Some couples want the big day with all the trimmings. Devan and Vasyl wanted that too, just not all on the same day. They chose to say their vows privately at Hartford City Hall in Hartford, CT, just the two of them, family close by, then celebrated with everyone else two days later. Call it a warm up. Call it smart. Either way, it gave us a quiet, intimate evening before the real party even started.
If you have never been inside Hartford City Hall, it is worth a trip on its own. The building has this grand, almost theatrical presence, marble floors, soaring ceilings, light pouring in from every angle. Devan and Vasyl leaned into all of it. We moved through the space finding those dramatic pockets of light, letting the architecture do some of the heavy lifting while they just stood there laughing at each other like they had a private joke running the whole time. Because honestly, with these two, they probably did.
A cocktail hour followed right after the ceremony, small and easy, just enough to toast the moment before everyone scattered until the big celebration.
One thing that stuck with me about this couple: they travel constantly, and a while back they started hiring local photographers at every new destination just so they could have photos of the two of them together, not one behind the camera and one in front. It says a lot about how they see their relationship, as something to be documented together, not just witnessed by one of them. That instinct is exactly what made this day, and the photos, feel so natural.
Part two is coming soon, the full wedding day with all the family, friends, and celebration Devan and Vasyl have been looking forward to. Stay tuned.
