Elisa and Alan Branford House - Meraki Photo, Inc. Award-Winning Connecticut Photographers

Elisa and Alan Gatsby Wedding

Branford House Groton, CT

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Is there such a thing as love at first chat? If so, Elisa was definitely it! From the very first phone call, I was hooked. I absolutely loved every single thing she was telling me about her and Alan’s wedding - from a solely candlelit dinner to discussing her Italian heritage. Every call I had with Elisa on her journey of planning their wedding was always like talking with an old friend.

I actually never got to meet Elisa and Alan until their actual wedding day (they live in DC). Needless to say, I was overjoyed on their wedding day to finally meet my now darling friend. She did not disappoint! Looking like an actual celebrity (donning the robe to fit the look) and she legit resembles Liv Tyler (I love Liv and Rex Manning day equally), she was so welcoming, warm and just absolutely perfect. I think I told her only like 100 times I'm obsessed with her (totally normal).

Elisa was so excited for every photo idea, for every aspect of her and Alan’s wedding and she absolutely NAILED her vision. White long stem roses lining the ceremony aisle (placed gently in the ground, sticking straight up) with their friends and family facing inward to take in the gorgeous ocean view as well as the absolutely gorgeous couple getting married; the Polish tradition of taking a shot of vodka during the ceremony with their parents; a full blown candlelit (it literally felt like ten thousand candles lighting the room and it was something literally out of a movie scene) dinner, intimate and romantic; a gelato and espresso carts; outdoor dancing under the moonlight and the most incredible photo op/chillax area near the dance floor that had the greatest decoration of all - a porcelain dog holding a tray.

Working with Elisa and Alan was an absolute photographer’s dream. They were so much fun, her vision was that of a Vogue spread and they’re gorgeousness isn’t only on the outside - but the inside too. It felt like being around lifelong friends the day of their wedding, only just meeting them that day but talking to Elisa tons of times beforehand on the phone.

I’m so grateful to know this beautiful couple. I am so excited how everything turned out, how Elisa’s vision was perfectly executed and how she gave us total creative freedom to come with the most artsy and beautiful photos for this darling couple.

I cannot wait to see these two again, hopefully when I’m in DC next!

Congratulations, Elisa and Alan!!!

All my love L

Rayleen, Meraki Photo, Inc.

Photography by yours truly, second shooter by Zmimi Photography

Videography by Kurt Garceau Photo + Film

Planning by Elisa and Ashley Lynn Events

Venue The Branford House @ Uconn Avery Point

Catering by 85th Day Food Community

Elisa’s dress by WONÁ Concept from WONA bridal

Elisa’s reception dress by Oh Polly

Elisa’s shoes by René Caovilla by FARFETCH