Waveny Park Engagement Session in New Canaan, CT | Stephanie & Will

When Stephanie had reached out to us this summer about photographing her wedding, I was so excited! She and I are from the same hometown and graduated high school together. In early August, Steph and Will came to visit Arturo and me at our studio to chat about their wedding plans; let me tell you, it’s going to be a beautiful celebration! We loved hearing even more about how their planning was going during their engagement session last weekend at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut! The four of us walked around the park together, stopping at different points for photos. Will and Steph absolutely rocked it!

Every year on their anniversary, Stephanie and Will re-create their first date! On their 2nd anniversary they went paddle boarding at Walnut Beach in Milford, Connecticut, just as they had done on their very first date together. As the two were finishing up their paddle boarding session, Will mentioned to Steph that he wanted to take a stroll on the beach to see who could find the biggest sea shell. Since they always share these friendly competitions, she was totally up for it! As Stephanie walked along the beach with Will, they came across a heart drawn in the sand surrounded by flowers. Totally mesmerized by what she saw, Steph didn’t even think it was a proposal setup, let alone her own! She suddenly felt a tugging at her side; it was Will trying to get her attention! As she turned toward him, he was down on one knee with a big smile on his face and said, “Will you marry me?” After the initial shock of Will’s romantic proposal subsided, she exclaimed “YES!”

Stephanie and Will are getting married at the Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield, Connecticut next October and we couldn’t be more excited to see them get married!

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

Steph: “On our second date we were strolling around South Norwalk after a movie and a homeless man came up to us. Will offered to buy him dinner, whatever he wanted. The way Will engaged with this man, knowing he probably just wanted money, was moving. He is so compassionate for others, no matter their situations. He always finds a way to somehow make a difference and not judge. This man is so positive you could have just lost a million dollars and he could make you feel better just by his smile and heartfelt conversations.”

Will: “It was love at first sight, I held the door open for her when we were leaving work. When I introduced myself she told me she already knew who I was. I figured it wasn't creepy because it would make sense that the love of your life would know who you were. We began talking for a bit and then soon after I got her number from a mutual friend. Ever since then we have not been able to leave each other alone. Everything just felt right from that moment.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Steph: “It's so hard to find just one thing I love him about him. I love how he beats to his own drum. He knows life happens and instead of getting down about it, he's onto the next best thing. Also, his smile, laughs, always being down for an adventure, his love for our cat Milo...see I told you it's hard to find just ONE thing.”

Will: “One thing I love about her is that we are always on the same team and supporting each other. I’m so go-with-the-flow that it is easy to support her. I feel blessed that she takes the time and effort to support me whether it be my strange sword fighting hobby or an out there television show on TV. She is always making an effort to be part of what I enjoy and vice versa.”

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

Steph: “Let’s be real… partying with our friends and family! I want our wedding to feel like a big party filled with love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.”

Will: “Partying with all our friends and family. We both have a lot of party people in our family and friend groups so it will be interesting to the see them all together in mutual celebration of our love.”

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

Steph: “Nothing is going to change besides him being legally bound to me, haha! His title as "husband" will be different but our love and fun adventures will continue on through our next stages of life together.”

Will: “We have always had a little joke in our relationship that from 3 months in I declared my intent to propose to her one day. She would always jokingly not believe me or make some bold claim that it would never happen. All though I’m sad to see that joke go, I think that is one of my favorite changes so far.”

I hope you enjoyed this Waveny Park engagement session!  Do you know Stephanie and Will?  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.  Are you planning a proposal, engagement session or wedding?  Take a peek at our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability.