Taylor & Chris | Harkness Memorial State Park | Connecticut Engagement Photographer

Taylor and Chris are getting married this weekend! At the end of August we finally got together to do a pre-wedding engagement session. This pandemic really interrupted a lot of engagement plans and wedding planning this past year and a half, but I am so thankful to have gotten the chance to get together with Taylor and Chris before their wedding. The engagement session is such an important event to celebrate as well as get us all better acquainted and comfortable with the camera. Not many people are used to having a camera stuck in their face and a wedding is a day full of it. The engagement really allows us to become familiar with each other and a photography scenario so that the couple can enjoy their wedding day without worrying about the photos or how to pose. And getting to know me and my camera a little better makes it easier for couples to feel comfortable around me and even allows me to disappear into the background on their big day.

And I know that not everyone enjoys getting their photo taken. Chris especially doesn’t, but he was such a trooper taking these photos so that he and Taylor can have them. In my book, if a man hates getting his picture taken but endures it for his significant other then that is true love. 🙂 Photos can sometimes feel like a chore, but they don’t have to be. I like to think that we can have a bit of fun with it. Taylor and Chris, I had so much fun with you at Harkness and I know that your wedding is going to be just as wonderful. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see you both again soon.

The afternoon started out very cloudy, but as we approached the beach the clouds began to part.

We have officially nicknamed this shot the “romance book cover.” If anyone is looking for a cover photo for their beachy romance novel, here it is:

By the time we took these photos it was full on sunshine and very hot!

Taylor and Chris wanted a Newport engagement session at first, but with it always being so busy and no actual beach access when they wanted some beachy photos, Harkness was the best compromise because it has so many beautiful locations in one place, a mansion to rival those of Newport, magnificent gardens, and the lovely shoreline.

I was married at Harkness so it holds a very special place in my heart that I love sharing with my couples. I have photographed a few engagements here since and each time is always unique and magical. There are so many places for photos and each couple is so unique that it always feels like a new experience. I simply love it here.

Congratulations Chris and Taylor! I cannot wait to celebrate with you this weekend.