Connecticut Backyard Wedding Photographer

Backyard Wedding Ceremony and Reception in Connecticut

Backyard Wedding Photography in Connecticut: A Personal Touch to Your Special Day

These days, more and more couples are ditching the traditional wedding venues for something a bit more personal and cozy—backyard weddings. As a wedding photographer based in Connecticut, I've been lucky enough to capture some truly beautiful backyard weddings all across this gorgeous state. If you're thinking about having your wedding in a backyard here, you're in for something special. Not only do you get to tie the knot in a place that means the world to you, but you also end up with stunning photos that capture the heart and soul of your day. In this article, I'll share some thoughts on what makes backyard wedding photography so unique and how I can help make your day unforgettable!

Why Choose a Backyard Wedding in Connecticut?

Connecticut is home to some of the most picture-perfect settings for a backyard wedding. Whether you're nestled in a quaint New England town, surrounded by rolling hills, or near a peaceful lake, the natural beauty here is second to none. A backyard wedding lets you craft a truly custom experience that reflects who you are as a couple.
Why go for a backyard wedding? Here are a few reasons:

1. Personal Connection:
   Whether it's your own backyard, your family's home, or a friend's place, getting married somewhere that holds personal meaning makes the day even more special. It's already full of memories, and now you'll be making new ones there.

2. More Flexibility:
   From picking the perfect time of day to decorating however you want, backyard weddings offer a ton of flexibility. You're not stuck with a venue's schedule or rules. This freedom extends to your photos too, letting me capture the day as it naturally unfolds.

3. Stunning Natural Backdrops:
   Connecticut's landscape offers endless opportunities for beautiful wedding photos. Whether it's a garden, a rustic barn, or a backyard with breathtaking views, the scenery provides an authentic and stunning backdrop.

How to Get the Best Backyard Wedding Photos Capturing the magic of a backyard wedding is truly an art.

As an experienced Connecticut wedding photographer, I know how to showcase your love and the unique features of your venue. Here are some tips to make sure your wedding photos are just perfect:

1. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
   Natural light is one of the best tools for capturing romantic and timeless wedding photos. Backyard weddings allow for more flexibility with lighting, and there's something magical about an outdoor ceremony or golden hour portraits. Tip: Plan your ceremony timing around the best light of the day, usually late afternoon or early evening, for photos that glow with warmth. We can also take advantage of early morning light if you're an early riser!

2. Highlight Your Venue's Unique Features
   Your backyard wedding might have stunning gardens, unique landscaping, or vintage architecture. Let's make sure to incorporate these personal touches into your wedding photos. If your family home has been passed down through generations, that connection adds even more emotional value to your photos. Tip: I love capturing the little details—whether it's your grandmother's antique chairs or a custom sign you've hand-painted. These elements can make for incredible shots that tell the story of your day.

3. Plan for Intimate Moments
   Backyard weddings often have a smaller guest list, which allows for more personal moments between you, your partner, and your guests. I'll focus on capturing those candid interactions—whether it's a quiet moment between the two of you in a secluded spot or a family member sharing an emotional toast. Tip: The smaller, more relaxed setting often allows for more emotional and genuine moments. Let's make sure to preserve those memories in your wedding photos.

4. Incorporate Your Personal Style
   Since you have complete control over your backyard wedding's design, your wedding photos should reflect your personal style. From florals to furniture, every detail adds to the atmosphere. We can capture the décor, from the delicate flowers in the garden to the cozy seating arrangement under the stars. Tip: Trust me to document every personalized touch—from the wedding arch to your handpicked florals or even the homemade favors you've prepared for your guests. These details will tell your unique story.

Tips for Planning a Successful Backyard Wedding

Planning a backyard wedding involves a bit more prep than a traditional venue wedding, but it's so worth it! Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Backup Plan for Weather: Connecticut's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always good to have a backup plan for your ceremony and reception. A tent can save the day, ensuring your photos stay beautiful no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

2. Power and Lighting: If you're hosting an evening wedding, lighting is key! String lights, lanterns, or even candles can add a magical touch to your photos. Make sure there's plenty of lighting to keep the atmosphere warm and inviting.

