Emma + Sam’s Joy-Filled Wedding at Stonehurst at Hampton Valley
Some wedding days just feel full of joy from the very beginning, and Emma and Sam’s wedding at Stonehurst at Hampton Valley was absolutely one of those days.
As a Mystic, Connecticut wedding photographer, I get to witness so many incredible love stories. What I loved most about Emma and Sam’s day was how clear it was that these two truly are best friends. Their connection was easy, genuine, and filled with so much love and laughter.
Emma and Sam first connected through mutual friends on Instagram when Sam decided to slide into Emma’s DMs. Their first date was at the movie theater, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A Love Story That Led to a Beautiful Proposal
Before their beautiful wedding day at Stonehurst at Hampton Valley, Sam planned a proposal that Emma would never forget.
He enlisted their two best friends to help create a romantic setup on the beach at Harkness Park. There were blankets, candles, roses, and a personalized sign with their names and the date. The tricky part was keeping it a surprise.
Sam and Emma usually talk through everything together, so planning such an important moment without telling her was no easy task. He even had to spend part of the evening intentionally driving in different directions and pretending to miss turns just to make sure they arrived at the perfect time. Eventually, Sam convinced Emma to take a walk through the gardens at Harkness Park before heading down toward the beach. When they finally reached the setup, Emma initially did not realize it was for her. But as they got closer and she could read the sign, she immediately began crying.
With the beautiful sunset, the beach, and all of the thoughtful details, it was the perfect beginning to the next chapter of their story.
The Best Kind of Wedding Day
Emma shared that the thing she was looking forward to most about the wedding was simply marrying her best friend. And that sentiment was felt throughout their entire wedding day.
There was so much excitement surrounding these two as they celebrated with the people who love them most. From the quiet moments together to the laughter and celebration with their friends and family, the day was filled with the kind of emotion that I love capturing.
My favorite wedding photographs are always the ones that make you feel something…. the happy tears and deep breaths before walking down the aisle. The hugs that last a little longer than expected. And, the laughter that happens when no one is trying to pose for the camera. Those are the moments that become part of a couple’s story.
As a Connecticut wedding photographer, those are also the moments I am always looking for. I want wedding photos to feel beautiful, of course, but I also want them to feel real. I want couples to look back at their images and remember exactly how the day felt. Emma and Sam gave me so many of those moments.
A Celebration at Stonehurst at Hampton Valley
Stonehurst at Hampton Valley provided such a beautiful setting for Emma and Sam’s celebration. The venue created the perfect backdrop for a day centered around love, family, and celebrating the beginning of their marriage. Every part of the day came together beautifully, thanks to an incredible team of wedding vendors.
Emma looked absolutely beautiful, with her bridal look coming together thanks to Hair by Kalista Rose and Chantelle Rose Bridal. Her gown from Mariella’s Creations, designed by Maggie Sottero Designs, was the perfect fit for her wedding day. The bridesmaids looked beautiful in their dresses from David’s Bridal, while Sam looked ready to celebrate in his look from Love Me Forever. And when it was time to get the party started, DJ Marty & Company kept the celebration going.
Growing Old Together
One of my favorite things Emma shared was what she dreams about for their marriage. She hopes their marriage is full of so much love and laughter that their daughter and future children will look up to their relationship. She dreams of family vacations, traveling together when their children are older, and growing old together. The kind of love where you have spent your whole lives together and where you eventually grow wrinkly side by side.
And after watching Emma and Sam together on their wedding day, I have a feeling they have so much to look forward to. Emma and Sam, thank you for trusting me to document this chapter of your story. It was such a joy getting to capture the love, laughter, and emotion of your wedding day. I hope that years from now, when you look back at these photographs, you remember not only what your wedding day looked like, but exactly how it felt.
Congratulations, you two. 🤍
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Love, Sunday
Venue: Stonehurst at Hampton Valley
Hair: Hair by Kalista Rose
Makeup: Chantelle Rose Bridal
Bride: Mariella’s Creations
Bridal Designer: Maggie Sottero Designs
Bridesmaids: David’s Bridal
Groom: Love Me Forever
