Real wedding · Branford, Connecticut
Ayan & Guleid
The Woodwinds
Olive velvet in the March cold, then emerald and gold after dark
- Venue
- The Woodwinds
- Location
- Branford, Connecticut
- Setting
- Estate & club
- Photographs
- 25 selected
March in Connecticut does not ease in, and this day was cold enough to see your breath. The trees around The Woodwinds were still bare, which made the color inside feel even richer. Guleid dressed in a black tuxedo with a greenery boutonniere and a very easy smile. Ayan came down the white double staircase in a lace ball gown, a big bouquet of eucalyptus held in front of her.
Their first look happened in the empty ballroom under the chandeliers, Guleid turning around to find her right behind him. I draped her veil over both of them for a frame that ended up being one of my favorites. Then the bridesmaids, all in olive velvet, headed outside into the cold without a single complaint. They laughed through it under the pines, the groomsmen lined up in front of the white porch, and everyone ran back in to warm up.
Rings were exchanged in a warm corner framed by gold sequin drapes and a cream sofa. The reception opened with the couple dancing across a floor scattered with red petals while the wedding party clapped from both sides. Later, Ayan changed into an emerald gown heavy with gold embroidery and a matching head covering, and walked out to the pines once more. The cake, ombre green with gold leaf, was the final nod to the palette.
Getting ready
Details
Ceremony
A small, close ring exchange framed in gold and cream.
Portraits
Olive velvet and bare March woods made a surprisingly warm pairing.
Celebration
Red petals, a green ombre cake and an emerald outfit change.
Planning a wedding like this?
Early spring in New England can still be freezing, so plan outdoor wedding party photos in short bursts and keep coats and a warm room close by. Evergreens and dark velvet photograph well against bare trees, so lean into the season rather than fighting it. A grand staircase or empty ballroom makes a reliable indoor first look spot when it's too cold to stand outside.