3. Consider the Space: Make sure there's enough room for your ceremony and reception, as well as space for me to capture the day. I'll work with you to choose the best spots for your photos, ensuring nothing gets in the way of those magical moments.

Why Hire a Connecticut Wedding Photographer for Your Backyard Wedding?

While it might be tempting to ask friends and family to take photos during your wedding, hiring a professional photographer ensures that the moments you cherish most are captured beautifully and consistently. As a Connecticut wedding photographer, my goal is to bring out the beauty in every detail of your backyard wedding, ensuring that your photos are as timeless as the memories they represent. I specialize in capturing the natural, organic beauty of outdoor weddings. Whether it's the soft golden hour light, the laughter shared with your loved ones, or those quiet moments between you and your partner, I'm there to document it all. Your backyard wedding in Connecticut deserves to be preserved in a way that feels as magical and personal as the day itself.

Ready to Capture Your Backyard Wedding in Connecticut? If you're planning a backyard wedding in Connecticut, I'd love to help you create beautiful, authentic memories that you'll cherish forever. Reach out to Rebecca Lynne Photography today.

The Beauty of Summer Weddings in Connecticut

Embracing the Beauty of Summer Weddings in Connecticut

Summer is the season of warmth, love, and unforgettable celebrations, making it one of the most popular times to get married in Connecticut. From lush green fields to charming rustic barns, the state offers countless picturesque backdrops for your special day. As a Connecticut-based wedding photographer, I love capturing the magic of summer weddings, where golden light, vibrant colors, and heartfelt moments come together in stunning harmony.

Whether you're planning a grand outdoor celebration or an intimate ceremony at a venue like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills, your summer wedding deserves photography that tells the full story of your day.

Why Summer Weddings Shine in Connecticut

Connecticut comes alive in the summer with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and long daylight hours perfect for celebrations. Couples love summer weddings for their relaxed and joyful vibe, where the outdoors often takes center stage. Here’s why summer weddings in Connecticut are so special:

• Lush Landscapes: Summer provides the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies, with gardens, fields, and waterfront venues in full bloom.

• Golden Hour Glow: Longer days mean more opportunities for photos in the soft, golden light of sunset.

• Seasonal Styling: From airy, flowing dresses to bright floral arrangements, summer weddings bring a refreshing and colorful energy.

First Look on the lawn at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

Why Choose a Professional Photographer for Your Summer Wedding

Capturing the essence of a summer wedding requires an understanding of natural light, the flow of outdoor events, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. As your Connecticut wedding photographer, I’ll ensure your day is beautifully documented, from candid moments during the ceremony to sunlit portraits with your loved ones.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

• Pre-Wedding Planning: We’ll discuss your vision, venue, and timeline to make sure every important moment is captured.

• Venue Expertise: Whether you’re at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills or a beachside location, I’ll scout the best angles and lighting for your photos.

• Natural, Joyful Images: My photography style is relaxed and focused on authenticity, ensuring your photos truly reflect your day.

Celebrate Your Love Story This Summer

Summer weddings in Connecticut are unforgettable, with their lush settings, radiant light, and joyful energy. Whether you’re celebrating at a venue like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills or a hidden gem in the countryside, your wedding deserves photos as vibrant and timeless as your love.

Let’s work together to create a gallery of images that captures the essence of your summer wedding. Contact me today to discuss your plans and start the journey to preserving your most cherished memories.

Looking for inspiration? Explore my portfolio of Connecticut summer weddings and follow me on Instagram for tips, trends, and ideas to make your day picture-perfect!

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills: A Summer Wedding Dream

One of the standout summer wedding venues in Connecticut is The Barns at Wesleyan Hills. Known for its rustic elegance and sprawling grounds, this venue offers endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the willow trees, dancing in the rustic barn, or posing by the tranquil pond, the charm of this location is undeniable.

