Jonathan Edwards Winery Wedding in North Stonington, CT | Ashley & Jim
A JONATHAN EDWARDS WINERY WEDDING
Ashley and Jim’s wedding celebration at Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut went down in the books as one of our favorite weddings we’ve photographed! These two were supposed to get married in 2020, but their postponement was well worth the wait. Their Connecticut vineyard wedding was absolutely perfect from start to finish! If there’s one thing in this world that’s for certain, it’s that Ashley and Jim are truly, madly, deeply in love. As I was culling their photos before I began editing, there were so many sweet moments where we caught them just glancing adoringly at each other throughout their wedding day!
Arturo and I first photographed Jim and Ashley at their Southport Harbor engagement session last summer. Five minutes into their session, we knew these two were going to be a wonderful couple to work with! They’re sweet as can be, share a beautiful love, and have incredible style! We loved getting to know Ashley and Jim then, and had been looking forward to their wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery ever since.
Their wedding ceremony took place at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, Connecticut. It was hands down the most stunning churches we’ve ever photographed a wedding in. I have a deep love of historical architecture, and the ornate details both inside and outside the cathedral left me in awe! There were several nods to Ashley’s Irish heritage throughout the wedding day, including a bagpiper playing for guests as they entered and exited the church! As the ceremony began, Jim stood at the altar, waiting for Ashley to appear at the other end of the long aisle. When she arrived at the altar, Jim whispered to her, “You look absolutely beautiful”, just as her dad gave her away. It was a fleeting moment, but my goodness it was one of the sweetest of the day!
After the ceremony, we headed to Jonathan Edwards Winery for portraits. Arturo and I enjoyed so much about this venue, especially its scenery and endless photography locations. Even better, the winery closes down for private events and weddings, so we really could take the bride and groom wherever we wanted for newlywed portraits. We spent time among the grapevines as we photographed Ashley and Jim, and these two were just bursting with joy and excitement!
Their tented wedding reception took place on the outskirts of the Jonathan Edwards Winery property. Lush florals and candles served as centerpieces for each guest table as string lights hung from the top of the tent. Ashley and Jim were celebrated with heartfelt toasts, plenty of laughter, and endless dancing late into the evening!
THE LOVE STORY
Jim and Ashley met at an annual ugly sweater party in December 2014. She had been friends with the host of the party, Colton, since childhood, and Jimmy became friends with him while on the swim team together in college. Ashley made the first move and introduced herself to Jim. He quickly realized that she was quite the catch, so over Christmas break that year he couch-surfed at a friend’s house for two weeks so he could stay on Long Island to keep seeing Ashley. The rest is history!
Congratulations Ashley and Jim! Thank you for including us in your day; it was an honor to be the ones to document it!
I just adored Ashley’s timeless summer bridal style!
Jim looked dapper as ever in his classic tuxedo!
They’re MARRIED!
Jim and Ashley had the sweetest group of people surrounding them on their wedding day!
These two are an incredible joy to photograph. The love and happiness they share can be seen in every one of their portraits!
I hope you enjoyed this summer wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery! Do you know Ashley and Jim? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Reception Venue: Jonathan Edwards Winery | Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick Cathedral | Photography: Shaina Lee Photography | Floral Design: Ladybug Designs | Hair & Makeup: Simply Gorgeous by Erin | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Bride's Wedding Gown Designer: Enzoani | Bridal Salon: Lotus Bridal | Bride's Jewelry: Stefanya Nogueira | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Morilee | Bridesmaids' Dress Boutique: Here Comes the Bridesmaid | Groom & Groomsmen's Attire: San Marko Formals and Fine Men's Wear | Catering & Cake: Russell Morin Catering | Invitations: Minted | Paper Goods: Effimero Lab | Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: W. Kodak Jewelers
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.
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