Sunset, Sailcloth, and the Sea | A Tented Wedding at Saybrook Point

tented weddingsmilax tent enteranceold saybrookct
Written By Emma MacHugh
Guests gather beneath a sunlit sailcloth tent for a reception overlooking the Sound at a private Saybrook Point residence.

There's something about a private home wedding on the water that just hits different — no ballroom trying to compete with the view, just a sailcloth tent, good light, and the Sound doing all the heavy lifting. This one, at a private residence right on Saybrook Point, is exactly that — designed by Maggie of Slainte Weddings, with florals by us.

We kept the ceremony simple and let the setting do the talking: wooden folding chairs lined the sand, broken up by potted ornamental grasses instead of the usual aisle markers — a little texture, a little movement, nothing fighting with the water behind it.

For the reception, the sailcloth tent went up right on the lawn, greenery-wrapped entrance and all, with sage green linens carrying the coastal palette through from ceremony to dinner. We kept the centerpieces low and candle-heavy — clustered pillars in varying heights instead of florals doing all the work, letting the tablescape feel collected rather than overdesigned.

And then, of course, there's that dock at sunset. Some shots just don't need a caption.

d+j

“It was everything we wanted and so much more.”

Weddings New England Bridal Shower Wedding Flowers Garden-Style Event Planning Floral Design Flowers Tented Wedding Blush Mitzvahs Old Saybrook Connecticut New Haven Florist Pink Local Seasonal Baby Shower Centerpiece Floral-Arrangement First Blush
Wooden folding chairs line a sandy beach ceremony aisle, framed by potted ornamental grasses at a Saybrook Point wedding by First Blush.
Potted ornamental grasses line a sandy ceremony aisle, softening the rows of wooden folding chairs at Saybrook Point.
Wooden ceremony chairs face the water's edge at a private Saybrook Point residence, framed by beach grass and open sky.
Two grooms in tuxedos walk hand in hand along a dock, silhouetted against a setting sun on the Connecticut shoreline.
White flags catch the wind atop a sailcloth tent against a bright coastal sky at a private Saybrook Point wedding.
Two grooms hold champagne glasses on a waterfront dock, with shoreline homes visible across the water at Saybrook Point.
A greenery-wrapped arch marks the entrance to the reception tent, with guests gathered just beyond at a Saybrook Point wedding.
A sailcloth tent with white flags rises behind a greenery-wrapped entrance arch at a private Saybrook Point wedding reception
Wooden tent poles rise beneath draped sailcloth, framing a coastal Connecticut reception at golden hour.
A lush eucalyptus garland runs the length of a wooden table, tucked between glowing pillar candles in glass hurricanes and wine glasses.
A trailing eucalyptus garland winds down a sage-linen table, punctuated by clusters of pillar candles at a Saybrook Point reception.
An eucalyptus garland runs the length of the table, alternating with tall candle clusters down a coastal Connecticut reception.
Wooden tent poles rise beneath draped sailcloth, framing a coastal Connecticut reception at golden hour.

Photography: Jeremie Barlow Photography | Planning + Event Design: Slainte Events | Florals: First Blush Weddings + Events

let's make some magic
Emma MacHugh https://www.firstblushweddings.com
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