The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate Wedding in Middletown, CT | Claire & Mike

A WEDDING AT THE WADSWORTH MANSION AT LONG HILL

If you know me, you know how much I absolutely love the autumn season; the cool, crisp air, the rich fall colors in nature, and the cozy feelings we New Englanders enjoy settling into this time of year. Fall weddings are always some of my favorites, and Claire and Mike’s day at The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, Connecticut was pure magic. With the mansion’s elegant charm, vibrant foliage, and the sweetest couple, everything came together for an unforgettable celebration filled with love, laughter, and the most beautiful colors of the season!

After getting ready for the festivities ahead, Mike and Claire’s day together began with a first look in front of Wadsworth Mansion, one of my favorite spots on the property. Mike’s reaction when he saw Claire for the first time was priceless; his face lit up instantly, and you could just feel how much these two adore each other! Afterward, we took our time exploring the estate’s grounds for portraits. The trees were showing off during the peak of the autumn foliage, with bright reds, golden yellows, and fiery orange tones wrapping the couple in color. It was the perfect backdrop for their elegant, romantic portraits.

Their wedding color palette was inspired by autumn itself: rich, vibrant hues with soft touches of blue woven throughout. From the bridesmaids’ dresses to the floral arrangements and table settings, every detail felt thoughtfully curated and full of personality. It was classic and warm, yet distinctly “them.” As the evening went on, the celebration continued under the glow of string lights and the mansion’s stately columns. Friends and family toasted, laughed, and danced the night away, a perfect ending to a day filled with heartfelt moments!

THE LOVE STORY

Mike and Claire met on October 10, 2019, when they both swiped right on Tinder. Mike sent Claire a message saying, “Are you today’s date? Because you’re a 10/10.” Claire messaged back, “That’s cute. I hope you used that on a lot of girls today.” Little did the pair know that a cheesy pick-up line and a snarky comment back would lead to a great love!

A few days before Halloween, Claire and Mike went on their very first date at a local brewery. They talked for so long that the bar eventually closed, forcing them to find another spot just to keep the night going! Less than three weeks later, and after a Mayday Parade concert with friends, Mike officially asked Claire to be his girlfriend.

That first New Year’s Eve together marked the start of a cherished tradition: ringing in the new year surrounded by some of their closest friends. Just a few months later, the world shut down in March of 2020. When quarantine began, Claire’s family kindly invited Mike to stay with them “for a few days”, which quickly turned into a few months. Those months became a time of laughter, comfort, and deep connection; it already felt like they’d been together for years.

In November 2021, Mike had what he called “the idea of the millennium”: Claire should adopt a dog. Enter Humphrey, their beloved pup who completely stole their hearts (and, much to Claire’s mild dismay, became quite the Daddy’s boy). By June 2022, they were ready for their next chapter and moved into their first apartment together. Life as a little family of three was filled with joy, adventure, and the sweet routines that make a home feel like home.

Then came April 7, 2023, a day Claire will never forget. Mike, who had known from the very beginning that Claire was the one, secretly packed an engagement ring for their 14-hour flight to Hawaii (a nerve-wracking mission, to say the least!). Once they arrived, he surprised Claire with her dream car, a shiny new Miata convertible, to cruise around the island. Before meeting up with her family, Mike drove Claire to a special spot they had visited on a previous trip: a quiet platform overlooking the ocean. He asked her to turn toward the water for a photo, and when she turned back around, he was down on one knee. It was the perfect proposal in the most meaningful place, followed by an unforgettable vacation celebrating with family!

Congratulations Claire and Mike! Cheers to many happy years ahead!

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I hope you enjoyed this fall wedding at The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill! Do you know Claire and Mike? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!

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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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