Erica Britto
May 8, 2026

There are some wedding days that feel extra special before they even begin.
Tommy and Lauren’s Haley Mansion wedding in Mystic CT was one of those days for us, because this was not our first time photographing Lauren’s family. We first met Lauren and Tommy a couple of years ago at Lauren’s sister’s wedding at Saint Clements Castle, and we absolutely loved getting to work with their family again.
They are truly such incredible people. There is a peacefulness about them, even in the middle of all the joyful chaos that naturally comes with a wedding day. Being invited back into a family’s story is always such an honor, and this day felt especially meaningful from the very start.
Lauren began the morning with so much intentionality. Before heading into her first look with Tommy and the rest of the events of the day, she planned a private moment with each of her parents. She had chosen sentimental gifts for both of them, and it was such a touching way to begin the day. There were plenty of tears, and honestly, it was beautiful. Those quiet moments with her parents set the tone for the whole wedding day: heartfelt, emotional, thoughtful, and full of love.
While I was photographing Lauren’s moments with her parents, Mike was with Tommy for one of the sweetest parts of the day. Tommy shared a first look with his daughters on the porch of Haley Mansion, and those photos were powerful. I kept those images to a minimum here on the internet, so you will just have to take my word for it, but it was such a beautiful and emotional moment to witness.
Haley Mansion was such a perfect setting for their wedding day. Located at the Inn at Mystic, it has that classic coastal New England charm with beautiful mansion details, water views, and so many lovely spaces for portraits. We had a windy day, but honestly, it fit the whole coastal Mystic feeling so well. When you are right by the water, a little wind is to be expected, and it added so much movement and life to the photos. I never mind taking a few extra shots and cleaning up flyaways when needed, especially when the wind gives everything such a romantic, natural feel.
Tommy and Lauren’s first look was so heartfelt and teary-eyed. Afterward, we moved right into portraits, and their connection made everything feel so easy. Between the mansion, the coastal setting, and the soft movement from the wind, everything came together so beautifully.
After portraits, everyone had a chance to warm up inside before the ceremony, which took place in the tented reception area. It was such a beautiful option for a colder wedding day. The tent still felt elegant and intimate while keeping everyone comfortable, and it made the transition from ceremony to reception feel seamless.
The reception was such a fun celebration. The dance floor was packed, the energy was amazing, and it was clear that Tommy and Lauren were surrounded by people who truly love them. After such an emotional start to the day, it was so sweet to see everything end with so much joy, laughter, and dancing.
Their vendor team did such a beautiful job bringing the day together. The florals by FlowerWorks CT were romantic and timeless, adding so much softness to the day. Lauren’s gown from Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon was absolutely beautiful, and the team at Do’s & Dye Salon helped create such a polished, effortless bridal look. And of course, Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic was such a stunning coastal Connecticut venue for this heartfelt wedding celebration.
Tommy and Lauren, thank you so much for trusting us to photograph your wedding day. It was such an honor to be with your family again and to capture such a sentimental, joy-filled day at Haley Mansion. We are so grateful we got to be a small part of it.
Vendor Credits
Venue: Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic — innatmystic.com/weddings
Haley Mansion: haleymansionmystic.com
Florals: FlowerWorks CT — flowerworksct.com
Dress: Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon — lastrinagirls.com
Hair and Makeup: Do’s & Dye Salon — dosanddyesalon.com
Photography: Erica Britto Photography — ericabrittophotography.com
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