Coastal Spring Engagement Session at Walnut Beach in Milford, CT | Marissa & Dante

A COASTAL SPRING ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT WALNUT BEACH

There’s something undeniably romantic about a windy day by the water. The salty air, crashing waves, and movement in every frame create the kind of magic that can’t be staged, and Marissa and Dante’s Milford engagement session at Walnut Beach was the perfect example of that.

Nestled along the shoreline in Connecticut, Walnut Beach gave us the dreamiest coastal backdrop for an evening that felt equal parts playful, relaxed, and deeply connected. From the moment these two stepped onto the sand, it was obvious how naturally they fit together. Their energy was effortless, full of laughter, quiet moments, and the kind of chemistry that makes photographing a couple feel easy.

Spring in Connecticut can be unpredictable, and this particular evening brought plenty of wind. But honestly? It couldn’t have suited Dante and Marissa better. The breeze added movement to every image, tossing Marissa’s hair softly through the air and making every embrace feel cinematic and alive. Instead of fighting the weather, they leaned into it completely, laughing through windswept moments and holding each other close between gusts.

That’s one of the things I loved most about this Milford beachy engagement session, nothing felt overly posed or forced. Marissa and Dante were completely themselves the entire time. They walked barefoot along the shoreline, wrapped up in each other as waves rolled in behind them. One minute they were laughing uncontrollably, and the next they’d settle into these sweet, quiet moments that felt like the rest of the world disappeared around them.

As a photographer, I’m always chasing those moments during engagement sessions. Not perfection, but connection. The in-between moments. The genuine reactions. The way a couple naturally moves together when they feel comfortable and present.

Walnut Beach was especially beautiful that evening, with soft spring light filtering through the clouds and reflecting off the water. The muted coastal tones paired perfectly with the relaxed vibe Dante and Marissa brought to their session. Everything about the evening felt calm and joyful, even with the wind swirling around us.

Engagement sessions like this are such a beautiful reminder that the best photos don’t come from perfect conditions. They come from couples who show up ready to embrace the moment together. Marissa and Dante, thank you for trusting me to document this season of your story. Your playful energy and genuine love made us even more excited for your wedding day!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

Dante proposed to Marissa during their very first true vacation together; not a trip for a wedding, family visit, or event, but a getaway dedicated entirely to the two of them. Last December, they traveled to Aruba for a relaxing week filled with sunshine, beach walks, and uninterrupted time together.

On their very first night, they enjoyed an incredible seafood dinner before deciding to walk back along the beach to catch the sunset. Barefoot in the sand and carrying their shoes, along with leftovers from dinner, the evening already felt perfect.

At one point during the walk, Dante casually mentioned wanting to head back to the room to grab his flip-flops. Marissa laughed it off, reassuring him that it was fine since she was carrying her shoes too, and they could just make sure to bring flip flops the next day. A few minutes later, he brought it up again, and this time she agreed to head back with him, completely unaware that his “flip-flop detour” was really about grabbing the ring.

Once they returned, the two headed back out for another quiet walk along the beach as the sun began dipping lower over the water. They stopped for a moment to admire the sunset together before Marissa continued walking ahead. Suddenly, she noticed Dante’s shadow behind her dropping down onto one knee.

Frozen in complete shock, she turned as he called her name and began saying something sweet, words that quickly became a blur in the excitement and emotion of the moment. Through happy tears and total disbelief, she said yes!

These two are getting married next summer at The Inn at Longshore, and we can’t wait to celebrate them. Congratulations Marissa and Dante!

I hope you enjoyed this spring engagement session at Walnut Beach!  Do you know Marissa and Dante?  Show them some love by commenting below!


ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond.  We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love. 

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