Waveny Park Engagement Session in New Canaan, CT | Sarah & Shawn

The day of Sarah and Shawn’s engagement session felt like the first truly cold fall day here in New England, so much so that a few snow flurries had been falling from the sky on and off that afternoon! We met up with them at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut, just minutes from where Sarah grew up. Despite the strong gusts of wind and chilly temperatures, these two were all smiles during their session! Arturo and I had so much fun getting to know them while chatting about their wedding plans. As Sarah told me about the proposal, Shawn told Arturo all about the food for their upcoming wedding day (one part of the day Shawn is most excited for, no doubt!).

Last March, Sarah and Shawn were vacationing in Bermuda together. He had arranged a moped excursion to a few beaches on the opposite side of the island, where he had planned to propose to Sarah as the sun was setting at John Smith’s Bay. His plans changed a bit when Sarah failed her moped road test by running right into a stone wall! Without giving any hints away of his original plan, Shawn and Sarah ended up getting a cab to John Smith's Bay that evening instead. Even better, he still managed to pop the question right at sunset! To add to Sarah’s surprise, Shawn arranged for a local photographer to take some photos so the two could share the moment with their families!

Shawn and Sarah are getting married at the historic mansion and gardens of the DCA Meadowlands in Darien, Connecticut in May and we cannot wait to celebrate their big day!

When did you know you'd found "the one"?

Sarah: “I knew Shawn was the one from the moment I met him, honestly. We met at a work conference in Boston; I was there from New York and he was there from Cleveland. On the first night of the conference we sat next to each other at cocktail hour and I felt like I'd known him my whole life! From that moment on, even though we had to date for two long years long distance, my initial instincts have proven correct. He's supported me in everything from taking the CFA to starting a new job and even made the big move to NYC!”

Shawn: “From the second I met Sarah I knew we would be best friends; she has such an infectious personality and is tons of fun to be around. I met her at a work conference and quickly tried to sneak away as often as I could to spend as much time with her as possible. While we knew very little about one another I still felt like I had known her forever. We texted and talked to each other constantly the next couple months and finally spent a weekend together in Philadelphia. It was the most amazing weekend; I felt so comfortable around her and knew I found ‘the one’. Since then our relationship has only strengthened, we support one another in everything and the best part of my day is coming home and seeing her smile.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Sarah: “One of the many things I love about Shawn is that he and my Dad are the two most genuine people I know. Shawn is completely honest and has no pretensions. He is himself in all situations and never pre-judges people. I know that if I ask him a question he'll answer me honestly and he often provides me with a different perspective on challenging situations.”

Shawn: “Sarah is incredibly giving and always wants to help people. She has volunteered tutoring the underprivileged and helping them with their SAT's for many years. She spends hours almost every week during the school year and genuinely loves it. Her giving and caring nature carries over into all of her relationships, she is an amazing friend and if someone is going through a tough time or needs to talk she is the first one to listen and lend a hand.”

Besides getting married, what is one thing you're looking forward to on your wedding day?

Sarah: “I can't wait for Shawn's extended family to meet and celebrate with my extended family. Shawn and I both grew up very close with our aunts, uncles, and cousins, so I can't wait for them all to be in one place. Also, we don't get to see them very often as Shawn's family is mostly in Wisconsin and my Mom's whole family is in Australia!”

Shawn: “I can't wait to have all of our families together. Our parents have met several times, but our extended families will be meeting for the first time. They both love to party and I can't wait until they all get together. I'm really excited for the food.”

What's one thing you're looking forward to about marriage?

Sarah: “In many ways, our lives won't change much because Shawn and I already live together, but I'm excited for us to finally become our own little family unit! Shawn and I are a great team and I'm looking forward to us making decisions together, continuing to travel the world, and hopefully starting a family. Also we are both desperate to adopt a puppy!”

Shawn: “I'm just looking forward to our relationship growing as a whole. We both want children and to grow our family. I know she is going to be the most amazing, loving mother and I can't wait to see her and I raise children.”

I hope you enjoyed this Waveny Park engagement session!  Do you know Sarah and Shawn?  Show them some love by commenting below!


ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

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