Modern Tented Wedding at Willow Hill in Connecticut

Willow Hill in Connecticut is a hidden gem for couples dreaming of an elegant tented wedding on a private estate.

This was a fully styled editorial designed by the incredibly talented Sarah Brehant Events, and featured a real couple whose connection brought the entire vision to life. Set at the stunning Willow Hill, a private estate in Connecticut, the day was crafted to showcase how elevated, modern, and personal a tented wedding can feel in New England.

We are thrilled to announce that this editorial has been featured on Carats & Cake. A true honor to see this vision brought to life on such a distinguished platform. Check out the full feature here.

We’ve all seen the classic “coastal New England” wedding aesthetic, but this editorial flipped that on its head. The creative team leaned into cleaner lines, striking floral textures, and thoughtful details that gave the celebration a fresh, fashion-forward edge while still feeling rooted in natural beauty.

Why Willow Hill Is One of the Most Versatile Wedding Venues in Connecticut

If you haven’t been to Willow Hill, let this be your introduction. Tucked into the Connecticut countryside, this private estate offers total seclusion, expansive grounds, and space to fully customize your wedding experience. The property is a dream for tented celebrations, offering both open-sky ceremony spots and plenty of room for a spacious, beautifully styled reception tent.

Whether your vision leans traditional or modern, Willow Hill offers a refined but relaxed atmosphere that’s rare to find in New England.

Styling That Felt Personal, Clean, and Modern

The couple flew all the way from Paris for this shoot! Their portraits were full of movement and intimacy, bringing the editorial vision into something more real, more emotional. The overall aesthetic was modern and editorial, but still warm and inviting. Exactly the kind of energy couples want to bring to their own celebration.

One of the standout elements was the custom-designed gown, created specifically for our bride. The silhouette was sleek and minimal, with clean lines that echoed the overall design of the day. It was a perfect example of how fashion-forward choices can elevate a wedding look without overwhelming it.

Modern Outdoor Ceremony Inspiration

The ceremony setup in the forest was modern and sculptural, balancing simplicity with strong floral design. White and green florals were layered with unexpected textures that brought structure and a little edge to the softness. The floral pillers felt like a fresh take on classic ceremony installations: clean, airy, and grounded by natural materials.

Fashion-Forward Portraits with Editorial Energy

The portrait session embraced a more editorial approach to wedding photography, leaning into movement, confidence, and playful styling.

To elevate the look even further, we brought in fashion-forward accessories, including a pair of statement sunglasses that added just the right amount of edge. The result was a set of portraits that felt modern, stylish, and full of personality, like something you’d see in a bridal fashion campaign. These images show that wedding portraits can be elevated and expressive while still feeling effortless and real.

Sunset Portraits

As the sun dropped lower over the estate, we stepped into the field for a quiet moment of portraits. The golden light was clean and directionalc asting a soft warmth across the tall grass and giving everything a subtle glow.

Elevated Cocktail Hour with Unexpected Details

Cocktail hour took place just steps from the ceremony space. The design carried through with clean, modern styling. The florals were minimal but sculptural, and the tablescapes featured asparagus woven into the arrangements, adding texture and a touch of the unexpected.

Guests were welcomed with two signature drinks: a cucumber-infused cocktail that was crisp and refreshing, and a bourbon-based option with deeper, spiced notes. Together, they struck the perfect balance. Every detail, from the custom bar signage to the drooping blueberry garland felt intentional.

Elevated Reception Details Under the Tent

The tented reception design was the perfect mix of refined minimalism and warm, inviting texture. Long tables were dressed with layered neutrals, crisp linens, and modern centerpieces. Candlelight filled the space with a soft glow.

The paper details were equally stunning, from contemporary place cards to a hand sewn menu at each setting. Every piece of the reception felt intentional, curated, and elevated without being overdone.

As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I love when a venue offers this much natural beauty, flexibility, and light. Willow Hill has all the makings of a perfect estate wedding location: open space, elegant backdrops, and plenty of room to make the day your own. Every angle offered something beautiful, whether it was portraits by the field or capturing the glow of the tent at sunset.

If you’re drawn to a more modern take on New England weddings—or you’re dreaming of a tented celebration at a private estate like Willow Hill, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're planning an intimate outdoor gathering or a full weekend celebration, let’s create something that feels like you.

CREDITS

Planning, Design, + Host: Sarah Brehant of Sarah Brehant Events
Venue: Events at Willow Hill
Tent: Greenwich Tent Company
Photographer: Photos by Annalee
Video: Windward Weddings
Floral Design: Traveling Flower Ladies
Hair: Good Vibes Beauty Co.
Makeup: Nellie Marie
Lighting & Draping: Exquisite Events Lights + Decor
Stationery + Signage: Souly Co.
Content Creator: Carleton Socials
Rentals: Squiggle Rentals, Form Creative Services, Nuage Designs, + United Rentals
Restrooms: White Glove Restrooms
Couple: @tom_and_lolitarose
Shoes: She is Cheval
Fine Jewelry: Tesoro Boston
Menswear: Suit Shop
Bridal Stylist: Julie Centofani
Bridal Gowns: Era Bride by Andria Bird
Bridal Salons: Glo Bridal + Love Bird Bridal Shop
Veil & Scarf: Dancing Birch