The Hounds Wedding | Ava + Derek - wedding photographer in CT

{The Hounds 10.18.25}

I absolutely loved capturing Ava and Derek’s wedding at The Hounds on a beautiful October day. The crisp autumn air, the warm golden light, and the classic, romantic vibe made every moment feel timeless. As a Mystic-based wedding photographer, I specialize in creating emotional, artful images with a film-inspired feel, and this day was pure magic from start to finish.

A love that started with laughter

Ava and Derek’s love story is full of serendipity and laughter. They first met around the Fourth of July in 2019. Derek had made an excuse to leave work early and, along with his best man Dan, showed up at Ava’s friend’s party in North Haven, Connecticut. Their first date came nearly two years later, with Derek driving two hours to take Ava out for sushi. Ava recalls feeling both comfortable and excited, and it was the first time Derek told her he loved her.

From the very beginning, they knew there was something special between them. Ava knew Derek was the one after a weekend spent together in Providence post-college, where they stayed up all night talking and laughing. Derek knew she was the one from the moment he saw her, and through every twist in their journey, she remained the person he thought of.

The perfect proposal

Derek proposed during a fun-filled fall weekend with Ava’s sister. What started as a day visiting a corn maze and Spirit Halloween turned into a magical pumpkin patch proposal. Ava says she immediately knew it was happening, and of course, she said yes. Their day didn’t end there. Derek had arranged surprises including a day in Boston filled with couples’ activities and a special dinner where both families came together to celebrate.

Wedding day highlights

The day at The Hounds was everything they had dreamed of. Ava looked stunning in her gown from Alexandra’s Boutique, with hair and makeup by Naomi Martinez Studio. The bridesmaids wore Birdy Grey dresses while the groomsmen looked sharp in Men’s Wearhouse attire. Derek and his groomsmen wore Roaring Fashions, perfectly complementing the classic style of the day.

The florals by Verdant Floral Studio were romantic and elegant, adding soft autumn tones that matched the season. Guests enjoyed delicious food and cake from Blue Rocks Catering, while Collins Entertainment kept the dance floor alive. Their officiant created a ceremony full of warmth and emotion, making it an unforgettable moment for everyone present.

Every detail reflected Ava and Derek’s love and personality. The laughter, the tears, and the pure joy made capturing their day an absolute dream. From slipping into the dress to the last dance, this wedding was romantic, classic, and so much fun.

Ava + Derek, It was an honor to document your story. Your love, laughter, and connection shine in every image, and I am thrilled to share a glimpse of your unforgettable day at The Hounds.