JoAnn and Stephen: Harkness Park, Connecticut Engagement Session

Nothing endears me more to people than vulnerability, and JoAnn was so beautifully vulnerable with me as we talked about their engagement session. I learned about her and Stephen’s (super sweet) story, a bit about her family, and her feelings about being photographed (spoiler alert: her feelings were not unique. She was freaked out.). We talked about why documenting their love at this stage in their relationship was important, what kinds of photos mattered to them, and how I could help make their session fun instead of scary.

We decided on Harkness Park in Connecticut, a one-of-a-kind gorgeous place with everything you could possibly want in a photo location. We traipsed through the park, enjoying the balmy, golden evening sun and the salty breeze coming off the Sound.

I loved how Stephen helped put JoAnn at ease with humor and touch. I felt honored to witness their love, as I know PDA isn’t necessarily their comfort zone. That made it all the more special to coax some cuteness out into the open.

What made working with this couple even more special for me was their viewing session: I was invited to JoAnn’s mother’s house to show the three of them their full gallery and talk about possibly shooting their wedding. The four of us sat in her mom’s dining room, where there was a large, beautifully framed print of her mother and father on their wedding day. It was one of those moments where it seems everything comes together; the circularity of time coupled with its relentless motion forward. I couldn’t be more honored that they chose to hire me as their wedding photographer. I can’t wait to see them, and the rest of their family, next year!