Some weddings have a soundtrack. Not background music, but something that moves through the whole day like a current, played by the people who love the couple most.
That’s the only way I know how to describe Lynley and Ben’s Groton wedding day.
Engagement Session in New London
We first met during their engagement session in New London, Connecticut. Running through city streets, no real agenda, just the two of them in a place that felt like it belonged to them that afternoon.
That session told me a lot about who they are. Ben is a professional musician, a member of the Connecticut-based band The POSSM.
Vendors for This Groton Connecticut Wedding
- Venue: Branford House (Groton, CT)
- Hair and Makeup Stylist: Smudge Makeup
- Bridal Dress Boutique: Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon
- Caterer: Bourassa Catering
- Doughnuts: Zest
- DJ: Powerstation Events
Getting Ready in Mystic
Lynley had known she wanted to get married at Branford House for years. She grew up in the Greater Mystic area, so the estate wasn’t just a beautiful venue, it was already hers in some way. When I arrived at her getting ready Airbnb, the music had already started.
Fittingly, my second photographer arrived at Ben’s getting ready to find one of his groomsmen—a bandmate—already playing guitar in the corner.
Arriving at the Mansion
Separately, Lynley and Ben arrived at Branford House for their Groton, Connecticut wedding. Lynley finished getting ready, then it was time to meet Ben for their first look.
After the first look, Ben sat down at the piano and played for Lynley. Then their son arrived and joined him at the keys. I didn’t manufacture that moment, I just made sure not to miss it.
Music Carried the Day
The weather was deceiving in a creative way: there were sunny skies up until just before the first look, but the forecast told us all along what was going to happen. Rain kept things inside for most of the portraits. But we did manage to sneak outside for a little creativity.
During the ceremony, another bandmate played guitar and sang. And then at the reception, Ben took the mic and told the room he’d written a song for Lynley. He sat back down at the piano as she came to him, the whole mansion listening through the speakers.
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings. I’ve never photographed one where the music was that woven in; that personal, that unrepeatable.
What I didn’t anticipate was getting to see their full world for the first time. Up until that day, I knew Lynley, Ben, and their son. Then I got to watch everyone who loves them. Ben’s people loving Lynley the way you love someone who’s already been yours for years. Lynley’s people with Ben the same way. There’s a specific ease to taking pictures of a story like this one.
About the Author
Terrence Irving is a wedding photographer based in Connecticut, working across the Northeast and beyond. His approach is equal parts engineering and artistry, gently building the conditions for real moments, then knowing when to get out of the way. If you’re planning a wedding and looking for photography that feels like yours, get in touch.
