Kristen and George are a rock and roll, motorcycle driving, skull and crossbones wearing, tattooed couple, so it was only fitting that they chose a wedding theme that really represented them as a couple: Till death do us part…

Kristen and George have been together for 3 years and have the most adorable 6 month old son together! I photographed their maternity session last Fall, and then I happen to be in town when little baby George was born, so I popped into the hospital for a few newborn shots as well! I love that this couple knows who they are, and they wanted a wedding to celebrate them as as couple, along with all of their friends and family. I drove around Haddam, Connecticut, on the morning of the wedding, familiarizing myself with the venue and the surrounding areas. I actually grew up only about 20 minutes from there, so driving over the big drawbridge and seeing the Goodspeed Opera House brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. Kristen and George chose to get married at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station – a gorgeous venue with a grand ballroom. The bridal suite was a perfect setting for the girls to finish their makeup and to take some beautiful bridal portraits of Kristen. George was more excited about the poker table downstairs, where he and his groomsmen hung out before the wedding.

Kristen and George decided to do a first look, where they would see each other before the ceremony. I love first looks because it’s a sweet moment between the bride and groom, and then we get most of the couple portraits and bridal party portraits out of the way, so that after the ceremony, the couple can get to the cocktail hour sooner! After a short and sweet ceremony and some family pictures, Kristen and George shared a first dance and then the party really got started! The guests had a blast with the blow up guitars and glowsticks, and the dance floor was never empty that night! The theme of the day flowed into every detail, from the centerpieces that Kristen made herself, to the Chuck Taylors that the bridal party wore!

Thank you to all the amazing vendors who helped make this wedding perfect, and thank you to Kristen and George for trusting me to capture your wedding!

Venue: The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Haddam, Connecticut

DJ: DJae Mêlée, Uncasville, Connecticut

Cake: Kim’s Cottage, Durham, Connecticut

Photographer: Andrea Simmons Photography LLC

Second Photographer: Shaina Lee Photography