Julia and Josh’s wedding at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Connecticut was everything an intimate wedding should be—romantic, timeless, and filled only with the people who mattered most. Under the soft glow of bistro lights, their celebration felt less like a production and more like a large romantic dinner party, surrounded by love and connection.
If you are beginning to plan your wedding and already feel overwhelmed, there’s one bold but beautiful choice you can make: cutting your guest list. While this can feel controversial, there are so many benefits to choosing a smaller, more intentional wedding.
Here are three reasons why a smaller guest list wedding might be perfect for you:
With fewer guests, you’re able to spend meaningful, quality time with each person. Instead of a quick hello, you’ll share real conversations and memories. Couples often say their day goes by in a blur—but when you keep your wedding small, those moments last longer and feel more personal.
An intimate guest list allows you to focus on wedding details that reflect your story—from custom décor to a menu that feels like “you.” Every decision becomes more intentional, ensuring your celebration is a true reflection of your love.
For weddings with fewer than 50 guests, you don’t need a huge vendor team to capture it all. One photographer can document the entire story beautifully. Once your guest list grows beyond 50, consider adding a second photographer to ensure every guest and every detail is covered.
The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is one of Connecticut’s most romantic wedding venues. Its elegant architecture and manicured grounds pair perfectly with the warmth of a small wedding. Julia and Josh transformed this grand space into something deeply personal—proof that intimate weddings can be just as breathtaking as large celebrations.
Does an intimate wedding sound like a dream to you? Take inspiration from Julia and Josh’s day at the Wadsworth Mansion and imagine how magical your own smaller celebration could be.
Photographer | Stella Blue Photography www.stellabluephoto.com
Venue | The Wadsworth https://www.wadsworthmansion.com
Florist | Rose’s Florist https://www.roseflowersgifts.com
Beauty | Beauty by Alexis Karedes https://www.beautybyalexiskaredes.com