My favorite part of my job as a Connecticut wedding photographer is hearing my couples’ love stories. I am always so amazed by how two people come together! Catalina and Mike were married at Lord Thompson Manor in 2024, but their love story started long before that. After meeting in Boston in 2018, the couple dated for a number of months. But life can be unpredictable, and they both agreed that it was a “right person, wrong time” situation. However, they reconnected in 2022, right before Catalina moved across the country. They promised that they would make this time the right time! Mike accompanied Catalina to Arizona, and the rest is history! Their dedication and commitment paid off, and I got to photograph the absolute joy on their wedding day at the jaw-dropping Lord Thompson Manor.

This was the perfect venue for Catalina and Mike. They wanted something special, where they could stay on-site and not have to worry about a thing. The Manor only hosts one wedding per weekend, and has a team of in-house vendors ready to make every wedding dream come true. This was my first time photographing a wedding here, and I quickly fell in love. From the ivy-covered stonework and lush gardens to the eclectic wallpaper and hand-carved woodwork, everything about Lord Thompson Manor felt like a fairytale.

The vine-covered back entrance of Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, Connecticut

The vine-covered balcony and pillars of the Lord Thompson Manor

A flat-lay on a navy blue background of a wedding invitation, rings, perfume, and shoes

A wedding dress with a long lace train hangs in a doorway at the Lord Thompson Manor

Getting Ready for a Traditional Catholic Mass

The couple and their wedding party stayed on-site. Catalina and her bridesmaids got ready together in the Kiss Spa, a bright and comfortable space with enough room for hair and makeup! The men got ready in the study, a moody green room with a pool table and antique decor. Once she was dressed, Catalina rode in a white limo to the wedding ceremony!

To honor their family and tradition, Mike and Catalina were married in a Catholic Mass at the Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, Connecticut. The old church provided the perfect backdrop for their deeply heartfelt ceremony. Catalina said the space made her feel safe and comfortable. I loved taking portraits of the couple in front of the altar with the light streaming through the stained glass windows!

A bride takes a selfie with her bridesmaids while getting ready for her wedding ceremony

A black and white photo of a bride putting on her earrings before her wedding ceremony

A groom and his groomsmen toast before a wedding ceremony at Lord Thompson Manor in Connecticut

The Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, Connecticut, with arched stained glass windows and a tall bell tower

Sunflower arrangements flanking a catholic altar before a wedding mass

A black and white photo of a groom crying as the bride walks down the aisle with her father

A bride and groom exchange rings during their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony

A bride and groom kiss as they walk back up the aisle after their wedding ceremony

Reception at Lord Thompson Manor

After the ceremony, everyone returned to The Lord Thompson Manor for the cocktail hour and reception. Everyone was excited to greet the happy couple. Catalina and Mike got to spend time intentionally connecting with each of their guests while they enjoyed specialty cocktails and yard games! Everywhere you looked, the Manor was covered in sunflowers. They are Catalina’s favorite flower and the one thing she knew she wanted featured throughout the wedding. The florist at Lord Thompson Manor created stunning arrangements and bouquets that wove rich greenery and bright colors into all the decor.

Besides the sunflowers, the only other thing Catalina and Mike truly wanted was something unique. They didn’t want a traditional hotel ballroom, and the Lord Thompson Manor fulfilled their every wish! Guests stood on the lawn during speeches, before filtering into the reception space with sparkling chandeliers. After dinner, the dance floor opened and was lively all night long. The DJ, whom Catalina had met doing Karaoke years ago, effortlessly included Colombian music to honor Catalina’s mother (and really, who can sit still when Colombian music is playing?).

Couple's portraits at an old Catholic church in Connecticut

Bride and groom portraits around Lord Thompson Manor

Couple's portraits in a secret garden behind Lord Thompson Manor

A wedding party dressed in navy suits and champagne dresses stands in front of Lord Thompson Manor

A wedding reception set up in the largest room of Lord Thompson Manor

A wedding cake covered in cascading sunflowers

A place setting at a wedding reception tied with a custom ribbon

A bride and groom enter their wedding reception through a garden with hedges on each side

Wedding guests toast during speeches in the garden

New England Wedding Photographer

Everything about Catalina and Mike’s wedding day was true to their love. It was unique, heartfelt, and radiating joy—just like them! I had a phenomenal time working alongside the team at Lord Thompson Manor and cannot wait to return. If you’re looking for a New England wedding photographer, I would love to partner with you to create a day that’s just as special! Explore my wedding photography packages and reach out to learn more.