Walking into Stone Acres Farm
When I arrived at Nick and Nora’s Stone Acres Farm wedding, I was genuinely stunned by its beauty. The historic home, paired with the English-style cottage gardens, immediately set the tone for a day that felt both romantic and quietly luxurious.
Inside the house, soft light poured through large windows and high ceilings. The rooms felt elegant yet unfussy, which allowed the architecture and the couple’s details to shine. Outside, the gardens were in full bloom. Lily pads floated in the reflection pool, while winding pathways, archways, and layers of greenery created endless pockets of beauty across the grounds.
That morning, a gentle rain fell and the sky stayed softly overcast. For a June wedding, the weather felt cool and calm, and it added a quiet intimacy to the early hours of the day. By the time guests began to arrive, the rain had lifted, leaving behind fresh air and glowing gardens. The entire estate felt peaceful, romantic, and full of understated luxury.
About Stone Acres Farm
About Stone Acres Stone Acres Farm is a sixty-three-acre working farm located in the historic coastal town of Stonington, Connecticut. The property blends the feeling of a private estate with the warmth of a working farm, which makes it feel both elevated and inviting at the same time.
Their Stone Acres Farm wedding felt especially meaningful because the property’s history, gardens, and working farm atmosphere all became part of the experience.
What makes Stone Acres especially unique is its commitment to sustainability, culinary education, and the preservation of open land and historic structures. That focus gives the venue a deeper sense of purpose. You don’t just feel like you’re celebrating in a beautiful place, you feel like you’re part of something meaningful.
The venue combines rustic charm with refined elegance in a way that feels effortless. It’s perfect for couples who love garden weddings, coastal New England style, and a relaxed yet thoughtful atmosphere. Most of the couples drawn to Stone Acres are looking for an elevated backyard-style celebration, where the focus is on connection, nature, and great food rather than formality.
Nick & Nora’s Story
Nick and Nora were wonderfully laid-back, but Nora also had a clear and beautiful vision for their day. With around 140 guests, their wedding felt full of energy while still staying personal and intimate.
I first met Nora and Nick a few years earlier when I photographed her brother’s wedding. From the moment they got engaged, Nora already knew she wanted me to be part of their day, which meant more to me than I can easily explain. Having that connection with their family made everything feel even more special.
From the very beginning, I was intentional about creating a pace that felt relaxed and supportive, so Nick and Nora could stay fully present with each other throughout the day. We approached their portraits in a way that allowed space for real moments rather than rushing from one thing to the next. Because of that, everything felt natural and unforced. What stood out most about them was how kind, grounded, and genuinely joyful they were together. Their love felt easy, and it carried through every part of the day.
Getting Ready & First Look
Nick and Nora both got ready inside the historic home on the Stone Acres property. The women gathered upstairs in light-filled bedrooms, while the men spent their morning in the downstairs library and study. With tall ceilings, fireplaces, mirrors, and large windows, the house offered beautiful natural light and timeless backdrops in every room.
They chose to do a private first look, which became one of the most emotional moments of the day. Because the rain was still gently falling, they met inside a small greenhouse tucked into the side yard. The photo team stayed back and used long lenses so they could truly have that moment to themselves. Watching them take in the day together, quietly and without an audience, felt incredibly meaningful.
A Garden Ceremony
Nick and Nora were married in the gardens at Stone Acres Farm. Instead of using the gazebo as the focal point, Nora chose to shift the layout so the ceremony would open toward the gardens and the historic greenhouses. It was a beautiful choice that let the natural setting become part of their story.
The ceremony felt deeply emotional. One of the most touching moments was their ring-warming ceremony, where the rings were passed through their guests so everyone could offer a blessing. That simple gesture filled the space with so much love and intention, and you could feel how supported they were by their community.
Portraits on the Estate
Most of Nick and Nora’s portraits took place outdoors, surrounded by the gardens and open meadows of Stone Acres. The misty, overcast sky gave us the softest, most flattering light, which worked beautifully for both film and digital photography.
Without a traditional golden hour, we leaned into the dreamy quality of the diffused light. Their portraits feel classic and timeless, with a blend of gently directed moments and natural, candid interactions. The result was a set of images that feels both editorial and deeply personal.
A Tented Celebration
Both the cocktail hour and reception unfolded beneath tents, adding to the effortless garden-party atmosphere of the evening. The reception took place in a clear-sided tent with the flaps closed to keep everyone warm, while string lights glowed overhead and round tables with wooden chairs were styled with wildflowers, soft blue linens, and playful disco balls.
With a live band leading the night, the energy never dipped. The celebration felt joyful, romantic, and full of movement, the kind of night where the dance floor never empties and every moment feels alive.
One of the most unforgettable surprises came when Nick gifted Nora a live painter, who created a piece of art in real time as their guests danced and laughed all around them. It was a beautiful, unexpected way to preserve the spirit of the evening as it was happening.
It was the perfect ending to a day that felt thoughtful, elegant, and full of heart.
If you’re planning a Stone Acres Farm wedding in Stonington and want photography that feels timeless, intentional, and deeply personal, I would love to tell your story.
Creative Team
Planner: One for the Books Events
Venue: Stone Acres Farm
Florals: Liz Defeo
Catering & Cake: Gourmet Galley
Band: Clockwork Boston
Hair: Rebecca Mason (Rooted Salon)
Makeup: Hailey Miraglia
Video: Tracy Trejo
Stationery: Minted
If you love this soft, garden-forward style of celebration, you might also enjoy this Smith Farm Gardens wedding, another one of my favorite Connecticut venues for couples who want their day to feel elegant, natural, and full of light.
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