Fall has started and September is nearing the end already but the high temps and remaining engagement sessions we have in our blogging queue are sure to bring you back to summer! Today I’m sharing Lauren and Evan’s Sandy Hook engagement photos. When Lauren mentioned wanting to incorporate beach photos into their engagement session, I suggested Sandy Hook. We’ve shot several weddings there including two just this past summer and it’s a new favorite location for portrait session, too. I had been wanting to do an engagement session there for a while so when Lauren said she had fond memories of going to Sandy Hook with her family, I was pretty excited. If you’ve ever been there, you know it’s huge and offers a lot of variety – any photographer’s dream. On the day of Lauren and Evan’s session, we stayed on the bay side to take advantage of all the pretty light and hopped in and out of our cars, breaking the session up to hit several spots in the park. I really love how this session turned out – from the beautiful scenery to Lauren’s flowy dress, Evan’s preppy look, and the love these two share – it was perfect in every way.
Get excited for Lauren and Evan because they are getting married next month. (!!) Their October wedding will be here in no time and we’re thrilled for them. Enjoy this recap of my time with them and check back in a month for a preview from their Meadow Wood Manor wedding!
Sandy Hook Engagement Photos
Lauren: It was the last day of my winter finals at UConn and my roommate and I were planning on going out with some other friends. These were Evan’s friends from home and he just happened to come visit. After the bar (and some flirting), we went back to my place to talk some more. It was there that we discovered a mutual love for the Lord of the Rings movies and the rest is history.
Lauren: I think for me I knew he was the one when we survived our long distance period of the relationship. After college, I moved back to NJ and he still lived in CT. We made it a point to visit each other almost every weekend and this went on for almost 4 years! I knew if we were both willing to go through all that driving (3 hours each way) to spend even a little time together, then this was someone I shouldn’t let go of.
Evan: When we first met we talked as if we’d known each other since childhood. Everything seemed so natural; she was beautiful and funny on top of it. When she told me she was a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I knew she was the one!
Lauren: Looking back, I should’ve known it was coming. He wanted to lock is backpack on the plane to London (we were going with some friends), he freaked out when I touched his backpack, and before it happened, he kept having little side conversations with our friends. Not long after, while we were walking on Tower Bridge, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was such a surprise that I’m pretty sure I kept saying are you serious but I was so happy and excited and it was the perfect start to our vacation in London! (Even though he held the box backward lol)
Evan: We went to London with a couple of friends and I knew I was going to propose on the first night. This was probably a good idea speaking that I left my backpack (with the ring inside) in the first pub we went into! I sprinted back once I realized and they luckily had the bag waiting for me. When nightfall came, I kept asking my friends “should I do it here, or over here…” then decided Tower Bridge was a wonderful spot. I had one friend take her to see the other side of the bridge while the other stayed back with me. On her way back to my spot on the bridge I got down on one knee, took out the ring, and proposed to Lauren (with the ring box facing the wrong way of course…)
Lauren: My favorite thing about the ring is that it’s both white and yellow gold. I predominately wear yellow gold, but still liked the look of a white gold engagement ring. When we went to look together at the store, I immediately fell in love. It was something I’ve never seen before and it’s cool to know that it has this cool surprise. I also found another ring as well to give him more options and so I would be semi-surprised. Secretly, I was hoping he would pick the two tone one and thankfully he did!
Evan: I didn’t want to risk picking out something she wasn’t in love with so I played it safe and got the setting she liked the most when we went to browse in the local jewelry store.
Lauren: I love how Evan isn’t afraid to be himself. He is so comfortable with who he is, it’s made me become more comfortable with who I am as well.
Evan: I love Lauren’s eccentricity. Her weirdness and mine fit perfectly together in a way that wouldn’t work with anybody else in the world.
Lauren: I’m really looking forward to celebrating with all my family and friends.
Evan: I cannot wait to see Lauren in her dress, she’s going to look beautiful.
Idalia Photography is a team of husband and wife wedding photographers serving NJ, NY, PA, and beyond. We specialize in romantic, timeless, and classic weddings. Are you planning a wedding? Click here to view our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability and pricing. Happy wedding planning!
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If we haven't met yet, I'm Alex! I'm passionate about discovering beautiful stories, documenting genuine moments, and capturing timeless images along the way. Here I share my latest work, a peek at the heirlooms we create, and helpful resources. Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
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