Charming Snowy Winter Connecticut Engagement Photos

Sitting at my desk watching the snow fall in April - got to love New England - and it reminded me that I haven’t had a chance to blog Nicole and Dan’s cozy winter engagement photos at Heavitree of Griswold B&B. From a few warm indoor photos with tons of historical character, cozying up on a couch together with gorgeous exposed beams, fireplaces and a taproom, to some outdoor moments with gorgeous rock walls, a red barn and a Christmas tree farm backdrop of Geers Tree Farm, this session was filled with all of the reasons I love New England and the moments it inspires in love stories.

Important Considerations When Hiring Your Wedding DJ

I’m thrilled to be sharing these tips and tricks from Jeff and Amy, owners and masterminds behind Mystic River Entertainment, offering entertainment services throughout New England. Jeff and Amy are two of the sweetest souls and their passion for music, party planning, and helping others is apparent in every conversation I’ve had with them. Best part? These two are dang good at throwing an awesome party with thoughtful music choices and their skill for creating a warm and positive environment for your guests is incredible - I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and I can confidently tell you that the DJ you select will directly influence the way your guests remember the party. SO. Without further ado, take it away Jeff!

Destination Engagement Session - Portsmouth, New Hampshire | Amanda & Kevin

When Amanda first asked about making their Engagement Session a bit of a mini destination getaway to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I was all about it. There is nothing I love more than exploring fun and unique locations with my couples, and their love for Portsmouth, combined with the fact that I grew up in New Hampshire, made for one very fun evening and a nostalgic little road trip!

We spent the few days before keeping a close eye on the weather (New England seems to have gifted us this year with an extra dose of random thunder storms), but ultimately we made the call to make the trip and I’m glad we didn’t decide to wait. An intense fog rolled in during our time together and we dealt with a light shower, but honestly I think the ambiance and few umbrella photos added a beautiful level of romance and there’s something about a little rain that brings couples even closer together that I appreciate. Pair that with a gorgeous dock on the New Hampshire coast, vibrant flowers filling every garden we visited (plus a hidden rose garden with an epic archway I had discovered while scouting), adorable rain soaked streets and urban brick buildings, cute restaurants with bistro lights… and a surprise building painting they agreed to take a goofy photo in front of - These two are so sweet and up for any adventure in any weather.

Saying Yes to Your Dress

Choosing a dress - the dress - can come with some questions. Here are some helpful tips to walk you through the process and leave you empowered to look and feel your best on your wedding day!

Branford House Wedding | Regan & Dayne

Regan and Dayne are some of the sweetest people with the most genuine hearts you’ll ever meet.

Years ago they first became aware of each other when Regan attended Freshman orientation at the Branford House where Dayne was giving a presentation. How cool that they can now say they were married in this same place (the exact same room, in fact). Their day was filled with all kinds of sentimental touches, woven together with the history of the legacy of their loved ones - fitting, considering they are both passionate historians. The dress Regan chose to wore was previously worn by her grandmother and mother and it was an absolute honor to photograph such an heirloom. And Dayne, a pianist having performed at hundreds of events at the Branford House previously, finally had the opportunity to sit and play for his wife. So many gorgeous long-awaited meaningful not-soon-to-be-forgotten moments are what this day was comprised of.

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know these two and walking alongside them capturing the next chapter of the beautiful story they are writing together. Thank you, Regan and Dayne, for trusting me to capture your wedding!

Christmas Tree Farm | Couple's Session

Christmas Tree Farm session - the perfect setting for Christmas card photos!

The Stonington Meadows - Mystic, Connecticut Wedding | Meghan & Timothy

Meghan and Timothy are incredibly sweet and classy people - there’s really no other way to put it. In addition to this, boy, do they know how to break. it. down. on the dance floor. I’ve truly never attended a wedding where two people along with all of their friends and family knew every word to every song for an entire evening. At the close of the night, I’m pretty sure the dance floor was just as packed as when the night began - the true sign of a really good party.

They met in Boston while in college, and as they say, the rest was history. Timothy planned an elaborate surprise when he proposed and had brought their friends and family together to celebrate.

Their wedding day was full of beautiful moments (and heartfelt vows) displaying their history of falling more in love over the last 5 years and it was an honor to capture this next part of their story.

Congratulations, Meghan and Timothy!

Harkness Memorial State Park | Engagement Session Connecticut - Charlotte & Rob

This photo displays one of my absolute favorite moments to capture. It’s what I like to call, “The Smile Before the Kiss.” It’s the feeling of excitement in the anticipation of knowing what’s about to happen. It’s a great way to describe the season of being engaged as well. It’s a time filled with exciting to-do lists and decisions to be made, all in preparation for the exchanging of vows.

Charlotte and Rob live in New York City, so when we were trying to decide on a location for their Engagement Session I sent them some local options and they loved Harkness - it really is such a great choice to achieve different vibes and backgrounds all in one place!

We ended up moving their session up a bit to try to beat the rain and it luckily it worked! We started our time together walking around their venue, Jonathan Edwards Winery, and then made our way to the water for some cute photos of them (and their adorable dog, Scout)!

I’m already counting down the days until I get to see these two again and can’t wait to capture the joy on their wedding day and so many more smile-before-the-kisses kind of moments. Thank you Charlotte and Rob for trusting me to capture this season of your love story!

