Amanda & Mika’s Stonington Lighthouse Elopement in Connecticut
Amanda & Mika hold a really special place in my heart. They had originally booked with me for their elopement in Asheville, and made plans to travel here from Connecticut for their dream day. A few months later, when a family member faced unexpected health challenges, it became clear that traveling to North Carolina wasn’t possible. Rather than postpone their dream wedding, we pivoted to create something equally as beautiful closer to home.
After hearing their story, I offered to bring my services to them in Connecticut. We had created such a special bond throughout our time working together, and I couldn’t bear to see them go. And to my absolute honor and joy, they accepted my offer, and we began planning their elopement in Connecticut. They stumbled across the historic Stonington Lighthouse Museum, which made a perfect ceremony location. The rocky coastline and historic architecture – although very different from the mountains they had planned on – turned out to be such a beautiful scene for their elopement.
Day Before The Elopement
Being from New England myself, I was really excited about the opportunity to travel up North for an elopement. I know the area really well, and brought my husband with me to help with travel and coordination for their day. They day before, we scouted their wedding day locations in Stonington, and then headed to a nearby waterfall, where they planned to have a picnic. Mika surprised Amanda with a slideshow of videos from friends and family congratulating them and wishing them well, followed by a surprise proposal! I captured each moment from afar, hiding as best as I could so that Amanda wouldn’t see me until after the proposal.
Elopement Day in Stonington & Mystic
Amanda got ready at home with their daughter, and Mika got ready at a nearby Inn. I was able to document each of them getting ready in anticipation for their day. Mika – who is known for her love for gift-giving – surprised Amanda with a vintage car for a memorable ride to the Stonington lighthouse for their ceremony. When Amanda arrived, they had their first look in the gardens by the water, and then said their vows on the stone steps in front of the lighthouse. They had a close friend officiate, and just their daughter as a witness. After celebrating together and exploring the coastline for portraits, we headed to Mystic for an intimate dinner at the Oyster Club with their family & friends. This celebration wasn’t in their original plan for Asheville, so it was a really special addition to their day that made it extra special for them and their loved ones.
Your New England Elopement Photographer
Hey there! I’m Erin. I am currently located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where I specialize in Western North Carolina elopements. In many ways, the mountain landscape here reminds me greatly of where I grew up near the White Mountains – the tall evergreen trees, vast mountain views, fall foliage, and scenic drives. But something you can’t find anywhere else is the magic of New England coast. Areas like Portsmouth New Hampshire, Portland Maine, Stonington & Mystic Connecticut, and Newport Rhode Island are filled with history and charming architecture that feels so nostalgic.
These New England coastal towns make such perfect elopement destinations, and they hold a really special place in my heart. I book local to North Carolina year-round, and take on just 1-2 New England elopements a year when my schedule allows. If New England is calling your name, you can reach out at the link below for my travel schedule! It would be my absolute honor to share these beloved places with you!
