephen? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!

CREATIVE TEAM

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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