Guilford Town Green Engagement Session in Guilford, CT | Lauren & John

A GUILFORD TOWN GREEN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Where do I begin with describing Lauren and John?! I had so much fun with these two during their engagement session on the Guilford Town Green in their hometown of Guilford, Connecticut this week! They are such a perfect pair and absolute sweethearts.

The week leading up to their engagement session was filled with crazy and unpredictable New England weather, including everything from sunshine to cloudy skies to humidity to some severe rainstorms! I’d been watching the weather all week, and we were trying to decide if we should reschedule depending on what the rain was going to do. Luckily we caught a break, and despite the heavy clouds we had the day of John and Lauren’s session, we were able to move forward with photos!

Guilford, Connecticut is a quintessential New England coastal town. Some of my favorite wedding venues and portrait locations are in this area, so I was excited to hear that Lauren and John wanted to have their engagement photos taken here. The Guilford Town Green is lined with little shops and restaurants, and served as the perfect backdrop to portraits! We even spotted an old fashioned Good Humor Ice Cream truck open for business along the green. Two sweet summer treats later, and it was a perfect end to their session!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

Lauren is a yoga teacher, and every Sunday John attends her class. The studio where she teaches holds a special place in their hearts because it’s where Lauren and John had their first few dates over three years ago! Though they have known each other in high school, the yoga studio is also where they reconnected and shared a common interest.

The two had been talking about getting engaged, and John knew he wanted to do something meaningful when it came to a wedding proposal. One day in early December last year, John and his mother, Michelle, went to Lauren’s noon yoga class. This was a typical Sunday routine, so Lauren thought nothing of it. After class, Michelle asked Lauren to go downstairs with her to visit a small shop below the yoga studio in order to help her find a gift for a coworker. John said he would meet Lauren and Michelle in the shop, so they headed down ahead of him. About 7 minutes later, John texted Lauren to come back upstairs to the yoga studio because the receptionist was having trouble shutting down the studio. Ironically, the receptionist was brand new that day so it made sense that Lauren was needed for support!

When Lauren went back up to the yoga studio, she opened the door and found a path of flower petals from the door to the studio’s alter. John had laid down a few yoga blankets on the floor and was kneeling with a ring in his hand! In the background, he had Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of Over the Rainbow playing. Lauren was so touched and surprised that she began to cry; she was so moved by how meaningful and thoughtful John’s proposal was! After Lauren processed through the rose petal trail, she met John and he asked her to marry him. She said yes, and the two hugged, kissed, and laughed with happiness and excitement! Michelle was taking pictures, being sure to capture the special moment.

John then shared with Lauren that their families were gathered at his parents’ house and they would go back for a celebratory lunch. Once they arrived at John’s parents’ home, Lauren noticed at least 15 cars. When she questioned the amount of cars in the driveway, he said there was one more surprise. They entered the house, to find a party with not only their family members, but friends too! It was the best final surprise of the day. Lauren and John spent the rest of the day celebrating their engagement with the people they love most!

These two are getting married in December at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut. Arturo and I are so excited for their winter wedding celebration! Congratulations Lauren and John!

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

Lauren: “I always say that dating John was “seamless”, meaning it always felt right. Since day one, I was comfortable and entirely myself with John. I never questioned our relationship, it always felt so supportive and loving. I’d say a few months into our relationship, I knew I couldn’t picture my life without him. He was (and still is) my best friend.”

John: “I knew Lauren was wifey material from the very beginning of reconnecting with her two years after college. It was just timing and patience getting to know each other better that needed to happen.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Lauren: “There are so many things I love about John, it’s hard to pick one... he has such a big heart. He always makes me and everyone around him feel loved and cared for.”

John: “Her selflessness. She is always thinking about other people and what the right thing to do is. She is the furthest from self-centered one can get.”

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

Lauren: “Dancing. John and I love to dance. Then add on the fact that we get to dance with 100+ of our closest family and friends. It’s going to be pretty awesome.”

John: “I'm looking forward to it being a big family reunion for both sides of our families. Lauren and I love our families so much and it will be very special to have everyone we love in the same place, connecting and having fun together.”

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

Lauren: “Continuing to build a life with John. Like I said earlier, everything with John feels so seamless and loving. I look forward to building a home and a family together. There is no one else I’d rather have these ‘firsts’ with.”

John: “I'm looking forward to every stage with Lauren... early marriage, getting a house, getting a dog, having kids, having grandkids etc. I know I've found the one because I'm excited, not scared, for all that's to come!”

I hope you enjoyed this Guilford Town Green engagement session!  Do you know Lauren and John?  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. 

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