A New Orleans–Inspired Backyard Wedding in Connecticut

Wow — what a wedding. James & Cristina’s New Orleans–inspired wedding was one of those days where every detail felt intentional, personal, and full of heart. From the very first time we met, hearing them talk about their relationship and the vision they had for their wedding day, I knew this was something special and that I wanted to be there to document it.

A Meaningful Start in Old Lyme

I started the day at James & Cristina’s home in Old Lyme, a beautiful space filled with soft, natural light — especially in the kitchen and dining room where Cristina and her bridesmaids had hair and makeup done.

One of my favorite moments of the morning was when James and Cristina exchanged handwritten cards and small gifts. We pulled a chair over by the window so Cristina could read her card in good light, and the emotion hit immediately. These quiet moments — the pause before the day really begins — are always some of the most powerful. As Cristina wiped away tears, her mom stepped in for a hug, and it was one of those simple, beautiful moments that say everything.

Instead of putting on her dress at their home and traveling afterward, Cristina chose to get dressed in her childhood bedroom at her parents’ house — a choice that added even more meaning to the day.

A Backyard Wedding in East Haddam

We made our way to Cristina’s parents’ home in East Haddam, where both the ceremony and reception would take place. This was where their New Orleans–inspired vision really came to life. Tents were thoughtfully arranged across the property, creating distinct spaces for the ceremony and celebration.

I had walked the property with them weeks earlier, talking through the timeline and visualizing how the day would unfold — and seeing it all come together was incredibly rewarding.

A First Look with Dad

Once Cristina was in her dress — with help from her mom — we headed upstairs to a loft-style room with a bench beneath a large window. The light was perfect. We waited there while her dad finished getting ready for their first look.

Cristina stepped out of the room and slowly made her way down the stairs to meet her father, and it was pure magic. These moments always hit close to home for me — especially now, having a young daughter of my own. It’s a reminder of just how meaningful these transitions are.

A New Orleans–Style Ceremony Entrance

Just when you thought it couldn’t get more memorable — it wasn’t time to get married yet.

Cristina climbed into a horse-drawn carriage that took her on a lap around the pond before the ceremony. James arrived earlier in a beautifully restored car driven by a longtime family friend.

Then came one of the most unique ceremony entrances I’ve ever seen: Dr. Jazz from New Orleans led the bridesmaids — parasols in hand — down the aisle and around the outside of the ceremony tent while playing live music. It was joyful, unexpected, and perfectly aligned with their New Orleans inspiration.

Quiet Moments After “I Do”

After the ceremony, James & Cristina took a short carriage ride away from cocktail hour so we could grab a few just-married portraits. Time was tight, but those few minutes alone together were worth it.

Once we wrapped portraits and family photos, they joined their guests for cocktail hour — mingling, laughing, and soaking in the celebration they had so carefully envisioned.

This wedding was such a perfect example of how inspiration from a meaningful place — like New Orleans — can be beautifully woven into a backyard wedding in Connecticut, creating something entirely personal and unforgettable.