Above: The couple with bridesmaids
Talk about reaching across the aisle. When Republican State Senator Art Linares cofounded a Bipartisan Young Legislators Caucus, Democratic State Representative Caroline Simmons got on board, and they hit it off while working together on legislation. A year and a half later, knowing that Caroline reads the Stamford Advocate every morning, Art took out a full-page ad asking her to marry him. As he cooked breakfast and she flipped through the paper, Caroline came upon Art’s ad. When she looked to him, he was on bended knee with a ring.
U.S. District Judge of New Jersey Jose L. Linares officiated the wedding at Griswold Point in Old Lyme, where a reception followed. The couple chose the location based on its significance to Connecticut and American history. At the end of the celebration, Art surprised his bride with a rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”
Caroline is the daughter of Eileen and Steve Simmons of Greenwich. She graduated from Harvard with a bachelor’s degree in government and received her master’s in Middle East Studies from George Washington University. She represents the 144th District in Stamford.
Art is the son of Robin and Art Linares of Clinton. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship. He represents Connecticut’s 33rd District.
The couple honeymooned in the Seychelles; they call Stamford home.
Photographs: Hechler Photographers
