Set on the shore of Long Island Sound in Waterford, Connecticut, Harkness Memorial State Park is home to Eolia, a 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion built in 1906 for Edward and Mary Harkness. With over 300 acres of lawns, water views and formal gardens designed by famed landscape architect Beatrix Farrand, it’s one of the most romantic wedding venues on the Connecticut shoreline, and one I love returning to. You can see it come to life in Haley & Anthony’s garden wedding and Alexa & Andrew’s wedding overlooking Long Island Sound.

Gardens made for first looks and ceremonies

The formal gardens are the heart of an Eolia wedding. The East Garden, with its winding paths, flowering borders and tucked-away corners, is perfect for a private first look with your wedding party close by. The West (Italian) Garden, framed by its pergola and stone details, makes an unforgettable ceremony setting. Beyond the gardens, the sweeping mansion lawn and the open views across the Sound give us endless variety for portraits without ever leaving the property.

A mansion with presence

Eolia itself is a showstopper. Couples can get ready inside the historic mansion, where soft window light and a grand white staircase make for elegant, timeless portraits. Ceremonies can be held indoors or outdoors, and receptions take place in the mansion or under a tent in the south courtyard, so there’s a beautiful backup plan no matter what New England weather brings.

Working with shoreline light

Waterfront venues are stunning, but the light can be tricky: bright, reflective water, deep shade under old trees in the gardens, and fast-changing skies coming off the Sound. I plan portraits around the best light of the day, use the shade of the gardens and pergola to keep skin tones soft, and save time for golden hour when the sun sets over the water. After dark, a little off-camera flash lets the mansion, the pergola and the courtyard glow without losing the mood of the night.

Planning your wedding at Eolia and Harkness Park? Get in touch to check my availability for your date.