Real wedding · Milford, Connecticut
Leslie & Miguel
Tyde at Walnut Beach
A best man in a borrowed veil, and a groom who never turned around
- Venue
- Tyde at Walnut Beach
- Location
- Milford, Connecticut
- Setting
- Waterfront
- Season
- Summer
- Photographs
- 26 selected
Their invitation said Thursday, September 18, 5:30 in the evening, and the hours before it were full of small rituals. Two cream vow books sat on a lace veil, one for a husband, one for a wife. Miguel read a note by the window in suspenders and a bow tie. Then his best man showed up in a wig and a veil and tried to get him to turn around. Miguel kept his back turned and laughed through the whole bit.
The real first moment was a first touch at a white column on the balcony, Leslie on one side, Miguel on the other, the Sound bright behind them. Leslie also had a quiet first look with her father indoors. Out on the stone terrace, a flower girl scattered petals down the aisle, her father walked Leslie to a white arch heavy with roses and greenery, and the kiss drew applause from every row. The water stayed calm and silver behind them.
After sunset they went down to the sand, and the light turned deep blue while her long veil drifted across the frame. On the way back up they stole a kiss in the elevator. Inside, chandeliers hung over a room of white linens. There was a toast at a microphone stand, champagne raised at the head table, a signed football held up like a trophy, and a dance floor that stayed full until the end.
Getting ready
Vow books, a pearl-trimmed veil, and a ring bearer in sunglasses kept the prep rooms light.
Details
Ceremony
The stone terrace sits right above the beach, so the Sound fills the frame behind the arch.
Portraits
Waiting until just after sunset gave the beach portraits a deep, even blue.
Celebration
Planning a wedding like this?
A waterfront terrace facing the Sound means your ceremony is lit from across the water, so a start time 60 to 90 minutes before sunset keeps faces glowing instead of squinting. Plan 15 minutes on the sand right after sunset, when the sky turns blue and the water goes still. If you want a first touch instead of a first look, a column or door on the balcony gives you privacy with a view.
