World-eminentsurgeons caringforyou,theirneighbors
RobertE.Michler,MD
Surgeon-in-Chief,Chairman&Professor,SurgeryandCardiothoracic&VascularSurgery,MontefioreEinstein
RobertMichler,MD,isaninternationallyacclaimedheart surgeonwhospecializesincomplexheartsurgery,aortic andmitralvalverepair,andmanagementofthefailing heart.HehaslivedinGreenwich,Connecticut,forover 30years.
Dr.Michlerhasfocusedhiscareeronthedevelopment ofnewknowledgeandsurgicaltechniquesforthe treatmentofcomplexheartdisease.Dr.Michlerlectures extensively,bothnationallyandabroad;isaregularexpert opinionauthor;andhasprovidedregularcommentaryto
NBC’s NightlyNews,the NewYorkTimes andthe WallStreet Journal.Dr.Michlerisafrequentcontributortothefinest medicaljournals,includingthe NewEnglandJournalof Medicine,andhehaslongbeenanNIH-fundedinvestigator.
Dr.Michlerhasbeennameda“MitralValveRepair ReferenceSurgeon”bytheAmericanHeartAssociation andtheMitralFoundationforthequalityofhismitralvalve surgery.Thiscommendationisheldbyonlyahandfulof U.S.heartsurgeons.
1455EastPutnamAve. | Greenwich,CT 203-SURGEON(203-787-4366) specialtysurgeons.com
Guideto RECEPTION SITES
It’stimetoplanthebigday.Here’salistofsomeoftheweddingvenuesacrossConnecticut.
fairfieldcounty
TheAmberRoomColonnade 1StaceyRoad,Danbury, 203-748-3800,theamberroom.net
TheAmberRoomissituatedon26landscaped acresaccentedwithgardensandcourtyards. Agrandballroomisfeaturedalongwith award-winningcuisinepreparedbyexecutive chefChrisHatzis.Upto650guests.
BlackhawkCountryClub
385OronoqueLane,Stratford, 475-273-4120,blackhawkct.com
Theballroomoverlooksthegolfcourseatthis club,whereonlyoneweddingreceptionat atimeiscelebrated.Upto200guests.
CourtyardbyMarriottShelton
780BridgeportAve.,Shelton, 203-929-1500,sheltoncourtyard.com
Afull-servicehotelofferingeventservices,includingreceptions,rehearsaldinnersandexceptional weddingpackages.Upto300guests.
EthanAllenHotel
21LakeAve.Ext.,Danbury, 203-744-1776,ethanallenhotel.com
Experiencelegendarystyleandserviceatthe EthanAllenHotel.Weddingreceptionpackages offerpersonalizedplanning,white-gloveservice andacomplimentarywedding-nightsuitefor thebrideandgroom.Upto500guests.
GardenHouseattheKeelerTavernMuseum
152MainSt.,Ridgefield, 203-438-5485,keelertavernmuseum.org
LocatedonRidgefield’shistoricMainStreet,the GardenHousewasbuiltbycelebratedarchitectCass Gilbert,whopurchasedthecirca-1713KeelerTavern anditssurroundingacresasasummerretreatin1907. Anidyllicsettingthathasmuchtoofferbothindoors andout,theGardenHousepropercanseatupto80 guests,has20-footceilingsframedwithdetailed crownmolding,hardwoodfloorsandafireplace,and issurroundedonthreesidesbyFrenchdoorsthat opentoashelteredbrickterracewithmarblesteps thatleaddowntothebrick-walledsunkengarden.
GrayBarnsontheSilvermineRiver 194PerryAve.,Norwalk, 203-489-9000,graybarns.com
ThebarnatGrayBarnsisareclaimedvintagebeauty thatwasdisassembledinupstateNewYorkand rebuiltonsiteinordertohostweddingsofup to40guestsbetweenAprilandNovember.The propertyalsoincludesapolishedwhite-clapboard innwithsixcountry-chicsuites,atavernthat specializesinfarm-to-tablecuisine,andidyllic gardensforceremoniesoverlookingtheriver.
TheHangaratDanburyAirport 1WallingfordRoad,Danbury, 203-274-6808,onthemarcevents.com/event-spaces/exclusivevenues/ Old-schoolaircraftareapartoftheviewatThe HangaratDanburyAirport.Ceilingsinthisthe sprawling9,000-square-footeventspacesoar morethan25feetinsidethehangar,sothevintage planescanserveascenterpiecesforreceptions ofupto250seatedguests,orchoosetotreatthe openspaceasablankcanvastomakeyourown.
IlPalio 5CorporateDrive,Shelton, 203-944-0770,ilpalioct.com
IlPalioisastylishrestaurantthatfeatures gourmetNewItaliancuisine.Diningrooms areavailableforbridalshowers,rehearsal dinnersandalloccasions.Upto70guests.
TheInnatLongshore 260CompoRoadS.,Westport, 203-226-3316,innatlongshore.com
UninterruptedviewsofLongIslandSoundandthe NorwalkIslands,aprivatebeachanda46-by-105footsailclothtentwithhardwoodfloorsand twinklingbistrolightsthatcanseatupto250 guests,plusasecondsailclothtentwithconnecting canopiesforlargerparties.Thetwo-acrebeachfront propertyisavailablefromMaythroughOctober.
TheJHouseGreenwich
1114E.PutnamAve.,Greenwich, 203-698-6980,jhousegreenwich.com
HostyourdreamweddingatTheJHouseGreenwich andleavewithmemoriesyouwillcherishfora
TheInnatLongshore 260CompoRoadSouth Westport MelaniLustPhotography
lifetime.Yourguestswilldineinluxurywith gourmetcuisine.TheRiversideRoomandPutnam Roombringasenseofeleganceandstyletoany weddingreceptionorceremony.Upto100.
TheLoadingDock 375FairfieldAve.,Stamford, 203-357-7400,loadingdockevents.com
TheLoadingDockismanagedbyrenowned catererAbigailKirsch.Themodernindustrialchicvenueoffersspaceforreceptions,rehearsal dinners,ceremoniesandafter-parties.Ateam ofeventprofessionalswillworkwithyouto ensurethateverydetailofyourbigdaywill benothinglessthanperfect.Upto350.
TheLounsburyHouse 316MainSt.,Ridgefield, 203-438-6962,lounsburyhouse.org
The1896historicmansion,oncehometoGov. PhineasLounsbury,offersachangefromthe ordinary.Bridesmakeabeautifulentranceto thegrandfoyerfromabacklitstaircase.Up to150guests.Provideyourowncaterer.
TheMaritimeAquariumatNorwalk 10NorthWaterSt.,Norwalk, 203-852-0700,maritimeaquarium.org
TheMaritimeAquarium’suniquespace isexpertlytransformedintoaunique
weddingvenuefor300guests. Marygold’sonMain 19MainSt.,Newtown, 203-491-2998,marygoldsonmain.com
Thisrestaurant/boutiqueeventsvenueincludes abridalsuiteandhasacontemporarydesign. Meadowlands 274MiddlesexRoad,Darien, 203-655-9050,dariendca.org
Meadowlands’gardenshaveafountainattheir center,wisteriatreesineachcorner,asecret walled-gardennookladenwithivy,arhododendron arch,andareseasonallycoloredwitheverything
| TheLodgeatTheHops
Yourwedding,yourway.
Aleadingweddingdestination,weoffertwovenuesset amongstbeautifulprivategardens,cascadingwaterfalls, firepits,andadistinctlyrusticatmosphere.
TheHopsCompanyoffersbothindoorandoutdooreventspacesandcan accommodatepartiesof50to350guests. TheGardenatTheHops hasboth modernandrusticfinishes. TheLodgeatTheHops istheperfectblendof eleganceandcharm.
Sinceopening,TheHopsCompanyhashostedover500specialeventsincluding over60weddingsperseason.
Onerecentbridecommented,“Fromthepictureperfectbridalsuitetotheceremony sitethatfitssoperfectlytuckedintonature,tothesailclothtent—weweresold. Wewereabletohaveourdreamwedding.”
Personalizedmenus
Openbar
Arborandceremonyspace
45’x85’sailclothtent orindoorlodge
Outdoorfirepits
Indoorfireplaces
events@thehopscompany.com thehopscompany.com/weddings @thelodgeatthehops @thegardenatthehops
fromdaintypinksnapdragonstofieryorange daylilies—there’sevenanadjacentfour-acrebird sanctuaryontheproperty.Allground-floorrooms haveFrenchdoorsthatopenontothegardens, andperiodroomsliketheMcKitterickroom,which hasafireplaceateachend,andthelibraryare commonlyusedforcocktailhour.Upto200guests.
NouveauMonde
6WashingtonAve.,SandyHook, 203-491-2723,nouveaumondesandyhook.com Thisstylishbistrowithacozyatmospherehas avarietyofeventspacesandcateringmenus forshowers,rehearsaldinners,andwedding receptions.Theprivatediningroomprovides anelegantatmosphere,whilethestand-alone barnspaceisrusticyetrefined.Eventscan beplannedonthewebsiteorviatheprivate eventsconcierge.Upto125guests.
ThePavilionsatPenfieldBeach 323FairfieldBeachRoad,Fairfield, 203-256-3191,pavilionsatpenfieldbeach.com PenfieldPavilion(whichcanhost300guests utilizingseatingbothindoorsandonanoutdoor deck)andtheslightlymorerusticJackyDurrell Pavilion(whichcanhost125doingthesame)put yourightonthesandfacingLongIslandSound
withbluesyviewsasfarastheeyecansee.
TheShoreandCountryClub
220GregoryBlvd.,Norwalk, 203-838-7507,shoreandcountryclub.com
TheShoreandCountryClub,nestledonthe ConnecticutShorelineamidthescenicNorwalk Islandsandharbor,offerstheidyllicsetting tohostyourwedding.Themainballroom haspanoramicviewsoftheNorwalkHarbor andLongIslandSound.Upto200guests.
StamfordMuseumandNatureCenter 39ScofieldtownRoad,Stamford, 203-977-6530,stamfordmuseum.org
Thenaturecenter’sKnoblochFamilyFarmhouse isasrusticchicasitgets,withsophisticated naturalfinishes,exposed-beamceilings;a professionalcateringkitchen;anda1,000-squarefootterracecantileveredoverthenorthpasture ofhistoricHeckscherFarm.TheFedeleFamily FarmhousePlaza,whichincludesafirepit andamillstonefountain,canbeutilizedfor ceremonies.Seatingforupto150guests.
TarrywilePark&Mansion
70SouthernBlvd.,Danbury, 203-744-3130,tarrywile.com
Tarrywileisastunningbrown-shingled,whitetrimmedVictorian.Itsoversizedroomsopen ontoagrandhallwayperfectfordancing.Up to150guests.Provideyourowncaterer.
TrumbullMarriottShelton 180HawleyLane,Trumbull, 203-378-1400,marriott.com/bdrct
TheGrandBallroomprovidesanexciting contemporarysettingforyourwedding reception.Aselectionofweddingpackages isavailable.Upto599guests.
Vazzano’sFourSeasons 337KenyonSt.,Stratford, 203-377-3067,vazzanosfourseasons.com
Thevenueoffersacharmingsettingfor weddingsandbanquets.Upto400guests.
TheKnowlton 305KnowltonSt.,Bridgeport, 203-900-4545,theknowlton.com
TheBoathouseisthelargestofthethreeevent spacesattheKnowltonseatingfor350people andasrusticindustrialasitgets.Thewarehousestylebuildinghasa27-footpeakandthree14-foot garagebaydoorsthatopenontoadeckoverlooking thePequonnockRiverestuaryintheWashington ParkHistoricDistrictonBridgeport’sEastSide. TheWilderGallerycanhaveupto125guestsand theArmstrongGallerycanhaveupto86guests.
TheWatersEdgeatGiovanni’sRestaurant 2748PostRoad,Darien, 203-325-9979,watersedgeatgiovannis.com
Thefacilitiesincludepanoramicwater viewsfromtheterrace,gardenand twoballrooms.Upto450guests.
WhitneyFarmsGolfClub 175SheltonRoad,Monroe, 203-268-4612,whitneyfarmsgc.com
Thisfacilityisnestledonaspectacular golfcourse.ChoosefromtheFireplace RoomortheGolfViewRoom/Ballroomfor yourspecialday.Upto325guests.
hartfordcounty
AquaTurfClub 556MulberrySt.,Plantsville, 860-621-9335,aquaturfclub.com
AquaTurfClubislocatedonbeautifully manicuredgroundswithfourbanquetrooms accommodatingupto650guests.
AvonOldFarmsHotel 279AvonMountainRoad,Avon, 860-677-1651,avonoldfarmshotel.com
Theballroomadjoinsaterraceleadingto landscapedgroundswithagazeboand bridgeforoutdoorceremonies.Luxuryguest roomsareavailable.Upto150guests.
BondBallroom 338AsylumSt.,Hartford, 860-519-5572,bondballroom.com
Connecticut’slargestpenthouseweddingand eventvenue.Featuringexclusivepanoramicviews ofHartford’scityskyline.Upto350guests.
BroadBrookOperaHouse 107MainSt.,BroadBrook, 860-558-9202,broadbrookoperahouse.com
TheTimberRoom,onthesecondfloorofthis restoredQueenAnn-styleoperahouse,isan intricatestudyinexposedchestnutpost-and-beam, canseatupto225guestsandincludestheoriginal stage.ThePondviewRoomonthemainlevelcan
Happily EverAfter StartsHere
LocatedinEasternConnecticut,Wrights MillFarmsitsonover200acresoflandand ishometoanindustrializedindoorbarn. Thefarmhasdozensofbeautifulareas forphotographswithawaterfallasthe backdropforyourceremony.Silos,smaller rusticbuildings,andcountrybackroads makeforarusticfeelwhilekeepingthings modernwithourproperty.
Wespecializeinweddingsandevents andarealwaysopentoanyideasour prospectivecouplesmayhave.Beinga12x winnerofWeddingWireCouplesChoice Awardanda5xwinnerofTheKnotsBestOf Weddings,wearepassionateaboutmaking yourweddingdayanexperienceyouwon’t forget.Contactustodayformorequestions andinformationaboutourvenue!
info@wrightsmillfarm.com
beusedforceremoniesand/orcocktailhour.
ConnecticutConventionCenter
100ColumbusBlvd.,Hartford, 860-249-6000,ctconventions.com
TheConnecticutConventionCenteristheideal locationforweddings,spiritedcelebrationsorany occasionthatdemandsadramaticriverfrontsetting.
