A Chic, Modern Wedding at The Fields at Van Wilgen’s

When modern minimalism meets timeless romance, you get a wedding that feels as effortless as it is unforgettable. That’s exactly what this stylish couple’s celebration at The Fields at Van Wilgen’s was—an elegant blend of hip, contemporary details with meaningful moments that tugged at your heartstrings. It was a day filled with fine-art photography, carefully curated décor, and personal touches, right down to the catering (courtesy of the bride’s family business, Forks + Fingers). With a Sperry tent reception, a moon arch ceremony draped in baby’s breath, and golden hour light filtering through the fields, every part of the day felt intentional, beautiful, and uniquely them.

So, let’s take a walk through the day and relive every dreamy detail of this stunning modern wedding.

a + t

“I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome! If you want someone that will stick to your mood boards but also use their creativity to level up the overall vision, hire Emma and her team!”

Photography: Abigail Lewis Photo | Venue: The Fields at Van Wilgens | Design, Planning, + Catering: Forks & Fingers Catering | Florals: First Blush Weddings + Events | Tent, Flooring + Bar: Peak Event Services | Rentals: Elite PBS Events | Drapery + Lighting: Ryan Designs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Furniture: Gather + Lounge | Band: Live Music Pros | Videography: Ferocious Content | Suit: The Black Tux | Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Makeup: Lorena Ferreira | Hair: Sara Colla

 

ceremony

The ceremony was held in an open-air setting that perfectly captured the beauty of the surrounding fields. But the real showstopper? The moon arch, covered in soft, cloud-like bunches of baby’s breath. This simple, textural floral arrangement gave the ceremony an ethereal feel while staying true to the couple’s minimalist vision. With no unnecessary frills or clutter, the moon arch served as the perfect frame for the couple as they exchanged vows.

Guests were seated on clear ghost Chiavari chairs, which added a sleek, modern touch without taking away from the natural beauty of the venue. The entire ceremony setup felt intentional and artful—like a still frame from a fine-art photograph. It was the perfect way to set the tone for a day that balanced high-end style with heartfelt emotion.

Bride wearing the Alexandra Grecco Lewis Gown with a dramatic train and a pearl-studded veil.
Wedding couple exchanging vows beneath a modern moon arch in Van Wilgen’s open fields.
Wedding couple exchanging vows beneath a modern moon arch in Van Wilgen’s open fields.
A modern bridal look featuring a pearl headband paired with a sleek, form-fitting gown
Minimalist bridal bouquet with staggered white roses and bare stems for a sleek aesthetic.
Modern ghost Chiavari chairs lining the aisle, leading to a moon arch covered in floral breath.
Moon arch adorned with soft clouds of baby’s breath at a chic outdoor wedding ceremony.
 

bouquets + bouts

The bride’s look was nothing short of runway-worthy. She wore Alexandra Grecco’s “The Lewis Gown”, a form-fitting, silk crepe masterpiece with a deep V-back and a train that seemed to flow endlessly behind her. The gown’s delicate straps and sleek silhouette perfectly complemented the chic, modern aesthetic of the day.

But what really made her look unforgettable were the accessories—a pearl-studded long veil and a matching pearl headband. The bride’s sense of fashion was undeniable, balancing simplicity with bold, sophisticated accents. She looked every bit the modern muse, gliding down the aisle with her all-white rose bouquet—a clean, minimal arrangement featuring long, bare stems.

Her bridesmaids were equally stunning, dressed in full-length black gowns with alternating silhouettes, giving each woman a chance to express her individual style. The contrast between the black gowns and their white rose bouquets felt striking and modern, creating a sleek visual statement that tied the bridal party together.

Bride standing next to her bridesmaids, contrasting her white gown with their sleek black dresses.
Bridal Shower Local Florist Flowers Floral-Arrangement Seasonal Van Wilgens Mitzvahs First Blush Garden-Style New England Pink Blush Branford Weddings Floral Design Centerpiece Wedding Flowers Event Planning Baby Shower New Haven Connecticut
Modern bridal portrait capturing the gown’s clean silhouette and timeless pearl accents.
Bridesmaids in black gowns with alternating silhouettes carrying all-white rose bouquets.
 

dinner + dancing

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception held under a beautiful Sperry tent. If you’ve ever seen one of these tents, you know they exude a kind of understated elegance. This tent featured a wooden floor and delicate draping on the posts, striking the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication. The vibe was cozy yet refined, creating a space that invited guests to relax, mingle, and enjoy every moment.

The long reception tables were a minimalist’s dream. They were dressed in off-white linens with crisp white napkins folded perfectly at each place setting. The modern glassware added an extra touch of elegance, while PEAK’s Bentwood Natural chairs brought a warm, organic feel to the otherwise sleek setup. It was clear that every element of the design had been carefully curated to reflect the couple’s style: clean, modern, and effortlessly chic.

