The Waterview Wedding | Monroe, CT | Erica and Michael

Outdoor ceremony setup at The Waterview Monroe CT with white chairs colorful floral aisle arrangements and pergola covered in pink purple blue and yellow flowers overlooking Lake Zoar

The Waterview Wedding | Erica and Michael

Erica and Michael got married at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut on May 16th and it was a joy to be their wedding photographer. A stunning lakefront venue, the most colorful and vibrant florals I have ever seen, beautiful weather from start to finish, and two people so clearly in love with each other and surrounded by the best people. Scroll on for a look at their gorgeous day!

Starting with the Details

Erica and Michael’s stationery suite was beautiful and set the tone for their colorful celebration. Their invitation featured soft floral accents that tied beautifully into the day’s overall palette of pinks, purples, blues, and golden yellows.

Erica’s rings were displayed in a hexagonal ring box surrounded by the most gorgeous pressed flowers in every color. The same ring box was part of their wedding ceremony ring exchange. Michael’s details were classic and sharp including black dress shoes, a luxury watch in a sleek teal box, and a clean black bow tie.

Wedding invitation suite flat lay with gold calligraphy Erica and Michael invitation menu RSVP timeline and details cards surrounded by colorful flowers gold wax seals pink perfume and hexagonal ring box at The Waterview CT wedding

Closeup of engagement ring and wedding bands in gold hexagonal ring box filled with colorful pressed flowers

Wedding details card and timeline card with gold calligraphy surrounded by colorful pink purple blue and yellow flowers

Getting Ready

The bridal suite at The Waterview is beautiful. It has the prettiest natural light and plenty of space for the whole bridal party to get ready together. Erica and her bridesmaids wore matching lavender satin pajamas while they got ready, and the energy in the room was so happy and relaxed.

Erica’s gown was absolutely stunning. She wore a classic strapless silhouette with a sweetheart neckline and the most beautiful flowing train. Her bridesmaids wore soft lavender dresses that complemented the colorful floral palette so beautifully. Her mom wore a stunning soft blue dress and was her something blue.

Bride in white satin romper and bridesmaids in matching lavender satin pajama sets posing by colorful floral pergola overlooking Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Candid of bride laughing with bridesmaids in lavender pajama sets in front of colorful floral arrangement and Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Mother of the bride kissing bride on the cheek by the water with colorful floral pergola in background

Closeup bridal portrait with bride touching colorful pink blue and yellow flowers showing engagement ring and braided updo at The Waterview CT wedding

Bride admiring strapless wedding gown hanging by arched windows with natural light in The Waterview bridal suite Monroe CT

Black and white closeup of bride being zipped into strapless wedding gown in bridal suite at The Waterview Monroe CT

Bridal portrait of bride in strapless wedding gown with button back detail standing by arched window with natural light in The Waterview bridal suite Monroe CT

First Look

Erica and Michael’s first look took place outside The Waterview in a bright, airy area overlooking the water. Erica and Michael walked through the trees together and the afternoon light filtering through the branches was so pretty.

Groom smiling and showing blue patterned lining of navy tuxedo jacket with bow tie and boutonniere at The Waterview CT wedding

Bride and groom portrait standing together under trees by Lake Zoar with gown train fanned out at The Waterview Monroe CT

Black and white candid of bride laughing while groom whispers to her at The Waterview CT wedding

Bride and groom embracing and kissing among trees along the shore of Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Intimate closeup portrait of bride and groom nose to nose smiling with Lake Zoar in the background at The Waterview CT wedding

Outdoor Ceremony at The Waterview

The outdoor ceremony space at The Waterview is absolutely breathtaking. Erica and Michael were married under a stunning pergola completely covered in the most incredible colorful florals including roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and cascading greenery in shades of pink, purple, blue, and yellow. The pergola framed the most beautiful view of Lake Zoar and the surrounding grounds, creating the most gorgeous backdrop for their vows.

White chairs lined both sides of the aisle for their 160 guests. On a beautiful May afternoon with clear skies and perfect weather, Erica walked down the aisle and the whole scene was just magical. The bridesmaids stood in their lavender dresses on one side while the groomsmen stood in their navy suits on the other. Erica and Michael exchanged vows and rings under the floral pergola with the water sparkling behind them. Their first kiss and recessional had everyone cheering.

Wide angle of outdoor ceremony setup at The Waterview Monroe CT with white chairs colorful floral aisle arrangements and pergola arch overlooking Lake Zoar

Closeup of colorful floral pergola ceremony arch with pink purple blue lavender and yellow roses hydrangeas and cascading greenery overlooking Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Ceremony aisle view with colorful floral ground arrangements lining white chairs and floral pergola overlooking Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Wide angle of The Waterview venue exterior with outdoor ceremony space white chairs colorful floral aisle and pergola overlooking Lake Zoar Monroe CT

Welcome To Our Love Story sign in blush and gold surrounded by greenery

Bride walking down the aisle with her father through colorful floral lined aisle with pink purple blue and yellow flowers as guests watch at outdoor ceremony

Wedding guests smiling and watching ceremony with colorful floral aisle arrangements in foreground at The Waterview Monroe CT

Groom smiling at bride while holding hands during ceremony as officiant reads vows with groomsmen in background

Bride and groom first kiss under colorful floral pergola arch overlooking Lake Zoar with bridesmaids in lavender dresses and guests cheering at The Waterview CT wedding

Bride and groom dip kiss in ceremony aisle lined with colorful pink purple blue and yellow flowers as guests cheer with floral pergola and Lake Zoar in background at The Waterview Monroe CT

Bridal Party

Erica’s bridesmaids wore the most beautiful soft lavender dresses and each carried a colorful bouquet filled with pinks, purples, yellows, and greens that perfectly matched the day’s vibrant palette. The six groomsmen wore classic navy suits. This bridal party was so much fun and had the best energy thoughout the day. We grabbed group photos on the grounds with the lake and the pergola in the background and they were all so great together.

