Smith Farm Gardens Wedding – Katie + John – Connecticut Documentary Wedding Photographer

Dreamy Smith Farm Gardens Wedding – Katie + John

If you could bottle up late-summer magic and pour it over a wedding day, this Smith Farm Gardens wedding would be it. Katie and John were married on August 31, 2025, and somehow managed to pull off a day that felt impossibly polished while also being completely laid back. Effortless chic, but make it fun. Put together, but never stuffy. Basically, a dream from start to finish.

Smith Farm Gardens is one of those Connecticut wedding venues that truly has it all. Lush gardens, charming pathways, open skies, and just enough French countryside energy to make you forget you’re still in New England. The flowers were fully in bloom, the weather was perfect (a minor miracle for late August), and everything flowed seamlessly from one moment to the next.

Katie, who works in marketing, brought an easygoing attention to detail that really elevated the entire day. Nothing felt overdone, but every choice felt intentional. From the parasols and fans during portraits to the way the day unfolded naturally, it was thoughtful without being precious. And yes, there were outfit changes — plural — and they somehow made perfect sense. Iconic behavior, honestly.

The day began slowly and intentionally with detail shots and a champagne toast, which immediately set the tone. Calm, celebratory, and full of anticipation. One of the most emotional moments came early on with Katie’s first look with her dad — the kind of quiet, heartfelt exchange that reminds me why I love being a documentary wedding photographer. These are the moments that matter just as much as the big ones.

Their ceremony took place in the sunken garden area, framed by greenery and soft summer light. It felt intimate and grounded, even with guests gathered all around. Cocktail hour spilled out into the gardens and mini apple orchard, where guests mingled while Katie and John snuck away briefly for portraits. We kept things relaxed and efficient so they could actually enjoy their cocktail hour — a personal favorite approach of mine.

As the evening unfolded, the energy only grew. Toasts, parent dances, a joyful first dance, cake cutting, and then dessert bars paired with a cigar lounge (a crowd favorite). By the time glow balloons came out at night, the party was in full swing and no one wanted it to end.

This Smith Farm Gardens wedding was a perfect example of what happens when you trust your vendors, choose a venue that does the heavy lifting, and focus on being present. Katie and John soaked it all in, and it showed in every part of the day — and in their photos.

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