Matt and Jen’s Backyard Garden Wedding in Fairfield, Connecticut

Matt and Jen’s backyard garden wedding in Fairfield was beautiful, intimate, and SO HOT. The joy these two share is pretty infectious. They can’t stop touching each other. And they can’t stop cracking each other up. (You can see more of their cuteness here, in their engagement session.)

They decided to do a small, family-only ceremony in the backyard of Matt’s family’s home. Matt’s dad spent a year perfecting his garden for this, and as a gardener myself, I was excited to be tasked with taking extra photos of the flowers.

The officiant Robyn was radiant, and Matt and Jen’s love crackled in the late summer heat. I loved Jen’s non-traditional summer dress and Matt’s vest. Jen wore a family heirloom on her wrist–it’s a heart that generations of women in her family have worn at their weddings, so it was lovely to see her carry on the tradition. She and Matt also had their rings specially made: they didn’t want anything traditional. Instead, they wanted jewelry they loved that spoke to them as indivuals.

After the ceremony, the families enjoyed each other’s company over cold drinks and tasty hors d’oeuvres and eventually headed to the covered farm table for lunch. Above all else, this couple wanted to focus on conversation and connection, and lunch gave their families the opportunity to really get to know each other.

I have to include this detail, because it says so much about this couple and their families. At the time of their wedding, I was a pretty brand new mom and was nursing regularly. I told them this ahead of time. When I got there, Matt’s mother led me up the stairs to a closed door with a sign on it. It said “Private: for Cate Barry.” Inside was a cozy, immaculate bedroom with a chair and side table prepared for me. It was such a thoughtful touch. During the first part of their meal, I ate lunch up in that lovely little room while I pumped and checked in on my partner and baby at home. The rest of the time I just stayed out of the way, wandering the beautiful yard, and captured candid moments of their day.

I continue to be so grateful for the people who find me.

Caterer: @palmersevents
Officiant: @robynashleyweddings
Rentals: @pbsevents
Suit: @bespokeboston1