Sep 44 min read

French-Country Inspired Wedding at The Estate in New Haven

Are you excited to be in Paris?

Oui!

If you spend as much time on TikTok as I do, you can see why this viral sound comes to mind! In any case, humor me and check out our…

Summertime French-country inspired styled wedding shoot at The Estate in New Haven

This historic venue, with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with vibrant color and creative collaboration.

We embraced the Summer sunshine with bright florals that popped beautifully against The Estate's gardens. Our models and vendor dream team brought the romantic, French-country vibe to life, making every shot feel like a scene from a fairytale.

The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared passion for our craft, and I’m thrilled to have been part of such a beautiful project.

Styled Shoots are NOT a Dirty Word

Styled shoots are more than just beautiful photos—they’re a vital opportunity for wedding creatives to bring different ideas to the table, showcase their unique styles, and even try out something new. These shoots are meant to be inspiring, not misleading, as I’ve heard them critiqued so often.

They allow us to experiment, to see what works and what doesn’t, all in a setting where creativity can flourish. After all, we shouldn’t be experimenting on your wedding day!

Remember, wedding vendors are creatives. In order for us to keep bringing you the latest and greatest, we have to keep learning and growing.

This particular shoot at The Estate in New Haven was a perfect example. We had the chance to blend the historic charm of the venue with a vibrant, Summertime French-country theme, all while collaborating with an incredible team of vendors. It’s in these shoots that get to we educate ourselves and refine our craft, ensuring your real wedding day runs smoothly.

Styled shoots provide an incredible opportunity for couples to see which photographer's work truly resonates with them. It's not just about narrowing things down to “light and airy” or “dark and moody.” Instead, it's about noticing which moments each photographer thought were important to capture. Did they see the subject the same way? What emotions did they choose to highlight?

Personally, I love how they each photographed me—they captured totally different essences, and yet are still authentically me. That’s the beauty of a styled shoot—it’s not just a creative outlet for vendors, but a chance for couples to find the photographer whose vision aligns with their own, ensuring their wedding day memories are captured exactly as they envision. So, next time that you see a styled shoot, don't scroll past. Dig in and enjoy the opportunity and inspiration.

Photo credits (From Left to right): Simply K, Brittany Graf, Dan Brehant

Trio of Talent

What made this shoot even more special was the unique approach we took by inviting three talented photographers: Dan Brehant, Simply K, and Brittany Graf. They each brought their own perspective, capturing the details in ways that highlighted the venue's versatility. Watching them collaborate, share ideas, and truly enjoy the process was a reminder of why I love being part of this industry.

I’m including separate galleries so you can really get a sense of each photographer’s style. I highly recommend each of these photographers. They’re vibrant, kind, professional, and true artists who will bring your vision to life with passion and precision.

Inspiration for a Summer Wedding at The Estate

Our team designed two tablescapes—one in the garden and another in the elegant dining room—both radiating timeless charm.

From the bright florals by Elegant Bloom Rentals and Flowers by Jennifer NH to the stunning tablescapes designed by The Heirloom Gallery, every element was thoughtfully curated. You should have seen the group chat leading up to the day. We were all so excited to bring our favorite new ideas to the table!

The bridal gown from Julie Allen Bridals and the tuxedo from Modern Formals Middletown were perfect complements to the theme, while the stationery by Covenant Calligraphy and the cake by Moneta Moments added those extra chic touches of je ne sais quoi (Too much? Sorry, I’ve been binging the newest season of Emily In Paris!)

Wedding Season is Just Flying By

One of the most fascinating aspects of styled shoots is seeing how different photographers capture the same scene, revealing their unique perspectives. In our recent shoot at The Estate, both Dan Brehant and Brittani Graff brought their distinct styles to the table, creating galleries that are so stylistically different yet equally captivating.

My favorite moment was when Dan and Brittany asked me to pose in the archway so they could try out a new shutter speed feature. They’re some of my favorite photos and the best way to caption wedding season.

Styled shoots like this one are where we hone our skills, test new ideas, and build the partnerships that make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of.

Without further ado (or should I say, “Adieu”), check out these incredible highlights and vendor team! Are you thinking of having your wedding at The Estate in New Haven, CT? I hope these inspire you!

Here’s the list with the titles next to each link:

Photographers Dan Brehant, Simply K, Brittany Graf

Content Creation Content Creation CT

Venue The Estate, New Haven

Hair MCS Hair Styles

Makeup Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry

Music Ariana Strings

Models Victoria Grace, Kim Schindler, John Hypolitee, Tina Kiniry Management

Florals Elegant Bloom Rentals, Flowers by Jennifer NH

Tablescape Design & Rentals The Heirloom Gallery

Stationery Covenant Calligraphy

Dress Julie Allen Bridals