While The Barns at Wesleyan Hills is an amazing spot, summer weddings across Connecticut—from vineyards to gardens—are equally enchanting. Whatever your venue, my goal as your photographer is to highlight the beauty of your location while capturing the emotions and details that make your wedding uniquely yours.

White rose bouquet details

Wedding Ceremony at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown Connecticut

Makeup: Two Spa Girls
Hair: Image Hair Studio
Florist: In Bloom Event Designs
DJ: Power Station Events

Connecticut Wedding at Saint Clements Castle in Portland | Danielle + Andrew

Early fall wedding day at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut.

The wedding ceremony in the beautiful sunken garden was surrounded by lush greenery and lovely landscaping. The wedding arch was overflowing with the most gorgeous red roses designed by Floral Designs by Melissa.

Florist: Floral Designs by Melissa
Hair and Makeup: Kiss and Makeup CT

The father and daughter dance during the reception was filled with emotions and joy.

Saint Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut is a stunning venue for a wedding, offering breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley and a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

The venue's outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for romantic and timeless photos. The castle's sprawling lawns, with their sweeping views of the river valley, offer endless opportunities for stunning outdoor portraits, while the castle's charming historic details provide a unique and intimate setting for candid shots of you and your loved ones.

Inside, the castle offers several elegant and spacious event spaces, including a grand ballroom with soaring ceilings and a fireplace. These indoor spaces provide a beautiful and intimate setting for indoor wedding photos, with their warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Newly engaged Connecticut couples who are looking for a fun, candid, down to earth wedding photographer should reach out to Rebecca Lynne Photography to document their wedding day in an authentic and natural way.

How to Plan a Wedding In Connecticut | CT Wedding Photographer

Tips for Planning Your Connecticut Wedding

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming process. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful wedding:

1. Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing and able to spend on your wedding. This will help you make decisions about the different aspects of the wedding and stay on track financially.

2. Create a guest list: Decide on the number of guests you want to invite and create a preliminary guest list. This will help you determine the size of the venue you need to rent.

3. Choose a venue: Select a location for the ceremony and reception. Consider the size of the venue, the cost, and the availability of the date.

4. Hire vendors: Find and hire vendors such as a wedding planner, caterer, florist, DJ or band, and photographer. Make sure to read reviews and meet with vendors before making a decision.

5. Choose a theme and colors: Decide on a theme and color scheme for your wedding. This will help you make decisions about the decor, flowers, and bridal party attire.

6. Plan the ceremony: Decide on the type of ceremony you want, whether it be religious or secular, and plan the details such as the officiant, music, and readings.

7. Plan the reception: Decide on the type of reception you want, whether it be a sit-down dinner or a cocktail reception, and plan the details such as the menu, music, and entertainment.

8. Send out invitations: Send out wedding invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

9. Finalize the details: Make sure to finalize all the details with vendors and the wedding party in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

10. Enjoy your day: Remember to take a step back and enjoy your wedding day. It's a once in a lifetime event and you should take time to savor the moment.

It's important to remember that planning a wedding is a process and it's important to stay organized and not to get overwhelmed. It may help to hire a wedding planner or to delegate tasks to family and friends to help with the planning process. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your wedding day is a beautiful and memorable occasion.

Do you live in Connecticut and are currently planning your upcoming wedding? Rebecca Lynne Photography is a Top Connecticut Wedding Photographer specializing in candid, natural, authentic wedding photography that will document your wedding day as it naturally unfolds, while also working with you leading up to the wedding day to plan your timeline.

Wedding Photographer CT | Planning a Wedding in Connecticut

Planning a wedding in Connecticut can be a beautiful and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you plan your special day in the Constitution State:

1. Choose the right venue: Connecticut has a wide variety of venues to choose from, including charming small towns, elegant historical venues, and coastal locations. Consider what kind of atmosphere you want for your wedding and choose a venue that reflects your style and personality.

