Vendor Highlight | Prime Tobacconist
PRIME TOBACCONIST
If you’ve been one of my wedding clients in the last decade, then you’ll certainly recognize today’s highlighted vendor! Some things in life naturally go hand in hand, and for Arturo, that’s weddings and cigars. For the past decade, Arturo has been right alongside me, capturing wedding days through the lens at Shaina Lee Photography. He understands the rhythm of a wedding day, the moments that matter, and the experience couples want to create for their guests. So when he co-opened Prime Tobacconist, a premium cigar lounge and shop in Milford, Connecticut, it felt like a natural extension of what we’ve already been building together for years!
When Prime Tobacconist opened its doors nearly two years ago, it wasn’t just about creating a space for cigar enthusiasts; it was about crafting an experience. Bringing that same elevated, welcoming atmosphere into the wedding world was the obvious next step. Today, their curated cigar bar offerings add a refined, memorable touch to celebrations, giving couples a unique way to elevate their guest experience.
Read on to learn more about Arturo’s expertise in the cigar world, as well as the offerings Prime Tobacconist brings to the wedding industry!
Tell me a bit about you and your business. How did you get started in the wedding industry?
Prime Tobacconist is a premium cigar lounge in Milford, Connecticut, built on hospitality, education, and community. We curate exceptional cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we create an atmosphere where people feel welcomed, cared for, and fully present in the moment.
Our entrance into weddings and private events was a natural evolution. I’ve been photographing weddings with Shaina for 10 years, and through witnessing celebrations up close during the last decade, I saw how meaningful details elevate an already special day. Cigars have long been associated with celebration; they mark milestones, honor achievement, and bring people together. Incorporating a refined cigar experience into weddings felt seamless.
Today, we thoughtfully serve weddings, golf outings, and corporate gatherings, always with the same intention: to enhance the occasion with warmth, professionalism, and a memorable experience.
What do you enjoy most about working with couples on their wedding day?
I enjoy helping couples discover how a cigar experience can become an unexpected highlight of their celebration. Weddings bring together generations: seasoned aficionados, casual enthusiasts, and guests who may only smoke once a year in honor of something meaningful. When presented thoughtfully, a cigar becomes more than a product; it becomes a shared ritual. It creates a moment where guests gather, slow down, reflect, and connect.
Seeing a group of guests step away from the dance floor for conversation under the night sky… that’s special. Being entrusted to create that atmosphere is something I truly value!
What should couples know about your process and about working with you?
With over 30 years as a cigar enthusiast, six years as an industry representative, and nearly two years as co-owner of a premium lounge, I bring deep product knowledge and service expertise to every event. Coupled with a decade of photographing weddings alongside my wife, I understand how important it is for vendors to be seamless, calm, and unobtrusive.
Our process is designed to be effortless for the couple. We guide selection based on guest profile, venue setting, and overall aesthetic. We can incorporate custom touches when desired, and we handle the details so couples can focus on enjoying their day.
Above all, our role is to complement the celebration, never complicate it.
How early should couples book you to ensure you'll be available for their wedding day?
We recommend booking 4-6 months in advance. This allows ample time for planning, customization, and coordination with the venue or planner. It also ensures availability during peak wedding season. Early booking provides peace of mind, one more meaningful detail thoughtfully handled.
What is one tip or piece of advice you'd give a couple for their wedding day?
Be present with each other. The planning is extensive, the details are beautiful, but the true magic is in the moments you share. Step away for a breath together. Take it in! Let the day unfold around you. Everyone there is celebrating your love; allow yourself to fully feel it.
If you don't already, be sure to follow Prime Tobacconist to stay up to date with their latest offerings!
Facebook: Prime Tobacconist
Instagram: @prime_tobacconist
I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Arturo’s business, Prime Tobacconist! Will you be enhancing your wedding guests’ experience with a cigar bar?
Floral Design: Loreta Daka Floral Boutique
