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A WEDDING AT THE BARNS AT WESLEYAN HILLS

Arturo and I could not have asked for a better day to end our 2019 wedding season!! Lauren and John’s winter wedding celebration at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut was an absolute DREAM! A beautiful couple inside and out, paired with lovely family members and an easy-going day, filled our hearts to the brim. John and Lauren are two of the most easy-going people we’ve ever met, which certainly set the tone for their wedding!

Earlier that week, we had a winter snow and rainstorm that left most of Connecticut covered in a layer of ice. By the time Lauren and John’s wedding day arrived, much of the ice had fallen off of the trees which shattered when it hit the ground, leaving countless fragmented pieces around. Luckily we had a sunny day which allowed the light to reflect so romantically on the shattered icicles on the ground. It added a warm and elegant touch to John and Lauren’s portraits!

After braving the cold for the first look and romantic portraits, we invited Lauren and John’s wedding party outside for some photos before their heartfelt wedding ceremony. One thing I loved about our 2019 wedding season is that more than ever before, many of our couples designed a ceremony that was intentional and true to them. John and Lauren planned just that, and it was just beautiful!! After sharing their first kiss, the newlyweds took their first steps as husband and wife as their guests cheered around them.

Lauren and John shared a romantic first dance filled with laughter and sweet gazes at each other. Wonderful speeches were given, and after dinner, the newlyweds had a first flambé with donuts in lieu of a cake cutting! There was no shortage of energy and excitement on the dance floor as family and friends celebrated John and Lauren that evening!

THE LOVE STORY

Lauren and John knew each other in middle school and high school, but only as acquaintances through mutual friends. They reconnected a few years after college when Lauren started her yoga and wellness blog. John reached out to Lauren on her first blog post because he was also interested in yoga and meditation, and thought it was amazing how far Lauren had gone into the practice! Over the next year, the two messaged each other every so often and would meet up when Lauren would return home to Connecticut from New York City to visit her family. She and John would hike together or hang out in the park, but truly just as friends.

Lauren had planned to resign at her high-stress New York City hotel job to travel to Thailand and India in order to further her yogic journey. She completed her 500-hour teacher training and then planned to move out to Hawaii, prolonging her worldly travels. Because of this upcoming trip, a romantic relationship was never even a thought to John and Lauren, and instead, they just enjoyed the growing friendship they shared.

A year later, after Lauren had finished her explorations overseas and settled in Hawaii, she had to abruptly move home due to a family emergency. She had no plans to move back to Hawaii and was now back in town to take care of a family member. The day after Lauren returned home, a friend brought her to a 5K to clear her mind, and that’s where she saw John. The two started hanging out every week, whether it was hiking together, taking Sunday restorative yoga classes, or spending time in New Haven. At this point, their friendship grew into a beautiful romance, which brought us all together on their wonderful December wedding day!

Arturo and I couldn’t help but smile and laugh all day right along with the new Mr. and Mrs… their energy is absolutely contagious! Congratulations Lauren and John! Wishing you much love and adventure in the years to come!

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Lauren was a stunning bride!

Their first look was so sweet and sentimental!

We couldn’t get enough of that gorgeous winter light!!

How lovely are these wedding bouquets?! I love the added pop of color for a winter wedding!

They’re MARRIED!!

I hope you enjoyed this winter wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills! Do you know Lauren and John? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!

CREATIVE TEAM

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.

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