Wedding Story: Melissa and Joe at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills
As a wedding photographer, it’s always a pleasure to look back at an event and just smile. This is how I feel about Melissa and Joe’s Middletown CT destination wedding at The Barns.
Giving credit where credit is due, this couple was awesome from the beginning. From their Manhattan and Brooklyn engagement session, planning their wedding, up to being on the dance floor.
Here’s how their wedding went!
The Vendor Team
- Venue: The Barns at Wesleyan Hills (Middletown, CT)
- Hair and Makeup Stylist: All Dolled Up
- Florist: The Green Petal
- Cake: J Cakes
- Jeweler: David S. Diamonds
- Bridal Shop: Kleinfeld Bridal
- Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Azazie
- Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- DJ: Powerstation Events
- Second Photographer: Jessica Hosey Imagery
- Videographer: Gustavo Tessaro Photography
Their Middletown CT Wedding Story
Melissa and Joe found me through my posts about their venue on Instagram. We got to talking about wedding photography packages and my process, they ended up booking, and the rest is history.
Native New Yorkers hailing from Staten Island, Melissa and Joe were game when I offered to come to them for their engagement session. We had an awesome afternoon in the city. Matching that energy in their wedding day was a must.
When I asked why they looked as far away as Connecticut for their wedding venue, they let me know that they were drawn towards rustic and barn venues. Evidently, there aren’t as many of those in and around New York City. They decided that a destination wedding in Connecticut was the best choice for them.
Since they’re Disney lovers who love to travel, maybe I should’ve arranged for these two to meet me in Florida instead.
Leading Up to the Ceremony
While Joe and his side of the wedding party got ready at Inn at Middletown, Melissa and her side were in the Little Barn.
All Dolled have hair and makeup styling down to a science and things ran smoothly.
Once they were ready and Joe arrived at the venue, it was time for his first look with Melissa.
First Look
Melissa and Joe opted for a first look as part of their Middletown CT wedding. This is a very personal choice and should never be a business decision. It worked very well for them: they had privacy for this special moment.
Afterwards, the couple enjoyed some portraits outside on the beautiful grounds. We met up with family for pictures afterwards, followed by some wedding party time.
Ceremony
Inside the Big Barn, Melissa and Joe’s indoor ceremony took place. This was my first photographing a wedding inside at The Barns. Myself and the videographer meshed really well.
After some portraits and cocktail hour, it was time for their reception.
Reception
Before their wedding, Melissa told me that the Big Barn string lights were one of the main reasons for their booking this top-10 CT venue. True, it’s one of the best in Connecticut for the lights alone.
They did not disappoint as Melissa, Joe, and their guests partied into the night.
Before leaving, I got the OK from these two to try and make an epic wedding party group portrait. I think it worked out really well:
More Middletown CT Wedding Photos
And of course, here are plenty more photos from their Melissa and Joe’s Connecticut destination wedding:
Learn More
To learn more, head over to my The Barns at Wesleyan Hills venue feature. If you’d like to learn more about wedding photography, just use the links below.
