Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Murphy + Sam - wedding photographer in CT

Murphy + Sam’s Wedding Day {05.28.2021}

Murphy and Sam’s wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut, was one of those days that makes you fall in love with love all over again. After taking a few months off to welcome our baby into the world (hi, mom life!), this wedding was the most heartwarming way to kick off the season. It was romantic, emotional, full of laughter—and honestly felt like a vintage film come to life. The kind of day that reminds me exactly why I do this.

From the tear-filled first look to a golden hour ceremony in the vineyard and the most joyful, dance-packed reception, every part of their day was so them—classic, a little moody, and deeply heartfelt.

Getting ready: laughter, letters + a hanging sheet…

Murphy and Sam decided to get ready together—but with a twist. They shared a getting ready suite at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, separated only by a sheet (yes, really!). It was such a fun and tender way to share the morning without actually seeing each other until the big reveal. They spent the morning surrounded by their closest friends, exchanging heartfelt letters and cracking up the entire time.

The anticipation built up beautifully for their first look, and once the sheet came down… cue the tears. Their portraits after that? Literal magic. That soft vintage glow, the quiet in-between moments—it was like capturing a love story unfolding frame by frame.

A vineyard ceremony + a moody reception…

Their ceremony took place right in front of the vineyard rows, with the most romantic floral arch by Bloom Creative Florals. But let me tell you—what stole the show wasn’t the setup (though it was gorgeous), it was Murphy’s reaction when she saw Sam walking down the aisle. She completely lost it in the best way. Her sister even had to sneak her a tissue halfway down the aisle! And this was after they had a first look, which just shows you how powerful that walk really was.

You could feel the emotion from every guest, from start to finish. The vows, the sunlight, the way they looked at each other—it was emotional, authentic, and everything a wedding should be.

When the sun dipped low and the string lights flickered on, the vineyard transformed. The reception space was filled with warm lighting and moody, romantic details that made the whole night feel like a cozy dream. Gourmet Galley completely nailed the catering and coordination, and the vibe was just right—elegant, but never too formal.

They danced to music by Lyrical Lens Events with their 120 closest people, and let me tell you—no one wanted to leave that dance floor. The lighting by Power Posse Productions gave everything a soft, golden glow that felt straight out of an old film reel. Between the heartfelt speeches, surprise dance moments, and Sam and Murphy looking at each other like no one else existed, it was the perfect way to head into Pride Month.

Congrats Murph + Sam!!

You two are something so special. Watching your day unfold through my lens was such an honor, and I’ll be rooting for your marriage every step of the way. Here’s to more happy tears, late-night dance floors, and love that feels like home.