My two grooms, TJ and Shawn called me, super excited for their elopement in Hartford this Winter. They knew they wanted to have their dinner at republic at the Linden in Hartford, but weren’t exactly sure where they wanted to have their ceremony. They couldn’t have googled a better photographer for their Hartford elopement, am I right? My only option for them, hands down was the opulent and amazing Hartford City Hall, right on Main Street in Hartford CT. The truth? It’s not built like other city halls. Need proof? Just take a look for yourself!
Don’t scroll too fast or you will miss Shawn and TJ’s getting ready photos. I suggested The Goodwin Hotel in Hartford as a GORGEOUS and convenient place for them to get ready. It made the day so easy, walkable and fun. Despite the cold temperatures we had such a fun time as we (briskly) walked down Asylum, over to the iconic Pratt Street and my favorite Hartford shop, Hartford Prints!
Creative Partners for Shawn and TJ’s Hartford City Hall elopement:
Ceremony venue: Hartford City Hall, Hartford CT
Officiant: Carlos Hernandez-Chavez – my Father!
Getting ready location: The Goodwin Hotel, Hartford CT
Florals: A Special Place, West Hartford CT
Reception venue: Republic at the Linden, Hartford CT
To add some fun to their getting ready TJ and Shawn had these cute jammies monogrammed with their initials for them to be cozy in! I suggested they bring some personal things to make the hotel room feel a little more like them and they were more than happy to oblige. They brought in framed photos and the makings for mimosas. It was a really intimate and special way to get ready and I loved it.
The blue ceilings in The Goodwin Hotel are one of my favorite decor statements. LOVE.
As soon as I walked into their suite I KNEW this would have to happen. I am so in love with this!!
During their getting ready I learned SO MUCH about men’s fashion tips. TJ is involved in the fashion industry and has so many tips for suit wearing folks! Did you know there is an inside jacket pocket for your OPERA TICKETS. HELLO.
I love stopping outside of Hartford Prints! for photographs. They always have their sign out and it changes often. This message hit the mark! We loved it!
Pratt Street is such a great spot to stop for photos on your way to your Hartford City Hall elopement!
The Gold Building on Main Street in Hartford is one of the most fun places to play.
Hands down my FAVORITE Hartford landmark, Calder’s Stegosaurus sculpture.
TJ warned me that his Dad is an emotional guy. (MY VERY FAVORITE) I knew it would only be a matter of time before they broke down…
This moment made me weep, it was so special, so raw, so real.
The cutest little ring bearer ever in all the land!!
Shawn and TJ did their first dance after their ceremony. It’s a sweet and safe way to still enjoy some of the bigger wedding traditions.
After poking around Hartford City Hall for photos after the ceremony we walked a block over the Republic at The Linden on Capitol Ave and Main Street.
This was the spot of their first kiss!
Talk about NOOKS. It’s like NOOK FARM up in this place!
TJ’s Mom had the perfect toast; short, sweet, emotional, honest.
TJ and Shawn, thank you for googling whatever you googled that led you to me. Thank you for reaching out to me and connecting! I adore you both and am excited to be your photographer for life! You can’t shake me now! XOXO
To see more wedding photographed by Connecticut wedding photographer Carla Ten Eyck click the links below:
Ari + Matt’s Hartford City Hall Elopement
Goodwin Hotel Hartford Inspiration Shoot
Rachel + Rob’s Intimate Winvian Farm Wedding
Stacy + Jessica’s Joyful Wadsworth Mansion Wedding
Alex + Alexa’s Intimate Autumn Wedding at The Chatfield Hollow Inn, Killingworth CT
The pictures were beautiful I’m Shawn’s mom thank you
I will keep you in prayer that God may grant you happiness, guidance and peace.
They are all beautiful pictures! Very well done! I’m so happy for both of them! My daughter, Crystal, and Shawn were best friends going to school together which seems like it was just yesterday.