DoubletreebyHilton
42CenturyDrive,Bristol, 860-589-7766,doubletree3.hilton.com
Sophisticatedandcontemporarydescribesa celebrationattheDoubletree.Talentedwedding plannersandattentivestaffarededicatedto providinganexceptionallevelofpersonalized servicetomakeyourweddingdayeverything youwantittobe.Callforroomcapacity.
TheFarmingtonPoloClub 162TownFarmRoad,Farmington, 860-677-7341,farmingtonclub.com
TheFarmingtonClubprovidesaperfect settingforalltypesofevents,withlovely gardensavailableforoutdoorceremonies.A refinedstaffservessumptuouscuisineand attendstoeverydetail.Upto380guests.
TheGlastonburyBoathouseatRiverfrontPark 252WellesSt.,Glastonbury, 860-652-4640,glastonburyboathouse.com
Direct-waterfrontceremonieshereofferafront-row seatforspectacularsunsetsontheConnecticut River.Forreceptions,thesecond-floorevent spaceisapolishedmixofmodernindustrial andwaterfrontcottagethatboastsacathedral ceilingwithexposedbeams,gleaminghardwood floors,vastexpansesofwindowsandanadjacent observationdeck.Seatingforupto150guests.
GlastonburyHillsCountryClub
239CountryClubRoad,SouthGlastonbury, 860-633-5253,glastonburyhills.com
The19th-centurymainhouse,setona200acrechampionshipgolfcourse,isrichin architecturalcharacter,offeringunparalleled viewsfromtheSkylineRoom,exquisitecuisine andexcellentservice.Upto350guests.
TheHartfordClub 46ProspectSt.,Hartford, 860-522-1271,hartfordclub.com
An1800smansionlistedontheNationalRegisterof HistoricPlaces,theHartfordClub’sairofold-world elegancecreatesarefinedsettingforwedding receptionsandotheroccasions.Apatioisalso availableforcocktailreceptions.Upto1,000guests.
Hill-SteadMuseum 35MountainRoad,Farmington, 860-677-4787,ext.134,hillstead.org
Acentury-oldestatethatofferstented receptionsonthelawnandsmallweddings inthehistoricgardenorrustictheater. Canaccommodateupto400guests.
TheHinterland 308ArchRoad,Avon, 203-903-7412,thehinterlandct.com
Hinterlandweddingscenteraroundavintage 2,100-square-footwhitebarn.Outdooroptions includeawoodedclearingthatoverlooks distinguishedmembersoftheFirstCompany Governor’sHorseGuardgrazinginthefields nextdoor,andcanbeusedforceremoniesor tentedforreceptionsofupto100guests.
IndianHillCountryClub 111GolfSt.,Newington, 860-666-5600,casamiaonthehill.com
Fromaceremonyandcocktailhouronthepatio toareceptioninthespectacularballroomwith panoramicgolf-courseviews,IndianHillisthe perfectspotfortheweddingofyourdreams, whetheryou’rehosting30orasmanyas200guests.
InfinityMusicHall
32FrontSt.,Hartford, 203-659-0057,infinityhall.com
Weddingsatthisperformancehallcan accommodateupto650guests.The“green room”canbeusedforbridal-partyprep.
KinsmenBrewingCompany
409CanalSt.,Milldale, 860-426-2133,kinsmenbrewing.com
ClarkHall,thevenuespaceatKinsmenBrewingCo., boastsanoversizestonefireplace,exposedbrick, rusticwoods,aviewintothebarrel-agingroom andanimpressivelylargebar.Upto175guests.
MerlotontheWater
27DepotSt.,BroadBrook, 860-370-9962,merlotonthewater.com
Merlotisafull-serviceweddingreception facilitylocatedinthehistoricBroadBrook sectionofEastWindsor.Upto150guests.
TheMillontheRiver
989EllingtonRoad,SouthWindsor, 860-289-7929,themillontheriver.com
TheMillontheRiverispicture-perfectfor weddings,rehearsaldinnersandceremonies inthewaterfrontgazebooronthepromenade deck.Full-timeeventplannershandleallof thespecialdetailstomakeyourwedding trulymemorable.Callforroomcapacity.
Millwright’sRestaurant
77WestSt.,Simsbury, 860-651-5500,millwrightsrestaurant.com
Locatednexttoastunningwaterfall,this historicmillturnedrestaurantcanhostyour partyinthediningroom,thespaciousloftor outside—inanycaseyou’llhaveadazzling waterfallview,andChefTylerAndersonwill createacustommenuforyourevent.
TheNewBritainMuseumofAmericanArt
56LexingtonSt.,NewBritain, 860-229-0257,nbmaa.org
TheNewBritainMuseumofAmericanArtisa uniquevenueoverlookingWalnutPark.TheStanley WorksCenteraccommodates100fordinner;the café,outdoorterracesandmanyoftheartgalleries providespacesforcocktailsandceremonies.
TheNutmegRestaurant
297MainSt.(Route5),EastWindsor, 860-627-7094,thenutmegct.com
ThisNewEnglandmanorwithavarietyof elegantlyappointeddiningroomsoffers thebrideandgroomchoicesforalltypesof weddings,fromceremonytoreception.Wedding packagesavailable.Upto120guests.
TheOldStateHouse 800MainSt.,Hartford, 860-240-5340,wp.cga.ct.gov/osh
Weddingsherearecenteredonthefirstfloorofthe federallydesignatedNationalHistoricLandmark. Minglewithcocktailsintheofficeofthegovernor, poseforaphotooponthefoyer’sgrandstaircaseor holdareceptionofupto110guestsseatedamong theDoriccolumnsoftheColonial-RevivalCourtroom.
PowderMillBarn 32S.MapleSt.,Enfield, weddingwire.com/biz/powder-mill-barn-enfield Builtin1845,theformerhorsebarnofthe
HazardPowerCompanyandlaterasquaredancehallhasbeenrenovatedonceagain forweddingofupto100guests.
TheSimsburyInn 397HopmeadowSt.,Simsbury, 860-651-5700,simsburyinn.com
NewEnglandcountryhotelisinabeautifully landscapedsettingwithstatelylobby, invitingfireplace,majesticstaircaseand elegantballroom.Weddingpackagesare availableforupto200guestswithclassically styledguestroomsandsuitesonsite.
TheSocietyRoomofHartford 31PrattSt.,Hartford, 860-524-0796,hartfordsocietyroom.com
TheSocietyRoomprovidesadramaticbackdrop forevents,withmarblecolumns,muraled ceilingsandasweepingstaircasethatflows intothegrandballroom.Upto300guests.
TiffanyJulietHouse
82NaubucAve.,Glastonbury, 860-659-1865,tiffanyjuliethouse.com
Weddings,showersandrehearsaldinnersare presentedinvintagegrandeurinthis1865 ItalianateVictorianlocatedinthequaintvillage ofCurtisville.Upto150guestsseated.
TheTown&CountyClub 22WoodlandSt.,Hartford, 860-522-1100,towncounty.com
Builtin1895,theTownandCountyClubhashosted elegantweddingceremonies,receptions,bridal showers,rehearsaldinnersandpost-wedding brunchessince1925.The27-roommansionin Hartford’shistoricWestEndincludesfivegrand guestroomsforfamilyandfriends.Upto150guests.
TunxisCountryClub
87TownFarmRoad,Farmington, 860-677-1367,tunxisgolf.com
TunxisPlantationofferstwovenueoptions: TunxisPavilion,anoutdoorweddingsite nestledinagroveofpicturesquepines, featuresa10,500-square-footcoveredvenue thatcanbeenclosedoninclementdayswhile accommodatingupto300weddingguests.
WickhamPark
1329MiddleTurnpikeW.,Manchester, 860-528-0856,wickhampark.org WickhamPark’spropertyextendsintoboth ManchesterandEastHartford,with280acresof gardens,openfields,woodlands,ponds,picnic areas,sportsfacilitiesandmultipleoptionsfor April-through-Octobergardenweddings.The CabinatHilltopGardenofferspanoramicviews oftheHartfordskyline.TheIrishGarden,set insidesix-foot-highstonewalls,featuresbrick walkwayswithshamrockinlays.Additional rentaloptionsforceremoniesorphotos includeaformalEnglishGarden,aneight-acre OrientalGarden,anItalianShrineandaserene LotusGardencompletewithapagoda.
litchfieldcounty
TheClubatRiverOaks 2EvansHillRoad,Sherman, 860-354-3330ext.21,clubriveroaksweddings.com Nestledintherollinghillsandpicturesque landscapeofConnecticut’squietcorner,theClub atRiverOaksboastsagrandballroomoverlooking achampionshipgolfcourse.Upto150guests. CrystalPeak 164TorringtonRoad,Winchester,
860-379-7999,crystalwedding.com
SetinthebeautifulLitchfieldHills,this elegantfacilityalsohasasecludedgarden forceremonies.Upto250guests.
TheGrandOakVilla
550SylvanLakeRoad,Watertown 860-945-0548,thegrandoakvilla.com
TheGrandOakVillaoffersgourmetcuisine, versatilemenusandexpertserviceprovidedbya professionalstaff.Outdoorgardensavailablefor ceremoniesandphotographs.Choosefromavariety ofpackagesorcustom-designyourreception.
HarrybrookePark&HardenHouseMuseum 100StillRiverDrive,NewMilford,860-799-6520, harrybrookepark.org
TuckedawaynearLover’sLeapisNewMilford’s jewel,HarrybrookePark—aspaciousand beautifulparkborderingarushingwaterfallon StillRiver.Specialeventscanbeheldoutdoors atthepark’spavilionsfromMaythrough October,orindoorsinthemuseumyear-round.
HopkinsInn&Restaurant
22HopkinsRoad,NewPreston, 860-868-7295,thehopkinsinn.com
Specializinginintimategatherings,the HopkinsInnofferscountrycharm,historic characterandbreathtakingvistasthatcombine withexceptionalservicetocreatetheideal settingforyourwedding.Upto60guests.
InfinityMusicHall&Bistro
20GreenwoodsRoadW,Norfolk, 860-542-5531,infinityhall.com
Weddingsatthisperformancehallcan accommodate150guestsforaformal sit-downdinner;the“greenroom”can
BoathouseatCanalDock 475LongWharfDrive NewHaven
ChikePhotography
beusedforbridal-partyprep.
InnatMountPleasant
505UniversityDrive,Torrington, 845-546-2553,theinnatmountpleasant.com/weddings
The18th-centurymainhouseonthis70-acreformer farmhasbeenconvertedtoabed-and-breakfast, whileweddingsareheldinthecarefullypreserved 1850sdairybarn.Brideshavefulluseoftheproperty fromFridayafternoonthroughlateSundaymorning betweenAprilandOctober.Upto150seatedguests
InterlakenInn
74InterlakenRoad,Lakeville, 800-222-2909,interlakeninn.com
LocatedinthefoothillsoftheBerkshires,the innoffersacomfortablecountrysettingfor weddingreceptionsandrehearsaldinners..
TheVillageatBoulderRidge
104GooseGreenRoad,Barkhamsted, 860-379-4050,thevillage-boulderridge.com
Aspectacularindoorandoutdoorreception facilitythatincludesa12,000-square-foot banquethall,swimmingpool,climbingtower andweddinggazebo.Upto300guests.
TheWashingtonClub
92GreenHillRoad,Washington, 860-868-0376,washingtonclub.net
Thischarminghall,designedbyrenowned localarchitectErichRossiter,hasbeenafixture ontheWashingtonGreenformorethan100 years.Theexceptionallocationinthehills ofLitchfieldCountyprovidesapicturesque backdropforcelebratinglife’sfinestmoments. WhiteMemorialConservationCenter 80WhitehallRoad,Litchfield,
860-567-0857,whitememorialcc.org
Weddingoptionsatthenaturecenterinclude theCarriageHouse,whichcanseat125guests andisavailableyearround,buttentsmayalso besetupforlargerpartiesinagrassyfieldnext tothehouseorbyOngleyPond.There’salsoa rusticactivityshedthatcanaccommodate75.
WyndcrestEstate
68KassonRoad,Bethlehem, 203-725-6877,wyndcrestestate.com
Locatedonafinelymanicuredhorsefarminthe hillsofLitchfieldCounty,withanewlybuiltbut classicallystyledredbarnoverlookingtheequine facility.The30-acrepropertyalsohasagazebo forceremoniesandplentyofmanicuredsweeps ofgreenforcocktailhour.Seatsweddingsof upto250guestsbetweenAprilandOctober.
middlesexcounty
TheBarnsatWesleyanHills
616LongHillRoad,Middletown, 860-347-7171,ctweddinggroup.com
An1872English-stylebarnforwedding ceremoniesandreceptions.Thedeliciousfood andoutstandinghospitalityofPavilionCatering ensureasuccessfulevent.Upto220guests.
ConnecticutRiverMuseum
67MainSt.,Essex, 860-767-8269,ctrivermuseum.org
ThescenicwaterfrontofhistoricEssexVillage istheperfectsettingforanexclusiveand memorableday.The19th-centurycampusoffers unobstructedviewsofaclassicNewEngland harborandcanaccommodateavarietyoftents.
TheMuseumallowsalimitednumberofweddings eachyear,guaranteeingauniqueexperience foryouandyourguests.Upto150guests.
GelstonHouseRestaurant 8MainSt.,EastHaddam, 860-873-1411,gelstonhouse.com
Guestsareenvelopedinromanceandhistoryat thisclassicVictorianinn.Theporchanddining roomoverlookingtheConnecticutRiver.
TheInnatMiddletown 70MainSt.,Middletown, 860-854-6300,innatmiddletown.com
Thefull-serviceboutiquehoteloffers100guest roomsaswellaselegantbanquetrooms.
TheLaceFactory 161RiverSt.,DeepRiver, 860-526-4445,thelacefactory.com AhiddengemwithwaterviewsoftheConnecticut River.Two-tiervenueaccomodatesupto225people.
LymanOrchardsGolfClub
70LymanRoad,Middlefield, 860-347-7171,ctweddinggroup.com
LymanOrchardsGolfCluboffersdramatic viewsfromthe4,000-square-footreception tentoverlooking1,100acresofapple orchards,farmlandandchampionshipgolf.
TheViewsatPowderRidge
99PowderHillRoad,Middlefield, 860-852-5497,marquee-ct.com/powderridge BetweenAprilandmid-December,youcanhave yourweddingattheRidge,andtransportyour guestsviachairlifttoamountaintopceremony. Ceremoniescanalsobeheldatthebaseofthe mountainnexttoapond,whilereceptionsare heldatTheLodge,wherereclaimedbarn-board doorsandfloor-to-ceilingfieldstonefireplaces addrusticcharm,orduringwarmermonths nexttoapondatanopen-airpavilion.
