Stephanie and Andrew’s wedding last week in New Haven, CT was the culmination of ideas that have been bouncing around in their heads for decades. Equal parts whimsical beach wedding and maximalist boardwalk carousel wedding, this day leaned into the locale and elevated it. Stephanie’s always dreamed of having her wedding in this type of setting, crafted to give guests an experience that’s one of a kind and all the while not taking itself too seriously. The venue is definitely an unconventional one: Lighthouse Point Park stands on the coast and features, as one may infer from the name, a stoic octagonal lighthouse on the beach next to a vaulted boardwalk style carousel building. Past the working carousel the room opens up into a beautiful and naturally bright space perfect for dinner and dancing. Panoramic views of the ocean combined with the tungsten glow from the carousel’s many decorative bulbs make for a specific and incredibly nostalgic vibe that was a bunch of fun to photograph.

After getting ready separately Stephanie and Andrew first said hello to one another next to the old lighthouse. The mid day sun was bright but less harsh than normal thanks to some coastal haze and whispy clouds, and the two of them were happy to face the day together. The ceremony by the water was beautiful. Sunlight flickered through the clouds as they read their vows to one another, honored lost loved ones, and listened to readings by friends. Cocktail hour on the patio of the carousel house allowed guests to have their portrait sketched and painted live (!!!), have a cotton candy cosmo or two, and grab a salted pretzel, box of popcorn, or some french fries. Back inside the room was meticulously set for reception with vibrant florals and patterned linens, all bathed in raking early evening light bouncing off the ocean and filling the room with warmth.

Guests gathered around the dance floor for first dances and dinner before the evening shifted into a new gear. A soft serve ice cream truck arrived at about the same time dessert in the form of cake, cookies, and every variety of technicolor candy you could imagine was displayed in excess - a vision straight from Stephanie’s imagination and so fitting for the scene. In between sets of dancing folks took their pick and either grabbed an ice cream cone or a selection of sweets before getting in line for a ride on the carousel or stepping back out onto the dance floor. This wedding, above all else, was fun. Stephanie and Andrew were grinning all night, elated in each other’s company but also in watching all of their favorite people explore the playground they’d created for the occasion.

Venue: Lighthouse Point Park
Planning: Irene & Co Events
Catering: A Thyme to Cook
Florals: Maple and Mum Floral Designs
Dress: Beautiful Bridal Shop / Justin Alexander / Leon Lin
Menswear: Suit Supply
Makeup/Hair: Upstyle
Videographer: Andy Hansen Films
Stationary: Minted
Seating Chart Bookmarks: Confettiology
Music: Mystic River Entertainment / Golden Scrolls
Live Portrait Artist: Beret and Brush/
Soft Serve Truck: Soft Serve CT
Rings: Rebekah Brooks