Sarah & John

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.