MiddlesexYachtClub
276MiddlesexTpke.,Chester, 860-526-5634,middlesexyc.com
Withmillion-dollarviewsoftheConnecticut River,theclubfeaturesawaterfrontgazebo, rusticballroom,andawideexpanseoflawn perfectfortentedaffairs.Upto91guests.
MVBeckyThatcher
1RailroadAve.,Essex, 860-767-0103,essexsteamtrain.com
Thisgrandol’Mississippi-styleriverboatoperated bytheEssexSteamTrainisavailablefromMay throughOctoberforeveningchartersthattake inthemyriadgloriesoftheConnecticutRiver.
ThePavilionatCrystalLake 144ProutHillRoad,Middletown, 860-347-7171,ctweddinggroup.com
WithfinefoodbyPavilionCatering,thePavilion offersbeautifulwaterviews,professional eventplanninganduncompromising hospitalityatareasonableprice.
TheRiverhouseatGoodspeedStation 55BridgeRoad,Haddam, 860-345-4100,theriverhouse.com
LocatedonthebanksoftheConnecticutRiver, TheRiverhouseoffersaprivatesettingthat willmakeyoursanaffairtoremember.
SaintClementsCastle
1931Portland-CobaltRoad,Portland, 860-342-0593,saintclementscastle.com
An82-acreestatehighlightedbymeticulously landscapedgardensandcourtyardsoffering
dramaticviewsoftheConnecticutRiverand avarietyofsettingsforceremonies.The ballroomaccommodates260guests.
SaybrookPointResort&Marina 2BridgeSt.,OldSaybrook, 860-388-0000,saybrook.com
Thisluxuriouswaterfrontinnandspa overlookingamarina,theConnecticutRiverandtheSoundprovidesaspectacular weddingsetting.Upto200guests.
TheWadsworthMansionatLongHillEstate 421WadsworthSt.,Middletown, 860-347-1064,wadsworthmansion.com
Locatedon103acresofanOlmsted-designed landscape,the20,000-square-footBeaux Artsmansioncanaccommodateupto200 guestsforasit-downdinneronitsfirstfloor. Provideyourowncaterer;costsseparate.
Water’sEdgeResort&Spa
1525BostonPostRoad,Westbrook, 860-399-5901,watersedgeresortandspa.com
Water’sEdgeResort&Spahasaprivatebeach. Ceremoniesandcocktailreceptionscanbeheld oneitherthelawnorterraces,andballrooms featurewaterviews.Upto300guests.
newhavencounty
Amarante’sSeaCliff
62CoveSt.,NewHaven, 203-467-2531,amarantes.com
Customizingmemorableweddingsfor50years, providingadramaticoceanbackdropfromtwo venues—TheInnandGrandBallroom—each withawatersidedeck.Agazeboandtentedlawn areavailableforceremonies.Upto280guests.
Anthony’sOceanView
450LighthouseRoad,NewHaven, 203-763-1646,AnthonysOceanView.com
Adestinationlocationfeaturingexotic beacheswithlivepalmtrees,breathtaking sunsetsoverNewHavenHarborandthe lushfloralGardensofParadise.
AriaWeddingandBanquetFacility
45MurphyRoad,Prospect, 203-758-0096,ariabanquets.com
AriaWeddingandBanquetFacilitybyVilla Rosaisanexquisitenewweddingvenue featuringelegantdécor,sumptuouscuisineand extraordinaryservice.Callforroomcapacity.
TheBoathouseatCanalDock
474LongWharfDrive,NewHaven, boathouse@newhavenct.gov,newhavect.gov
TheBoathouseatCanalDockmaybeoneof theshoreline’sbestkeptsecretswhenitcomes toweddingvenues,despiteitswaterfront prominenceonLongWharf.TheWilliamLanson Room,whichcanseat160,hasavaulted ceiling,floor-to-ceilingwindowsthatoffer panaramicviewsofLongIslandSoundanda wrap-aroundbalconyidealforcocktailhour.
CafeAllegre 725BostonPostRoad,Madison, 203-245-7773,cafeallegre.com
AtCafeAllegrechoosefromfourbeautifuldining roomsforyourcelebrations.Foodispreparedfresh toorderbychefSilvio,whowillaccommodate anyofyourrequests.Upto175guests.
CascadeFineCatering
480ShermanAve.,Hamden,
203-907-0595,cascade-banquets.com
Situatedonfiveacreswithpicturesquegardens.
ThegrandballroomfeaturesAustriancrystal chandeliers.White-gloveserviceandsuperb cuisineareprovided.Upto375guests.
TheCountryClubofWaterbury 1OronokeRoad,Waterbury, 203-753-4171,ccwaterbury.com
TheCountryClubofWaterburyfeaturesa grandballroomandprivatepartyroomsfor weddings,rehearsaldinners,bridalandbaby showers.Anexperiencedstaffgivesyour eventtheutmostinpersonalattention.
CrystalRoom
98SchoolSt.,Naugatuck, 203-723-0206,crystalroomfinecatering.com
Attentiontodetailbyaprofessionalstaff, exceptionalfoodandbreathtakinggardensmake yourweddingdayspecial.Upto250guests.
GrassyHillCountryClub
441ClarkLane,Orange, 203-795-3100,grassyhillcountryclub.com
TheprofessionalstaffattheGrassyHillCountry Clubcreateselegantcateredeventsagainsta backdropofmanicuredgreens.Upto375guests.
GreatRiverGolfClub
130CoramLane,Milford, 203-701-6920,GreatRiverGolfClub.com
Amenitiesincludealuxurious,sun-drenched ballroomwithcustomizedmenus,breathtaking viewsofanaward-winninggolfcourseandyourvery ownbridalconcierge,whomeetsyouatyourlimo andattendstoyoureveryneed.Upto180guests.
GuilfordYachtClub
379NewWhitfieldSt.,Guilford, 203-458-3048,gyc.com
TheGuilfordClubisanelegantvenuenestledamong vastvirginsaltmarshesonLongIslandSound.The ballroomaccommodatesupto150andopenstoa slatepatio,greatlawnandextraordinaryvista.
HeritageHotel
522HeritageRoad,Southbury, 203-264-8200or203-264-6910,heritagesouthbury.com
LocatedintheLitchfieldHills,Heritageisalovely placetoenjoytheromanticsettingofafull-service resort.Anexperiencedweddingconsultanthelps youplanaspecialday.Upto200guests.
LaBellaVista 380FarmwoodRoad,Waterbury, 203-527-4006,labellavistaweddings.com
LaBellaVistafeaturesexceptionalindoorand outdooraccommodationsforelegantwedding receptions.Avarietyofcateringoptionsaswellas customizedmenusareavailable.Upto300guests.
LaMirage 111ScrubOakRoad,NorthHaven, 203-239-1961,lamirageweddings.com
Marriagesaremadeinheaven.Weddingsaremade atLaMirage.Thisthird-generationfamily-owned and-operatedbusinesshashelpedhappycouples creatememorableweddingsformorethan60years. Thestate-of-the-artfacilityfeaturesabeautiful ceremonygardenwithmagnificentstonewaterfall..
TheLakeHouse 66CentralAve.,Wolcott, 203-879-3273,thelakehousecatering.com
Thisboutique-stylefacilityboaststwostone fireplaces,14-footceilingsandwallsofglass thatofferviewsoftheproperty’s13-acreprivate lakefromeveryseat.Lakesideceremoniesmay
beheldbeneathagrandoldweepingwillow.
LighthousePointParkCarousel
2LighthouseRoad,NewHaven, 203-946-8019,cityofnewhaven.com
HaveyourdreamweddingattheLighthouse PointParkCarousel.This100-year-oldhistoric carouseloverlookingLongIslandSoundis litbythousandsoftinylightsandoffersa romanticfairy-talesetting—andrides.
MadisonBeachHotel
94WestWharfRoad,Madison, 203-245-1404,madisonbeachhotel.com
Thiscompletelyrevampedwaterfront boutiqueresortfeaturesabanquetroomwith sweepingviewsofLongIslandSoundand offersromanticceremoniesonthebeach.
TheMattatuckMuseumArts &HistoryCenter
144WestMainSt.,Waterbury, 203-753-0381ext.135,mattatuckmuseum.org
Thisuniquemuseumhostseventsinthe performing-artscenter,thecafé,asmallmeeting roomandagatedcourtyard.Upto180guests.”
NewHavenMuseum
114WhitneyAve.,NewHaven, 203-562-4183ext.114,newhavenmuseum.org
Ceremoniesanddancingcanbeheldinthe museum’slowerrotunda,andthestunning upperrotundaandelegantlight-filled
ballroomcanseatupto100guests.
RoseVineyards&Winery
2ValleyRoad,NorthBranford, 475-221-8636,rosevineyards.com
Settledin1644,thevineyardislocatedat oneoftheoldestfamilyownedfarmsinthe country.Couplescanholdtheirweddingonthe groundsandcelebrationsinthewinecellar.
TydeatWalnutBeach
72Broadway,Milford, 203-877-1150,tyde-walnutbeach.com
Theopenandairyfacilitywithitsmodern coastaldesignandseaofwindowscanseat upto250guestsinfirst-floorballroomwith anadjoiningpatiodirectlyoverlookingthe beachandCharlesIslandjustoffshore.
PalaceTheater
100EastMainSt.,Waterbury, 203-346-2000,palacetheaterct.org
Asabackdropforyourweddingday,thePalace Theateroffersamajesticexperienceina varietyofspaces.Enjoythepalatialsetting, intimateambienceandroyaltreatment.
SilverCityBallroom
16ColonySt.,Meriden, 203-514-7427,silvercityballroom.com
Thisformerbankwasrenovatedasastylish private-eventvenue.Cocktailsareserved onthesecond-floormezzanine,whilethe
3,000-square-footballroomitself,whichcan seat150,features25-footarchedwindows, anItalianmarbleflooranda“photobooth”in theformofthebank’soriginalsteelvault.
UnionLeagueCafe
1032ChapelSt.,NewHaven, 203-772-2053,unionleaguecafe.com
UnionLeagueCafeisadistinctivevenuefor aweddingreception.Localandorganicfish, meats,cheesesandproducefromtheYale SustainableFoodProjectareusedtocreate award-winningcontemporaryFrenchcuisine. Classicweddingpackagesorcustomized menusareoffered.Upto150guests.
TheWhittemoreatVyne
1365WhittemoreRoad,Middlebury, 203-518-4000,vynerestaurant.com
Configurabletofulfillyoureveryneed,the WhittemoreRoomissituatednexttothe restaurant’soutdoorgardencompletewith scenicwaterfalls.Upto200guests.
TheWoodwinds
29SchoolGroundRoad,Branford, 203-481-6577,thewoodwinds.com
TheFoyeratWoodwinds,withitsmahogany columns,upholsteredjewel-tonedperiod sofasandcrystalchandeliers,evokesthe charmofanEnglishcountrymanor.
TydeatWalnutBeach 72Broadway Milford BrianPounds/HearstCTMedia
WyndhamSouthbury 1284StrongtownRoad,Southbury, 877-999-3223,https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/ southbury-connecticut/wyndham-southbury/overview WyndhamSouthbury’sweddingspecialistwillhelp planfromrehearsaldinner,weddingceremony andreceptiontopost-weddingbreakfastthenext morning,allunderoneroofwhereyourfamily andfriendsstayasguests.Upto600guests.
newlondoncounty
BranfordHouseonAveryPoint 1084ShennecossettRoad,Groton, 860-405-9072,averypoint.uconn.edu
ThisVictorianmansionofferswaterviewsof LongIslandSoundandstunningsunsets.
CaptainDanielPackerInne
32WaterSt.,Mystic, 860-536-3555,danielpacker.com
ThehistoricCaptainDanielPackerInne, locatedontheMysticRiver,offersprivate banquetfacilitiesforrehearsaldinnersand intimateweddings.Upto45guests.
Eolia,TheMansionatHarkness MemorialStatePark 275GreatNeckRoad,Waterford, 860-443-5725,portal.ct.gov
Sweepinglawnsandspectaculargardens arethebackdropforthisrestoredItalianate mansionoverlookingtheSound.
FlorenceGriswoldMuseum 96LymeSt.,OldLyme, 860-434-5542,flogris.org
Adistinctivesettingwhereagenerationof AmericanImpressionistspaintedalongthebanks oftheLieutenantRiverandinMissFlorence’s garden.Upto150guests.Caterer’scostsseparate.
FoxwoodsResortCasino
350TrolleyLineBlvd.,Mashantucket, 800-488-7777,foxwoods.com/weddings
FoxwoodsResortCasinopresentstheperfect balanceofeleganceandexcitementforthe ultimatewedding,fromaluxuriousreception toanincredibleresortexperience.
TheGardeArtsCenter
325StateSt.,NewLondon, 860-444-4408,gardearts.org
Ceremoniescanbeheldcenterstage,cocktail andseatedreceptionsspreadbetweenexotic lobbies,mezzanineandtheswankyOasisRoom.
HiltonMystic 20CooganBlvd.,Mystic, 860-572-0731,hiltonmystic.com
RomanticweddingsbeginattheHiltonMystic. Thishotelboastsbeautifullyrenovatedballrooms idealforsocials,banquetsandweddings.Smaller functionroomsforbridalshowers,rehearsaldinners andpost-weddingbrunchesarealsoavailable.
TheHistoricGraniteHouse
75RopeFerryRoad,Waterford, historicgranitehouse.com
TheGraniteHousewasbuiltin1877asa privatehomebyapresidentoftheMillstone granitequarry.Rentalofthepropertyincludes exclusiveuseofnotonlythehouseitself,but alsoaseparatetavern.Thetentforanoutdoor receptionissetupbetweenhouseandtavern.
TheInnatMystic
3WilliamsAve.,Mystic, 860-536-3400,innatmystic.com
Thisbeautiful1904colonialmansion overlooksMysticHarborandFisher’sIsland Sound.Theexecutivechefwillmeetwith bridestoplanthemenu.Bookahead,asthe innhandlesonlyoneweddingperday.
