Delicate Blues and Horse-Drawn Dreams: Alexis and Doug’s Smith Farm Gardens Wedding

Alexis and Doug pose for a romantic portrait in a natural meadow at Smith Farm Gardens, surrounded by tall grass and lush greenery, creating a timeless and serene scene.

Wedding photography with Jennifer Nichole & Co. is about so much more than posed portraits — it’s about capturing the feeling behind every moment. With years of experience capturing celebrations across New England and beyond, we specialize in romantic, heirloom-style imagery that reflects the heart of each couple we work with—including weddings at iconic venues like Smith Farm Gardens. We’re there for the soft glances, the joyful tears, and the little moments that often go unnoticed. Our approach is personal, emotional, and grounded in storytelling.

Alexis and Doug’s Smith Farm Gardens wedding was the perfect example of what makes this work so meaningful. Set on the sprawling, historic grounds of one of Connecticut’s most beloved venues, their day was filled with intentional details, gentle laughter, and genuine love. From a sentimental father-daughter first look and a surprise horse-drawn carriage to handwritten vows and fine art portraits, every part of their celebration felt both timeless and deeply personal.

Heirloom Details & Fine Art Styling

Before the day even began, Alexis and Doug’s story started taking shape through the details—his & hers vow books, vintage-inspired perfume bottles, textured ribbons, and meaningful accessories carefully styled against a light-toned backdrop. Their detail photos have that true fine art, heirloom quality—delicate, intentional, and beautifully reflective of the wedding’s refined New England aesthetic. From flat lays to boutonnières, every piece felt part of a larger narrative: timeless, emotional, and authentically theirs.

Flat lay of pearl-accented bridal heels surrounded by white garden roses and lace butterflies, styled on a soft blue background for a fine art wedding detail.
Flat lay of white boutonnieres tied with blue ribbon, styled on a clean white background.
Groom’s flat lay with light blue tie, boutonnière, cufflinks, and cologne, alongside a keepsake box reading “For My Husband.”
Groom’s accessories displayed with Dior Sauvage cologne, pale blue tie, and fresh boutonnieres.
Brown dress shoes laid out with floral boutonnieres and cufflinks, styled for a clean, editorial groom detail shot.
Flat lay of bride and groom’s vow books and invitation suite, styled with florals and lace butterflies on a blue linen backdrop.
Close-up flat lay of bride’s perfume bottle surrounded by soft white roses, with delicate blue accents.
Softly lit bridal bouquet of white and pale blue florals sits beside a pair of pearl-embellished wedding heels on a powder blue pedestal.

Getting Ready: A Morning Full of Meaning

Both Alexis and Doug began their day in a nearby historic mansion filled with light and warmth. The space featured sky-high ceilings, whitewashed walls, and plenty of room for quiet reflection.

Alexis’ bridal suite was styled with delicate details—soft blue ribbons, lace butterflies, white and cream florals, and vintage accents. Each piece beautifully echoed her New England garden wedding vision.

Doug got ready surrounded by his groomsmen. He gifted Alexis a set of Lamborghini champagne glasses along with a special bottle of bubbly—a thoughtful, modern gesture that still felt deeply personal.

These early moments of anticipation and intention were the perfect beginning to their elegant Smith Farm Gardens wedding.

Groom receives help adjusting his sleeve cuffs, surrounded by groomsmen while getting dressed for his Smith Farm Gardens wedding.
Bride putting on earrings by a soft-lit window, captured during her peaceful getting ready moment before her Smith Farm Gardens wedding.
Bride spritzing perfume onto her wrist, standing beside her bouquet in the soft morning light of the getting ready suite.
Groom adjusting his navy blue suit jacket and light blue tie, readying for the ceremony with polished details.

First Look Moments: A Father’s Surprise & A Quiet First Touch

Instead of a first look with Doug, Alexis shared a tender moment with her dad. She walked down the mansion’s staircase to meet him. He couldn’t hold back his tears. Around his neck, he wore a tie featuring a photo of Alexis as a child—his little girl.

Overhead view of bride approaching father for heartfelt first look on wedding day
Bride helping finding custom photograph tie during special moment before Smith Farm Gardens wedding
Bride’s emotional first look with her father inside family home on the morning of the wedding

Even more memorable, the next surprise was a horse-drawn carriage waiting quietly outside the estate. In a year when unique ceremony arrivals are trending, this carriage—gifted by her father—felt both sentimental and unforgettable. It’s easily one of our favorite unique wedding ideas and made for an unforgettable entrance.

