Emily + Lenka – Full Gallery
Emily, and Lenka focused on having an intimate Mystic wedding at the Jonathan Edwards Winery with the most important people. Every detail from getting ready outfits, to end of the night food was intentionally decided by Emily, and Lenka. The two favored time with friends, and family for the weekend by keeping their guest list low, using a hotel that could foster more interaction among guests, and planning events throughout the weekend.
Having the wedding day off site at the Jonathan Edwards Winery balanced the water front events throughout the weekend. The choice of the winery honored pieces of their relationship, and ways the two have grown together. The property itself is expansive, and gorgeous anytime of year, with ample environments to make use of the space and time together.
The two fell in love in Newport Rhode Island, and have spent quite a few special occasions celebrating in Mystic Connecticut. This made the location all the more special for the two when thinking about their wedding day. Being able to visit, and have a bottle of wine from the same location they saw each other in their wedding attire for anniversaries also made the experience feel a little more special.
Getting Ready at the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic Connecticut
In the heart of Mystic you’ll find the Whaler’s Inn. An updated inn with views of the river and iconic bridge, the inn served as a perfect base for the weekend wedding. It helps that the rooms are quite large, well lit, and photogenic. As a Connecticut wedding photographer, using the rooms at the Whaler’s Inn as getting ready spaces is always a pleasure.
For your guests, the central location, and available parking makes the Whaler Inn a great choice for your Mystic wedding weekend. Within walking distance are multiple restaurants, ice cream shops, shopping, and more. There’s a park across the street, and the iconic bridge is across the street as well, surrounded by docks to walk along.
An Intimate Wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery
The two opted a more intimate wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery. The ceremony was held in the vineyard surrounded by the two favorite wines of the couple. After the wedding, the two opted to have anniversary bottles to keep for future anniversaries. The spaces the couple used at Jonathan Edwards Winery included the vineyard, the getting ready space, the wine cellar, the deck, and tasting space, and a sailcloth tent.
Starting out arriving well before their guests, Emily and Lenka used the two getting ready spaces at the winery. The two got into their wedding attire in these spaces. The two spaces are close enough that it isn’t necessary to have two photographers on site. Pay close attention to your timeline and consult with your photographer to make an informed decision for your wedding.
After getting ready separately, the two met for a first look in the cellar. On the upper level overlooking the cellar, In between their two favorite wines, the two turned to reveal one another. We continued to take a few portraits here, and some group portraits with the wedding party, and family.
A Tented Wedding Reception at Jonathan Edwards Winery
The two had a tented wedding reception at Jonathan Edwards Winery. As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I love tented wedding receptions—especially canvas tents. The lighting is a touch warm, and there’s ample space for folks. The wooden supports also look so much more elegant to the metal piping used in other, less expensive tents.
Before heading into the tent, folks enjoyed watching the sunset over the vineyard. The main building offers an intimate cocktail hour, with a deck, and room overlooking the barrels. The deck looks out over the ceremony space, and the reception space. This breaks up your time at the Connecticut wedding venue really nicely.
The tented reception felt very intimate. With an entrance that broke up the space, and a large dance floor, lounge area, and bar area, there was clear delineation in the different environments within the tent space. The decor was elegant, and simple — with plants as the centerpieces that the couple grew over their engagement.
During the wedding reception in the tent, their wedding planners broke down wedding flowers that weren’t being used. When the planner broke the flowers down, they put small bunches into jars for guests to take home. In doing so, guests were able to continue the life of the wedding flowers, and lessen the immediate trash made.
Jonathan Edwards Winery Wedding Vendors
Wedding Venue: Jonathan Edwards Winery
Hotel: Whaler’s Inn