PachaugCottages
1CottageRoad,Griswold, 860-800-2242,pachaugcottages.com
Thisprivateboutiquecampgroundthatbetween mid-Mayandmid-Octobertohostweddingsofupto 130guestsunderalakefronttimber-framepavilion. JonathanEdwardsWinery
74ChesterMainRoad,NorthStonington, 860-535-0202,jedwardswinery.com
Generalmanagerandco-founderJonathan Edwardsboughtthe48-acrehilltopwinery andbeganhostingweddingsbackin2000. LakeofIsles
1ClubhouseDrive,NorthStonington, 888-475-3746,lakeofisles.com
NewEngland’spremiergolfdestinationisalso oneofthearea’sfinestweddingandreception venues.LocatedadjacenttoFoxwoodsResort Casino,thepropertyfeaturesalakefrontdeck andaballroomservingworld-classcuisine.
LymeArtAssociation
90LymeSt.,OldLyme, 860-434-7802,lymeartassociation.org
TheLymeArtAssociation’shistoricbuilding offersanopenfloorplanwithfourelegantskylit galleriesavailableforreceptions.Guestsarefree tobrowsetheart.Provideyourowncaterer. MarriottMysticHotel&Spa 625NorthRoad,Groton, 860-446-2600,mysticmarriott.com
IndulgeattheRedDoorSpa,relaxwitha swimintheindoorpoolorreenergizein thefitnesscenter.Upto756guests.
MoheganSun 1MoheganSunBlvd.,Uncasville, 866-708-1340,mohegansun.com
Frombridalluncheonsandrehearsaldinners
tothereceptionofyourdreams,Mohegan Sun’sexpertweddingplannerscancreate apackagethatreflectsyourstyleina settingthatisuniqueandinspirational.
MysticMuseumofArt
9WaterSt.,Mystic, 860-536-7601ext.203,mysticmuseumofart.org
Commandingaspectacularwaterfrontviewfrom itslovelyterracesandgrounds,MMoA’sgalleries providetheidealbackdropforceremonies, cocktailhours,receptions,rehearsaldinners andmore.MMoA’sspaciousgalleriesfeature 16-footceilingsandskylights.Upto130guests.
MysticAquarium
55CooganBlvd.,Mystic, mysticaquariumcatering.com
Mostceremoniestakeplaceattheunderwater viewingareainfrontofthebelugawhale tanks,followedbycocktailhourinthenewly renovatedcourtyard.Upto200guests.
OldLymeInn
85LymeSt.,OldLyme, 860-434-2600,oldlymeinn.com
TheOldLymeInnhasbeenadestinationfor iconicNewEnglandweddingssinceitsopening inthe1970s.Theinn’seventspacesanddining rooms,aswellasitsguestrooms,havebeen fullyrestoredandofferabeautifulbackdropfor weddingceremonies,receptionsandmorningafterbrunches.Callforroomcapacity.
TheOverlookatGeerTreeFarm
141NormanRoad,Griswold, 860-334-0467,theoverlookatgeertreefarm.com
Asceniclookoutatthe140-acrefarm’shighest point thathasbeenartfullyhardscapedtohost ceremoniesandtentedreceptionsfromMaythrough October.There’salsoapatioforceremoniesand cocktailsoverlookingacresevergreensbackedby rollinghills,andafirepittokeepthingscozy.
PriamVineyards
11ShailorHillRoad,Colchester, 860-267-8520,priamweddings.com
Situatedon40hilltopacresinColchesterthisis thefirstwineryinNewEnglandtobecompletely solarpowered.Bridesmakeagrandentrance betweenacresofvines,andinthefallthe viewencompases50milesofspectacularred, goldandorangeleaves.Weddingsareheldat thevineyardbetweenMayandOctober.
TheSalemHerbfarm
320HartfordRoad,Salem, 717-368-3261,salemherbfarm.com
FarmweddingsareavailablefromMaythrough Octoberandincludeexclusiveuseofthegrounds andarestoredcirca1867timber-framedbarn. Arestoredgreenhouseisalsoavailablefor outdoorreceptionswhilea1,000-square-foot bluestonepatioservesasaceremonysite.
SilverOakMystic
90WellesRoad,Mystic, 860-245-5898,silveroakmystic.com
LocatedwithinMysticIndoorSportsandconstructed fromstoneworkandwoodworkreclaimedfroma circa-1790farmhousethatoncestoodontheproperty, thisclubhouse/eventspacefeaturesaclassicstone wallthatenclosesapatioandpergolaandatowering 20-footfireplaceandsurround,hand-cutwooden beamsinthemainentranceandwood-paneledwalls andcustomfarmhousetables.Upto75guests.
TheSpaatNorwichInn
607WestThamesSt.,Norwich, 860-425-3500,thespaatnorwichinn.com
ThiselegantGeorgianmanor,seton43 acresofgroomedcountryside,provides aromantic,picturesqueyear-round settingforallyourweddingneeds.
StoneAcresFarm
393N.MainSt.,Stonington, 860-245-5127,stoneacresfarm.com
AworkingfarmsincebeforetheRevolutionary War,StoneAcresFarmfeaturesariotofflorals grownontherolling65-acreproperty.Consider exchangingvowsintheformalgardenframed byboxwoodthatdatesbacktotheearly19th century,orcocktailsandfarm-inspiredhors d’oeuvresonthefarm’shistoriccroquetcourse,or dinneranddancinginameadowsurroundedby stonewallsandtallgrasses.Upto250guests.
SweetHillFarm
39MilitaryHwy.,GalesFerry, sweethillfarmct.com
OntheformersiteofAliceAcres,SweetHill Farmwasestablishedin2018tohostrustic-chic open-airorcovered(andheated)greenhouses; outdoorceremonysitesandtentedreceptions.
tolland& windhamcounties
Angel&AnchorFarm
41NewportRoad,Sterling, 860-771-3750,angelanchorfarm.com
Tentedreceptionsforupto200guestscanbe accommodatedontheproperty’sfivequiet acres,whichincludewideexpansesofgreen lawns,afruitorchard,ahoneylocustgrove, maturegardens,astately1890Victorianin whichtogetreadyandevenfeatheredand furredfarmresidentstovisitforphotoops.
BluebirdFarm
211JaredSparksRoad,Willington, 860-788-5885,bluebirdfarmct.com
Thisrenovated1918barnlocatedonmore than40acresofopenfieldscanaccommodate receptionsbetweenAprilandmid-December andboastsanattachedoutdoordeckidealfor cocktailsanddancingunderthestars.Twofarm staysonsite(asprawlingbarnloftandawaycooltreehousewithahoneymoonloftonhigh) canaccommodate16foraweddingweekend. FallsCreekFarm
368BaileyRoad,Moosup, 860-248-0074,fallscreekfarm.com
TherenovatedGradyBarnseatsupto200guests, whileamagicalstonechapelisakeycomponent ofthesprawling345-acreSterlingestatewhich alsoboastsmanicuredlawnsandmeandering stonewalls,pondsandpastures,glorious gardensandfouron-sitefarm-stayretreats.
Georgina’sRestaurant&Banquets 275BostonTpke.,Bolton, 860-647-0345,georginasbanquets.com
TheelegantGrandBallroomfeaturesaprivate bar,DJbooth,privateentranceandadedicated staffthattendstoallyourrequests.Avarietyof weddingpackagesisavailable.Upto275guests.
GwynCaregInn 68WolfDenRoad,PomfretCenter, 860-928-5018,gwyncareginn.com
Havearomanticweddingattheinn,whichfeatures aSpanishgarden,manicuredlawnsandathree-acre pond.Avarietyofreceptionoptionsavailable. HolidayHillRecreationCenter 41ChaffeevilleRoad,MansfieldCenter, 860-423-1375,holidayrecreation.com
Weddingsincludefulluseofthe25-acre
NouveauMonde
6WashingtonAvenue
SandyHook
BryanHaeffele/HearstCTMedia
facility,withatwin-peakedweddingtentfrom Maytomid-Octoberandarusticpost-andbeambarnshouldyouroutdoorceremonyneed tobemovedindoors.Upto200guests.
HopeLodge
1LakeSt.,Moosup, 860-317-1149,thehopelodgevenue.com
Thecirca-1888formerVFWbuilding’s dramatic5,000-square-foot,second-floor ballroomhasabuilt-instage,stained-glass windowsandcofferedwoodceiling.
TheInnatWoodstockHill
94PlaineHillRoad,Woodstock, 860-928-0528,woodstockhill.com
TheInnatWoodstockHillisahistoric estatethatoffersromanceand sophisticationinapicturesquesetting.
Evergreenfarm
204HartfordPike,Dayville 860-407-2022,evergreenfarms22.com
Thefirstfloorboastshandmadefarmhousetables andchairsthatcanaccommodateupto150guests alongwithdressingandsittingrooms,whilethe secondfloorfeaturesabalconywithaviewofthe dancersbelow,acomfyloungeandtwosuites.The CoopisalsoADAcompliant,hasafour-zonesound systemandfullheatingandair-conditioning.Couples whodesireanoutdoorceremony,crossacovered woodenbridgeintoawoodedceremonysitethat boastsbenchescarvedfromtreesontheproperty.
LordThompsonManor
286ThompsonHillRoad,Thompson, 860-923-3886, lordthompsonmanor.com
Whetheryourreceptionisgrandorintimate, extravagantorbudget,LordThompsonwill bringromanceandindividualitytoit.
MansionatBaldHill
29PlaineHillRoad,SouthWoodstock, 860-974-3456,mansionatbaldhill.com
TheMansionatBaldHillwasanelegant summerresidencebuiltduringtheIndustrial Age.Enjoytheserenityofacenturyagostill preservedinthelastremaininggreenvalleyin Connecticut’snortheastcorridor.Upto275guest.
ThePackingHouse
156RiverRoad,Willington, 518-971-9474,thepackinghouse.us
This3,500-square-footspan,whichcanseat upto100weddingguests,includeawoodplankedgableceiling,heftyhand-hewn chestnutbeams,originalwoodfloors,brick constructionandplentyofwindows.
RoselandCottage
556CT-169,Woodstock, 617-994-6671,historicnewengland.org
RoselandCottage’scurrentshadeofpink,a vibrantcoral,reflectsthecottage’scolorinthe 1880s,aperiodconsistentwiththedecorative detailsofthemuseum’sfirstfloor,whichcurious weddingguestsmaytourduringthereception (checkouttheindoorbowlingalley).Ceremonies areheldherefromMaythroughOctober,while theSouthLawnisusedtoaccommodatea tentedreceptionforupto150guests.
TyroneFarm
89TyroneRoad,PomfretCenter, 860-928-3647,tyronefarm.com
Fourth-generation,family-ownedcountryestate whoserootsintheQuinebaugRiverValleydate backto1742.Weddingshereincludeuseof thefarmhousedrawingroomwithitsmarble fireplaceandSteinwaypianoaswellasasun porchthatleadstoabluestoneterracethat
takesinfar-reachingviewsofallthe170-acre propertyhastooffer.Theterracecanbetented, whileamid-19th-centuryChestnutBarnhasbeen repurposedasarustic-chicgatheringspace.
LodgeatCrandallParkII
124CiderMillRoad,Tolland, 860-871-3610,tollandct.gov/rental-facilities/pages/lodgecrandall-park
Seatedonawoodedhilltopoverlookingtranquil PowellPond,thiswarm-and-cozybargainvenue isthecenterpieceofamorethan300-acretown parkownedbythetownofTolland.Itboastsa two-sidedfieldstonefireplace,cathedralceilings, cedarpanelingandacovereddeckontwosides.
PinecroftEstate
30WestThompsonRoad,Thompson, 860-315-7377,pinecroftestate.com
Weddingscenteraroundanoriginalpost-andbeambarnbuiltin1822,withfloor-to-ceiling barndoorsateachendthatslideopentoreveal anaturalbackdropofmagnificentpines,afully litcupolaandanadjacentbluestonepatio.A stretchofmanicuredopenspacewithviewsofthe riverisprimerealestateforceremonies,whilea carriagehouseoriginaltothepropertyhasbeen transformedintoawelcomingbridalsuite.
StoneHurstatHamptonValley 119ProvidenceTpke.,Hampton, 860-377-4816,stonehursthamptonvalley.com
Locatedonaformeralpacafarm,this90-acrevenue consistsofabarnoriginaltothepropertyandThe Mansion,theSwissChalet-styleformerresidence withopenceilings,adouble-sidedfieldstone fireplaceandpanoramicviews.Ceremoniesoften takeplacebeneathachicgazebobesidethe meanderingLittleRiver.
GUE VEORS
Someproducts,storesand servicestohelpdesign yourdreamwedding.
