Ally grew up in Waterford, CT just minutes away from the Harkness Mansion and had decided at the age of 13 that that is where she was going to get married. She was so sure of this that when she and Christoph were dating, Ally’s mom brought him to the mansion for a beachside walk and said “That’s where Ally is getting married, I hope you’re okay with that!” Luckily, the amazing gardens and stately mansion won him over and he had no objections.
For Ally, from the first moment of planning the wedding, the vision was to let the Eolia Mansion and the surrounding gardens shine. Therefore, it was decided to have the ceremony overlooking the main garden, with the guests in the pergola. For the actual mansion itself, Ally wanted the atmosphere to feel like an garden party, especially echoing the design of the Harkness Breakfast/Cake room and enhancing the stately feeling of the mansion. She worked closely with her florist to bring the garden in, so it felt connected to the outside. Together, they designed garden green garlands with blush/white/pink roses sprinkled in that would stretch along the banquet tables, curving around many candles. And as the sun set, the tables and mantle would be illuminated with soft gold candle light. In other areas of the mansion, there are bronze and gold elements and white flowers scattered throughout.
Christoph, who grew up in Germany, wanted a small wedding that was big in fun and sweets. In terms of decor, he chose bistro lights with white sash in the main tent to dress it up and give the dancefloor a light airy feeling. And throughout the wedding, there were sweets galore! The placecards were Ferrero Rocher candies, the dessert bar was filled to the brim with pastries and brownies (matching the color scheme, of course), and the wedding favors were chocolate pops decorated as groom/bride. He also had a huge role in designing the wedding cake, which on its exterior reflects the garden theme, but emphasizes flavor and chocolate on the interior.
Together, it was very important to both Ally and Christoph that the wedding was intimate and that none of the guests felt overlooked. They thus decided on a guest list of less than 100, and a wedding party of 2, Christoph’s brother, and Ally’s longterm best friend. Ally and Christoph’s wedding was an absolute dream; a simple, sweet, and elegant garden party that they enjoyed with closest friends and family.
Venue: Eolia Mansion
Florals: Verdant Floral
Dress shop: BHLDN
Caterer: Gourmet Galley
Beauty: Blow Dry at the Beach
Cake: Zesty Fresh Pastry
Tent: Ryan Design
DJ: Musically Yours
BHLDN is the place to buy a stunning Bridal Gown for any bride and we absolutely love the dress that Ally chose. It fit her so perfectly like it was made with her in mind!
We loved photographing this amazing Eolia Mansion Wedding for Ally and Christoph! The garden party atmosphere and the beautiful weather and gardens gave us so many opportunities and special moments to capture.
An Eolia Mansion Wedding is what Ally has been dreaming about since she was a girl. The stunning and immense gardens with stately architecture of the mansion made for the perfect wedding for Ally and Christoph.
The beautiful gardens and florals made this garden party wedding at Eolia Mansion exquisite for Ally and Christoph’s Wedding day.
We love working with Blow Dry at the Beach, they do such a wonderful job at getting our bride’s ready and looking natural and beautiful! Their artists are so sweet and great to work with, and their bridal party makeup is always natural and exquisite.
The stunning tent structures were designed by Ryan Designs, who always does a great job creating an atmosphere with his architectural design.
Ally and Christoph’s wedding cake was made by Zesty Fresh Pastry who always makes gorgeous cakes for any occasion.
Gourmet Galley did a wonderful job catering this garden party wedding at Eolia Mansion.
Verdant Floral did such a phenomenal job bringing garden to the garden party feel of Ally and Christoph’s Eolia Mansion Wedding.
The DJ from Musically Yours is great at his job, setting the mood of the wedding and getting the crowd out of their seats and dancing all night!
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To learn more about booking your Connecticut or European Wedding, Engagement, or Anniversary session contact Alicia via the Contact link in the menu, or email directly at info@
Alicia and her wedding photography team is local to Connecticut, in New England, and is currently booking 2019 and 2020 wedding photography sessions in New England and Europe. We shoot on both medium format film and digital.
Alicia and her team frequently travel for weddings, events, and non-profit portrait sessions and has clients from California to Europe to Dubai. To find out details regarding their upcoming travel dates to a city near you or to book a custom travel session, please contact them for more information.
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