Some wedding days are sunny and predictable.
Alicia and Brian’s Lord Thompson Manor Wedding was not that kind of day – and it was even better because of it.
Their Connecticut wedding was filled with intention, emotion, and just enough unpredictable weather to make it unforgettable. From private vows under a tree to a romantic rainy wedding day ceremony, every part of their celebration at this stunning Connecticut wedding venue felt personal and deeply meaningful.
Getting Ready at The Cottage House | A Lord Thompson Manor Wedding Morning
The morning started at The Cottage House, the charming sister property to Lord Thompson Manor. Just a short drive from the main estate, it’s the perfect extension of this Connecticut wedding venue; spacious, calm, and thoughtfully designed for wedding mornings that don’t feel rushed.
With room for hair and makeup to spread out and space for everyone to actually breathe, Alicia was able to be fully present with her people. No crammed hotel rooms. No chaos. Just anticipation building in the best way.
As a Connecticut Wedding Photographer, I can tell you that how a wedding morning feels matters. And this one felt grounded and joyful from the start.
First Look & Private Vows at Lord Thompson Manor
Alicia and Brian chose to do a first look on the historic grounds of Lord Thompson Manor, and it was one of those moments that immediately settles the entire day. Quiet. Emotional. Intentional.
Right after their first look, we brought in their dog, Winnie, for portraits. Including Winnie made the photos feel even more personal. She’s part of their life, so of course she was part of their wedding story.
One of my favorite parts of this Lord Thompson Manor Wedding happened just after photos with Winnie – their private vows under a beautiful tree on the property. Away from guests, away from the timeline, they read words they had written just for each other.
Private vows shift the energy of a wedding day. They slow everything down. They give couples space to connect before stepping into the celebration.
And this one was heartfelt in the most genuine way.
Portraits at Lord Thompson Manor Before the Ceremony
After their first look, time with Winnie and their private vows, we moved into couples portraits and wedding party photos around the grounds of Lord Thompson Manor. The estate offers so many beautiful backdrops, from ivy-covered walls to quiet garden corners, which gave us a mix of classic and relaxed images before the ceremony began.
We kept things easy and intentional, making sure Alicia and Brian had time to breathe, laugh, and simply be together before welcoming their guests. Finishing family portraits ahead of the ceremony also meant they could head straight into cocktail hour later and fully enjoy their celebration without feeling pulled away.
An Outdoor Ceremony & A Perfectly Timed Rainy Wedding Day
The weather kept us guessing all day. Rain would roll in. Then disappear. Then threaten again.
Alicia and Brian made the call to move forward with their outdoor ceremony in the manor’s side garden. It’s one of the most romantic parts of this Connecticut wedding venue – elegant landscaping, classic New England charm, and an intimate layout that feels timeless.
The rain held off for the ceremony itself.
They exchanged vows, placed rings, shared their first kiss.
And then – as they were announced married – the rain began to fall.
It wasn’t a downpour. Just soft, romantic rain that felt cinematic in the best possible way. They smiled their way down the aisle, guests cheering, raindrops falling around them.
As far as rainy wedding day moments go, it doesn’t get better than that.
Embracing the Rain at This Connecticut Wedding Venue
After the ceremony, we moved indoors for cocktail hour inside Lord Thompson Manor. One of the reasons this venue is such a strong choice for a Connecticut wedding is its flexibility. The indoor spaces feel warm and elegant, so even when the weather shifts, the celebration doesn’t lose momentum.
Alicia and Brian weren’t deterred in the slightest.
We stepped outside for a few umbrella portraits that felt straight out of an old love story. Then we moved back inside for more photos tucked into the manor’s cozy, historic interiors.
They didn’t fight the rain.
They embraced it.
And that mindset shows in every single image.
A High-Energy Reception at Lord Thompson Manor
When it came time for the reception, the energy shifted from romantic to full-on celebration.
They had a live band that absolutely crushed it. The dance floor stayed packed, and the entire room felt alive.
Then came one of the most meaningful moments of the night: Alicia’s mom sang their first dance song.
Watching them sway together while her mom sang was deeply personal and emotional in a way you just can’t manufacture. It wasn’t just beautiful – it was unforgettable.
This is what I love about photographing a Connecticut wedding like this one. It’s not just about the setting. It’s about the layers of connection throughout the day.
Why This Lord Thompson Manor Wedding Stood Out
Yes, Lord Thompson Manor is an incredible Connecticut wedding venue – a private estate with historic charm, beautiful grounds, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Yes, the details were thoughtful and elegant.
But what made this Lord Thompson Manor Wedding truly unforgettable was Alicia and Brian’s attitude.
Including their dog because she’s part of their life.
Choosing private vows because connection mattered.
Moving forward with an outdoor ceremony despite the forecast.
Smiling through the rain because the weather was never the point.
The point was getting married.
And they did – beautifully.
If these are the type of photos you’ve been dreaming about for your wedding, let’s set up a time to talk – I’d be honored to be considered to document your day.
The Vendor Dream Team
Venue: Lord Thompson Manor | Dress Designer: Kelly Faetanini | Bridal Store: Flair Boston | Grooms Suit: Suit Supply | Hair: Teryn Brewer & Kalista Rose | Make-Up: Haley Page | Florals & Catering : Lord Thompson Manor | Videographer: Rio Walks Films | Entertainment: The New York Players
