Bee and Thistle Wedding | Joni + Michael - wedding photographer in CT

Bee and Thistle Wedding | Joni + Michael

{Bee and Thistle Inn 05.05.18}

May 5th, 2018 was more than just Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby—it was also the day Joni and Michael said “I do” surrounded by family and friends at the beautiful Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme, Connecticut. (Oh, and fun fact: it was Rachel from Friends’ birthday too! Bet you didn’t know that 😉)

What makes their story so special is how they first met in high school and then reconnected years later—proving that when it’s meant to be, it really is meant to be. Because of this, they chose the Bee and Thistle Inn not only for its stunning gardens and charming grounds but also for the sentimental memories they share there—from dates to Valentine’s dinners, it was truly the perfect place to begin their new chapter together.

A dream dress + gorgeous blooms…

To complement the warm sunny day, the floral design by Hana Floral was absolutely breathtaking. With huge blush and white peonies, roses, and a wild bouquet of other blooms, everything was perfectly in sync. Interestingly, Joni’s sisters had to convince her to go all-in with a full wedding gown, but once she slipped into her Allure dress from Lastrina Bridal, it was clear the dress was made for her. Furthermore, her glowing smile and sparkling blue eyes rivaled the sparkle in her gown, catching every ray of sunlight like it was custom-made for that day.

Sunken garden cocktail hour + a perfect dinner…

Following the heartfelt ceremony, everyone moved to the sunken garden for a lively cocktail hour filled with laughter and good vibes. As always, the Bee and Thistle Inn delivered an unforgettable dining experience, making sure guests were treated to an incredible meal paired with top-notch service. Because of this, the evening was filled with mingling and joy that lasted well into the night.

A first dance under the stars…

As the night went on, the magic continued. Under a tent adorned with twinkling lights, Joni and Michael shared their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” It was a quiet, intimate moment beneath the starry Old Lyme sky—one I felt so honored to capture.

In the end, Joni and Michael’s wedding day was pure joy wrapped in love, family, and a touch of adventure. Their story, full of travel and great date nights, is exactly what we all hope for. Above all, I’m so grateful to have been part of this beautiful day and to document their start to forever.