Walnut Beach Engagement Session in Milford, CT | Emily & Carter
A WALNUT BEACH ENGAGEMENT SESSION
New England weather loves to change at the drop of a dime, especially during the spring season! Due to a rainy forecast, it took three reschedules before Mother Nature would finally keep the skies clear long enough for me to photograph Emily and Carter’s morning engagement session at Walnut Beach in Milford, Connecticut. However, it was totally worth the wait and last-minute scheduling changes!
Carter and Emily are a wonderful pair. They’re sweet, easy-going, and were an absolute joy to photograph that morning. Despite the breezy ocean air and chilly temperatures that day, these two were all smiles as I snapped their engagement photos! They shared a bit about their wedding plans with me, and I simply cannot wait to see their day come together this October! Emily and Carter are planning a quintessential New England coastal wedding (my favorite!), and I know it’s going to be a good one.
THE PROPOSAL STORY
Carter went all out and planned a beautiful surprise getaway to San Diego, California for the weekend he proposed to Emily. She had a hunch he might be popping the question on their trip but wasn’t 100% sure. As they drove down to the city, Carter told Emily that they’d be going to the San Diego Zoo before they checked into their hotel. Emily was slightly surprised by Carter’s choice to go to the zoo, but she loves animals and looked forward to visiting there.
After venturing around the zoo, Carter and Emily made their way to their resort, the Fairmont Grand del Mar, an incredible property on the outskirts of San Diego. As the two were checking in, they were even upgraded to a larger suite! Emily and Carter got ready for their evening out and decided to walk around the grounds of the hotel before heading to dinner. Carter kept the restaurant they’d be going to a surprise, which really kept Emily in suspense!
The two finally arrived at Prado, a restaurant located in the center of San Diego’s Balboa Park. After Carter and Emily enjoyed a wonderful dinner together, he suggested they visit one of their favorite bars in the area. When she looked up the bar online, Emily noticed there was a cover charge, and the two were in a panic to make it in time. As they left the restaurant, Emily rushed to the car, but Carter had different plans.
He asked her if she had an interest in taking a stroll around Balboa Park instead of heading to the bar. Emily was confused by the quick change of plans and became instantly suspicious of what was going on. Even so, she followed Carter’s lead. After a few minutes of walking around, the pair arrived at one of the park’s fountains. Carter shared the most beautiful words with Emily, and she had a feeling this was the moment he’d propose. However, he didn’t pop the question and instead grabbed her hand and kept walking. At this point, Emily was totally confused as to what was going on!
They kept strolling together and came upon another fountain. Carter kindly nudged another family out of the way, and it was then that he got down on one knee and asked Emily to marry him! She immediately said yes as he slipped the ring onto her finger. At the same time, she noticed a camera flash go off in the corner of her eye; Carter had coordinated with one of his childhood friends who is a photographer to document the entire proposal! They spent the next few minutes taking photos in the park and enjoying the first moments of their engagement together.
These two are getting married this October at Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, and I am beyond excited for their day to arrive. Congratulations Emily and Carter!
When did you know you'd found "the one"?
Emily: “I knew I found ‘the one’ pretty quickly after we started dating. Carter and I were friends throughout all of college but had only started dating late our senior year. That following summer, now in our "post-grad" era, I went out to visit him in California. Always the vacation planner, Carter had put together a beautiful itinerary. I couldn't get over the amount of effort he had put into the trip for me. It felt like our friendship had blossomed into this beautiful, trusting relationship with such a solid foundation. Even though I was only 21, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with someone who would be my best friend forever.”
Carter: “Emily was always my go-to person at our social events or parties to stick by. She has such a free spirit and genuine kindness in her heart; that’s rare to find in people. We were best friends for 3 years before we decided to pursue each other romantically. However, we were always playful and flirtatious with each other to the point where everyone knew we would eventually be together. I would say I knew I found 'the one' after a perfect senior year together and reflecting back on all the memories we had watching each other grow into full-fledged adults. I think a beautiful story and rooted connection like that is rare in life and I didn't want to let her go even though we lived on opposite sides of the country. Our commitment to each other during our long-distance relationship only strengthened our bond and my realization that I wanted to grow with this person until the end of our days.”
What's one thing you love about your partner?
Emily: “His demeanor and outlook on life. If I'm the nervous, anxious one, Carter is cool and care-free, and refreshingly chill. He always knows how to bring me back down to earth, and will listen to hours (and hours) of me complaining about anything from the weather, the news, and the latest work drama. I sometimes still can't believe that I am going to marry someone who is so supportive and just an overall happy, empathetic, and understanding human being.”
Carter: “I love that Emily has a kind heart, she would never maliciously hurt a soul or creature for pleasure. She is also a tremendously hard worker and her ambition in life is very attractive. Emily is upbeat most of the time and has a very optimistic and positive view of life which I love.”
Besides getting married, what is one thing you're looking forward to on your wedding day?
Emily: “Being with our friends and family all together. With Carter's family predominantly on the West Coast, and my family being on the East Coast, it will be a rare opportunity to all be together and celebrate. We'll also be in the presence of our very special college friend group, which means so much to both Carter and me. We're scattered all over the country and always look forward to being reunited.”
Carter: “Bringing our worlds together and having everyone we love in one place. I am looking forward to dancing, laughing, and making a wonderful night to remember.”
What's one thing you're looking forward to about marriage?
Emily: “Taking on life, its hurdles, and celebrations together. I can't wait to buy our first house, get our first dog, and eventually have children together. I realize this has devolved into about five things I'm looking forward to about marriage, but mainly just being together and taking on the world one day at a time!”
Carter: “I’m looking forward to growing with Emily and tackling all of life’s up and downs together. She helps me be my best self and helps me stay rooted in life. I look forward to starting a family together and just generally continuing to do everything together as a duo.”
I hope you enjoyed this spring engagement session at Walnut Beach! Do you know Emily and Carter? 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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