Amy and Lawrence: Intimate Shell and Bones New Haven Micro-Ceremony

Like so many couples in 2020, Amy and Lawrence chose to be flexible with their wedding plans in lieu of pushing back their date. They decided to get married in a non-assuming spot on the water in New Haven, near the restaurant where they had met, become friends, flirted, and begun their relationship years ago. They planned to gather with a small number of family members and their daughter, be married by their dear friend and employer at the restaurant, and have dinner together afterwards. It would be short, intimate, and meaningful for everyone there.

Before that, though, Amy and Lawrence wanted a moment just to themselves with their daughter. I met up with them on the other side of the bay on a warm, overcast day. It had been raining earlier, but the precipitation had stopped, and we were left with gray skies that thankfully kept most people off the beach, leaving it to us! We took some photos of just the three of them before heading across town for the small ceremony. It was a brief affair, full of smiles and sweet looks and yes, a few tears. I was only with this lovely couple and their family for a few short hours, but their wedding made a major impact on me. It was the embodiment of simplicity–nothing fancy, nothing overwrought, nothing dragged out. Just two people and their daughter, showing up and making a promise to each other in front of immediate family, in a place significant to them and to their story. I’m so grateful to have been a small part of this beautiful day.