Bee and Thistle Wedding {05.05.18}

Venue/Catering: Bee and Thistle Inn

Flora: Hana Floral

Hair + Makeup: Jennie Fresa Beauty

Bride wore: Allure from Lastrina Bridal

DJ: Party Pro DJ

May 5th, 2018 was a big day!  It was Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby, and also Rachel from Friends birthday!  (Bet you didn’t know that 😉 ) But MOST importantly it was the day that Joni + Michael married each other with their family and friends surrounding them at a beautiful Bee and Thistle wedding.

It’s not often I get to hear or photograph this type of love story.

The couple originally met in high school, and have reconnected all of these years later. (A true example of when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be!)  But I absolutely love when I do, because the experience is just magical.  Joni + Michael for sure made the perfect decision to make their love official at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme, CT.  It was partly for sentimental reasons they chose the Bee and Thistle. They have spent many dates and Valentines dinners there, but also partly because the Bee and Thistle offers the most gorgeous gardens and grounds to celebrate your marriage at.

Hana Floral of course had the most amazing looking and smelling blooms to compliment this warm sunny day.  Huge blush and white peonies and roses and a plethora of other flowers were carried down the aisle by Joni in her beautiful Allure gown. I love that she says her sisters had to convince her to go full wedding gown, but OMG when she put that dress on there was nothing that could have been more perfect for her.  Her glowing smile and glistening blue eyes were the only thing that could take attention away from that gown that sparkled in the sunlight, like it was made for her and for that day.

After a beautiful ceremony the couple enjoyed cocktail hour in the sunken garden, followed by an incredible meal.  Guests at a Bee and Thistle wedding are for sure NEVER disappointed, the food and service is simply outstanding.  There was lots of mixing and mingling and laughter and fun throughout dinner which eventually carried on outside.  Michael + Joni danced their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” under a tent under the starry sky.

Joni + Michael definitely had a dream wedding day, and I know their dream will continue to live on in their marriage.

Their love of family, travel, adventure and great date nights is what we all hope for, and these two are definitely living it!! I wish you and your families the best future from the bottom of my heart Joni + Michael and I simply love that I was able to document this day for you.  And now enjoy some of my favorite photos from a Bee and Thistle wedding with Joni + Michael.

xo ~ Ames