Sunflower-Themed Wedding at Bella Vista at Hawk’s Landing

Haley and Will’s sunflower-themed wedding at Bella Vista at Hawk’s Landing Country Club was, as most weddings I attend, a true representation of who they are. From the beginning of the day to the end of the evening, their family AND chosen family surrounded them and had invaluable roles to play.

I had been looking forward to this wedding since their engagement shoot at Southford Falls, Connecticut. This couple literally has their own language. It was really life-affirming, seeing how gentle, sweet, and kind they were with each other. I learn so much from people when I take their engagement photos; with these two, I knew their relationship was built on mutual affection, humor, and trust. You can do a lot of things when you take photos of people, but you can’t fake those deep feelings. They have to be there (and when they are, it is SUCH a joy to document.)

Haley’s love of sunflowers guided her design of the wedding, from the season itself to the florals to the rest of the reception décor. Her sunny disposition and insanely contagious smile seemed right in line with the theme. They chose to have their reception outdoors in a special spot overlooking a golf course with long, scenic views. Following the ceremony, the folks at Bella Vista at Hawk’s Landing Country Club took the couple, their family, entire wedding party, and us down to a gorgeous low spot on the course, where the early evening sun glanced off the pond and sparkled through the fountain. We took photos down there before enjoying the returning golf cart ride to the reception hall, which was (obviously) adorned with more sunflowers.

Weddings are emotional, obviously. But these two were SUPER tear-filled, the happy tears flowing basically nonstop through their first dance and toasts. The love permeated the room, an almost tactile thing. And the dancefloor was wonderfully kooky, a place where all of these fun-loving folks were able to let loose after an emotional rollercoaster of a wedding. So proud to have documented this day.

Venue: Bella Vista at Hawk’s Landing Country Club
Photographer: Cate Barry Photography
Second Shooter: K Godfrey Photo