bachelor/bacheloretteparties
JoyrideCharters, 63PilotsPointDrive,Westbrook,203-530-5037;joyridecharters.com
bridalgowns
BellaBridesmaids, 19PostRoad,Westport,203-424-4750;bellabridesmaids.com
BlissBridal, 15S.MainSt.,Cheshire,203-250-3390;blissbridalct.com
BridalTrousseau, 82CrownSt.,NewHaven,203-745-4649;bridal-trousseau.net
BridestoBe, 2277MainSt.,Glastonbury,860-633-3639;bridestobe-cons.com
Caccie’sBridalCloset, 1380HopmeadowSt.,Simsbury,860-752-4348; cacciesbridalcloset.com
ClassicBridesbyEva, 996WilcoxsonAve.,Stratford,203-378-9074; classicbridesbyevact.com
David’sBridal, Danbury,Manchester,Orange;davidsbridal.com
EldivázBridalFashions, 521FranklinAve.,Hartford,860-296-7945;eldivazbridal.com
Ida’sBridalShop, 98MainSt.,Torrington,860-482-3589;idasbridal.itgo.com
JulieAllenBridals, 154SouthMainSt.,Newtown,203-426-4378;julieallenbridals.com
ALittleSomethingWhite, 987BostonPostRoad,Darien,203-309-5110; alittlesomethingwhite.com
MajestyBridal, 181MainSt.,Danbury,203-730-1784;majestybrides.com
MariaChristine’sBridals&FormalWear, 243EastPearlSt.,Torrington,860-489-4774; mariachristinesbridal.com
MarieAntoinetteBridalSalon, 1DerbyAve.,Derby,203-734-4169; marieantoinettebridal.com
MariellaCreations, 2192SilasDeaneHighway,860-529-8558;mariellacreations.com
Michele—ABridalBoutique, 1587BostonPostRoad,Westbrook,860-399-2231; micheleabridalboutique.com
OccasionsBridal, 6P.T.BarnumSquare,Bethel,203-791-2425;occasionsbridalshop.com
ThePlumedSerpentBridalandEveningWear, 240PostRoadE.,Westport, 203-226-9868;plumedserpentbridal.com
RoyalWeddingsBridals, 42FederalRoad,Danbury,203-794-0171; royalweddingsbridalshop.net
SpecialOccasionsBridalHouse, 251MapleAve.,NorthHaven,203-234-2122; http://specialoccasionsbridalhousect.com/ Sukran’sBridal&Tuxedo, 563WestportAve.,Norwalk,203-847-0607; sukransbridal.com
TheWeddingDress, 162MainSt.,Portland,860-342-5361;theweddingdressctllc.com
TheWeddingEmbassy, 1900WatertownAve.,Oakville,860-274-1988; theweddingembassy.com
TheWhiteDressbytheShore, 104EastMainSt.,Clinton,860-669-4596; thewhitedressbytheshore.com
bridalregistry
AmelieMichelFrenchTableLinens, 192WestbrookRoad,Essex;ameliemichel.com
Crate&Barrel, 48SouthMainSt.,WestHartford,860-236-8900;1200PostRoadE, Westport,203-222-9500;crateandbarrel.com
DavidHarveyJewelers, 995PostRoad,Darien,203-838-0627;davidharvey.com
DavidJewelers, 750StraitsTpke.,Watertown,203-753-1153;davidjewelersct.com
FineLinenandBath, 25BusinessParkDrive,Branford,866-352-4522;flandb.com
Hoagland’sofGreenwich, 175GreenwichAve.,Greenwich,1-888-640-9577; hoaglands.com
J.C.Penney, Danbury,Farmington,Manchester,Trumbull,Waterbury;jcpenney.com
LCRInteriors, 3WatervilleRoad,Avon,860-231-7712;lcrinteriors.com
LuxBond&Green, Glastonbury,Uncasville,WestHartford,Westport;lbgreen.com
Macy’s, Danbury,Farmington,Manchester,Milford,Stamford,Trumbull;macys.com
Maggie’sofMadison, 705BostonPostRoad,Madison,203-318-8883; maggiesofmadison.com
Nordstrom, 600WFarmsMall,Farmington,860-521-9090; 100NWaterSt.,Norwalk,203-642-2634;nordstrom.com
R.A.Georgetti&Co., OldeMistickVillage7A,Mystic, 800-243-3176;georgetti.com
Tiffany&Co., MultiplelocationsFarmington,Greenwich, Westport;tiffany.com
Wave, 86ElmSt.,NewCanaan,203-966-1778;wavestyle.com
TheWhitneyShop, 100ElmSt.,NewCanaan,877-966-4566; thewhitneyshop.com cakes
AmyCakes, 1072S.MainSt.,203-271-2998; amycakessllc.com
AnaParzychCustomCakes, 108ElmSt.,Cheshire, 203-439-7979;anaparzychcakes.com
CreativeCakesbyDonna, 1565SaybrookRoad,Haddam, 860-345-8847; creativecakesbydonna.com
JCakes, 5FoxonRoad,Suite3,NorthBranford,203-488-2800; jcakes.com
LovelyCakes, 195CharlesSt.,Stratford,203-842-0500; lovelycakes.net
MozzicatodePasqualeBakery&PastryShop, Hartford, Middletown,Plainville,RockyHill,Wallingford; mozzicatobakery.com
NoRACupcakeCompany, 700MainSt.,Middletown, 860-788-3150;noracupcake.com
Palmer’sBakery, 264HeightsRoad,Darien,203-655-2077; palmersdarien.com/bakery
SugarBakery, 424MainSt.,EastHaven,203-469-0815; thesugarbakery.com
SweetCupcasions, 394NewHavenAve.,Milford,203-283-9455; sweetcupcasions.com
SweetLisa’sExquisiteCakes, 3FieldRoad,CosCob,203-869-9545; sweetlisas.com
SweetMaria’s, 159ManorAve.,Waterbury,203-755-3804; sweet-marias.com
caterers
AlongCameCarolCatering, 2984FairfieldAve.,Bridgeport, 203-345-8811;alongcamecarol.com
AuxDélices, Darien,Greenwich,Riverside,Westport; auxdelicesfoods.com
BourassaCatering&Events, 665NorthColonyRoad,Wallingford, 203-269-9266;bourassacatering.com
CloudNineCatering, 256BostonPostRoad,OldSaybrook, 860-388-9999;cloudninecatering.net
CoastalGourmetCatering, 860-572-1111; coastalgourmetcatering.com
CulinaryConcerts, AppleseedsSquare,51BostonPostRoad, Madison,203-245-0184;culinary-concerts.com
David’sSoundviewCatering, 471ElmSt.,Stamford,203-324-5724; davidscatering.com
Emily’sCateringGroup, 105CentralSt.,Bristol,860-585-8625; emilyscater.com
TheExecutiveChefCaterering, 1420BarnumAve.,Stratford, 203-377-2331;thexchefcatering.com
Fitzgerald’sFineCatering, 150BennetSt.,Bridgeport, 800-368-1823;fitzcater.com
Forks&FingersCateringbyDesign, 800UnionAve.,Bridgeport, 475-414-7790;forksandfingersct.com
Garelick&Herbs, 48WestPutnamAve.,Greenwich,203-661-7373, 3611PostRoad,Southport,203-254-3727;garelickandherbs.com
LaBellaVista, 380FarmwoodRoad,Waterbury,203-527-4006; labellavistacatering.com
Lizzie’sCurbside, Storrsarea,860-655-7710; facebook.com/lizziescurbsidecuisine
Matthew’sCateringCompany, 15E.MainSt.,CentralVillage, 860-564-3543;matthewscatering.com
OutdoorCookersCatering&EventPlanning, 42VanZantSt., Norwalk,203-855-1129;outdoor-cookers.com
ThePaviliononCrystalLake, 144ProutHillRoad,Middletown, 860-347-7171;ctweddinggroup.com
RiverhouseCatering, 55BridgeSt.,Haddam,860-404-5051; riverhousecatering.com
SweetReliefCatering, 224CampbellAve.,WestHaven, 203-789-9800;sweetreliefcatering.com
AThymetoCook, 426NorthwestCornerRoad,NorthStonington, 860-887-5932;athymetocook.com
TwoPourGuysBartendingService, Wallingford,203-215-6701; twopourguys.com
TylerAndersonCatering cheftyleranderson.com/catering ceremonies
CreativeConceptsbyLisa, 105SanfordSt.,Hamden,475-441-7123; creativeconceptsbylisact.com
EthelWalkerSchoolChapel, 230BushyHillRoad,Simsbury, 860-408-4467;ethelwalker.org
JoyrideCharters, 63PilotsPointDrive,Westbrook,203-530-5037; joyridecharters.com
WoodAcresFarm, 68GriffinRoad,Terryville,860-583-8670; woodacresfarm.com
cigarrollers
TheConnecticutCigarCompany, 43BankSt.,Stamford, 203-425-9668;ctcigarco.com dancelessons
ArthurMurrayDanceStudio, Multiplelocations;arthurmurray.com
FredAstaireDanceStudios, Multiplelocations;fredastaire.com floral&gownpreservation
ExecutiveCleaners, Hamden,Milford,NewHaven; executivecleaner.com
OrangeRestorationLabs, 5HolmesSt.Norwalk,800-950-6482; gownrestoration.com
florists
Braach’sHouseofFlowers, 1N.WaterSt.,Norwalk,203-866-5963 or800-559-5949;braachshouseofflowers.com
Brierley-JohnsonTheFlorist, 87HighRoad,Kensington, 860-223-5492;brierleyjohnsonflorist.com
CityLineFlorist, 2978NicholsAve.,Trumbull,203-378-7375; citylineflorist.com
Coreen’sBridgeFloralShop, 75HillsideRoad,Fairfield, 203-254-4450;facebook.com/CoreensBridgeFloralShop
TheFlowerfallofWestport, 740PostRoadE.,Westport, 203-221-8080or800-895-9800;theflowerfall.com
FlowersbyDanielle, 100CorporateDrive,SuiteB102,Trumbull, 203-445-0600;flowersbydanielle.com
FlowersbyLisa, 33HemingwayAve.,EastHaven,203-468-6151; flowersbylisap.net
Ganim’sGardenCenterandFlorist, 320KingsHighwayCutoff, Fairfield,203-333-5662;ganimsflorist.com
HanaFloralDesign, 14HolmesSt.,Mystic,860-572-2929; hanafloraldesign.com
Hansen’sFlowerShop, 1040PostRoad,Fairfield,203-255-0461; hansensflowershop.com
JustForYouFloralDesignStudio, 140WestSt.,Middlefield, 860-754-6091;justforyoufloraldesignstudio.com
KentfordFarm, 297NewLondonTpke.,Stonington,860-572-7299; kentfordfarm.com
Maple+MumFloralDesigns, Branford,203-710-4567; mapleandmum.com
StylishBloomsFloralDesignStudio, 803KingSt.,Bristol, 860-392-8045;stylishblooms.com
ThamesRiverGreenery, 70StateSt.,NewLondon,860-443-6817; thamesriver.com
TK&Brown’sFlowers, 1275CromwellAve.,RockyHill, 860-563-8880;tkandbrowns.com
health&beauty
TheBeautyBar, 31LibertySt.,Southington,860-621-1000; thebeautybarct.com/information/weddings
BytheSeaDaySpa, 274HemingwayAve.,EastHaven, 203-483-3333;bytheseainnspa.com
DanaBartone&Company, 1151SouthMainSt.,Cheshire, 203-250-7709;danabartone.com
Dawn’sPizzazzArtisticGroup&DaySpa, 81WestSt.,Danbury, 203-794-1113;thedpz.com
DoorbellBarbers:At-homegroomsmenshaving&styling, ServingFairfieldCounty,800-887-4524;doorbellbarbers.com
DoorbellSalon:At-homebridalstyling&make-up, Serving FairfieldCounty,800-887-4524;doorbellsalon.com
GreenLotusSalonandWellness, 94WestSt.,Cromwell, 860-398-5445;greenlotussalonandwellness.com
HairChateau, 4133WhitneyAve.,Hamden,203-248-3761; hairchateauct.com
KISSSpaatTheCottageHouse, LordThompsonManor,351Route 193,Thompson,860-923-3886;ltmcottagehouse.com
LachersReeseHairbyDemand, 2988FairfieldAve.,Bridgeport, 203-345-4660;lachersreese.com
NaomiMartinezStudio, 59BWhitingSt.,Plainville,860-232-8900; salonnaomi.com
NoëlleSpaforBeautyandWellness, 1100HighRidgeRoad, Stamford,203-322-3445;noelle.com
TheNorwichSpaatFoxwoods, FoxwoodsResortCasino, 350TrolleyLineBlvd.,Mashantucket,860-312-4901; foxwoods.com/hotels/overview/norwich-spa/
PanacheHairDesign, 504BridgeportAve.,Shelton,203-925-1990; panachehairdesigns.com
PilarBLLaC, 8.5TitusRoad,WashingtonDepot,3110-985-2005; pilar.beauty
Re:Nu180Medspa, Middlebury,Newington,Southington; renu180.com
VIMASalonbySalonMassimo, 1156MainSt.,Branford, 203-483-5720;salonmassimo1.webbersaur.us
SalonShahin, 66BroadSt.,Stamford,203-323-7256; salonshahin.com
SaybrookPointInn, 2BridgeSt.,OldSaybrook,860-395-2000; saybrook.com
SimplyGorgeousbyErin, 31LibertySt.,Southington,860-863-5411; simplygorgeousbyerin.com
SonaBellaSalon&Spa, 189CoramAve.,Shelton,203-922-1425; sonabellasalonandspa.com
TheSpaatNorwichInn, 607WestThamesSt.,Norwich, 860-425-3500;thespaatnorwichinn.com
TranquilityMind&BodyWellnessSpa, 88NobleAve.,Milford, 203-877-7115;tranquilwellnessspa.com
Warren-TricomiSalon, 1EastPutnamAve.,Greenwich, 203-863-9300;warrentricomi.com
Water’sEdgeResortandSpa, 1525BostonPostRoad,Westbrook, 860-399-5901;watersedgeresortandspa.com invitations
ThePersnicketyBride, 84AMainSt.,Newtown,203-426-2598; thepersnicketybride.com
RosevilleDesigns, 18DanielSt.,Milford,530-727-8203; rosevilledesigns.com
TulalooStationeryStudio, Oakville,860-417-2587;tulaloo.com
TheWriteApproach, 245AmityRoad,Woodbridge,203-397-8272; thewriteapproachinc.com
lighting
2AudioMediaSolutions, EastGlastonbury,860-643-9407; audiomediasolutions.net
ShindigLighting, 434GrandSt.,3rdFloor,Bridgeport, info@shindiglighting.com;shindiglighting.com
jewelry
BaribaultJewelers, 81RankinRoad,Glastonbury,860-633-1727; baribaultjewelers.com
Betteridge, 239GreenwichAve.,Greenwich,203-869-0124; betteridge.com
HannoushJewelers, Enfield,Farmington,SouthWindsor, 860-561-4651;hannoushjewelersct.com
KassonJewelersofSouthport, 393PequotAve.,Southport, 203-319-0021;kassonjewelers.com
LenoxJewelers, 2500BlackRockTurnpike,Fairfield,203-374-6157; lenox-jewelers.com
LuxBond&Green, Glastonbury,MoheganSun,WestHartfordand Westport,800-524-7336;lbgreen.com
ManfrediJewels, 121GreenwichAve.,Greenwich,866-610-0705;72 ElmStreet,NewCanaan,203-966-8705;manfredijewels.com
MichaelsJewelers, LocationsinBristol,Canton,Danbury, Farmington,Manchester,Meriden,Milford,Norwalk,Orange, TrumbullandWaterbury;michaelsjewelers.com
NAGIJewelers, 828HighRidgeRoad,Stamford,203-964-0551; nagijewelers.com
PeterSuchyJewelers, 1137HighRidgeRoad,Stamford, 203-327-0024;petersuchyjewelers.com
dj’sandsound
DougieJamProductions, Trumbull,203-377-5266;dougiejam.com
JamesDanielEntertainment, 125BedfordSt.,Stamford, 203-969-2400;jamesdaniel.com
