As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I hear the most beautiful love stories. Still, I have a soft spot for high school sweethearts. My own husband and I met when we were eight, so I’m a big believer in growing up and growing old together. That will be the story for Mike and Mikaela, too! These high school sweethearts got married at Smith Farm Gardens this past summer!

Mike and Mikaela have been together since their senior year of high school. They met when Mike asked for Mikaela’s help on a class project. Unbeknownst to Mikaela, Mike had already finished his project, but wanted an excuse to start talking to her! Nine years later, Mike proposed at the Vanderbilt Mansion. Their wedding at Smith Farm Gardens was overflowing with love, joy, and intentional details. It was such a privilege to capture this next chapter of their story!

Mike & Mikaela’s Personal Details

Mike and Mikaela poured their heart and soul into their wedding day. Even before they started planning, they knew they wanted a summer wedding. However, after touring multiple venues, they were discouraged. But then friends told them about Smith Farm Gardens, and they fell in love! Despite touring in the fall, they knew that Smith Farm Gardens would be the perfect place for their intimate summer wedding—and they were right! In Mikaela’s words, the gardens held the feeling of openness, abundance, and peaceful beauty that they wanted their wedding day to embody.

The historic home on the property was the perfect place to get ready, and the garden was in full bloom for their June wedding. Mike and Mikaela embraced the blooming florals with complementary wedding colors of soft pink and blue. They also included personal touches all around the venue, starting with invitations and stationery designed by Mikaela’s sister! They incorporated pictures of pets, wore sentimental jewelry pieces gifted by family members, and were married by Mike’s uncle. Everything about their wedding felt deeply personal and intentional, which added to the emotional and exciting atmosphere of the day.

Smith Farm Gardens Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Mike and Mikaela had their first look beside the cotton-candy colored hydrangeas. Intimate moments like this are my favorites to photograph, and I specialize in capturing the emotion while giving you the space you need to be fully present! After the first look, we took pictures all around the lush grounds and gardens. This gave Mike and Mikaela time to soak in the moments together before we collected their wedding party and family members for formal portraits.

At last, guests congregated in the gardens for the ceremony. The skies were bright blue and cloudless as Mikaela’s mother walked her down the aisle. Mike and Mikaela stood beneath an archway decorated with white and blush flowers as they committed their lives to one another and said “I do!” Mike said his favorite part of their wedding day was walking back up the aisle with Mikaela as his wife. He couldn’t stop smiling as reality hit him: they were finally married!

After the ceremony, Mike and Mikaela joined their guests beneath a beautiful white tent for their reception dinner. With family-style tables, yard games, and lots of sunshine, their wedding reception was personal, intentional, and so much fun. I had a great time just watching everyone on the dancefloor!

Connecticut Wedding Photographer

It is the greatest honor of my life to capture these important memories. I understand how daunting wedding planning can be, and so I aim to make your wedding photography feel like the easiest part of planning. When asked what their favorite part of working with me was, Mike and Mikaela said, “The complete ease we felt with you from the very beginning! Being the center of attention can be daunting for both of us, and you helped us feel comfortable in front of the camera and captured every special moment!”

When you work with a wedding photographer who listens to you, your wedding day can feel effortless. So if you’re worried about being in front of a camera, or just don’t know where to start when it comes to wedding photography, give me a ring! I would love to talk about your wedding. Explore my wedding photography packages or contact me to talk all things wedding photography!