Rainy Wedding at Hill-Stead Museum | Farmington, CT

There’s something undeniably romantic about a rainy wedding day, and Natalie and Tom’s celebration at Hill-Stead Museum was the perfect example of making the most of every moment. Despite the weather, their day felt elegant, joyful, and incredibly intimate from beginning to end.

Natalie started the day by getting ready at the Simsbury 1820 house, about 20 minutes away. It was the most perfect small bed and breakfast. Each room had such charm and her suite had wallpaper that complimented her incredibly well.

When we arrived to the venue, we began groomsmen portraits with Tom and his crew. They all looked incredibly dapper for the occasion! The Hill-Stead Museum has a beautiful glass room that overlooks the mountains and has ample natural light. It was the perfect spot for the groomsmen to get ready for the wedding morning.

We grabbed some individual portraits of Natalie and Tom before their first look. Although it was raining, the Hill-Stead museum had some incredible spots that are full of natural light, and we took full advantage! We took some bridal portraits of Natalie right outside of the bridal suite, and some portraits of Tom on the front covered porch.

Their first look was one of my favorite parts of the day. As I was setting Tom up to prepare for Natalie to approach him, he explained that “we don’t do this in the UK”. Looking back, it probably seemed really silly to be “staging” a moment. But, Tom’s reaction says it all, and I think it was TOTALLY worth it!

Since the rain stayed steady through portraits, we used the front porch of Hill-Stead Museum for group photos and couples portraits, and it ended up being the perfect location. The covered space gave us soft light, beautiful architecture, and protection from the rain. It is one of my favorite spots to photograph at the venue even when sunny!

One of my favorite details from the day had to be the florals. The green and white arrangements were fresh and garden-inspired, with cascading amaranthus adding so much movement and texture. Every bouquet complemented the rainy wedding aesthetic perfectly and looked stunning against the museum’s historic backdrop.

Originally planned for the West Lawn, the ceremony was moved indoors to the museum’s gallery space as part of the rainy wedding plan — and honestly, it could not have been more beautiful. The soft natural light pouring through the windows paired perfectly with the timeless artwork and architecture surrounding them. It created such a romantic atmosphere as Natalie and Tom exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Natalie and her mom thrifted stunning porcelain swans that were found all throughout the reception space. They were used to hold matches, as table number holders, and more. It was the perfect small touch that really pulled everything together!

Then, during dinner, the rain finally paused for a few precious minutes. We immediately snuck outside for a few last-minute portraits around the property, and it was absolutely worth it. The misty air, fresh greenery, and quiet atmosphere made for some of the dreamiest images of the entire rainy wedding day.

The night ended with an epic dance party reception. Natalie and Tom’s rainy wedding was proof that sometimes the unexpected moments become the most memorable ones.

VENDOR TEAM

• Photographer: Ephemia Maria Photography
• Venue: Hill-Stead Museum
• Florals: Goldbud Studio
• Invitation Suite: Nat M. Design
• Getting Ready Hotel: Simsbury 1820 House
• Catering: David Alan Hospitality Group