A Rainy Spring Rustic Wedding in CT at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills


High school sweet hearts are one of my weaknesses. From being just kids to learning lessons and growing together, I love to see when the "I do" moment finally comes. Mari and Jon was one of those couples I had the pleasure to documents story.


On May 22nd, 2025, surrounded by the same tight-knit community that has watched their relationship grow for years, they were finally married at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown. It was another rainy spring day (New England really committed this May), but if anything, the soft gray skies made the warm wood tones of the barn feel even more intimate.

This rustic wedding in CT was heartfelt, homey, and full of moments that left not a single dry eye in the room.


Getting Ready | Three Generations of Strength


The morning felt soft and meaningful.


Mari got ready surrounded by the women who shaped her — her mom and grandmother helping her into her dress. One of the most emotional moments came quietly: she had attached a photo of her grandfather to her bouquet. When her grandmother noticed, the tears came instantly. It was one of those subtle, powerful gestures that says everything about a family’s love.

Meanwhile, Jon got ready at a nearby hotel with his closest friends and my second photographer capturing the energy. Calm, excited, ready.

And yes — the girls popped champagne outside in the rain. Because sometimes you absolutely do it for the shot. And honestly? Worth it.


Wedding invitation suite with delicate blue floral design and lace details.
Wedding stationery and details featuring elegant blue designs and calligraphy on white paper.
Elegant wedding stationery featuring light blue floral design on white paper with lace accents.
Close-up sequence showing a gold and diamond ring resting on a textured grey and white surface.
Vintage lace and pearls arranged with delicate details and soft lighting.
Wedding dress and light blue bridesmaid dresses hanging on wooden wall with bridal shoes displayed below.
A white lace wedding dress and denim jacket hanging on wooden wall with rustic barn wood background.
Close-up detail of delicate white lace pattern on wedding dress fabric with floral and leaf designs.
A groom gets help adjusting his formal attire while getting ready in an elegant indoor setting.
Groom in classic black tuxedo adjusts his bowtie while getting ready.
A groom in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie adjusts his jacket in a formal setting.
White dresses and robes hanging on wooden hangers against a rustic barn wall background.
Wooden box containing champagne bottles with decorative gold details in rustic lighting.
Black and white candid moments captured during an emotional gathering.
Close-up shots of groom in black tuxedo with bowtie and white pocket square.

First Look & Private Vows | Just the Four of Us

Their first look took place inside the barn in front of the glowing golden twinkle light wall — one of the most iconic backdrops at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.


The second Jon turned around, you could see the years in his expression. Comfort. Pride. Love.


Immediately after, they chose to exchange private vows with just the two of them and us photographers present. It’s one of my favorite choices couples can make. It removes that extra layer of nerves from public speaking and allows them to stay fully present. No audience. No pressure. Just honesty.

A couple shares a private moment reading letters to each other in front of a rustic wood wall with glowing string lights.
A romantic wedding scene with a decorated Christmas tree and twinkle lights illuminating a rustic wooden barn interior.
A rustic barn wedding ceremony space with wooden walls, string lights, and a decorated Christmas tree in the corner.
A romantic wedding scene with a couple sharing a moment against a wall of twinkling string lights and floral decorations.
A couple walks through a rustic wooden barn venue decorated with warm string lights and Christmas trees.
A couple exchanges vows under a wooden arch decorated with white flowers and twinkling string lights.
Rustic barn wedding venue decorated with warm string lights and Christmas trees creating a cozy winter atmosphere.
A romantic wedding ceremony setup with string lights glowing against a wooden wall backdrop and white floral arrangements.
Wedding celebration scene with romantic string lights and floral arrangements creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Wedding couple shares a joyful moment in front of a rustic wooden wall illuminated by string lights.
Couple sharing a romantic moment in rustic barn venue with warm string lights and floral arrangements.
A couple holds hands during their wedding ceremony under twinkling string lights and floral decorations.
A romantic wedding ceremony setup with string lights, floral arrangements and wooden barn walls creating a warm ambiance.
A romantic wedding photo series showing a couple in front of twinkling string lights and rustic decor.
Romantic wedding ceremony moment with string lights glowing on wooden wall backdrop during evening vows.

Formals | Cozy Indoors, Romantic Outdoors


Because of the rain, we completed all family portraits and wedding party formals inside — using the barn’s warm wood textures and glowing light wall to keep everything elevated and cohesive. Here's just a couple of the hundreds we took!


Once that was done, we embraced the weather and took Mari and Jon outside alone.

And this is where the fun really happens. Rainy portraits always feel a little cinematic — movement, laughter, leaning into each other under gray skies. They were completely relaxed and trusted the process, which always creates the best images.

