Connecticut based
wedding and portrait photographer

Upscale Riverside Wedding at the Florence Griswold Museum in Connecticut

Weddings

October 1, 2024

Kim and Ryan had an upscale riverside wedding at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut. They got ready for the day at the Old Lyme Inn (whose staff and accommodations were next level). They chose to do a first look outside the inn under a big, old tree, then walk across the street to the Flo Gris (as it’s apparently known) for the outdoor ceremony and elegantly tented reception.

Visually, everything about this wedding stunned. Their classically chic styling, choice of venues, floral design and the huge tent’s sparkly lights, and the weather–warm, golden, perfect–lent itself to a stunning outdoor affair.

The perfection of it all might have been annoying, were it not for the fact that this couple is incredibly, deeply kind and GOOD. Their goodness radiated from them throughout the day. Energy can’t be denied, and it affects everything and everyone around it. In this case, I felt enveloped by their authentic kindness, their lack of showiness or airs. This energy of theirs permeated the wedding, coloring it in soft hues with grace, ease, and communal love. (For for of these beautiful humans, see their engagement session here.)

I’ll write about some details that stand out in my memory, but know that more than anything, it was the people and their collective spirit that made this wedding so incredible. (Truly, my second shooter and I looked at each other at the end and asked ourselves what the hell had just happened.) Kim’s beautiful strapless gown (don’t miss that slit) and simplistic, natural styling. Ryan’s soft smile I kept catching glimpses of throughout the day, despite knowing he’s so not center-of-attention-guy. Their families, all so clearly in support of this relationship. The VERY funny moments when their written vows lined up perfectly, despite the fact that each partner had kept them secret before the ceremony. The emotion rippling through the ceremony when things got serious. The riptide of joy when the marching band played the guests up the hill from the ceremony. The INCREDIBLE soft pink light during cocktail hour. The tears and laughter during the parent speeches (some dads really know how to hit a toast out of the park) and the sheer energy output that happened when people hit the dancefloor.

(Who knew–having a DJ and band work in tandem is a SUPER cool idea, and it elevated the dancefloor in a way I’d not seen before. Definitely check out the vendors at the end of the gallery.)

This gorgeous, undeniably upscale summer wedding had it all: a stunning couple (inside and out), incredible guests, a perfect riverside ceremony, golden cocktail hour, and a reception I’m still dreaming about.