I met up with Claire and Tommy back in mid-October for their engagement session at the Central Park Conservatory Garden. I’ve shot in Central Park countless times, but it was my first time at the Conservatory Garden and I loved discovering it! Not only is it picturesque and charming, but it also has some unique elements that made for the prettiest backdrops while we walked around, got to know each other, and created beautiful images for these two. What made it all the more special is that Tommy proposed to Clare in the garden! More on that story below, but first – let’s talk about how these two met!
Clare and Tommy met on the dating app Hinge. One of prompts asks what your dream trip is and Clare said a road trip around Ireland. When Tommy messaged her, he had a lot of tips because he’d done an Ireland trip with friends a few years earlier. They connected and soon ended up on their first official first date!
Their first date
“Our first date was at Sekend Sun in Astoria, NY. Early nerves went away when we started joking about the bartender’s questionable fashion choices. As the night continued we connected on a bunch of shared interests, including our love of citibiking and John Mulaney stand up.”
Central Park Conservatory Garden Engagement
When they knew they had found the one
“Clare probably knew Tommy was the one as soon as their third date when he started singing 90s pop songs. Tommy says there was no light switch moment, but a culmination of several small things and that we have such a fun time traveling together.”
The Proposal
“Tommy proposed in the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, which had become one of Clare’s favorite places to walk to during quarantine. Afterward he surprised her by getting all their friends and family together to celebrate in a neighborhood bar.”
All about the ring
“I love the timeless look of the ring, with it’s simple gold band and round cut diamond. Tommy picked out the ring after secretly getting details about the style she liked from one of her best friends.”
Something they love about each other
“Tommy loves Clare’s sense of humor and Clare loves Tommy’s thoughtfulness and optimism.”
Their wedding vision and style
“We’re getting married at The Mill Lakeside Manor in Spring Lake, NJ in November 2022. We both love the outdoors and autumn and want to incorporate that into our wedding style, so we’re excited to be getting married with a beautiful view of the lake and fall foliage.”