When it came to florals, this couple leaned into a simple, textural aesthetic that made a big impact. The centerpieces featured ceramic bowls filled with white roses, phalaenopsis orchids, anthurium, and bleached textural accents, including sprigs of baby’s breath. The floral arrangements were elegant but minimal, letting the beauty of each bloom shine without overwhelming the space.

Each table was layered with a variety of taper candles, vintage glassware votives, and pillar candles, creating a warm, intimate glow as the sun began to set. The candlelight combined with the floral accents gave the reception an elevated yet relaxed vibe—the kind of space where guests could sit and talk for hours or dance the night away under the stars.

One of the highlights of the reception was the incredible food, courtesy of Forks + Fingers, the bride’s family’s catering business. You could feel the love and care that went into every dish, from the delicious passed hors d’oeuvres to the thoughtfully curated main courses. When food is this personal, it goes beyond just being delicious—it becomes part of the experience, something guests will talk about long after the day is over.

Statement bar with a neon sign and minimalist floral décor beside a cozy lounge area. 12.	.
Bentwood chairs surrounding modern guest tables at an elegant Sperry tent reception.
Flowers Pink Weddings Bridal Shower Blush Floral-Arrangement New Haven Connecticut Event Planning New England Van Wilgens Local Branford Baby Shower Floral Design Mitzvahs Garden-Style Centerpiece First Blush Seasonal Wedding Flowers Florist tented
Reception tables dressed in off-white linens, crisp white napkins, and natural Bentwood chairs.
Wedding decor combining white roses, dried florals, and sleek ceramic bowls for modern elegance.
Minimalist ceramic bowls with white roses, phalaenopsis orchids, and dried floral accents.
A peek inside the Sperry tent showing wooden floors, Bentwood chairs, and delicate draping.
The couple exchanging a kiss as soft candlelight glows from reception tables
Baby Shower Floral Design Connecticut New England Wedding Flowers Van Wilgens Mitzvahs Flowers Floral-Arrangement New Haven Branford Seasonal Local Florist Garden-Style Bridal Shower Blush First Blush Event Planning Pink Centerpiece Weddings
Table setting with modern glassware, vintage votive candles, and layered taper candles.
Garden-Style Connecticut Van Wilgens Floral Design Seasonal Bridal Shower Branford Pink New Haven Weddings New England Blush Mitzvahs Event Planning Floral-Arrangement First Blush Baby Shower Florist Flowers Centerpiece Wedding Flowers Local
vintage votive glass new haven chic minimal wedding long stemmed rose bouquet ct florist floral wedding centerpiece modern stemware
Local New Haven Seasonal Mitzvahs First Blush Floral-Arrangement Weddings Flowers Wedding Flowers Garden-Style New England Branford Pink Bridal Shower Floral Design Centerpiece Event Planning Florist Connecticut Van Wilgens Blush Baby Shower
Fine-art detail shot of taper candles and vintage glassware on reception tables.
 

bridal portraits

One of the most magical moments of the day came during golden hour. The light at Van Wilgen’s is nothing short of spectacular, and as it filtered through the fields, it gave the couple’s photos that dreamlike, fine-art quality that you only get once in a lifetime. It’s easy to see why so many couples choose this venue—not just for the scenery but for the way the light seems to transform every moment into something truly unforgettable.

As the night wore on, the fire pits crackled to life, and guests danced under the soft glow of the tent’s chandeliers while fireflies flickered in the distance. It was the kind of night that felt too perfect to be real, like a scene from a movie you never want to end.

The wedding couple embracing near an 8-acre pond at The Fields at Van Wilgen’s.
The bride’s fashion-forward accessories: a pearl headband and a chic cathedral veil.
Centerpiece Mitzvahs Floral Design Weddings Branford Event Planning Bridal Shower Local Flowers Van Wilgens First Blush Wedding Flowers Blush Pink Garden-Style Seasonal Connecticut Florist New Haven Baby Shower Floral-Arrangement New England
 

In the end, this wedding was a perfect reflection of the couple’s style: chic, modern, and full of heart. From the moon arch ceremony to the minimalist reception décor and golden hour photos, every detail was thoughtfully designed to create a day that felt authentic and unforgettable.

It’s the kind of wedding that reminds us that sometimes, less really is more. With the right combination of intentional design, personal touches, and a whole lot of love, you can create a celebration that feels effortless, meaningful, and 100% you.

Previous
Previous

B + K | water’s edge resort & spa | westbrook, ct

Next
Next

A Blue and White Garden-Style Wedding Dream at Millpond Gatherings