LocalMotionEntertainment, 29NorthPlainsHighway,Suite#9, Wallingford,203-915-3014;203-909-3858;localmotionent.com
PowerstationEvents, 1718HighlandAve.,Cheshire,203-250-8500; powerstationevents.com
photographers
AirenMillerPhotography, 451BurlingtonAve.,Bristol, 860-261-5617;amillerphoto.com
AliciaAnnPhotographers, Middletown; aliciaannphotographers.com
AndrewHendersonPhotography, 422VIllaAve.,Fairfield, 203-997-2332;andrewhendersonweddings.com
AtlanticCoastEntertainment, 524LongHillRoad,Groton, 860-448-3548;atlanticcoastentertainment.com
BlueDiamondPhotography, Niantic,860-235-7846; bluediamondphotography.com
BrianAmbrosePhotography, 344SpringStreetExt.,Glastonbury, 860-659-1119;brianambrosephoto.com
BrookeAllisonPhotography, 86DeerRunDrive,Trumbull; brookeallisonphoto.com
CaitFletcherPhotography, 203-988-2991; photographybyfletcher.com
CarlaTenEyckPhotography, 24LorraineSt.,Hartford, 860-989-3773;carlateneyck.com
DanielleRobinsonPhotography, 3ScofieldPl,Norwalk, 203-856-2966;daniellerobinsonphotography.com
HKPhotography, 17NatureLane,Shelton,203-906-7722; hkphotography.com
J.KoteenPhotography, Granby,860-614-5527;jakekoteen.com
JohnMunnoWeddings, 254LakemereDrive,Southbury, 203-405-3329;203-824-7243;johnmunnoweddings.com
Joseph’sPhotographyInc., 158MiddlesexAve.,Chester, 860-526-5019;josephs.com
KatieSlaterPhotography, Suffield;katieslaterphotography.com
KingVincentStormPhotographyandVideo, 203-934-8666; kingvincentstorm.com
MarsalStudios, 71RaymondRoad,WestHartford,860-395-9644; marsalstudios.com
MBMWeddings, EastGranby,mbm.melanie@gmail.com; mbmweddings.com
MelaniLustPhotography, 65EvergreenAve.,Westport, 203-247-6983;melanilustphotography.com
MelanieRuthPhotography, melanie@melanieruth.com; melanie-ruth.com
NicoleTaylorPhotography, Greenwich/Stamford,917-886-2147; nicoletaylorphoto.com
PerceptionsPhotography, 860-214-4022;perceptionsct.com
RichPomerantzPhotography, 203-770-1879;richpomerantz.com
RobertNormanPhotography, 441BoothHillRoad,Trumbull, 203-247-3093;norman-photography.com
SassyMouthPhotography, 77ParkAve.,Meriden, marisa@sassymouth.net;sassymouth.net
SebastianPhotography, 954NewfieldSt.,Middletown, 860-635-3686;sebastianphoto.com
ThomasHurlbutPhotography, 506WestfordRoad,Ashford, 860-487-3800;thomashurlbutphotography.com
TimothyBurkeMannlePhotography, 131BriarcliffRoad,Hamden, 203-435-3969;tbmphotos.com
TinaMariePhotography, 41ElmSt.,Seymour,203-463-8233; tinamariephoto.com
TrishaKeelerPhotography, trisha@trishakeelerphoto.com; trishakeelerphoto.com
ValMcCormickPhotography, val@valmccormick.com; valmccormick.com
planners
AmyChampagneEvents, 1869PostRoadEast,Westport, 203-908-5788;amychampagne.com
AshleyDouglassEvents, Greenwich,917-748-6281; ashleydouglassevents.com
CreativeConceptsbyLisa, 105SanfordS.,Hamden,475-441-7123; creativeconceptsbylisact.com
EstoccasionsEvents, 127ParkRoad,WestHartford,860-455-6057; 203-814-8223;estoccasions.com
EventPlanningSolutions, LLC,203-945-9837; eventplanningsolutions.com
JubileeEvents, 210MapleAve.PO,Cheshire, info@eventjubilee.com;eventjubilee.com
ALaCarteEvents, 917-902-0925;alacarteeventplanning.com
TrésChicEvents, CentralConnecticut,917-974-1938; treschiceventsct.com rentals
AbbeyTentandPartyRental, 158CommerceDrive,Fairfield; 203-368-2183;abbeytent.com
Borrowed, AVintageInspiredCompany,FairfieldCounty, 203-858-9429;borrowedvintagestyle.com
ChairAffair, 17StonewallLane,Clinton,203-710-7490; chairaffair.net
ConnecticutRentalCenter, 30deKovenDrive,Middletown, 800-323-9225;860-347-4688;ctrentalcenter.com
Durkin’sIncorporated, 90BeaverBrookRoad,Danbury, 203-408-6568;durkinsinc.com
GeneralEclectic, 920FarmingtonAve.,Suite203,WestHartford, geclect@gmail.com;estoccasions.wixsite.com/geattempt
TheGreenwichTentCo., 459IranistanAve.,Bridgeport, 203-930-4021;greenwichtent.com
TaylorRental/PartyPlus, 274BroadSt.,Manchester,860-689-1639; taylor-rentals.com transportation
AllegraFarmHorse&Carriage, EastHaddam,860-680-5149, 860-537-8861;allegrafarm.com
BlackSwanAntiqueLimousineService, Hartford,NewHavenand LitchfieldCounties,860-676-2600,203-266-5697;antiquelimo.com
Dattco(Busrental), Locationsthroughoutthestate,860-229-4878; dattco.com
EliteLimousine, 132ElliottSt.East;48OsborneAve.,Norwalk;101N PlainsIndustrialRoad,Wallingford,800-659-5466;elitelimoct.com
GatewayLimousine, 74MattatuckHeightsRoad,Waterbury, 203-753-5466;gatewaylimos.com
HunterLimousines, 450WestMainSt.,Meriden,203-514-5151; hunterlimo.com
LindseyLimousine, 200AddisonRoad,Windsor,860-289-5466; lindseylimo.com
TheParkingSpot(Airporttranspo), WindsorLocks,860-627-8201; theparkingspot.com
PremierLimousine, Westport;203-635-0556;premierlimoct.com
WoodAcresFarm(horse-drawncarriages), 68GriffinRoad, Terryville,860-583-8670;woodacresfarm.com
apparel&tailoring
AngieLuTailors, 693BostonPostRoad,Madison,203-245-9381; angielutailors.com
BeneaththeGown, 1120MainSt.,Branford,203-433-2023; beneaththegown.com
Camillo’sTuxedoSpecialist, 155MainSt.Norwalk,203-849-1466; facebook.com/camillotux
FootprintsShoes&Accessories, 79CostelloRoad,Newington, 860-666-3100;footprintsshoes.com
FormalsbyAntonio, 2244SilasDeaneHighway,RockyHill, 860-257-8626;formalsbyantonio.com
HelenAinson, 15CorbinDrive,Darien,203-655-9841; helenainson.com
Morneault’sStackpoleMooreTryon, 242TrumbullSt.,Hartford, 860-522-0181;morneaults.com
OscarsTux, 123FarmingtonAve.,Bristol,860-589-3995; oscarstux.com
Tamar, 43ElmSt.,OldSaybrook,860-395-0722
ValentinoTailors, 817GrandAve.,Unit101,NewHaven, 203-248-2037;valentinotailors.com
Zaccariello’sTailor&FormalWear, 170CenterSt.,Wallingford, 203-269-8652;zaccariellosformalwear.com
EllieDesautels andWrenDavid gotmarriedin SheltononMay 18,2024.
BYABBYWEISS
TheStratfordAntiqueCenterwaswhereEllieDesautels andWrenDavidhadtheirfirstdate11yearsago.So,whenthe coupletiedtheknot,theirweddingfeatureditemsfromthat veryantiquestore:tableclothsandabelltheyrangtosignalthe startofbigmoments.
TheConnecticutcouplegotmarriedontheir10-yearanniversary—May18,2024—inthebackyardofDesautels’parents’ homeinShelton.Theymetoversocialmediaandproposedto
eachotherin2018.TheirweddingwasamixtureofRenaissance Faire,fantasyandantiqueelements.
“Antiqueswassomethingwebothreallylovetogether.Ialso workedatfantasyeventsasavideographer.So,Ifoundmylittle nestledspaceofcreativity.Andblendinginourlove,friendsand theiramazingabilitytofindfurnitureandfindantiques...itwas justliketheperfectblend,”Desautelssays.
Thepairhadpicturedaweddinginthefuturesincetheirfirst
date(theybothindependently textedtheirfriendsthatday toannouncethey’dfound“the one”).Theyagreedtheirwedding wouldembodytheirromanceand thatitwouldbe100%them.
Desautelshadalwaysdreamed ofanoutdoorwedding.Asa paganwitch,theybelieveinfolk magicandthedivinityofnature. TheyalsoattendRenaissance Fairesandaredrawntomythical talesaboutgenderlessfairiesand creatures.Asanactor,photographerandvideographer, theirworkis“veryfantasy-based,”theysays.
ThepairexchangedvowsprivatelyatNaugatuckState Forestto“getallofthebigtearsout,”David,anoptician,says,beforetheoutdoorceremonyandreceptionat Desautel’sparents’backyard.Alltheguestsworemedieval,fantasyorcottage-coreoutfits,andthekidsreceived butterflywingsandwands.Theyinstalledamaypoleanda medievaltent.
Amongthepagantraditionsattheirweddingwasa handfastingceremony,whichinvolvedtyingthehandsof thecoupletogethertosymbolizetheirunity.
“Theantiquefantasyrenaissanceaspecttothewedding wasnotjustanaestheticchoicethattiedourinterests together,italsoreallyaddedtothemagicandhonoredmy paganisminaspecialway,”Desautelssaysviaemail.
Desautels’dress,createdbytheirsister,wasmedieval-inspiredandhadgreen-lineddartedsleevestoresemble ajester.TheyaddedDIYelementstothewedding,handcraftingtheinvitations,ribbonsticks,bannersandthe “happytearshandkerchiefs”forguests.
Thecouplealsofeaturedtheirfavoriteflower.Desautels sewedastripofdaisiesontothepocketofDavid’sfavorite shirtandthelaceatthebodiceoftheirdressresembled theflower.
CateBarry,aConnecticut-basedweddingphotographerwhoshottheevent,saysthecelebrationwasoneof themost“thoughtfulandintentionallybeautifulweddings”
she’severattended.
“Everyoneshowedup dressedwithacapitalD.This wasfullcommitment,”she says.“Itwasliketheycreated thismagicallittleworld,and theneveryonewantedtobe apartofthatmagicalworld. Theyweresothoughtful,and alltheirdetailswerebothphysicalandritualistic.Therewas justsomuchemotion,somuch laughter.Itwasjustaestheticallybeautiful,butitwasalsoreallyfunandjoyful.”
Thecouplesaysthatoneofthemostuniquecomponentsoftheeventwashowmucheachoftheestimated 50guestscontributed.David’sfatherdonatedmuchofthe furniture,hisbestfriendsmanagedthefoodandDesautels’mother’shighschoolbestfriendarrangedtheflowers withDesautels’niece.
“Wedidnothaveaweddingplanner.Wehadbest friends.Wehad10peoplekeepingusontrack,”Davidsays.
Theweddingalsoservedasalovelettertotheirlate familymembers.Desautels’parents’gazebowasfilledwith picturesanditemsoftheirlovedoneswhodied.
Duringtheprivateexchangeofvows,Desautelsand Davidhandedflowerstoeachoftheirfamilymembersthat representedalovedonewhodied.Then,theycollected theflowersatthebeginningoftheceremonyandputthem inavasenexttothem.
“Sothatallofourlovedonesweresittinginavasewith usduringtheceremony,”Davidsays.
Thenextchapteroftheirfairytaleistheirhoneymoon. Thedestinationispending,buttheyhopetohaveiton their11thanniversary.
“Whenyoufindthepersonthatyoulove,itfeelseasyto love.Andthen,onceallthenewrelationshipstuffgoes away,youhavetheprivilegeandthehonortochooseto loveeachother,”Desautelssays.“Ithinkit’ssoimportant thatyoudoeverythingthatyoucantomakeeachother feelseenandheardandappreciatedandvalued.”
[Eat+Drink]
DININGOUT |NOWOPEN|THESWEETSPOT|CRAFTCRUISING
FrenchFlavors
BarBouchéeinMadisonisapopularspotforlocals.
ByJamesGribbon
BarBouchéewasfirstopenedbyUnionLeagueCafemasterchefJeanPierreVuillermet.Theconcepthereisabouchon,asortofneighborhoodbistrocommoninruralFrance.OneofBouchée’scurrent ownersischefGuillaumeTraversaz,fromthesameareaofthe FrenchAlpsasVuillermet,whocalledTraversaztoworkatUnion
Bar Bouchée, locatedin Madison.
LeagueCafein2017.Asof2022,Traversazand fellowUnionLeaguealumRomainTurpaultare theco-ownersofBarBouchée,whichhasbeen quietlyhummingalonginitsMadisonneighborhoodsince2010.
Isay“quietly,”butthatdoesn’tmeanunknown. Bouchéeisn’talargerestaurant,andit’spopular withtheneighbors.Youcanmakereservations justtositatthebar,asIdid,butBouchéehashigh toptablesinside,andlowertablesinanoutdoor heatedpatio.Allseemtofilluprapidly.
Everythinglookedgoodontheprintedmenu —steamedmussels,ducklegconfit,avegetarian offeringofspaetzlewithwintervegetables, mushroomsandchestnuts —butmyeyeskept trackingoffthepageandbacktothechalkboard ofspecials.Ifinallybeganlisteningtowhatmy brainwastellingme,pointedover,andordered: “That.”
Beingjustoneperson,Iskippedtheday’s oystersandthelentilsoup,andwentstraightfor anappetizeroftrufflearancini.Thetwo-piece aranciniwasservedoverarazor-thinbeet carpaccio,book-endedbyafriseesaladwhich wasbrightandsharpwithacidicvinegarand muskytruffleessence.
LocalMadisonCheeseShopprovidedamajor componentforthetrufflearancini,whoserice
isfirstrestedonwholetrufflesforseveraldays, soakingupthearomaandflavor,andiscooked withcheeseandadditionalfreshtrufflesbefore beingrolledandfried.Crunchy,earthy,sharp andsweet,thesmalldishdeliveredcategorically,andpairednicelywithaVieuxCarrécocktail,madewithcognac(becauseIwasinaFrench restaurant),rye,Benedictineandvermouth.IfI wasonatightscheduleandonlyhadtimefor onedishanddrink,Icouldhavelefthappyatthis point,butmorespecialswerecalling.
OnafrigidJanuarynight,Isaw“braisedbeef cheeksinBourguignon”andlookednofurther.
Thecheeksarebraisedinwinewithpearl onions,mushrooms,andbacon,generously portionedwithmashedpotatoesandtopped withshreddedBrusselssprouts.Cheekslike thesearelabor-intensivetoprepare,muchmore sothanacutlikeshortribs,buttheresultmakes thehoursittooktocreatethisdishworthitto thesecond.