Bride and six bridesmaids in lavender dresses holding colorful bouquets with pink blue orange and purple flowers standing under trees by Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Bride and bridesmaids in lavender dresses standing together with colorful bouquets on the waterfront grounds at The Waterview Monroe CT

Groom and groomsmen in black suits with boutonnieres laughing together on the manicured lawn at The Waterview Monroe CT with pergola in background

Bride & Groom Portraits

The grounds at The Waterview have so many gorgeous spots for portraits. We walked through the tree-lined pathways along the lake, as well as by the fountain and front of the building. Erica’s veil caught the breeze so beautifully during their portraits by the lake. The late afternoon light was warm and golden and these two were just so natural together. They even had a little photo op with a firetruck during a brief evacuation, which further shows their calm and fun energy.

Bride and groom kissing under colorful floral pergola with Lake Zoar in background at The Waterview Monroe CT

Groom portrait in navy tuxedo with bow tie boutonniere and watch standing by colorful floral pergola at The Waterview CT wedding

Closeup of bride and groom kissing with white rose and ranunculus bridal bouquet in foreground and colorful floral pergola in background at The Waterview Monroe CT

Bridal portrait of bride holding white bouquet with braided updo and soft makeup on the grounds at The Waterview Monroe CT

Black and white portrait of bride kissing groom with hand on his shoulder showing engagement ring and bracelet at The Waterview CT wedding

Bride and groom kissing with veil blowing in the breeze overlooking Lake Zoar at The Waterview Monroe CT

Bride and groom cheering with arms raised and bouquet in the air with fire truck in background

About Weddings at The Waterview

The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut is one of the most beautiful waterfront wedding venues in the state and I absolutely loved photographing here. The venue sits on 13 private acres along the shores of Lake Zoar and the setting is just stunning. A few of my favorite things about shooting at The Waterview:

The outdoor ceremony spaces overlooking Lake Zoar are unmatched for waterfront vows and golden hour portraits
The gorgeous Garden Room with its tall arched windows and incredible natural light, perfect for indoor ceremonies or cocktail hour
The grand ballrooms with vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and signature chandeliers that make every reception photo glow
The beautiful bridal suite with plenty of natural light and space for the whole bridal party to get ready together
The lush, tree-lined grounds along the lake that offer endless portrait opportunities throughout the day

The Waterview is located at 215 Roosevelt Drive in Monroe, Connecticut and can accommodate up to 300 guests in each of their two private ballrooms. If you are considering The Waterview for your wedding, I would love to be considered to be your Waterview CT wedding photographer.

Garden Room Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour space at The Waterview Monroe CT with hanging greenery garlands white draping gold chiavari chairs and white cocktail tables with greenery accents

Welcome mirror with Erica and Michael calligraphy and Welcome To Happily Ever After text draped in cascading greenery

Custom cocktail bar with E and M monogram greenery border and hanging greenery installation overhead in the Garden Room at The Waterview Monroe CT

Reception Details

The ballroom at The Waterview looked absolutely incredible for Erica and Michael’s reception. Their sweetheart table was framed by two dramatic floral arches bursting with colorful blooms that perfectly echoed the ceremony florals. Guest tables featured stunning colorful centerpieces designed by In Bloom Event Designs and Alice’s Flower Shop, with a mix of tall and low arrangements. The coordination between both florists was seamless and the overall look was absolutely gorgeous.

Hallway with gold mirror white floral arrangement and large engagement photo banners lined with colorful floral ground arrangements

Closeup of round wooden escort cards with guest names and table numbers in gold calligraphy reading Welcome Erica and Michael

Seating chart display with round wooden escort cards on acrylic stands surrounded by colorful flowers with Mr and Mrs sign and greenery arch

Tall colorful centerpiece with pink purple blue yellow and orange flowers on gold stand with chandelier and greenery garland overhead

Full ballroom reception setup at The Waterview Monroe CT with vaulted ceilings chandeliers greenery garlands colorful tall centerpieces lavender linens gold chiavari chairs and floral arch

Closeup of place setting with custom name card champagne glass and colorful floral centerpiece

Colorful floral arch framing sweetheart table with pillar candles and arched windows in the ballroom at The Waterview Monroe CT wedding reception

Power Station Events DJ booth with colorful floral arrangement and arched windows

Custom guest signing banner reading The Ryans 05.16.2026 in teal script with colorful floral arrangement

Closeup of colorful floral centerpiece with pink peach purple yellow and blue flowers on gold stand

Reception Celebration

Erica and Michael’s first dance was so romantic and sweet. The speeches were heartfelt and had everyone laughing and tearing up. The parent dances were beautiful, and then the dance floor was packed all night long. These two and their guests really know how to have a good time!

Erica and Michael, thank you for trusting me to capture your wedding day at The Waterview. The love between you two was so evident in every single moment and your families and friends made the whole day feel so warm and joyful. You two are the sweetest and I am so happy for you both!