From the moment Aileen and Chris met at Sacred Heart University, they became inseparable. Graduation, new careers, and a sweet pup later, Chris asked Aileen to be his partner for life! What kind of wedding they wanted came naturally. “After years of building our lives together, we knew we wanted our wedding to feel timeless, full of love, and grounded in the things that mattered most: family, friends, nature, and celebrating where we come from.”
Pastoral, and full of history, warmth, and charm, they chose South Farms as the perfect spot to set the scene.
A Dress Made with Intention
Unicorns do exist…at least Aileen’s dress unicorn. She’d had her heart set on a classic wedding dress that captured the effortless elegance of the day they were planning and made her feel beautiful. Something not too ballgown or too fitted, made of silk with an understated texture, and with a long train. How her gown was made was also extremely important. “I cared about how the dresses were sourced, where they were made, and the craftsmanship behind them.”
But, as she went to appointments and expressed the combination of style and intention she wanted, everyone told her a dress like that didn’t exist. Except Denise at The Persnickety Bride. “Instead of asking what I liked, she asked me to explain what I didn’t like about each dress I had tried on.” Then Denise pulled out the Esme gown. “The second I slipped it on, it fit like a glove. It checked every single box, I fell in love with the fabric and the subtle pattern, and I knew instantly it was the one.” On top of fit and aesthetic, Aileen’s intention for a gown made with care was fulfilled, too. “As I learned more about Lea-Ann Belter, it all clicked. The timeless style was exactly the kind of bride I had always envisioned being. The quality of the fabric, the fact that the gown is made in Canada, and the customization options completely sold me.” Most importantly, Aileen felt her most beautiful self “It felt like I was wearing the dress — not the other way around.”
Read more about Aileen and Chris’s best day ever from our sweet bride below!
How did you find your wedding dress?
When I began the search for my wedding dress, I had a very specific vision in mind: timeless, classic, and elegant, but with something unique that made it my own. I knew it had to be A-line, silk fabric (no tulle!), not too ballgown but not fitted, with a long train — and ideally some understated pattern or design. Every bridal shop told me the same thing: “a dress with all of that doesn’t exist.”
That all changed when I went to The Persnickety Bride in Newtown, CT, and met Denise. Instead of asking what I liked, she asked me to explain what I didn’t like about each dress I had tried on. After listening, she smiled and said, “I have the perfect dress for you.” She pulled out the Esme gown — and the second I slipped it on, it fit like a glove. It checked every single box, I fell in love with the fabric and the subtle pattern, and I knew instantly it was the one.
As I learned more about Lea-Ann Belter, it all clicked. The timeless style was exactly the kind of bride I had always envisioned being. The quality of the fabric, the fact that the gown is made in Canada, and the customization options completely sold me. Most importantly, it felt like I was wearing the dress — not the other way around.
What atmosphere did you want to create on your wedding day?
Tell us about your day!
We were married at South Farms in Morris, CT, a former cattle and dairy farm that has been transformed into a stunning venue. The barn’s history is honored through its preserved structure and signs, while the interior has been elevated for elegant celebrations. Surrounded by Litchfield County’s rolling hills, wildflowers, and canopy forests, it was a dream backdrop. At one point, the cows even mooed as I walked down the aisle — which made for some amazing candid photos!
The food was just as special. South Farms’ in-house executive chef, Carl Ciarcia, and his team crafted a menu that blended New England classics like lobster rolls with dishes from our roots, including squash blossoms, Italian pastas, cheeses, and meats. The emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple yet elevated flavor combinations made the meal unforgettable.
As for the day itself — it couldn’t have been more perfect. Blue skies, no clouds, no humidity, just a golden Connecticut August afternoon. My favorite moments were walking down the aisle and seeing Chris’s face when he saw me in my dress, our first dance, and watching all of our loved ones laughing, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company.
What was one of the most meaningful parts of your day (other than getting married, of course!)
Wearing my Lea-Ann Belter gown was one of the most meaningful parts of our wedding day. It was exactly what I had always dreamed of — timeless, elegant, and uniquely mine. When I started my dress search, it was important to me to look beyond just the style — I cared about how the dresses were sourced, where they were made, and the craftsmanship behind them. Supporting a boutique designer whose gowns are made with such care and high-quality fabrics felt incredibly special. Choosing Lea-Ann Belter made me feel not only beautiful, but also connected to the artistry and authenticity that went into creating my gown.
My advice to other brides is to trust your instincts. The right dress is out there, and when you find it, you’ll just know.
Aileen + Chris's South Farms Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Esme with custom neckline via The Persnickety Bride | photographer: Evermore Imaging | venue: South Farms | florals: Cafe de Flore | make-up: Em McNulty Makeup | hair: Moxie by Majenta Mink | videography: Vows Studio NY | cake: Sugar Crystles | tuxes: Modern Formals | rings: Water Street Jewelers & Sylvie Jewelry | bridesmaids dresses: Birdy Grey
Were You a Lea-Ann Belter Bride?
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