   • From lush gardens to hold your wedding ceremony to greenhouses for your couples portraits, stone castles, and rustic barns, Connecticut has a variety of wedding venues for every engaged couple.

2. Plan for the seasons: Connecticut's weather can change dramatically throughout the year, so it's important to be prepared for any kind of weather. If you're planning a summer wedding, make sure to have a backup plan in case of rain and a place for guests to cool off after the ceremony. If you're planning a winter wedding, make sure your guests will be comfortable in the colder temperatures.

3. Research vendors: Connecticut has a thriving wedding industry, with a wide variety of vendors to choose from. Research local vendors such as florists, caterers, and photographers to find the best fit for your wedding.

4. Take advantage of the state's natural beauty: Connecticut is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. Take advantage of this by incorporating the state's natural beauty into your wedding.

5. Be mindful of the budget: Weddings can be expensive, so it's important to be mindful of your budget when planning your special day in Connecticut. Consider what is most important to you and your partner and allocate your budget accordingly.

6. Get a wedding planner: If you feel overwhelmed with the planning process, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the planning process and ensure that your special day goes smoothly.

By following these tips, you can plan a beautiful and memorable wedding in Connecticut that reflects your style and personality while also being mindful of your budget.

Planning your wedding day in has many moving pieces. Wedding Photographer CT Rebecca Lynne helps her wedding day couples create a timeline for their wedding day. Her detailed questionnaire for her clients allows them to fill in all of the details of their day and Rebecca will create a wedding timeline from there.

Litchfield Connecticut Engagement Photographer | Danielle & Andrew

An early fall engagement photography session at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, CT

Danielle reached out to me interested in having me photograph her and her fiancé Andrew’s wedding at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut. We talked details and ideas and Danielle shared her vision for her perfect wedding day and I shared my wedding photography style and it was a perfect match. Come to find out her fiancé Andrew and I actually knew each other from childhood when we attended the same church together with our families for many years. Such a fun discovery to make!

When it was time to plan their engagement session Danielle mentioned the special place in their hearts that Topsmead State Forest held, from hiking together, and bird watching dates, to the spot where Andrew proposed, we just knew it would be the perfect location for their engagement photos.

We could not have landed a more beautiful Fall evening than we did.

Connecticut engagement and wedding photographer Rebecca Lynne photographs with a candid and natural photography style. Using natural poses and organic moments to capture your love story how it naturally unfolds. Living in Middletown, Connecticut and photographing weddings throughout all of CT, Rebecca strives to tell your true love story through honest photography.

Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking

Choosing the right photographer for your Connecticut wedding will make all the difference in whether or not you love your wedding photos.

You are recently engaged and looking through social media accounts and websites of Connecticut wedding photographers. You’re met with different styles, various price points, and different personalities. It is so important that you love the photography style of your wedding photographer and also that you mesh with their personality, after all they will be with you for your entire wedding day. After narrowing your choices down to a handful of favorite Connecticut photographers, it is time to contact them and check their availability for your wedding day. It is also important to gather lots of other information about them and their photography business.

Below you can find some important questions to ask your wedding photographer during your consultation through email, over the phone, or in person.

Availability

After falling in love with a photographer’s style and contacting them, it is first important to know if they are available for your wedding date.

Will you have an assistant with you on our wedding day?
This is also a great time to ask them if they will have an assistant with them on the day of your wedding. Either a second photographer or someone they bring along with them on the day of help with carrying gear or setting up lighting during the wedding reception. This could add to the vendor list for you to provide a meal so it is important to know

How many other weddings will you photograph on the same weekend?

Photography Style

How would you describe your photography style?
How does their photography style align with how you envision your wedding photos looking when they are hanging on your wall or looking through your wedding album 10 years down the road? Are their colors bold and moody? Do they photograph in a fun candid style that matches your fun laid back personality?

What is your style on the day of?
Do you prefer a wedding photographer that blends in with guests and captures lots of candids, do you want lots of direction, or a good balance of both?