Wedding party in formal attire poses against rustic wood wall with glowing string lights and white floral decorations.
Wedding party celebrating under warm string lights against rustic wooden walls.
Wedding celebration scene with warm string lights and floral arch decorations creating an intimate atmosphere.
A wedding celebration with white floral arrangements and warm string lights creating an elegant rustic ambiance.
Wedding party poses against a rustic wooden wall with string lights and floral arrangements.
A wedding celebration features an elegant floral arch display with white roses and twinkling string lights against a wooden backdrop.
Wedding party poses in rustic barn venue with wooden walls and twinkling string lights backdrop.
Wedding party in light blue dresses and black suits celebrating under string lights in a rustic wooden venue.
Wedding party poses together in rustic barn venue with string lights and wooden walls.
Wedding ceremony group shot in a rustic barn venue with warm lighting and wooden walls.
Bridal party in light blue dresses poses against warm wooden wall with string lights.
Wedding party poses in rustic barn venue with warm string lights and bridesmaids in light blue dresses.
Bridesmaids in flowing blue gowns hold white bouquets against illuminated rustic backdrop.
Wedding party in light blue dresses and black tuxedos pose with floral bouquets against rustic barn backdrop.
Bridesmaids in light blue dresses hold white bouquets against a warmly lit wooden backdrop.

Indoor Ceremony | Community Witnessing a Love Story


The ceremony was held indoors in front of that same golden light wall, which created the most romantic, warm backdrop.


What stood out most was the feeling in the room. This wasn’t just a guest list. It was a community. People who have known them since they were teenagers. People who have watched this love grow steadily and faithfully.


You could feel everyone thinking the same thing: “Finally.”

Wedding guests dance and celebrate under warm string lights in a rustic wooden barn venue during the reception.
A tender embrace shared during a rustic barn wedding ceremony with wooden walls and warm lighting.
Wedding party members in dark suits pose together inside rustic wooden venue with warm lighting and floral decor.
Groomsmen in black suits pose together against rustic wooden wall at wedding venue.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate under warm string lights in a rustic barn venue during an evening reception.
Joyful wedding party poses with beautiful blue and white floral bouquets in rustic wooden venue.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a rustic wooden dance floor with string lights overhead during reception.
A romantic first dance moment at a rustic barn wedding venue with wooden walls and decorative holiday lights.
Wedding party members hold white and blue floral bouquets while standing in a rustic venue with warm lighting.
String lights illuminate a rustic barn wedding reception with guests seated at long wooden tables.
String lights illuminate a rustic barn wedding ceremony with wooden beams and warm ambient lighting creating a romantic atmosphere.
A romantic wedding reception under glowing string lights with guests dancing and celebrating in an elegant indoor venue.
Groomsmen in black suits stand at rustic wooden wedding altar decorated with string lights and floral arrangements.
Wedding ceremony in a rustic wooden barn with string lights and floral arch creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Black and white close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings during a ceremony with officiant in background.

Reception | Energy, Emotion, and a Packed Dance Floor


The reception space at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills was glowing. Wedding party introductions brought instant energy into the room, setting the tone for the night. Their first dance to “Biblical” by Calum Scott was romantic and fitting for a couple whose love story truly spans years.


But the moment that left not a dry eye in the room? Mari’s parent dances. She danced not only with her mom, but also her grandmother — the two women who were her foundation growing up. Three generations swaying together under warm barn lights is something you don’t forget. Jon’s dance with his mom was equally heartfelt.


From emotional speeches to cake cutting to a lively dance floor that never slowed down, the night unfolded exactly how it should — joyful and full.

A white barn-style wedding venue with classic architecture sits on a manicured green lawn.
Rustic barn wedding venue interior with wooden walls decorated with vintage decor and string lights.
Elegant wedding seating chart display with gold frame showing table assignments for guests.
Bar setup with signature drink menu and glassware at rustic wedding reception.
Interior view of a rustic wooden barn wedding venue decorated with warm lighting and white lanterns.
Elegant table settings with wine glasses and floral centerpieces in a rustic wooden venue.
Elegant white floral centerpieces with roses and greenery arranged on tables with crystal glassware at a wedding reception.
Black and white wedding photos displayed in a rustic barn setting with floral arrangements.
Elegant wedding reception table setting with white floral centerpiece and string lights overhead.
Three-tiered white wedding cakes with delicate piping displayed on tables in a rustic wooden barn setting.
Elegant barn reception setup with round tables and warm string light ambiance.
White draped curtains and floral arrangements decorate a rustic barn wedding venue with wooden floors.
Professional DJ equipment setup with controllers and laptop for wedding entertainment.
A panoramic view of a rustic barn wedding venue with wooden beams and string lights.
Wedding guests in formal attire gather inside a spacious wooden barn reception venue.

Vendor Team

Photography: @Allison_b_photo

Florals: In Bloom (@inbloomeventdesigns)

Planning: Helena Willis – Power Station Events

Cake: J Cakes (@jcakesct)

DJ: Jesse – Power Station Events

Hair & Makeup: All Dolled Up (@alldolledupct)


Planning a Rustic Wedding in CT?

If you're dreaming of a rustic wedding in CT that feels warm, elevated, and deeply personal — The Barns at Wesleyan Hills is a beautiful choice.

And if you want a photographer who will:

  • Capture the quiet generational moments
  • Step back for private vows
  • Run into the rain for champagne photos
  • Blend into your community like a friend

I’m ready when you are.

Inquire here