DCA Meadowlands Wedding in Darien, CT | Sarah & Shawn
Sarah and Shawn had wedding guests from around the world who came to celebrate them on their wedding day at the Darien Community Association Meadowlands in Darien, Connecticut! During their Waveny Park engagement session last fall, Sarah mentioned that she might have some family members coming all the way from AUSTRALIA, and they did!! To say that Shawn and Sarah are truly loved is quite the understatement!
Their wedding style was classic, but Sarah and Shawn also wanted to add a southern twist to it. The white and green color palette was a perfect complement, especially since the natural colors in the private garden and grounds of the DCA were so lush and vivid! The forecast originally called for a chance of rain, but instead it turned out to be the best spring day of the year! The french doors that lined the back garden were open all day, allowing guests to come in and out of the reception space as they pleased.
Sarah and Shawn’s wedding day timeline was a photographer’s dream; we didn’t feel rushed at all throughout the day, which ultimately allowed Arturo and me to capture some new poses, angles, and photography techniques that we don’t always have the chance to do at each of the weddings we photograph. Shawn and Sarah were 100% up for whatever we wanted to do, and as a result we were able to create some of our new favorite portfolio images! Arturo and I are forever grateful for our sweet couples who allow us to be a little extra creative at these times!
A DARIEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEADOWLANDS WEDDING
The DCA Meadowlands is a beautiful estate with plenty of historic character. Some of our favorite wedding venues include old mansions and estates, and the DCA can now be added to that list!! The rooms were filled with plenty of natural light, and I could not get enough of the wonderful grounds!
Sarah is a ball of sunshine, and I don’t think the smile left her face all day! She and her girls got ready in the sun-filled bridal suite where I was able to capture some of my favorite bridal portraits to date. Sarah’s bridal style was classic and elegant. One of my absolute favorite details of the day is the fact that the diamond in her engagement ring is actually a family heirloom! Shawn and his groomsmen prepped for the day’s festivities in the room next door with a wall of windows that looked down into the back garden where the ceremony would take place.
Sarah and Shawn were married in front of 100 of their closest friends and family from around the world. Their wedding ceremony was filled with sweet personal details and officiated by Shawn’s aunt. At the end of the ceremony Shawn broke a glass to honor Sarah’s Jewish heritage, followed by all of their guests cheering “Mazel tov!” as the newlyweds shared their first kiss! They had soft golden sunlight behind them as they walked up the aisle and took their first steps as husband and wife together!
During their newlywed portraits, we lucked out with the most romantic glow as the sun started to dip down towards the horizon line. On the day of their engagement session, it was about 30 degrees with strong winds, so we all appreciated the lovely temperatures and sunshine of Shawn and Sarah’s wedding day! We spent our time together on the front lawn, snapping photos of the new Mr. & Mrs. as they basked in the fact they were finally married!!
Arturo and I always love when our couples bring their personalities and style into their wedding day, and this is exactly what Sarah and Shawn did. They’re a quieter, laid back couple which meant they decided to forgo traditional reception entrances and kicked off the party with their first dance once everyone was seated. Shawn and Sarah swayed back and forth together on the dance floor, completely wrapped up in each others arms. After speeches, dinner, the cake cutting, and parent dances, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away to celebrate the beautiful day!
THE LOVE STORY
Shawn and Sarah met at a conference in Boston when they were both working different jobs at a bank. He was living in Cleveland and she in New York City. When Shawn heard that Sarah was planning a trip the next month to visit a friend in Chicago, he decided to visit his friend, who also lived in Chicago, that same weekend as well! They all had a great time together, which eventually led to Sarah and Shawn speaking on the phone and texting each other the details of their days. Later on the two spent a weekend in Philadelphia, met up in Chicago again, and began visiting each other in their respective cities. Two years later Shawn moved to New York City, got a new job, and the rest is history!
The newlyweds are taking a mini honeymoon to Anguilla to soak up some sunshine and celebrate this new season of life together! Sarah and Shawn, it was an honor to be part of your day. Wishing you many years ahead filled with love, laughter, and plenty of global adventures!
I loved these sweet moments Sarah shared with her mom!
This just may be one of our favorite ceremony spaces of all time! Who wouldn’t want to get married in a beautiful private garden of a historic estate?!
Mazel tov!
I couldn’t get enough of that beautiful golden backlight at the end of the wedding ceremony!
Shawn and Sarah’s wedding party was such a great bunch!
The light was absolutely perfect that day!
Look at that GLOW!! Sarah and Shawn absolutely ROCKED their newlywed portraits!
The front lawn of the DCA is a stunning location for romantic portraits!
You can never go wrong with a classic wedding cake paired with some florals!
I hope you enjoyed this DCA Meadowlands wedding! Do you know Sarah and Shawn? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Wedding Planner: Laura Boulton Events | Wedding Venue: DCA Meadowlands | Photography: Shaina Lee Photography | Officiant: Tina Voigtlander | Floral Design: Flowers by Danielle | Hair: Stylin’ | Makeup: Khali Bridgewater | DJ: Jay McElfresh | Catering: ODeen's Barbecue | Cake: Lovely Cakes | Bride's Wedding Gown Designer: Anne Barge | Bridal Salon: The Plumed Serpent | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Bridesmaids' Dress Boutique: Nordstrom | Groom’s Attire: Paul Stuart | Specialty Lighting: Spectrum Lighting | Invitations: Invites by Darlene | Engagement Ring: family heirloom (setting by Michael Herman New York) | Bride’s Wedding Ring & Groom’s Wedding Ring: Michael Herman New York
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, Hawaii and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.
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