Summer Engagement Session at Waveny Park in New Canaan, CT | Ashley & James

A SUMMER ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT WAVENY PARK

Mother Nature has been delivering us some lovely summer evenings this year! We had the most magnificent light and golden glow during James and Ashley’s engagement session at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut last week. Waveny is one of my favorite spots for engagement sessions because there are a wide variety of great spots for portraits, so no session is ever the same!

I originally chatted with Ashley and James earlier this year, and right then and there I could tell the love they shared was something special. Fast forward to their engagement session this summer, and that love showed through in every single one of their photos! They were up for every prompt and pose Arturo and I threw their way, always with wonderful smiles beaming across their faces.

We started off in front of Waveny Mansion to take advantage of the beautiful light that glistened through the trees as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. All the while, Arturo and I loved hearing a bit about James and Ashley’s wedding plans for their big day next summer. A quick outfit change later, and we headed around to the other side of Waveny Mansion where we snapped some additional portraits on the back terrace and lawn.

We may have only spent a short amount of time with Ashley and James last week, but Arturo and I are certainly excited to photograph them again on their wedding day next year. These two are a wonderful couple, and beautiful people both inside and out!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

Ashley graduated college in 2020, but due to the pandemic, her graduation ceremony, unfortunately, didn’t take place that May. Walking for her graduation was a big deal and a major accomplishment for her because she had worked so hard toward her, not one, but TWO degrees! Much to Ashley’s excitement, her school announced the following spring that they would be holding a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.

About a week before the graduation, Ashley and her mom were discussing details about the day when James suggested they take photos at one of their favorite local spots in New Haven. It was mid-May, and a pretty hot day at Southern Connecticut State University that weekend. As Ashley and her friends were taking photos together after the graduation ceremony, James kept insisting that they go take a few pictures at Lighthouse Point Park, to which Ashley and her mom agreed.

Once they arrived at the beach within the park, James asked Ashley to keep looking toward the water. Thinking nothing of it, Ashley glanced out at the ocean, thinking James was taking a candid photo of her. Due to the heat, she took off her cap and gown, and when she turned around, there was James kneeling down on one knee. He asked, “Will you marry me?” as Ashley ran to hug him while crying tears of joy!

These two are getting married next June at Aria in Prospect, Connecticut, and we know it’s going to be a beautiful celebration! Congratulations Ashley and James!

I hope you enjoyed this summer engagement session at Waveny Park!  Do you know Ashley and James?  Show them some love by commenting below!


ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond.  We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love. 

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