Guilford Yacht Club Wedding with Coastal Views and Sparklers
Emily and Samantha’s wedding at the Guilford Yacht Club in Connecticut felt like a long awaited exhale. After nearly a decade of friendship that grew into love, they celebrated with a day focused on family, the water they both adore, and thoughtful details like a ladybug pin in Emily’s bouquet and a “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” pin for Samantha. Guests were invited to “pick a seat, not a side,” they shared parent dances at the same time, and ended the night with a sparkler send-off captured beautifully by Ariel Grondin Photo.
What made you choose your venue in Guilford, Connecticut?
We both love the water, boats, and that fresh sea breeze. When we toured the Guilford Yacht Club, we knew it was the one, even though it was a little more expensive than we had planned. That same night we couldn’t sleep because we couldn’t stop thinking about it. At 3 a.m., we looked at each other and said, “This is it.” It was the first big decision we made as brides together and it felt so right.
Tell us about your wedding day details.
We got married on Sunday, April 27, 2025. We both honored our grandmothers in small ways: I carried a ladybug pin in my bouquet created by The Harwinton Florist LLC, and Sam had a “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” pin from her grandma. We got ready surrounded by family with hair styling by M.I.L.A Beauty. My brother married Sam and me, and our parents gave speeches that left everyone teary.
For dinner, David Allen Hospitality Group created an incredible buffet with gluten-free and regular options, because everyone should be able to eat as much as they want at a wedding! Our cake, baked by Goodman Delights, was as beautiful as it was delicious.
We came out to our reception dancing to “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross, with music by Local Motion Entertainment keeping the dance floor full all night.
Did you have any unique challenges as a same-sex couple?
Luckily, planning went smoothly. We were just intentional about choosing vendors who we knew would support and celebrate us. Everyone we worked with went above and beyond to make sure we felt comfortable and celebrated. Our photographer, Ariel Grondin Photo, and videographer, Fitzner Productions, both made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera.
What non-traditional elements did you love most?
We did our parent dances at the same time so both of us got to dance with our dads. It ended with the four of us hugging, which was such a full-circle family moment. At the ceremony, we had a sign that said “Pick a seat, not a side, either way we are all family once the knot is tied.”
What was it like choosing your photographer?
Sam is a photographer herself and had gone to school with Ariel Grondin Photo, so it felt natural. Ariel’s style and experience working with same-sex couples made her the perfect choice. She made us feel comfortable and captured all the little details and candid moments that made our day so personal.
How did you decide on your wedding looks?
We both wore gowns from Lastrina Girls featuring designs by Stella York. It was so special to find something that felt like us. Our stationery, created through Zazzle, carried our aesthetic into the small details too, tying everything together beautifully.
What advice do you have for couples planning their wedding?
Plan together and save early. We budgeted for the things that really mattered to us, like string lights over the dance floor, and booked our vendors two years ahead to save stress and money. Work as a team because it’s all about celebrating the two of you.
Photography by Ariel Grondin Photo
Cake Goodman Delights
Caterer David Allen Hospitality Group
DJ Local Motion Entertainment
Dress Lastrina Girls by Stella York
Florist The Harwinton Florist LLC
Hair M.I.L.A Beauty
Makeup facesbykatee
Rings Kay Jewelers
Stationery Zazzle
Venue Guilford Yacht Club
Videographer Fitzner Productions