Background

How long have you been photographing weddings?

How many weddings have you photographed?

This information can help you know how experienced your wedding photographer is. Photographing a wedding is much more than just simply showing up on the wedding day and taking photos. Wedding photographers often help plan timelines making sure your day runs smoothly. Wedding photographers help organize groups of friends and family for formal portraits. They need to be organized and on time making sure they are available at all of the big moments during the ceremony and reception and other parts of your wedding day.

What kind of equipment do you use?

Pricing and Packages

Do you offer different packages? What do they include?

Are retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services included in the charge?

Do you have a travel free that you charge?

Logistics

How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?

Do you offer payment plans?

Do you have liability insurance?

Can we give you a list of specific shots we would like to have?

Do you bring extra camera equipment in case something happens to your camera?
An experienced photographer will bring at least one back up camera and extra lenses to photograph weddings. Should something happen to their camera, they have back ups right on hand so that it doesn’t disrupt the wedding day or cause the loss of important photos of the event. They will also have plenty of batteries fully charged and SD cards.

Your wedding photographer is one of your most important vendors on your wedding day. They work with you while planning your wedding details, they are with you during your whole wedding day, and they capture your memories to look back on through photographs for years to come. Choosing the right Connecticut wedding photographer for your wedding day may feel like a large task, but getting answers to these important questions to ask your wedding photographer will help you choose the photographer who is right for you on your wedding day.

Micro Wedding Day at Geer Mountain Farm | Robin and Pete

Litchfield County, Connecticut Wedding Photography

Robin and Pete said “I do” on a warm Fall day at Geer Mountain Farm located in Kent, Connecticut. They were joined by an intimate group of their closest friends and family. Geer Mountain Farm provides the perfect location for a lakeside ceremony and poolside or barn cocktail hour. The intimate feel of this Connecticut wedding venue is perfect for a micro wedding day.

This day began with Robin getting her hair and makeup done with her bridesmaids and flower girl in the main house. Her soon to be husband, Pete was with his groomsmen and ring bearer in the guest house getting on their suits and pinning their boutonnières.

As their friends and family began to arrive the sun rose over the top of the trees and provided beautiful natural lighting at their ceremony site in front of the lake. Guests found their seats and the ceremony began. Pete and Robin invited some of their family members to join them in a unity sand ceremony with them. It was such a sentimental moment during their wedding day to show the joining of two families into one.

As the sun began to set Robin and Pete carefully climbed into a canoe and paddled out onto the lake and we captured studding wedding day photos in the canoe. What a unique moment to share together in their first moments as husband and wife.

The day transformed into an evening of dancing, amazing food, and laughter surrounded by great company. Having an intimated wedding day with 30 of their closet friends and family allowed the Robin and Pete to mingle and spend time with each of their weddings guests.

As the night began to wrap up they met their loved ones in the field for a sparkler exit and the bride and her wedding party jumped into the pool together.

Some words from the bride and groom:

“We met through an online dating site in Sept 2016. Pete messaged Robin first but she replied back saying “sorry you seem great but you live too far away”, luckily Pete responded by telling her he didn’t mind making the long drive. 3 days later we had our first date at The Monkey Farm in Old Saybrook, CT. After that Pete drove from Enfield to Old Saybrook every Friday night to pick Robin up then back on Sunday afternoon since she can’t drive due to vision loss.

Every weekend was a fun adventure exploring breweries, vineyards, markets and traveling. Robin’s dog Logan also fell in love with Pete just as much as she did. 3 years after the first date we moved in together. Pete proposed in 2020 in Moosehead Lake, ME. when he took her out sunrise fishing on a little fishing boat in front of Mount Kineo on the perfect calm, beautiful morning.

We are excited about all the travels and fun adventures we have ahead. We both love exploring bee destinations and are especially excited for our honeymoon to Exuma, Bahamas in April. We can’t wait to swim with the pigs! We will also be going on our 3rd annual trip back to Moosehead and hope that tradition continues every July.”

