BARNES MUSEUM WEDDING

Sam and Jeff hosted a beautifully curated, bohemian spring wedding at the Barnes Museum in Southington, Connecticut. The outdoor ceremony took place on the museum’s lush grounds, surrounded by blooming flowers, vibrant greenery, and the soft hum of spring in the air. The couple exchanged vows in front of the fountain, in an area of the museum grounds that sits above the main entrance to the museum. The atmosphere is earthy and free-spirited, with rustic wooden seating and vintage touches that add to the boho vibe like a bohemian couch for the couple at the head table, antique glassware, a couch for guests to mingle with an accompanying ornate rug on the law, a cocktail truck and pizza truck.

Inside the museum, Sam got ready for the first look in one of the upstairs rooms while Jeff waited in the shade outside. The reception follows with a mix of eclectic decor— white petals falling from the tree that shaded the head table, mismatched furniture, and candles everywhere adding warmth and charm to the outdoor space. The entire day felt like a celebration of love, nature, and the carefree beauty of spring as people cuddled up in furs, sweaters and blazers as the sunset.

Their bohemian, DIY wedding reminded me of the joys and simple pleasures that only happen from small weddings. A small, intimate wedding in Connecticut is an opportunity to bring together your favorite people in a setting like a backyard, small venue or public space that allows more creative freedom, a smaller budget and more intimate experience for you and your guests. Here are three reasons why to have a backyard wedding, or any DIY version of a wedding:

Intimate New England Charm: A backyard wedding in Connecticut with just your closest friends and family allows you to embrace the intimate, cozy vibe of the state’s beautiful countryside. Surrounded by rolling hills, charming barns, or scenic lakes, you can create a personalized celebration that reflects the relaxed, welcoming spirit of Connecticut.

Affordable and Local Touches: DIY weddings in Connecticut give you the freedom to incorporate local elements without breaking the bank. You can source flowers from nearby farms, serve regional dishes like clam chowder or Connecticut-style pizza, and add personal touches like custom signage or handmade decor to make the day feel uniquely yours.

Relaxed and Scenic Setting: Connecticut offers plenty of picturesque backdrops, from lush gardens to lakeside views, which make it easy to create a stunning yet stress-free outdoor celebration. With fewer guests, you can enjoy the beauty of the state’s natural surroundings and focus on creating lasting memories with the people who mean the most.

The Barnes Museum in Southington is a fun little spot for a casual, intimate wedding setting – especially in the spring and warmer outdoor seasons! The grounds are set up in such a way that feels private, but still open and walkable for guests to explore throughout.

Even late into the evening, the sunlight was still just enough to snag some shots of Jeff and his guys smoking cigars together. The grounds felt all to themselves, with guests helping themselves to food and drinks from the food carts and mingling throughout the different tables. It felt very inclusionary and cozy – a lovely spring wedding <3



ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Hi! I’m Britt! I am a wedding photographer based in Connecticut and will travel anywhere. I specialize in film-inspired wedding photography and documenting weddings. I AM inspired by vintage photoS of lovers, PLAYFUL LIGHT, 90s fashion, photojournalism and music.


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PHOTO
Britt Hill Photo
VENUE

BaRNES MUSEUM

FLORALS, HAIR + MAKEUP
BRIDE

DRESS
WEDDING EMBASSY

CAKE
SWEET MIAS
PIZZA TRUCK
BIG GREEN TRUCK PIZZA
COCKTAIL CART
COCKTAILS & THE CARRIAGE
DECOR + SETUP
MICHELLE MCHUGH