Yale University Engagement Session in New Haven, CT | Elle & Brian

A WINTER ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT YALE UNIVERSITY

I’m always eager to meet our couples in person for the first time, but after having a wonderful call with Elle and Brian last month to discuss their wedding day, I knew these two would be a fantastic pair to work with! For a day or two last week, we had a break in the extra-chilly winter temperatures on the day of Brian and Elle’s engagement session at Yale University in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. These two even brought along their sweet pup, Bailey, to join them in a few engagement photos!

Elle and Brian were dressed to the nines for their engagement session. Her long, flowy, soft blush dress was a wonderful complement to his sharp navy blue suit. Arturo and I always say that you’re investing in your photography, so don’t be afraid to dress up for your portrait session! It may have been a “warm” February day in New England, but there was definitely a breeze that kept us all on our toes that afternoon. Nonetheless, Brian and Elle snuggled up together for their engagement portraits and were an absolute joy to photograph!

Yale is a beautiful location for portraits during any season, but I especially love it during the winter. The historical architecture of the university’s different buildings truly shines in the colder months, making for the most spectacular backdrops to our couples’ engagement photos!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

As Brian planned his proposal to Elle, he did not spare a single detail! He had arranged their usual date night to make sure Elle didn’t suspect anything. Brian had made dinner reservations at a waterfront restaurant with incredible views of the Hudson River. Elle likes to be early to everything, so Brian knew they’d have time to spare before their reservation and suggested they take a walk along the water. Soon after Elle and Brian began their stroll, they found a bench to sit down on and began chatting.

After a while, the two got up to continue their walk. Before Elle could take her first step to continue, Brian gave her a kiss, got down on one knee, and asked her if she wanted them to spend the rest of their lives together. She immediately said yes after he popped the question, and was further surprised by Brian’s photographer friend who hopped out of the bushes after capturing the entire proposal!

These two are getting married next May at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, New York and we cannot wait for their day to arrive. Congratulations Elle and Brian!

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

Elle: “Brian and I met almost 11 years ago. When I moved to America he was one of the first friends that I made. From the moment we met, I knew there was something about him that drew me in but our timing never lined up. We became good friends over the years but no matter where we were in our lives or who we were dating, we were always drawn to each other. In 2017 when I broke up with my then-boyfriend, Brian invited me to dinner. We spent hours talking and laughing at dinner and began dating a few weeks later. There was never one specific moment that clicked for me. Over the past 11 years, I have watched Brian grow into the amazing man he is today and over the past 4+ years that we have been together, he has truly turned into the man of my dreams. He has always been “the one”… it just took us 6 years for our timing to line up.”

Brian: “When I met Elle 11 years ago at a friend’s bonfire, I had a feeling that she was a special person. The Australian accent, the big smile with the dimples, and the awesome personality stuck with me. Even though we were not as close as we would have liked to have been for 11 years, we always remained close friends. The friend to talk things out with and give a huge hug to that could make any bad day feel so much better. We connect so well, like to do the same things, have the same friends, finish each other’s sentences, and most importantly, love each other very much. How could you not want to spend the rest of your life with someone you connect so well with on many different levels?”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Elle: “I love that he is different with me than anyone else. Being that he is a deputy sheriff and volunteer firefighter, he has a strong, stubborn, and “manly” figure to uphold but when he is with me, he is the kindest, most gentle human I know. His caring side really comes out and he constantly chooses me and us over anything else in the world.”

Brian: “One thing? If I had to choose, I would say it’s Elle’s positive attitude while always striving to do better for herself or us. Working harder, starting her own business, and making our relationship the best it can be. Elle is not selfish, always thinks about me with a positive mindset, and works hard to make sure she and we have the best future together. There’s no day she just sits around. Elle is always on the go, making things happen, and always putting others first before herself.”

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

Elle: “For me, I am looking forward to our private dance at the end of the night. After months of planning and a full day of chaos and constantly moving, I’m looking forward to that last intimate and private dance where we can high five, share a sigh of relief, and say we made it and we are finally husband and wife.”

Brian: “Being officially together for just over 4 years now, our friends and family know how well we get along and have the utmost love for each other. On our wedding day surrounded by friends and family, I am looking forward to the first dance and being the center of attention on the dance floor. With this, everyone will see that we have finally become one.”

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

Elle: “Starting the next chapter of our lives together and growing old. We are hoping to start the fun process of growing our family and hopefully buying a home together right after the wedding. After that, I am just excited to experience each year together as it comes.”

Brian: “With the official marriage title we will be starting the next, big, exciting chapter of our lives. Elle and I have always said we have our family: us and our dog, Bailey. I am looking forward to growing our family and having our own children. I can’t wait to have the most beautiful kids and watch them grow. And eventually, see them get married one day.”

I hope you enjoyed this winter engagement session at Yale University!  Do you know Elle and Brian?  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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