When I first spoke with Sarah and John, I learned that they had been a 99% match in the dating app they used, and even years later were discovering things they had in common. I asked them what made life good together, and John told me that everything is more fun with Sarah, and that even when things are hard, they’re easier because of Sarah. Sarah marveled at how much love they had shared in their nearly 7 years together, and wondered what their love would look like in 20, 30 or 50 years, because “it just keeps getting better.” It was clear that Sarah and John shared a deep connection, and I was smitten.

They told me more about their plans for a backyard wedding in Kent, Connecticut. Old Home Farms is a property that has been in Sarah’s family for nine generations, where they’ve celebrated many holidays and family weddings. It’s a tremendously special place for the two of them and inspired many of their decisions. They both got ready there, surrounded by this family history. I especially loved the pencil markings on the doorways, showing the growth of generations of children. In the shade of an old barn, they shared their first look. Witnessing their tenderness and utter absorption in each other, I was once again smitten.

The ceremony, at the historic church down the street, was led by John’s childhood minister. John and Sarah, lovers of classical music, commissioned a string quartet to play Dvorak’s American Quartet, interspersing the movements with the rest of the service. Sarah’s entrance was timed for the end of the first movement and it was an exquisite moment.

They returned to the backyard for appetizers and cocktails by the red barn. In a nod to the traditions of the place, their dinner was family-style and served on a mix of china patterns. For dessert they served pie. It was one of those many things they’d discovered along the way that they had in common, that they’d both grown up loving pie from the same bakery. And then it was time to let loose with their friends on the dance floor.

From start to finish, Sarah and John planned a wedding that was thoughtful, gracious and true to them as a couple. It was a true delight to photograph.

family name plate on red door

growth char on doorway in family home

bride chilling with friends while getting ready

groom shaving in old family home

groom toasting with family

groom getting ready

bride with friends

bride puts on veil with help from her sisters

bride on her way to first look

first look at backyard wedding Kent Connecticut

first look at backyard wedding Kent Connecticut

bride at groom portrait, elegant backyard wedding Kent Connecticut

bride and father share a laugh

waiting for the wedding festivities

grooms walks to church for wedding ceremony, Kent, Connecticut

last-minute, pre-ceremony details

bride enters church, Kent, Connecticut

church wedding ceremony, Kent, Connecticut

musicians during church wedding ceremony, Kent, Connecticut

tender exchange between bride and groom, church wedding ceremony, Kent, Connecticut

bride and groom walk up the aisle, Kent, Connecticut

bride and groom kiss outside the church, Kent, Connecticut

bride and groom outside the church, Kent, Connecticut

bride and groom enjoy appetizers

cocktail hour an an elegant backyard wedding, Kent, Connecticut

guests at cocktail hour of backyard wedding

guests at cocktail hour of backyard wedding

table details and flowers at an elegant backyard Connecticut wedding

the couple's first dance at their elegant backyard wedding, Kent, Connecticut

father of the bride delivers a toast

groom and bride react to toast, elegant backyard wedding, Kent, Connecticut

guests react to toasts

guests raise their glasses to toast the couple, elegant backyard wedding in Kent, Connecticut

bride and groom drink wine

guests dancing at backyard tented wedding in CT

guests dancing at backyard tented wedding in CT

bistro lights and barn at blue hour

guests take a selfie under bistro lights, backyard Kent Connecticut wedding

backyard tented wedding in Kent, Connecticut

guests visit, tented wedding in Kent, Connecticut

wedding pie is served, backyard tented wedding in Connecticut

bride and groom visit with guests, tented wedding in Kent, Connecticut

guests dance, backyard tented wedding in Kent, CT

bride on the dance floor

bride and groom share a tender moment on the dance floor, elegant backyard wedding Kent Connecticut

Kent, Connecticut Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: private home
Church: First Congregational Church of Kent
Planner: Dana Markos Events
Florist: Maple and Mum
Caterer: Hunt and Harvest
Craft Cocktails: 13th Street Cocktails
Ceremony Music: Momenta Quartet
Band: Night Rhythm
Baker: Grandma Miller’s Pies
Bride’s Dress: Pronovias from Musette Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Blank Label
Hair & Makeup: Rachael Berkowitz
Calligraphy: Emily Gallardo
Second Photographer: Chris Capozziello

If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your backyard Kent Connecticut wedding, please get in touch.

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