Yale University Engagement Session in New Haven, CT | Summer & Matt

Arturo and I loved hanging out with Summer and Matt during their engagement session in front of Sterling Memorial Library on the Yale University campus in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. They’re sweet as can be, and so much fun to be around! There was no shortage of laughter and love between the two of them. 2019 is turning out to be a big year for Matt and Summer! They just bought a house in the midst of planning a wedding and the rest of their lives together!

A STERLING MEMORIAL LIBRARY AT YALE UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Matt and Summer’s engagement session took us back to one of our all-time favorite spots on the Yale campus! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I just cannot get enough of portrait locations with stunning architecture. Yale never disappoints, and there’s always something new we discover each time we’re there.

Summer and Matt were naturals in front of our cameras, snuggling up and getting exciting for their upcoming wedding day this fall! Arturo and I enjoyed spending time with them both and hearing more about the wedding day they envision. One thing I absolutely love that more of our couples are doing is planning a wedding day that reflects them and what they want! Summer and Matt are doing just this; after their wedding ceremony, they’ll have coffee and cupcake trucks waiting for their guests before heading off on their honeymoon!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

When Matt and Summer were falling in love with one another, they both happened to share their feelings for each other through handwritten letters. Letters have flowed throughout their relationship which have become some of Summer and Matt’s most treasured items. In their time together, they’ve spent countless times at Saint Mary’s by the Sea going on walks, watching the sunset, having picnics, and listening to the waves crash, one of Summer’s all-time favorite things to do! One chilly December afternoon, Matt had asked Summer if she wanted to go for a walk and listen to the waves. After five minutes in the bitter winter wind, the reality of it being December by the water set in and Summer was ready to cut their walk short. At that moment, Matt asked Summer to sit on a nearby bench with him because he had a gift for her. She didn’t think anything of it because it was a few days after Christmas and Matt had mentioned one of her gifts was running a little late. He handed her a small rectangular box covered with wrapping paper, and Summer, doing what her mom had always taught her, shook the box! It made NO sound and but she thought it was a prank! Matt laughed and assured her to open it. Taped to the bottom was a letter addressed to “my love”, which held three pages of Matt’s take of their love story. By the time Summer made her way to the third page, she was crying at the sentimental words he had written to her. When she looked up, there was Matt on his knee with tears in his eyes and a wonderful smile on his face. Of course, she said yes!

Summer and Matt are getting married this September in Fairfield, Connecticut, and we can’t wait to see these two become husband and wife!

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

Summer: “I knew he was the one after one conversation that took place over the phone. It was one of the first conversations we had shared after reconnecting with one another, and it was filled with so much life and authenticity. He didn’t try to sugar coat things to impress me, but instead he opened up to me on a raw and honest level. I just knew that everyday, from that day on, I was going to fall in love with him...and I have.”

Matt: “I knew I found the one when we went to Captain’s Cove with all her closest friends and I just couldn’t stop staring at her. I listened to every word that she said. I noticed every direction she gazed toward. I just wanted to be in her line of sight. I knew that I wanted that feeling for the rest of my life.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Summer: “Matthew has this happiness to him that's contagious. He has this ability to make me laugh when I don't even want to smile and instantly lights up any room he walks into.”

Matt: “I love Summer's heart. She has a heart of gold and has opened it up for me and embraced me. She cares so much about every single person in her life, and does so so unconditionally. It's truly what I love most about her.”

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

Summer: “Of course marrying Matthew is what I am most excited about, but the cupcakes and coffee bus come in a close second.”

Matt: “I am most excited to see Summer walk down the aisle. I truly cannot wait for that moment.”

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

Summer: “I am most looking forward to the moments, big and small, that we are about to share together.”

Matt: “I'm looking forward to waking up every morning and going to sleep every night next to the love of my life and best friend.”

I hope you enjoyed this Yale University engagement session!  Do you know Summer and Matt?  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. 

Are you planning a proposal, engagement session or wedding?