Francesca & Nicholas’s Wedding at Cascades Banquet in Hamden, CT

Francesca & Nicholas’s Wedding at Cascades Banquet in Hamden, CT was one of those days that just felt right—full of energy, laughter, and totally them. The groomsmen even picked dandelions from a nearby field and stuck them in their suit pockets during photos, which somehow looked cooler than anything planned but the real party kicked off at the reception. Let’s just say, when both the bride and groom end up crowd surfing, you know people are having a good time.

If you’re planning your own wedding and stuck on the whole DJ vs. band thing, here’s a tip inspired by Francesca and Nicholas: think about the vibe you want. They went with a DJ, which worked perfectly for them—there was a steady stream of good songs, the dance floor never emptied, and things flowed without any fuss. But if you’re into more of a live, jam-session kind of feel, a band might be your thing. Just choose whatever feels most like you.

Big congrats to Francesca & Nicholas—what a day!