As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I get to hear the most beautiful local love stories. Though Athena and Dylan live in North Carolina now, they met at a party as students at UConn. Dylan was immediately struck by Athena, but they didn’t start dating until years later. Then, in 2023, Dylan proposed in Iceland, on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Can it get any more romantic?

While they originally started planning a wedding in North Carolina, they scrapped their plans to have it closer to their families. After attending a wedding at Saint Clements Castle, they knew they wanted to get married there. The new, and dare I say gorgeous, ceremony venue on the waterfront only sweetened the deal!

The River's Edge Marina, a new wedding venue at Saint Clements Castle

A bride's shoes hang from the corner of a golden mirror

Getting Ready & Ceremony at Saint Clements Castle Marina

Saint Clements Castle is a truly beautiful Connecticut wedding venue. Athena and her bridesmaids got ready in the well-lit suites while Dylan and his groomsmen practiced their reception entry on the stairs. The bridesmaids wore beautiful light blue dresses that matched the groomsmen’s ties and the gorgeous July skies. Talk about a perfect summertime palette!

A bride in dark blue pajamas sits in the center of a group of bridesmaids in light blue pajamas

A black and white photo of a bride seeing herself in a full length mirror

Groomsmen stand on the staircase at Saint Clements Castle, each with their legs on the shoulder of the man in front of them

Dylan and Athena shared their first look on the grassy riverbank. There, they exchanged private vows and got to soak in some precious, intimate time together before the business of the day. They both said that exchanging private vows was one of their favorite parts of the day. It felt so personal and sacred, and I was careful to give them space to be fully present while still capturing these important memories.

A bride and groom share a first look on the bank of the Connecticut River at Saint Clements Castle

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit exchange private vows at Saint Clements Castle

Bride and groom portraits on the Connecticut River bank

A groom kisses the bride on the cheek while she smiles at the camera

Saint Clements Castle recently added a new ceremony venue, a terracotta balcony overlooking the Connecticut River. This was the perfect location for Athena and Dylan’s ceremony! This ceremony space doesn’t need any decoration, and Athena wanted something timeless and minimal. Two beautiful white and blue floral arrangements flanking the altar were all we added, and it was perfect! The river breeze kept everyone cool, and guests were smiling throughout the whole ceremony. I was honored to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories for Athena, Dylan, and their friends!

A wedding ceremony with white chairs and white and blue flowers on the riverbank at Saint Clements Castle

Boaters wave as they pass the ceremony site at Saint Clements Castle

A groom cries as a bride walks down the aisle with her father

A bride and groom exchange vows at the Saint Clements Castle Marina

A groom dips the bride and kisses her during their wedding ceremony at Saint Clements Castle

Bridesmaids in light blue dresses surround the bride in a V-neck white wedding gown

Wedding Reception in the (New!) River’s Edge Marina

While their guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the lawn (playing cornhole with boards that Athena’s dad made himself!), I whisked Athena and Dylan away for some portraits. We walked around the riverbank during sunset, allowing the reality that they were finally married to sink in. I loved capturing the light’s golden reflection off the water. Athena and Dylan were so happy that photographing them was easy! They were all smiles and giddy laughter.

A bride and groom walk along the Connecticut Riverbank at sunset

Couple's portraits outside the River's Edge Marina at Saint Clements Castle

A bride and groom kiss as the sun sets over the Connecticut River

We rejoined their guests for the reception in the River’s Edge Marina, the newest addition to Saint Clements Castle! This waterfront building has stunning views, lots of natural light, and a gorgeous indoor space for dinner and dancing. While planning their wedding, Athena poured most of her energy into creating an unforgettable party. And the bridesmaids and groomsmen understood the assignment! Their creative, high-energy entrances set the tone for the rest of the night, and the dance floor was full as soon as it opened!

A cornhole board made by the bride's father with the date painted on

A sweetheart table in the River's Edge Marina at Saint Clements Castle flanked by two large floral installations

A gold table number beside a blue and white floral centerpiece

Bridesmaids in light blue dresses enter the wedding reception at Saint Clements Castle through the grand staircase

A group of groomsmen carry a groomsman down the grand staircase at Saint Clements Castle while two bridesmaids throw cans of beer to each other

A bride and groom enter their wedding reception and begin a choreographed first dance

A bride and groom cut a three-tier white cake during their wedding reception at Saint Clements Castle

Connecticut Wedding Photographer

I had so much fun capturing these memories for Athena and Dylan at Saint Clements Castle. I was thrilled to see the new additions to the venue, but even happier to see how perfectly everything worked together for this beautiful couple. Whether you’re local or planning a wedding from far away, like Athena and Dylan, I would love to hear your love story. My photography is inspired by the beauty of your relationship! If you want a wedding photographer who will listen to you and create a warm, relaxing environment for your celebration, I would love to connect. Find the wedding photography collection that’s right for you and inquire to secure your date!