Thedepthofflavorisalmostabsurd.The house-curedcutsofbeefareintenselymeaty,but sosofttheyalmostdissolveatthetouchofafork. Redwine,smokeyandsaltybaconandthesweet popofawholepearlonionharmonizewiththe vegetablecrunchofthesprouts.
Thepotatoesaremashedwithgarlicanda
BARBOUCHÉE
8ScotlandAve.,Madison; 203-318-8004
barbouchee.com Wheelchairaccessible
THEFOOD
BarBouchéespecializes inaregionalformof Frenchhomecooking. Comfortingfoodwith rich,warmingflavors populatestheentreelist, withsmallerbitesfrom oystersandtartareto saladavailabletosnack on,alongsidesipsfroman outstandingwineprogram.
THEVIBE
Abouchonisakintoasort ofafter-workbistro,so Bouchéeismeanttobe familiarandcomfyenough towind-downtheday,but withfoodsuitabletomake anydatenightmemorable. Thebarandindoor tablesarelivelywith conversation,andoutdoor seatingisyear-round.
EscargotatBarBouchéeinMadison.
borderlineirresponsibleamountofbutter.They aresilky,delicious,andaperfectlandingpadfor thebraisingjuspouredovertheentiredish.Thisis comfortfoodraisedtodecadence.
“Peoplesayourmenuissmallsometimes,butI’m focusingsohardonlocalfarms,fish,foodswhichare seasonal,sowiththespecialsasadifferentmenu, we’readdingalot,”Traversazsaidduringourconversationafewweekslater.
“Oneofmybigthingsischangingthefoodalmost everyday.Ihavetokeepitnewandinterestingfor everyone.Somedishes,escargot,etc.,willstayonthe menu,buttherestrotatesaroundthem.IfIgetintoa routine,Igetboredveryeasily.”
Anotherdishwhichcaughtmyeyewasthechicken volauvent:whitewinebraisedthighswithatruffle boudinblancinsidehouse-madepuffpastry.Apparently,myeyesweren’ttheonlyonesbeingcaught. Traversazsayswhenonevolauventleavesthe kitchen,hecanreliablyexpectseveralmoreorders asotherdinerssneakfurtivelooksfromneighboring tables.
ThechefsaysBouchéehasbecomearealregular spotforlocals.Inoticeseveralotherdinersatthebar andtablesaddressingtheirserversbyname.There’s afamiliar,oldfashionedone-to-onemannertothe serviceatBouchée.Theserversarebusyandattentive,butIdidn’tfeelhoveredoveratanypoint.
Thethickpewterbartop,stampedwith“Atelier Nectoux,”wasbroughtoverfromFrance“because youhaveto,thisiswhatatraditionalbouchonin Francehas,”saysTraversaz.Thebarisasetpiece,an anchorforanauraofFrenchnesstoAmericaneyes, andafamiliarlookofhomeforGuillaume,Loire ValleynativeTurpault,andfounderVuillermet.
TraversazsayshewantedtokeepBarBouchée largelytraditionalandsimilaraftertakingoverin 2022,andsomeofthebiggestchangestheydidmake –beyondaconstantlyupdatingmenu–hastodo withthefoodbothbeforeandafteritisserved.
Onethingwhichdidn’tgotowasteduringmy
visitwasadessertofmillefueille:puffpastrylayered withpralinecream,whitechocolatemousseandpeanut brittlecrunch,flankedbycaramelizedapple.Dinner herefeltlikeaminivacation,andoneitemconspicuouslyabsentfromthespecialsmenuwasrestraint. Madison’slocationonthecentralcoastmakesita reasonabletripfromjustaboutanywhereinthestate. Forthoseofuswhowon’tbetravelingtoskitheFrench Alpsanytimesoon,thislittlebouchonisthenestbest thing.
JamesGribbonisaConnecticutnative,CRAziesAwards panelistandConnecticutSocietyofProfessionalJournalists award-winningwriterwithoveradozenyears’experience coveringthestatefor ConnecticutMagazine, CTBites and Fodor’sTravel.
Left, roastedduck breast;Right, Panseared stripedbass
BarBouchéeoffersoutdoorseating.
Profiterolles atBarBouchée inMadison
Plants&Coffee
NewEnglandcoffeeshop,TheRoseRoomCafe, opensfirstConnecticutlocationinDanielson.
ByShealaghSullivan
Whatgoesbetterthanplantsandcoffee?”That’saquestion retailmanagerAngelMartinposes.
TheRoseRoomCafeispartneringwithLogee’sPlantsfor HomeandGardeninDanielsontobringspecialtycoffees,sodas andhomemadepastriestoConnecticutplantenthusiasts.
ThestorehaditssoftopeningJan.31,withagrandopeningtheweekendofFeb.22, saysRoseRoomCafeownerJessSabine.
RoseRoomCafeopeneditsfirststorefrontinWebster,Massachusetts,in2018,where itmakesallthelocations’syrupsandbakedgoodsinhouse.Italsoservesspecialtycocktails,breakfastandlunch.
ThecafeopeneditssecondlocationinProvidencelastMarch.
RoseRoomCafe’snewestlocationinLogee’swillbeopenforsixmonthsoftheyear —fromJanuarytoJune—tocoincidewiththeplantstore’sbusyseason,Sabinesays.It offersofferthesamespecialtycoffeeanddrinksastheotherlocations,alongwithfresh pastriesdeliveredfromtheWebsterstoreeveryday.
Logee’swasfoundedin1892andisnowinitsthird-generationoffamilyownership, accordingtoitswebsite.
Martinhelpeddesignthecafespace. ecuratedanarchivalcornerinthe fe,withphotos,awardsandoldcatasfromLogee’s. soappreciateallofthehistoryhere, ntedtohonorthat,”shesays. grandopeningweekend,thecafe bloodorangesodasmadewithoranges gee’s.
ehereinourWebsterlocationis thrilled.WeloveLogee’s.Everyoneis obsessedwithgoingthere,andwe’rejustreally happythatwehavethisopportunitytoworkwith anotherfamily-ownedbusinessthatisdoingreally greatthings,”saysSabine.
Thespacehasplacestosit,aswellascomplimentaryWiFi.
RoseRoomCafeoffersallespresso-based drinks,withhomemadesyrupsrangingfromvanilla tocinnamonsugartosaltedcaramel.Italsohas teasonthemenu,includinga“GoldenDragon,” whichisaturmericandchaidrink.
“We’rereallytryingtobuildsomethinghere that’sverycommunityfocused,andtheguest experienceisthemostimportantthingforus,” saysSabine.
Sabinehasworkedincafesacrossthecountry sinceshewas18,andsaidshefellinlovewiththe impactshewasabletohaveonpeople.Hercoffee shopsofferanescape—andasecondhome—for hercustomers.
“Nowmorethanever,peopleneedathird space,andtheyneedtofeelliketheybelongsomewhere,”shesays.“Tobeabletocomeintoaspace andfeelwelcomedandfeellikeyou’rehomeand you’reseenandknown,Ithinkthatthat’sthemost importantworkthatwecando.SoI’msohappy thatIgettodoiteveryday.”
RoseRoomCafewillbeopenWednesday-Sunday,9a.m.-3p.m.,accordingtoSabine.
The RoseRoom’s“Golden Dragon”chai,maplecappuccinoand pistachiolatteatLogee’sinDanielson.
The Rose RoomCafe insideLogee’s.
ChanVorasane-Graham,whoopenedFromChanBakeshopat50BerlinRoad,Cromwell,in December,specializesinclassicAmericanandFrench-Asianartisanpastries.
Off-menuBakes
ChanVorasane-Grahamarrivesathershopintheweehours ofthemorningnotknowingwhatshe’llbebaking.
ByCassandraDay
ChanVorasane-Graham,ownerof FromChanBakeshopinCromwell,isequallyexpertatcooking andbaking—ararityintheculinaryworld,shesays.
Vorasane-Grahamlaunchedheruniquebreakfast andlunchspotinDecember,specializinginclassic AmericanandFrench-Asianartisanpastries,aswell ashandcraftedbeveragesandcoffeesmadewith homemadesyrups.
Butdon’texpectamenu.That’s becauseVorasane-Grahamarrivesather shopintheweehoursofthemorning notknowingwhatshe’llbebaking.She takesaninventoryofingredientsand letshercreativityloose.
Whencustomerscomein,theyhavenoideawhat they’llfind,shesays.
“IfI’moutofoneitem,yougetanotheritem,and thenextday,it’sadifferentthing.Otherbakeries, whentheysellout,theyclosethedoors,”shesays.“I don’tdothatbecausetherearesomanyoptionsyou canchoosefrom.”
FROMCHAN BAKESHOP
Vorasane-Grahamemigratedwithherfamily fromLaosandresettledinTexaswhileshewas young.Whensheandherfirst husbandmovedtoMaine,shewon firstplaceinacommunitycollege cookingcompetition.
50BerlinRd,Cromwell (860)894-6161
@fromchanbakeshop onInstagram
Soonafter,Vorasane-Graham wasrecruitedbyJohnson&Wales University,wheresheobtainedher
bachelor’sdegreeinculinaryarts.While inculinaryschool,shesays,chefswould tellhershewas“lucky”tohaveadual talent.
Later,sheearnedamaster’sofbusinessdegreeinfinance.
Whileingradschool,VorasaneGrahamworkedasachefatTemple DowntowninHartford,a“high-end” restaurant,”shesays,butonedayrealizedshewantedtodosomething different.
Hersonencouragedhertotake timeoffand“dowhateveryouwant,” Vorasane-Grahamshares.
Shetookhisadvice.In2012,sheand hersisterbackpackedtheirwayaround theworldforfourmonths,including spendingamonthinItaly.
Hertravelbugwaslatersatisfied whenVorasane-GrahamworkedforU.S. Airways—nowAmericanAirlines— from2012-19.
“Istartedoffat$10.25(anhour)and Ididn’tcare,”shesaysofthecareer change.“I’vebeentosomanycountries, somanycities,eatingallthefood,the pastries—everythingyoucanthinkof.”
In2019,sheandhersisteropenedBou NomBakeryinAvon.
“Webecamesopopularsofast becausethewayIbakeissounique,”she says.Infact,therewasoftenatwo-hour longwaitline.
Ayearlater,hersistertookoverthe business.ShethenopenedChan’sStreet FusioninHartford’sParkville.
LastAugust,shetookovertheformer FrankieB’sBakeryat6WappingRoadin theBroadBrooksectionofEastWindsor, somethingshecallsa“giftfromGod” aftertheownerapproachedherwitha dealshecouldn’tresist.
Vorasane-Grahamtookahiatusthere inFebruarytoreworkherconceptatthe BroadBrookshop.
Itwillbe“totallydifferent,”shesays, specializingindonutsandfriedchicken, alongwithcookiesandicecream.She’s alreadydreamingofherchicken-andwaffle-typesandwichwithadoughnut ontheside.
Vorasane-Grahamiscertaintheitems willbea“hit”withclients.It’sexpected toreopenthesecondweekinApril.
Herhomemade,milkylemonade, whichcomesinmanyflavors,suchas lychee,orangecream,dragonfruitand lavender,isafanfavorite.
“Peoplethinkit’screamybutIhave nocreaminit,”shesays.“It’sthewayI
makeit.”
“Ifyoudon’t putloveand soulinto it,it’snot goingto tastegood.”
Herbrownbuttercookiecoffeetasteslikeacoffeebiscuitlatte.
“Icallitdirtychai,”Vorasane-Grahamsays.“It’slikecoffeeand chaiteamixedtogether.”
Teaflavorsincludepassionfruit,dirtygreenandhibiscuslatte. Sandwichesrangefromajalapeno,sausageandhashbrownshandheld,tothedoubleAsian,consistingofhashbrownsandshaved beefwithhousespicymayo.
Her“secret”ingredientisn’tatangibleone.
“Youbakeitfromthelovefromrighthere,”Vorasane-Graham says,gesturingtoherheart.“Ifyoudon’tputloveandsoulintoit, it’snotgoingtotastegood.”
Thebakeryisopen7a.m.to4p.m.WednesdaythroughFriday,8 a.m.to4p.m.onSaturdayand8a.m.to2p.m.onSunday.Itis closedonMondaysandTuesdays.
Fromahotpotrestauranttoafastcasualhotchickeneatery,herearesomeofthenewrestaurantstocheck
OPEN Now
Mama’sBagels,NewMilford
Mama’sBagelsislocatednextdoortoCarlsonPhysical Therapy.Inadditiontoservingavarietyoffreshbagels, customerscanpurchasedeliitems,smoothies,coffees andotheritemsofftheMama’sBagelsmenu. 116DanburyRoad,www.mamasbagelsdeli.com—KK
Maru67,Oxford
Maru67isequippedwitharevolvingsushi conveyorbelt.Therestaurantfeatures “freshanddelicioussushi,sashimiand avarietyofJapanesedishes.”Hibachi entrees,friedriceandYakiUdon,whichis thick,stir-friednoodles,arealsoonthemenu. Maru67alsooffersvariousappetizers,including edamame,scallionpancakesandmashpotato croquettes.Inaddition,therestaurantservessoupsand salads,sushibarentreesandclassicspecialrolls. Maru67issisterrestaurantstoOxford’sRamenNBao, Milford’sNaturalKitchenandNaugatuck’sTomo68. 320CenterRockGreen,www.maru67.com—JB
Sally’sApizza,Farmington
Sally’sApizzaopenedanewlocation.Thepizzeriachain servesNewHaven-stylepizzas,Italianspecialties,salads, sandwichesandmore.Sally’sApizzacurrentlyserves itsNewHavenstyleapizzaatConnecticutlocationsin Fairfield,Stamford,WethersfieldandNewHaven. 400WestFarmsMall,https://sallysapizza.com—LI
CharterOakTavern,Westbrook Chef-ownerandMadisonresidentScottQuinnwants therestauranttofeellikeanIrishpuband“avery neighborhoodfriendlyrestaurant,”hesays.Quinn’s culinaryexperiencespansMichelin-starredrestaurants andbistros.Signaturedishesatthepubincludebraised
shortribcroquettes,NewYorkstrip steakandasalmoncrudothat’saplay onloxonbagels.
