University of Connecticut Engagement Session in Storrs, CT | Kate & Kevin
Though Kevin and Kate officially met while studying abroad in London, they both attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT, which made for the perfect spot for their engagement session last weekend! As we walked around their Alma mater, Kevin and Kate shared so many fun facts about the university. Arturo and I found it fascinating how much these two know about the school that holds such a special place in their hearts. I had never visited UConn before, but by the time we left I felt like I’d taken a crash course on the history of the school!
This past summer, Kevin and Kate were planning a long weekend getaway but couldn’t figure out exactly where they wanted to go. At the last minute, Kevin’s family’s condo in Old Orchard Beach, Maine became available. It's one of Kate and Kevin’s favorite places so it was fitting that they ended up there. Kevin had been thinking about proposing and done some preliminary shopping but hadn't bought a ring yet. When they decided to go to Maine, it was also the time Kevin decided he was going to pop the question! In a matter of days, he contacted a jeweler and got the ring. He’d planned to propose that Friday night in nearby Saco at a sunset spot they had been to before. Unfortunately, it was totally overcast so Kevin decided to wait for another time later that weekend. They went to restaurants and breweries in Portland the next day but no moment felt fitting to him. That evening, Kevin casually led Kate on an aimless walk around downtown looking for inspiration. Finally, he decided that the same dock where they’d taken a photo the year before for their anniversary was the perfect place to ask Kate the big question. Once he was able to find a stranger to take their photo and they were posing for the camera, Kevin got down on one knee. The stranger gasped, "Oh my goodness," and proceeded to take a number of candids that captured Kate's surprise!
These two are getting married at one of our favorite venues, the New Haven Lawn Club, next August and we cannot wait for their wedding day! Congratulations Kate and Kevin!
When did you know you'd found "the one"?
Kate: “We studied abroad together in London in Summer 2012. We were semi-"together" through the trip but not really (Kevin told me at one point that he didn't want a girlfriend that he would have to buy drinks for the entire trip). But on our last night we wanted to do something special just the two of us before spending the night with our friends. Kevin took me to see Big Ben and the London Eye (two of my favorite views) at sunset when they were all lit up. At that moment I knew he was someone special and I wanted to be together. I wasn't anxious that I wouldn't work out, everything just felt right and I was confident that it would.”
Kevin: “I don’t recall having an a-ha moment. We’ve been together for over six years and I knew from the beginning that Kate was someone special. A good example of when I knew she was something more was when we moved in together. We were young, and it was a huge life step, and yet I didn’t have any nerves about it. I was entirely comfortable. It just felt right to be with her.”
What's one thing you love about your partner?
Kate: “There are so many things I love about Kevin. He is always calm and level headed. He keeps me grounded and helps me make all the decisions when I’m overwhelmed and over-thinking. Kevin immediately knows what feels right and acts on it. He’s so thoughtful and thinks things through but also so sure of himself and the decisions he makes.”
Kevin: “When Kate sees wrongs, she tries to right them. She’s vocal, empathetic, passionate and conscious of how her actions can affect other people. I’m naturally more passive and reserved, so I admire her confidence and commitment to her beliefs.”
Besides getting married, what is one thing you're looking forward to on your wedding day?
Kate: “Other than finally getting some incredible pictures together, spending time with our family and friends. We have many different groups of friends who mostly all live far away so getting everyone we love in one room to celebrate our love for each other will be really special.”
Kevin: “I agree with Kate—having all of our friends in one place is going to be incredible. It’s so rare for that to happen. I’m also looking forward to our first dance. It’s going to be hilariously awkward—or at least that’s how it’ll feel to us. Neither of us can dance whatsoever, but it’s one of the only moments of the day that it’s just the two of us so we’ll enjoy the cringeworthiness together.”
What's one thing you're looking forward to about marriage?
Kate: “Always having my person around to do little everyday things. Always having him there through good times and tough times. Always having him there to make me happy, pick me up when I’m down, help me make decisions. Also, finally officially being a family. I have always considered and called Kevin my family but for it to be official is going to be an incredible feeling. I’m so excited to see where we’re headed together!”
Kevin: “Taking dance lessons. Just kidding… kind of.”
I hope you enjoyed this UConn engagement session! Do you know Kate and Kevin? 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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