“Our wedding weekend was absolute perfection. The location, venders, weather, food, etc were all incredible. Every single detail came together magically for us and our guests. So many of our guests told us it was truly the best wedding they had ever attended. Our event was a perfect blend of elegance and relaxed fun. From the ceremony, beautiful cocktail hour with the harpist, canoeing while a drone flew filming overhead, taking photos snuggling in the hammock, dancing our butts off, sparklers, the cops making an appearance, to the hilarious pool jump -there were so many laughs and happy tears. We will never get tired of talking about the fun we had and the love we felt that weekend at Geer Mountain Farm.

We had 30 guests but it truly felt like the energy of 150. The intamacy gave us the time to spend with everyone.

The weather couldn’t have been any better-the best weekend all year. We had been so nervous about it not cooperating and were so grateful it was on our side that whole weekend!”

“All of our venders came together so incredibly to help in making every detail work flawlessly. We wish we could relive our wedding weekend every year because it was baying our wildest dreams! Thank you for documenting it in such a beautiful way for us to treasure forever.”

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: https://cloverandivyevents.com/work
Hair/makeup: Resurge Beauty Bar
Catering: Molly Darcys
Donuts: The Donut Station
Florals: Fika Florals
DJ: DJ Donny D
Rentals: Durants Party and All Season Rentals
Harpist: Harppro
Videography: @joshualicursiphotography
Wedding Dress: Beautifully detailed beaded white mermaid style dress from Going to the Chapel Dress Shop Her bridesmaid Daphne came from NH to help her “say yes to the dress!”. She got it tailored to fit her perfectly at Aytens Alteratiins in Enfield. She wore drop Pearl earrings also purchased at the bridal shop and a Pearl necklace from the Old Mill Shops in Granby. Ladies dresses were long dresses they chose the style in the color Caribbean from Azazie online. Men’s grey suits were rented with pool color ties at men’s warehouse.

Sarah + Robin | The Barns at Wesleyan Hills Wedding

A Summer Wedding day in Middletown, Connecticut at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

Sarah and Robin celebrated their wedding day at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills located in Middletown, CT.

The Barns provides a beautiful location for an outdoor wedding ceremony with big beautiful willow trees adding greenery to your ceremony. Inside, The Barns provides a rustic wooden style with beautiful string light detail in the reception space.

This Summer wedding day began with the Bride getting ready with her family and friends inside of the bridal suit at The Barns. After their hair and makeup was completed by Two Spa Girls and Image Hair Studio, Sarah got on her dress with the help of her Mom and then did a First Look with her girls. It was such an emotional moment watching the bride reveal her final look on her big day to her bridal party.

Following the getting ready portion of their wedding day, we headed outside and the bride had a First Look with her Father and then with her Fiancé. Both moments were so special to everyone.

We had a lot of fun during the wedding party portraits, kicking it off with the bridesmaids surprise “icing” the groomsmen. It was such a fun way to kick off the formal images.

Sarah and Robin’s ceremony was officiated by their good friend and Robin’s best man, Mike Shaw. Mike’s familiarity with the bride and groom provided the perfect balance of humor, love, and personalization that can only come from someone who knows them so well.

Doing the bulk of the formal images before the ceremony allowed Sarah and Robin to enjoy the majority of cocktail hour with their guests. I love being able to capture lots of candid moments during cocktail hour of the bride and groom with their family and friends. Cocktail hour is the perfect time for brides and grooms to be able to have the time to mingle with their loved ones, and I love when brides and grooms work their timeline with me to be able to be at cocktail hour with their guests.

Following cocktail hour the reception was filled with first dances, amazing food, and a super fun dance floor.

Makeup: Two Spa Girls
Hair: Image Hair Studio
Florist: In Bloom Event Designs
DJ: Power Station Events

First Look on the lawn at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

White rose bouquet details

Wedding Ceremony at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown Connecticut