Connecticut wedding couple dancing in park

Their Wedding Day: Il Palio Restaurant – Shelton, CT

Alyssa and Connor’s wedding day at Il Palio Restaurant in Connecticut was such an incredible day! Their wedding celebration honored every unique and special aspect of their story, and I love how they truly captured their personalities through all of the small details. Alyssa and Connor are just the sweetest together, and it was so obvious that they are truly best friends. From the way Connor looks at Alyssa in awe to the way Alyssa holds onto the love of her life so tightly, you can just feel how in love they are.

These two and their incredible bridal party braved the mid-summer heat for some gorgeous and super fun photos at Boothe Memorial Park following their first look! I am always the biggest fan of a first look because it prioritizes all of the portraits of your loved ones! We had plenty of time to relax and be present while Alyssa and Connor saw each other for the first time (THE BEST MOMENT!), took so many adorable portraits, and hung out with their wedding party and family members before heading to the ceremony!

All of the small details that these two planned really helped tie together their whole big day. I love that Connor’s ring belonged to Alyssa’s grandfather. On the inside, it was engraved with her grandparents’ initials and wedding date, so to keep with that tradition, they added their own initials and wedding date inside of the band, as well! Connor came up with the most thoughtful and detailed wedding gift for Alyssa – he wrote a bunch of letters to her that were decorated so carefully and told her when to open them, like ‘open when we buy our first home,’ ‘open when we have our first baby’ and ‘open on our 50-year anniversary!’ He put SO much thought into every little thing, and it was so special getting to see her open it all! He also got her some cute t-shirts, a gorgeous stone necklace, and an engraved passport holder that says ‘to my wife, forever my travel partner.’ My heart was freaking melting at these gifts!

They also incorporated their spirituality and love of animals throughout the day so beautifully! Their officiant played beautiful singing bowls during their ceremony, they lit two candles into one, and they had a gorgeous macrame wall hanging covered in twinkle lights and copper moons to set the tone! It was intimate and emotional from the moment they walked into the room. Their table numbers were different animals, so guests could be seated at ‘Owl,’ ‘Elephant,’ or ‘Cat’ tables and so on. I loved the gorgeous watercolored animal table cards! As a favor, each guest had a small crystal or stone at their seat with a description of what that stone is known for. Such a thoughtful, simple idea that was executed so perfectly!

They danced, they ate, they drank, and they danced some more. Surrounded by their loved ones, Alyssa and Connor celebrated their marriage in a room full of so much joy and love.

Their Love Story

Alyssa and Connor met on a dating app and Connor reached out to her to go on a first date! Alyssa said their dinner went so well and they ended up moving in together soon after! Connor proposed on an amazing trip to Block Island – she was a little suspicious, but she didn’t think Connor would actually propose then! He got her a gift card to get her nails done and then took her out to a nice dinner! They saw some amazing lighthouses and he took her to The Springhouse, which is a Victorian hotel where he proposed! Although it was raining, it was an unforgettable moment in their lives! Connor even had a professional photographer capture their proposal for them, so sweet!! Thankfully, their wasn’t even a chance of rain on their wedding day, their engagement session was another story! Check out their adorable New York Airbnb in-home session where it rained allllll day, but made for the cutest photos!

To Alyssa and Connor,

You two are just so incredible. Your thoughtfulness, big hearts, and kind nature are unmatched. It has been such a joy getting to know you two from the moment you reached out, and I’m so excited that I got to celebrate such huge milestones with you! I’m so beyond happy for you two to finally be married and to get to take on the world together. Congratulations, love birds! Love you both so so much!! Xoxo

bridal details
bride wedding details and hair and make up preparation
maid of honor zipping bride's dress
bridesmaids in robes laughing on bed
bride putting earring in
bride putting heels on
bride's first look with parents
bride opening gifts from husband-to-be
wedding bands
groom getting ready for wedding
groom putting suit jacket on
groom's mother helping put suit jacket on
groom and mother crying
groom preparation morning of wedding day
groom reading card from wife-to-be
groom waiting for first look with bride
bride and groom first look on wedding day
bride and groom portraits in beautiful sunny park in connecticut
bride and groom kissing in sunny park
bride and groom on wedding day portraits
bride and groom in love
Boothe Memorial Park bride and groom portraits
bride and groom portraits at park on wedding day
bridal party portraits
bridesmaids in maroon gowns at park
groomsmen in suspenders at park
wedding party portraits at Boothe Memorial Park
bridal party walking
Il Palio Restaurant in Shelton, Connecticut
spiritual wedding ceremony
bride walking down aisle
bride and groom holding hands during ceremony
bride and groom reading vows
bride and groom reading vows during ceremony
wedding reception details
wedding reception details
bride and groom first dance
bride and groom first dance
wedding toasts
wedding toasts
bride and groom cake cutting
father daughter dance
mother son dance
wedding reception guests dancing
wedding reception guests dancing
wedding reception guests dancing
wedding reception guests dancing

Vendors
Second Photographer | Lin Pernille
Ceremony & Reception Venue | Il Palio Restaurant
Dress Designer | Casablanca Bridal
Dress Boutique | The Wedding Dress
Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist | Sabrina Nowak, Yuly Burgos
Jewelry | The Wedding Dress
Rings | Glamira, Malloves Jewelers
Decor | TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Amazon, Michaels
DJ | DJ International Entertainment, Joe Polletta
Florals | In Bloom Event Florals, Helena Willis
Videography | Key Moment Films
Cake | Sunnyside Sweet Shoppe, Amber Samaroo
Bridesmaids Dresses | Tobi
Groom Attire | Calvin Klein, Macys
Groomsmen Attire | Calvin Klein
Invitation | Andrea Tarpley
Favors | DIY – Mondazzi, AmazonMichaels
Officiant | Fred Maerkle
Hotel | Hampton Inn Shelton

Il Palio Restaurant Summer Wedding, Shelton, CT | Alyssa & Connor

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