Two black horses and a traditional carriage with drivers in vintage attire stand ready at Smith Farm Gardens, offering a unique and elegant arrival moment for the couple’s garden wedding.

Bride smiling and petting a black carriage horse during outdoor portraits at Smith Farm Gardens
Unique wedding portrait of bride reaching up to touch a horse before Smith Farm Gardens ceremony

When she arrived at Smith Farm, Alexis and Doug met on the porch for a first touch—hands around the corner, hearts completely connected. It was calming, honest, and incredibly grounding before they stepped into their ceremony.

Bride and groom holding hands around corner during first touch at Smith Farm Gardens wedding

Ceremony in the Garden at Smith Farm Gardens

Surrounded by gentle greens and bursting summer blooms, Alexis and Doug exchanged vows in the garden at Smith Farm Gardens. The florals—soft whites and powder blues arranged by Indigo Floral—framed the altar in a way that felt natural and refined.

The most meaningful part? Alexis and Doug wrote their vows to each other by hand. It added a quiet intimacy to the ceremony that made guests laugh and cry in equal measure.

And as they made their exit, white petals fluttered in the breeze—captured mid-air in one of the most joyful post-ceremony kisses we’ve photographed this year.

Outdoor garden ceremony setup at Smith Farm Gardens, featuring rows of white chairs and a lush floral arbor framed by greenery.
Bride walks down the aisle with her father in front of the iconic white barn at Smith Farm Gardens, holding a white bouquet with soft blue ribbon.
Bride and groom exchange vows under the summer sun, with the groom and groomsmen dressed in blue suits at Smith Farm Gardens.
The couple shares their first kiss under a stunning blue and white flower arch at their outdoor Smith Farm Gardens ceremony.
Bride and groom walk down the aisle surrounded by cheering guests and floating white flower petals in the garden at Smith Farm Gardens.
Romantic dip kiss under a shower of petals during the couple’s joyful wedding recessional at Smith Farm Gardens.
Candid moment of the bride and groom walking hand-in-hand toward their ceremony at Smith Farm Gardens, her veil trailing behind.
Groom smiles with joy during the couple’s first look in the gardens at Smith Farm Gardens, with the bride holding a white floral bouquet.

Storybook Portraits at this Smith Farm Gardens Wedding

Alexis and Doug’s portraits at Smith Farm Gardens were a dreamy blend of elegance and charm. Wandering the grounds hand in hand, they shared quiet moments beneath shady trees and joyful laughter on garden paths. The surprise horse-drawn carriage added fairytale flair, making for timeless, heirloom-worthy images. From soft kisses to wind-swept veils and sweet smiles, every frame reflected their deep connection and the romantic spirit of the day.

Connecticut wedding portrait of couple standing with elegant black horses and carriage driver at Smith Farm Gardens.
Editorial groom portrait next to vintage carriage and white barn doors at Smith Farm Gardens, CT wedding venue.
Romantic fine art wedding photo of bride and groom kissing with horses and trees at Smith Farm Gardens.
Bride and groom twirling beneath a white archway at Smith Farm Gardens, surrounded by white fences and lush garden paths.
Romantic wedding portrait of couple kissing on stone steps with cottage-style backdrop at Smith Farm Gardens in Connecticut.
Couple smiling at each other while walking through vibrant garden beds at Smith Farm Gardens during their Connecticut summer wedding.
Elegant heirloom-inspired wedding moment as groom assists bride into carriage at Smith Farm Gardens in Connecticut.
Candid wedding photo of bride with wind-blown veil approaching a classic horse-drawn carriage at Smith Farm Gardens.
Light and airy couple’s portrait under lush greenery with elegant black carriage at Smith Farm Gardens, CT.
Bride and groom share a joyful gaze in front of lush greenery and a black horse-drawn carriage at Smith Farm Gardens, with the bride holding a white and blue bouquet tied with silk ribbons.

Reception Under the Tent: Minimalist Garden Elegance

Guests were welcomed beneath a classic white sailcloth tent, strung with café lights and surrounded by open fields. The decor was minimal and elegant—long wooden tables, ivory linens, soft greenery, and centerpieces in white and blue.