Downtown Mystic, Connecticut | Engagement Session - Amy & Tommy

There’s one main word that comes to mind after spending time with Amy and Tommy during their engagement session: chemistry.

These two have been together for 10 years, so their connection certainly makes sense. Watching them interact was honestly an absolute privilege. The best part for me was actually knowing they entered the session being a bit nervous (I mean, really, who isn’t at the thought of having a stranger in your face taking photos? I totally get it) - but as we walked around and found each new spot and I guided them into “poses” focused on movement and really just encouraging them to be themselves with each other, well, it was MAGIC.

The in-between moments are where you can really see a couple’s chemistry come through and their personalities show up and I’m just so obsessed with Amy and Tommy’s “in-between-moments” from our time together. Both genuine, sweet, and compassionate people (it’s no wonder they’re both teachers) they are two people I would certainly describe as being meant for each other.

And I couldn’t be more excited they’ve chosen me to photograph their 2020 wedding!

Downtown Mystic, Connecticut | Engagement Session - Taylor & Sean

Remember these two cuties from their Lighthouse Point session a while back with their precious pups?

They’re back…and cuter than ever (if that’s even possible)!

Taylor and Sean are a bit unique because they will be tying the knot where my husband and I had our wedding reception! We’ve had a special bond from the very beginning just because of that and I couldn’t be more excited to capture their day.

Counting down the days until they say “I do” in Mystic.

Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford, Connecticut | Rachel & Harrison

an we please just talk about how seriously stinking CUTE these two are?

Rachel and Harrison currently live in Arizona and when we chatted over the phone about their wedding, I encouraged them to still consider planning an “Engagement Session” even if it was just the week before so we would have the chance to connect and also give them some adorable New-Englandy photos while they were back on the east coast.

Well, I’m so glad we made the time. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to spend even more time with them in addition to their wedding day.

Great River Golf Club Milford, Connecticut - Summer Wedding | Julie & Tom

Going into this wedding weekend I had my fingers AND toes crossed for beautiful weather for this sweet couple - and mother nature certainly did not disappoint. Between blue skies and comfortable temps for the guests to enjoy a gorgeous outdoor ceremony at Great River Golf Club, this was the kind of day couples dream about.

Julie and Tom spoke their vows in front of cherished friends and family and I’m pretty certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Every detail was beautifully planned and as soon as the day began I could immediately tell they were both just excited to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Senior Session | Harkness Memorial State Park

Meet Emma!

Emma is an absolute gem - she’s a beautiful combination of a genuine personality and an infectious smile. A couple of years ago when I first met her family (we all pretty much instantly became friends), I remember them saying "We can't wait for senior photos!" We've done a few amazing sessions in between, but it's really hard to believe she's graduated and closed a big chapter and turned the page to a new adventure.

Aaron & Lauren | Groton, Connecticut

This warmer weather has me thinking back to this gorgeous session! Nothing more New England than making lighthouse memories with your favorite person.

WeddingCora ProperMay 22, 2019weddingphotographer, couples photographer, new england, new england photographerComment

Personal Branding | Tara with Rodan & Fields

You know when you meet someone and think - they’re just so genuine?

I think that word sums up Tara best. Full of life and grace, a beautiful spirit, fiercely compassionate with a thirst for knowledge and understanding - I’m grateful to have met her and to have had the honor of getting to know her. And especially stoked to give her images showcasing her personality, priorities and her journey in business with Rodan & Fields.

It's a BABY!

For several weeks before we found out the gender of our precious little one, scheduled to join us sometime in early June, anytime someone would ask me if I had any inclination of what “it” was I would make the *super lame* joke, “Definitely a human?”

I feel like most people talk about dad jokes… I’m totally going to make mom jokes a thing.

Lifestyle Newborn | Groton, CT

I don’t often have the opportunity to photograph newborns, but when I do I enjoy every single minute of squishy legs, tiny fingers and toes, wide eyes, dramatic facial expressions, and the interactions of a brand new beautiful family.

Harkness Memorial State Park | Waterford, Connecticut

Nothing better than a night with perfect light and a soft breeze at Harkness Memorial State Park taking some bridal portraits.

Coastal Fairytale Wedding | Mystic, Connecticut

This styled shoot features a married couple madly in love at the unique venue The Meadows, tucked away like the Secret Garden in Mystic, Connecticut. The shoot was centered around the theme of my wedding packages: “Your Love is My Lighthouse.” Styling for the shoot, including design of the invitation suite and fabric accents were created by myself and a local designer.

Everything about this couple’s wedding day is focused around the belief that love doesn’t have to be extravagant, it just has to be enduring, simple and true. In a place woven with history of sea merchants and sailors tales, a modern day coastal wedding means embracing the history of the past with nautical ropes, handcrafted rose gold jewelry, and starfish on your wedding cake. Where rainy days don’t exclude you from wedding portraits on the beach, and embracing nautical doesn’t mean your dress can’t have countless layers of tulle.

Engagement Session - Abbie & Armando | Yale, New Haven & Hammonasset Beach State Park

Abbie is a dear friend of mine and having the opportunity to photograph her and Armando for their engagement photos was an experience I’ll never forget. Congratulations, you two! My hope is that you enjoy this season in life and that it's one filled with intense fits of laughter, talks about the future, and that you enjoy walking into it boldly hand in hand, side by side. Y’all are awesome!

Welcome to the Blog!

location guides

IMPORTANT INFO

Locations

LET’S BE FRIENDS