DIY Lesbian Wedding at a Connecticut Farm

DIY Lesbian Wedding at a Connecticut Farm

I would say that Brittany and Caley’s wedding started like any other, but it didn’t. There was none of the usual chaos, low-level anxiety, large mass of people in a small hotel room. Instead, K and I walked into a bright, airy cabin that smelled of new lumber and heard nothing but calm silence. 

Caley was the only one inside. She had just gotten out of the shower. She wasn’t in a rush.

Soon, her mom and grandma would arrive, followed by two of Caley’s friends. Finally, Brittany managed to break away from the farm she and Caley share to come and get ready. Her mom, who owns the cabin, joined soon after.

That was it. 

There was space. Quiet. A lovely breeze coming through the open windows. The small lake outside had ripples on the top of the windy day. Above the large second story deck, leaves danced. It was overcast but not too dark. 

Caley’s friend brought delicious home-made apple muffins. I know they were delicious because I had one. There was time for me to have a muffin. THAT was the vibe.

I go into such detail here because the details of this first part of a wedding help dictate the mood and flow of the entire day. In this case, Brittany and Caley chose to have a quiet, chill, and undramatic morning. One where they enjoyed themselves, took their time, did their own hair and makeup, and dressed at a pace that suited them. It was SO RELAXING. 

When they were ready, they did an undramatic first look that wound up being so sweet (Brittany burst into amazed laughs, looking at the sky and clenching her fists. ‘I can’t believe you’re marrying me today!’ she shrieked. Her excitement was contagious.

Everything was going perfectly. We were all leaving to head to the venue, the farm they share two miles down the road. And this is when I locked my keys and all of my camera gear in my car.

At this point in the story, everything is supposed to take a sharp turn for the worse. WHAT a nightmare. I ushered the couple and K off with a sinking heart, sure I’d wind up missing the ceremony at best. You can imagine my surprise (and utter gratitude) when the Guy Who Breaks Into Cars Professionally arrived ten minutes after I got off the phone with dispatch. I was at the venue well before the ceremony started.

So this, then, would be a day of great luck, too.

Brittany and Caley had adorned the farm they own and work together with SO MANY DIY details. There were flowers everywhere. Vintage handkerchiefs rested in baskets, ready for people to blot their eyes. The ceremony space sparkled with jars of plants hanging from twine. Even the ice bucket for beverages was dressed up: wine bottles floated in water along with flowers the couple had picked.

Also, there was a canvas on an easel with a sign inviting guests to add their fingerprint of paint to the tree of the couple’s love. IT WAS SO CUTE!!!

The ceremony was lowkey and magical, held under two maple trees the couple had picked out for such a purpose before even purchasing the land. There was a handfasting ceremony. Their loved ones sat on long wooden benches and smiled so hard at the couple getting married. Glass vases of flowers hung from strands of twine on either side of them. The guests threw flower petals when they walked up the aisle.

And the rest of the day (which was supposed to be muddled with thunderstorms and thankfully stayed dry) was easygoing and fun. The farm was the perfect venue. The weather was mild, making it a delight to be outside. 

And my favorite part (of a day full of favorites) was the dusky blue hour photos I got to steal them away to take. We drove a golf cart down the street to a little rocky outcrop on the river and took time to capture romantic couples portraits at Caley’s favorite time of day. Most of the time, couples want sunset photos at their wedding (understandably; they can be gorgeous). But this was a new request, and I’m so happy with how these intimate blue hour photos turned out.

K and I closed out our evening under the sail tent (complete with disco ball)  taking photos of the party dancing to an amazing playlist and having a great time under the darkening night sky. This wedding was everything a summer wedding should be. It’s one I’ll never forget. You can see this adorable lesbian couple’s engagement photos here.

Rentals: CT Rental Center

Suit: The Suit Shop

Bar Service: Iron & Grain Co.

DJ: I Do Entertainment