Keeler Tavern Wedding // A Historic Landmark
Keeler Tavern is one of my favorite wedding venues in the state of Connecticut. Why? Well, I have a thing for history. My mother was a Latin teacher and an avid antique collector. My dad was an Ivy League scholar who himself was a military and sports history buff.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time in old, historic places. I grew up in Wilmington, DE which is a stone’s throw from Washington’s winter headquarters at Valley Forge and where he crossed the Delaware in Bucks County, PA. Wilmington is also home to the DuPont Family estates which were popular with school field trips.
It didn’t stop there. As the son of an Ivy League grad, I spent so much time on the campus of Dartmouth College (my Dad’s alma mater) that I was mistaken as the son of a faculty member. My dad was a very active Dartmouth alum which meant we went to any and all local Big Green sporting events – Princeton football and hockey games, Penn lacrosse games … this list goes on.
Growing up with all that history, I quickly grew an affinity for ‘old stuff’. I loved staying in historic Inns when we traveled. I loved walking on the campuses of those historic universities. I even found myself enjoying the antique shops my mom would drag me too!
So, it’s no surprise why I would love photographing weddings at a historic site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And Keeler Tavern is one such place.
Intimate Garden Wedding and Lively Reception
Emily and Doug had an intimate ceremony in Keeler Tavern’s back garden surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was the perfect setting for a summer New England wedding. I love outdoor ceremonies. The carefree, open-air vibe makes for such a relaxed atmosphere. One that makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
The ceremony wasn’t the only event hosted in the garden. Cocktail hour was held outside in the garden as well. For me, there is nothing more fun than sipping a gin n tonic al fresco on your wedding day. Talk about a relaxed atmosphere! Everyone enjoyed themselves, especially Emily and Doug who were mingling, laughing, and catching up with old friends and close family.
The day ended in a rather lively fashion. Little did I know that this quiet, cozy, and intimate wedding would end up erupting into a raucous dance party. Man! I’ve seen some lively receptions in my day, but this reception is firmly enshrined in the hall of fame. I literally thought the floor would cave in during ‘Turn down for what!’ Wonder what Benjamin Hoyt (one of Keeler’s early owners) would say about that today!
It was all good though. Everyone emerged unscathed and got to the after-party fully intact.
Emily and Doug, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. You threw one heck of a party! Definitely “one for the history books” (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