24N.MainSt.,charteroaktavern.com—SB
SpeedyTacos,Torrington SpeedyTacosisownedbyJesus Ortegasaidhiswife,TanyaOrtega. Manyoftherestaurant’srecipes havebeenpasseddownfromTanya’s family,Jesussays.Therestaurant’s menufeaturessoups,burritos,tacos, enchiladas,quesadillasandother Mexicanfavorites.Everythingismade fromscratchwithfreshingredients, includingbeef,chicken,porksausage, andvegetables.
3SouthMainSt.—SB
CozyCupBakery&Café,Berlin SistersGenesisNeysmithandCarla Torresopenedtheirbakery,Cozy CupBakery&Café.CozyCup’smenu includeshouse-madecakes,pastries, pancakes,omelettes,salads,hotand icedcoffeeandmore.Someofthe popularitems,accordingtoNeysmith, includetheCubanosandwich,thetres lechescakeandquesito,whichislikea
cheeseDanish.
259NewBritainRoad,www.instagram. com/cozycupbakerycafe—CH
LyfeCafé,Westport
TheownersofPizzaLyfe,whohave beenservingpizzainWestportsince 2022,openedasmallcaféwithavery extensivebreakfastandlunchmenu calledLyfeCafé.Theyofferbreakfast sandwichesonabriochebun,such asthe“BellyUp”withgochujang glazedporkbelly,andaloaded bacon,eggandcheesesandwichwith hashbrown,avocadoandhabanero jam.
793PostRoadEast,www.lyfe.cafe—CH HungryBowl,Newington
ThenewJapaneseandTaiwanese restaurantisownedbythesame ownersoftheHungryPotKorean BBQ&HotPotandHungryCrab restaurants.Therestaurantoffers Mongolianbowls,sushi,ramen,pho andmore.Therearealsovegetarian andpescatarianoptionsandallergy saccommodations.
3025BerlinTurnpike,www. hungrybowlusa.com—CH
Dave’sHotChicken,Milford
TheLosAngeles-based,fastcasual hotchickenbrandsellshotchicken tenders,sliders,sidesandshakes. CustomerscanexperienceDave’s spicelevelsrangingfrom“nospice”to “reaper.”
1611BostonPostRoad,https://restaurants. daveshotchicken.com/ct/milford—CH
INDIAN
DeadLanguage
Ahusband-wifeteamopenedDeadLanguageBeer ProjectinHartfordinthestrikingindustrialspace formerlyhometoHogRiverBrewingCo.
ByErikOfgang
Foralongtime,ChrisDeGaserocouldn’tescapeIPAs.
Theco-founderandoriginalheadbreweratAlvariumBeer Co.inNewBritain,Chrisfoundhimselfpressuredbymarket forcestofocusoncrowd-pleasingbeershewasn’talways passionateabout.
“PrimarilyitwasalotofhazyIPAsandfruitedpastrystoutsandthat kindofstuff,”hesays.WhenChrissoldhisstakeinAlvarium,heandhis wife,Kyle,begandiscussingopeninganewbrewery.Theyvowednottobe beholdentotheIPAthistimearound.
“Wedecidedifweweregoingtoopen,weweregoingtodoitonourterms,” Chrissays.“Soit’sfocusedonlagersandweissbier.WedosomeIPAsbut thosearegoingtobedecidedlyAmericanIPAs,morebitter,morebalanced.”
ChrisandKyleopenedDeadLanguageBeerProjectinHartfordlastMarch inthestrikingindustrialspaceformerlyhometoHogRiverBrewingCo. Thenewbreweryisquicklymakinganameforitselfthankstoitswell-executedtakesonlesscommonGermanlagerstyles.VinePair,awell-respected nationalcraftbeveragepublication,namedDeadLanguageoneofthetop22 newbreweriesof2024.
uniquepersonality.
IvisitedDeadLanguageforthefirsttimewhilewritingaboutConnecticut beersthatearnedmedalsattheGreatInternationalBeer,Cider,Mead&Sake Competitionawardlastyear.DeadLanguagetookhometwogoldmedals andtwosilvermedals.ThegoldmedalbeersareHarvestMoon,awheat beerburstingwithbananaandbakingspices,andJuno,adryaltbierwith subtlemaltandtoastednutflavors.OtherbeersIenjoyedduringmyvisit, includetheirGermanpilsner,namedFelix,Japaneselager,DokiDoki,and theirsmokedWeizen.Eachwassteepedintraditionbutalsofullofitsown
ThebreweryalsooffersCzech-stylesidepulls inwhichthefoamcanbecomethestarofthe beer.Thehladinkapour,hasafewfingersof foamontopofthebeer,thešnytpourisabout halffoamandthemlíkopour(ormilkpour)is nearlyallfoam.Inthesepoursthefoamchanges thetexture,blanketingthebeerandmakingit softer —Ihighlyrecommendtryingallthree.
TheDeGasero’scaughtthecraftbeerbug aboutadecadeandahalfagowhentheywere livinginQueens,NewYork.Kylestartedthem downtheroadbyfindinginterestingbeersfrom acrosstheglobetotakehome.“Forme,itwas Belgianbeers,”Kylesays.Thesebeersdidn’t tastelikeanyothertypesshehadandendedup beingthegatewaydrugthatledtoCzechand Germanbeersandmoreforthecouple.“Before youknowit,thenyoubecomelikeanyother beerperson.We’retakingweekendstogotothe BrewersFestinVermont,”shesays.
Chrisadds,“Welovetotravelandjustlike,eat anddrinkourwaythroughcities.”
Chris’spassionforbrewingeventually becamehiscareerfocus.Thecouplemovedto ConnecticutwhenKylegotajobthatnecessitatedmovingtotheHartfordarea.Chrisbecame anassistantbreweratCitySteaminHartford andthenheadbreweratCambridgeHouseBrew PubinGranbybeforeopeningAlvarium.
DeadLanguagehasthesameopenfeelthat HogRiverhadwhenitoccupiedthespace,but KyleandChrishaveaddedavarietyoftouches inspiredbytheirbreweryexplorationsin Europe.BeforeIleave,ChrisoffersmeashotsizedbottleofUnderberg,atraditionalGerman bitterthatishailedasadigestiveandalcohol cureinmuchofEurope.Ican’tvouchforits medicinalclaims,butit’safunherbalshotbefore leaving,andI’vebeenafaneversincetryingit.
Asforthebrewery’sname,thatwaspartly inspiredbythecouplebeingfansoftheGrateful Dead(andyoucanhearmusicfromtheDead inthetaproomeverySunday).Moresignificantly,thenameisanodtopreservingtraditionalbrewingmethodsandtechniques.“We saytraditionalbeerandtheculturebehinditis adyinglanguage,”Chrissays.
Fortunatelyforloversoflagers,thisbreweryis doingitsparttokeepthatlanguagealive.
ErikOfgangshareshisopinionsonfoodanddrink inthestate.Heistheco-authorof TheGood Vices andhaswrittenfor TheWashingtonPost, TheAtlantic,Smithsonian,Forbes andother publications.
Har vest Moonfrom DeadLanguage BeerProject.
TVDebut
InnewRachaelRay-producedcookingshow,this Connecticutchefbrings‘simple’Italiandishestolife.
ByLilliIannella
NewCanaan-basedchef,cookbookauthorandculinary influencerAnnaFranceseGasscannowaddtelevision showhosttoherlistoftitles.
FranceseGass’newcookingseriesproducedbyRachael Ray’steam,“InstantItalian,” premieredinMarch.
“WhenIwenttoculinaryschool,Inevercouldhavedreamedofthis,”FranceseGasssays.“It’sveryrepresentativeofwhoIamandhowIcook,thekind offoodthatIeat,soit’sverypersonalforme.”
Theseries“InstantItalian”features30-minuteepisodesstarringFrancese Gassandatleasttwotothreeofher“easy-to-make”Italiandishes.
“Iwantyoutowatchmyshow,jumpoffthecouch,gostraighttothekitchen andtrytomakewhatIdid,”FranceseGasssays.
TheseriesairsonFYIaspartoftheHome.Made.Nationprogrammingand apartnershipwithRachaelRay’sFreeFoodStudios,accordingtoaspokespersonforA+ENetworks,theparentcompanyofFYI.Viewerscanalsostream ontheFYIAppandfyi.tv.
“MymomisanItalianimmigrant,sofoodis reallythenucleusofourhome,”FranceseGass shares.
Episodesincludea“pastabilities”onethat showsviewershowtomakeasheetpanpasta sauceanda“supermom”episodethatfeatures snacksforkids,likemozzarellaballsticksand homemadehotpockets.
Someoftherecipesarealreadyfeatured onFranceseGass’Instagrampage,whichhas gainedthousandsoffollowersandincludesa tutorialonhowtomakemozzarellaballsticks withover330,000views.
“MyInstagramisverymuchlikewhatI’m doingintheshow,”FranceseGasssays.“The mainthingaboutthekitchenformeisthatit bringsmeahugesenseofjoy.SoIthinkifIcan kindoftranslatethatandshowyousomething thatmakesyousmileandmakesyouthink,‘oh mygosh,thisissuchafunrecipe,’you’regoing tobemorelikelytogetintothekitchenandtry it.”
WhenFranceseGasssays“simple,”she meansdishesanyone —whetherabeginneror aseasonedcook —canmake.Duringepisodes, sheoffersoptionscooksathomecanchoose tomatchtheircookinglevel.Forinstance,ifa viewerdoesn’twanttomakeahomemadedough forarecipe,theycanbuyonefromthegrocery storeorapizzeria,FranceseGassexplains.
“Youcankindofpickyourpath,pickyour levelwithintheshow,”sheadds.
Theinspirationbehindherdishesgoesbackto herSouthernItalianroots.
“Ithinkmyfoundationforeverythingis alwaystheflavorsofItaly,”FranceseGasssays. “Youknowyourredsauce,yourbasil,your cheeses,mozzarella,pecorino,parmigiano thosearetheflavorsofSouthernItalythatIgrew upwith.”
OtherthanherItalianrootsandhermother, FranceseGasssayssomeofherotherbiggest inspirationsareherownchildren.
“I’mamomfirst.IthinknomatterwhatI create,thefirstthoughtinmymindis,willmy kidseatthis,”FranceseGasssays.“Andthe reasonIfindthatsuperhelpfulisbecausemost people,Iwouldsay,aren’tlookingforreally complicated,elevateddishes.They’relooking forthesimplestuff,thecomfortfood.”
FranceseGassisalsotheauthorof Heirloom Kitchen:HeritageRecipesandFamilyStoriesfromthe TablesofImmigrantWomen,acookbookfeaturing morethan100recipesfromdozensofwomen fromaroundtheworld.
NewCanaanbasedchefAnna FranceseGass.
IModernTV andcommercials
ByJoelSamberg,Commentary
lovetelevision.
Afterall,TVmayhavepartiallybeenresponsibleformywanting togrowuptobecome“RobPetrie”in TheDickVanDykeShow (a comedywriter).Or“DonaldHollinger”in ThatGirl (amagazine journalist).Or“TimO’Hara”in MyFavoriteMartian (anewspaper reporter).Or“CaptainStubing”in TheLoveBoat (aguywhogoestoworkin shorts).
What’smore,despitemanycriticswarningofitsdeceptiveportrayalsof Americanfamilylife,TVgavemeasenseofoptimism.Itmademefeelthat Iwasokay.EventhoughIneveroncesaid“gee”or“golly,”like“Wally”and hislittlebrotherin LeaveitToBeaver,watchingtheshowconvincedmethat Iwasafairlynormalkidwhohadmore questionsthananswers,occasionallygot introublesimplyforbeingcuriousand couldalwayscountonhisparentstobe there(eventhoughmymotherneverwore pearlsaroundthehouse).
Ilikedtelevisionbecauseitwasareliablefriend,anelectronicbuddytogiveme apassivebreakfromhomework,studying—evenfromplayingwithsome ofmyhumanfriendswhenI’drathernot.Itwasflexiblebuddy,too.After all,ifIfeltclaustrophobicwatching VoyagetotheBottomoftheSea,Icould simplychangethechanneltothegreatoutdoorsof Lassie,whichwereonat thesametime.ButifIwasplayingwithBobbyacrossthestreetanddidn’t wanttojoinhimashespatoncarsfromtheparkwayoverpass,Icouldn’t effortlesslyjustswitchhimtoJimmyGalante,whomostlywantedtolisten toCheech&Chong.
LatelyI’vebeenthinkingaboutmychildhoodloveaffairwithtelevision
andhavecometotheconclusionthatit wasbetterthenthanitisnow.Here’swhy. IfIsatandwatched GetSmart withmy grandfather,neitherofuswouldhavea careintheworld.Allwe’ddoislaugh.But today,ifIweretositandwatchashowwith myyounggrandson,I’dbeonedgeduring everycommercialbreak.Why?Becauseit waseasyformygrandfathertositwithme throughaJackLaLanecommercialabout enhancinghisphysique,butit’sdifficult formetositwithmygrandsonthrough anerectiledysfunctioncommercialabout enhancingsomethingentirelydifferent. Itwaseasyformygrandfathertositwith methroughacommercialaboutprotecting yourselffromthesun,butdifficultfor metositwithmygrandsonthrougha commercialaboutprotectingyourself wherethesundon’tshine.
Speakingofcommercials,doesn’tthere seemtobemorethantwiceasmanythese days?Yearsago,commercialbreaksgave ustimetogetasnackinthekitchen.Today, itfeelslikeasinglecommercialbreaklasts longenoughtocookanentiremeal. Commercialsneverbotheredmeback inthe Love,AmericanStyle dayssimply becauseadvertisershelpedpayforthe privilegeofwatchingallprogramsand moviesforfree.Today?Notonlydowe havetopayforthenetworkswewantto watch,butsometimesweevenhaveto payanextrafeeforspecificmoviesand specials!That’swhyIdespisecommercials.It’sjustgreed,Americanstyle.
Backinthedaysof TheMonkees , watchingtelevisionwasastechnologicallysimpleasadaydreambelieverlike mewantedittobe.Youdidn’tneedto knowanythingaboutbandwidth,Wi-Fi, buffering,routers,networktraffic,device compatibility,remotecontrolsyncingor anythingelse.Youjustpluggedinthe setandpushedabutton.That’sit.And thescreenneverwentblankandthen returned,onlytorepeatalineofdialogue youhadjustheard.That’sentertainment?
Inmanyways,theworldoftelevision backinthedayswhenIpreferredtobelost inspacerequiredjustafewsimplerules. Nowadays,it’smissionimpossible.
Joel’sotherfavoritesfromtheolddays included TheNameoftheGame, Batman, Columbo andthoughhe’d neveradmititinpublic, GreenAcres. JoeltheWriter@comcast.net.
