Julia and Sam — Wedding at 93 Bethmour Rd, Bethany, Connecticut

Julia and Sam | Backyard Wedding

In Wedding / Weddings

Julia and Sam were married at a private property in Bethany, Connecticut, choosing a place that fit their relaxed, family-centered plans. The couple met in high school through mutual friends and the bride’s brother, a detail that threaded through the day in small ways.

Planning leaned into things they enjoyed together: cake tasting, picking the reception playlist, and dress shopping. Bridesmaids chose their own gowns, which gave the wedding party a lively mix of colors rather than a single uniform look.

Sam proposed in the garden at Julia’s parents’ house — a space Julia calls her favorite. That backyard moment stayed part of the weekend’s story, a private memory that echoed in the floral choices and the easy, gardenlike feel of the venue.

A twenty-person wedding party brought energy to portraits and group photos without turning attention away from the couple. Family moments were kept focused and immediate; they made room for close relatives and included their dog, Mindy, in the family grouping.

The ceremony was led by David Whitehouse, Julia’s uncle, and that family connection shaped several of the day’s decisions. Tables were arranged simply with plentiful flowers and long wooden boards, the kind of set-up that made conversation feel natural.

Food and music were clearly important: Palmer’s handled both catering and cake, and choosing songs for the reception was a favorite planning memory. The couple said they most looked forward to saying their vows, cutting the cake, and dancing together with friends.

By keeping the focus on people they love — family who helped with the garden proposal, a large and colorful wedding party, and their little dog in the portraits — Julia and Sam built a day that felt like an extended family gathering at 93 Bethmour Road.