Picture-perfect Fall Smith Farm Gardens CT Wedding | Ilana + Rick

Fall in Connecticut is a magical time of year, and Ilana and Rick’s wedding at Smith Farm Gardens captured the essence of the season perfectly.

The picturesque venue, located in Connecticut’s countryside, provided a stunning backdrop for the couple’s big day.

Ilana and Rick’s love story began several years ago when they met through mutual friends. They quickly hit it off and fell in love. After several years of dating, they decided to tie the knot and celebrate their love with family and friends.

How they met

Like many couples of their generation, Rick & Ilana met through the dating app, Bumble. They were immediately attracted to each other… enough to “swipe right”! After a few weeks of online chatting, they met in person – Ilana requested World of Beer in the center of West Hartford, Connecticut.

They felt something special between them but agreed to take things slowly. After a year of casually dating, Ilana accepted a job offer in New York City, near where she was born and raised. She leased the home she owned in West Hartford, CT, and found an apartment for rent in Rye, NY.

Once Ilana moved, Rick realized he loved her and wanted to take their relationship more seriously. Seriously enough to spend every Friday night diving from Connecticut to New York in rush hour traffic visiting her.

After only a few weeks of long-distance dating, Rick told Ilana he loved her, and she reciprocated. Ilana only lasted eight months working in Manhattan before realizing it was silly to stay in New York. Not only did Rick live in Connecticut, but the majority of her family had also migrated there. She broke her lease in New York and moved back into her West Hartford home with Rick in September of 2019.

Getting engaged

After almost two years of living together, including surviving a pandemic, Rick proposed. Rick planned for them to meet friends in the center of West Hartford at The Cheesecake Factory.

Not a fan of chain restaurants, Ilana was a little cranky about the dinner selection but excited to see friends nonetheless. She picked out a casual t-shirt to wear. Rick, who never comments negatively on Ilana’s clothing, asked, ‘you’re wearing that tonight?’ She responded confused, ‘yeah, it’s The Cheesecake Factory.’

Rick suggested wearing something a little nicer since they’d be seeing friends. Unsuspecting of his grand plan, Ilana changed. Rick told Ilana their friends were grabbing a pre-dinner drink at World of Beer — next to The Cheesecake Factory.

They walked to “meet” them when Rick stopped Ilana in front of the bar.

He got down on one knee, reminded her of their first date, presented her with the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen, and asked her to marry him. Ilana immediately agreed.

They started celebrating before Ilana noticed someone was filming and taking photos; it was Rick’s sister capturing the entire thing on camera!

And in case you’re wondering… no, they didn’t go to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner.

Instead, Rick took Ilana to a steakhouse before rushing home to their closest friends, who were waiting there for a surprise party. They met their immediate families the next evening for an intimate celebratory dinner.

The couple chose Smith Farm Gardens as their CT wedding venue, and it was a perfect choice.

The gardens were bursting with autumnal colors, and the farm’s rustic charm added to the overall ambiance of the celebration.

The planning and design were expertly handled by Sarah Brehant Events, who ensured every detail was executed to perfection. From the floral arrangements by Earth Blossoms Flowers to the delicious catering by Small Kitchen Big Taste, every element of the wedding was meticulously planned.

We filmed side-by-side with Melanie Ruth Photography to artistically captured all the special moments of the day, from the emotional first look to the couple’s romantic first dance. Shaded Soul Band provided entertainment for the evening and kept guests dancing the night away.

One of the highlights of the day was the couple’s furry friend, who played an important role as the dog coordinator. Daley Pawz ensured that Ilana and Rick’s beloved dog was part of the celebration and had a special spot in the wedding party.

The day was filled with love, laughter, and special moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Ilana and Rick’s wedding was a beautiful representation of Connecticut’s wedding scene, and it showcased the state’s stunning fall foliage and rustic charm.

If you’re planning a wedding in Connecticut and are looking for inspiration, Ilana and Rick’s celebration at Smith Farm Gardens is a perfect example of how to make the most of the state’s natural beauty and unique charm.

Vendors that made it happen

THE WEDDING WAS A SUCCESS THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF THE FOLLOWING VENDORS

• Planning & Design | Sarah Brehant Events
• Venue | Smith Farm Gardens
• Photographer | Melanie Ruth Photography
• Videographer | Harborview Studios
• Caterer | Small Kitchen Big Taste
• Floral Design | Earth Blossoms Flowers
• Band | Shaded Soul Band
• Bridal Gown | The White Dress by the Shore | Designer | Jenny Yoo
• Dress Alterations | DeMelisa Atelier
• Makeup | Beat by Royalty MUA
• Hair | Upstye
• Rentals | CT Rental
• Stationery & Day-of Signage | Tulaloo
• Officiant | Tiffany Blake  
• Espresso Cart | Formal Indulgence
• Photobooth | Fizzy Memories
• Dog Coordinator | Daley Pawz