Aria Banquets Wedding in Prospect, Connecticut | Andrea Van Orsouw Photography

Bride and groom run joyfully at their wedding at Aria Banquets in Connecticut

Jenn and Josh are the kind of people who make everyone around them feel like they’ve known them forever. Outgoing, warm, genuinely fun; their late May wedding at Aria Banquets in Prospect, Connecticut felt exactly like them from start to finish.

Before the Ceremony

Jenn and Josh skipped the first look, but that didn’t stop Jenn from sneaking a peek from the balcony before the ceremony. She spotted Josh below, he covered his eyes and blew her a kiss, and somehow that tiny spontaneous moment set the tone for the whole day. Just two people completely delighted by each other.

When Jenn walked down the aisle, they both cried. After the ceremony they took a few minutes alone inside while their guests lined up outside and then walked out into a full flower petal exit. It was SO good.

Exterior of Aria Banquets in Prospect Connecticut on Jenn and Josh's wedding day

Bridal details flat lay with shoes bouquet and rings at Aria Banquets wedding in Prospect Connecticut

The Details

Jenn and Josh didn’t take a single detail too seriously, which somehow made everything feel more intentional. Photos of their dogs, Leila and Walter featured in the centerpieces. A weed bar (genuinely a first for me at any wedding, and I’ve shot a lot of weddings!). Every touch felt like a direct extension of who they actually are as people rather than what a wedding is “supposed” to look like.

Jenn walking down aisle at Aria Banquets chapel wedding in Prospect Connecticut

Josh and officiant waiting at altar at Aria Banquets wedding in Prospect Connecticut

The Photos

Working with Jenn and Josh felt easy from the very first engagement session. They were enthusiastic, open, treated me like a friend, and up for literally anything. That energy carries through every frame… you can feel how much fun everyone was having.

Jenn left me this review that I honestly still think about:

“THE BEST!!! Professional and down to earth. Makes you feel sooo comfortable and confident. She’s open to ideas regardless of how silly or untraditional they may be. Not only does Andrea produce beautiful artwork, her personality matches her talent… Fun, inspiring, and full of life.”

Jenn and Josh, you were the best. Come back and do it again!!

Jenn and Josh flower petal exit after ceremony at Aria Banquets in Prospect Connecticut

Jenn and Josh walking through flower petal exit at Aria Banquets wedding in Prospect Connecticut

As a Connecticut wedding photographer, Aria Banquets is one of those venues I’m always happy to go back to. The architecture does a lot of the heavy lifting. Grand staircases, high ceilings, beautiful light. The grounds outside give you great options for natural light portraits too. If you’re considering it, consider this your sign!

If you’re still exploring Connecticut wedding venues, check out my roundup of the best wedding venues in Connecticut for more ideas. And for inspiration across all of New England, here’s my complete guide to New England wedding venues.

Jenn and Josh sharing blunt at Aria Banquets in Prospect Connecticut

Cocktail hour guests on Aria Banquets grounds in Prospect Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Aria Banquets located? Aria Banquets is in Prospect, Connecticut, about 20 minutes from New Haven and 30 minutes from Hartford. It’s a classic Connecticut banquet venue with a ceremony chapel, grand staircases, chandeliers, and reception ballrooms all on site. It’s the kind of place that photographs beautifully without needing much extra.

Q: Can you have your ceremony and reception both at Aria? Yes! Aria has an on-site ceremony chapel as well as reception ballrooms, so you can keep everything in one location. Jenn and Josh did exactly that, which made the whole day feel really smooth and connected.

Q: What makes Aria Banquets good for wedding photography? The architecture alone gives you a lot to work with. Grand staircases, high ceilings, and beautiful interior light make for really elegant portraits without ever leaving the building. The grounds outside are great for natural light portraits too, which is where we spent time with Jenn and Josh before the reception kicked off.

Q: Do you photograph weddings at Aria Banquets in Connecticut? Yes and I love it there. I’m a Connecticut wedding photographer based in Plainville and Aria is well within my regular territory. Let’s talk about your day.