Indigo Floral lined the head table with romantic candles and sky-blue gauze runners. The florals were soft and intentional, allowing the venue to shine rather than compete.

Riverhouse Catering served a memorable meal. For dessert, the couple chose a small, elegant display cake with a sweet bite for guests to enjoy.

The couple strolls hand in hand across the lawn, her dress flowing behind her, framed by the sailcloth tent in the background.
A classic white sailcloth tent surrounded by green fields and trees, setting the scene for a romantic New England wedding.
Alexis and Doug make their reception entrance, holding hands in celebration under their elegant white tent.
A simple, classic white wedding cake with a cherry garnish, partially sliced, sitting on a lace-trimmed cake stand.
Alexis and Doug share a joyful moment as they cut their elegant white cake during the Smith Farm Gardens reception.
A remembrance shelf honoring loved ones with framed photos, white roses, and candles, displayed during Alexis and Doug’s elegant garden wedding.
Alexis and Doug enjoying a quiet moment at their romantic reception table under the sailcloth tent, surrounded by soft blue and white florals.
Bridesmaids toast with colorful signature drinks during cocktail hour, wearing elegant mismatched blue gowns at this summer wedding.
The bride and groom look on during a heartfelt toast given by a bridesmaid, surrounded by guests and floral details.

Dancing, Family Moments & Choreographed Twirls

As evening settled in, Alexis and Doug kicked off the celebration with a choreographed first dance. Twirls, lifts, and quiet smiles made it unforgettable. Her gown was made for movement and flowed beautifully with every spin.

They followed with traditional dances with their parents. After that, the dance floor stayed full as friends and family joined in. Laughter echoed under the tent. Champagne flutes clinked in celebration. It was exactly the energy you hope for at a summer garden wedding.

Bride spinning gracefully on the dance floor, her white gown flowing, while guests watch from their tables under the reception tent.
Black-and-white photo of the groom lifting the bride joyfully during their first dance, both smiling and surrounded by cheering guests.
Bride and groom face each other during a twirl, mid-choreography, as they perform their first dance in a sunlit tent.
Groom dips the bride on the dance floor under a white sailcloth tent during their choreographed first dance at Smith Farm Gardens, with their wedding party smiling in the background.

Why We’ll Always Remember This Smith Farm Gardens Wedding

What made Alexis and Doug’s wedding so memorable wasn’t just the elegant décor or the perfect light. It was the way they felt all day long—calm, present, and full of gratitude. From the handwritten vows to the unforgettable carriage entrance, every moment was steeped in emotion and intention.

Couple stand arm in arm amidst the newly created garden at this Smith Farm Gardens Wedding

“To sit here and explain all of the ways that Jen made our wedding day so perfect and special would be impossible. From the confidence she instills in you while shooting, to the gorgeous pictures she produces in the end is absolutely incredible. The best vendor we had on our wedding day—and we’d book her a million times over. Look no further… Jen is your photographer!!!”
— Alexis & Doug

Their Smith Farm Gardens wedding was a celebration of everything we love about storytelling through photography: connection, beauty, and joy that doesn’t fade.

A Sparkling Grand Exit

To close the evening, guests lined up with sparklers in hand, forming a glowing tunnel as Alexis and Doug ran through with full hearts and beaming smiles. After all, there’s something about sparkler exits that never gets old—especially when the newlyweds look this radiant.

It was the perfect send-off to a wedding that blended elegance, meaning, and the wild joy of simply being in love.

Alexis and Doug run hand-in-hand down a tree-lined path surrounded by guests holding sparklers during their grand exit at Smith Farm Gardens.
The couple shares a romantic kiss under string lights and a tunnel of sparklers, celebrating their joyful night exit at Smith Farm Gardens.
Alexis and Doug walk away hand-in-hand under a canopy of glowing sparklers, framed by cheering guests during their evening wedding sendoff.

Planning Your Own Smith Farm Gardens Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of your own countryside celebration filled with love, light, and intentional storytelling, I would love to connect. Maybe you’re inspired by Alexis and Doug’s quiet romance, or perhaps it’s the timeless feel of their fine art portraits that speaks to you. Either way, I’m here to walk alongside you—capturing every meaningful moment and crafting a gallery that reflects your story from beginning to end.

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Alexis and Doug’s elegant summer wedding at Smith Farm Gardens came to life thanks to an incredible team of vendors:

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April 29, 2025

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