Bryan and Olivia’s summer wedding at the Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut was the perfect mix of rustic charm, heartfelt emotion, and effortless elegance. From a ceremony beneath a sweeping willow tree to emotional first looks that set the tone for the day, every moment felt intentional and deeply meaningful.

This is one of those weddings that reminds you why couples fall in love with barn venues — relaxed, scenic, and grounded in connection.

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills Wedding Venue

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills offers a setting that feels both rustic and refined. The property is surrounded by open fields, mature trees, and thoughtfully landscaped grounds that photograph beautifully in every season.

For Bryan and Olivia’s ceremony, the venue’s iconic willow tree became a natural focal point. With soft summer light filtering through the branches, the ceremony felt intimate, peaceful, and incredibly romantic.

Inside the barn, warm wood tones and natural light created a welcoming atmosphere that carried seamlessly from ceremony to reception.

Emotional First Looks Before the Ceremony

One of the most touching parts of the day happened before the ceremony even began.

Olivia shared a first look with her father, a quiet, emotional moment filled with tears, hugs, and the kind of love that doesn’t need words. These moments are always powerful — unhurried, genuine, and deeply personal.

Shortly after, Olivia and Bryan shared their first look together. Away from the crowd, they were able to take a breath, soak in the moment, and simply be present with one another before the day unfolded. These pre-ceremony moments allowed space for real emotion and resulted in some of the most meaningful images of the day.

A Ceremony Framed by Nature

With the willow tree behind them and their closest people gathered nearby, Bryan and Olivia exchanged vows in a setting that felt natural and timeless. The ceremony was heartfelt and relaxed — no distractions, just connection.

The outdoor space at the Barns at Wesleyan Hills allows ceremonies to feel grounded in nature while still offering structure and comfort for guests.

Photographing the Day as It Naturally Unfolded

My approach to wedding photography is rooted in storytelling and authenticity. Rather than staging moments, I focus on capturing the way the day actually feels — the quiet glances, the emotional reactions, the laughter between moments.

Bryan and Olivia’s wedding was full of those in-between moments that matter most. From the first looks to the celebration inside the barn, the day unfolded naturally, creating images that feel honest and timeless.

Why Couples Love the Barns at Wesleyan Hills

Rustic elegance without feeling overly styled
Beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces, including the willow tree
Natural light inside the barn for photography
Versatile layout for seamless ceremony-to-reception flow
A setting that feels relaxed, romantic, and personal

It’s a venue that gives couples room to be themselves — and that always shows in the photos.

Planning a Barn Wedding in Connecticut?

If you’re planning a Barns at Wesleyan Hills wedding or exploring rustic venues in Connecticut, I’d love to help you document your day in a way that feels real, emotional, and true to you.

A Summer Wedding at the Barns at Wesleyan Hills