From the moment Arturo and I began chatting with Erica and Ron about their wedding photography, we absolutely adored them! We had an absolute BLAST photographing these two at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut for their engagement session last weekend! It was the second official day of fall here in New England, and it actually felt like an autumn day!! The air was cool and crisp, perfect for snuggling up for some romantic photos. I don’t think Arturo and I have ever laughed so much during an engagement session; Ron and Erica share a kind of joy and laughter that is absolutely contagious! Even as I was culling through their images and editing their session earlier this week, I kept finding myself smiling and laughing as if they were right there with me in my studio.
In the past, Erica and Ron had talked about marriage but on the day he asked her to marry him she was totally surprised! They spent a few months planning a European vacation to Ireland and Amsterdam for this past summer, and she had suspected that he was going to propose on their trip. Instead, Ron proposed to Erica this past May when they were attending a Yankee game with a large group of friends! Erica says she’ll never forget the date he proposed since it was Cinco de Mayo, a day they love to celebrate because they both enjoy tacos and tequila! Earlier that week, Ron had purchased an engagement ring for Erica. When she got home that same evening, Erica noticed he was smiling ear to ear, and that he was happier than normal on a Monday night. While his original plan was to propose to her two months later while on vacation in Europe, Ron decided he couldn’t wait any longer and wanted to share the moment with the 30 friends they were attending the Yankee game with in May!
As Erica and Ron were driving to Yankee Stadium that morning, she said to him jokingly, “In case you want to make a big announcement at the game, I approve,” to which they shared a laugh together. Ron’s friends had been teasing him all week asking if he was going to propose, and questioning if that is why he had organized this big get together. He kept his cool and insisted that was not the case! Ron originally planned to propose to Erica during the fifth inning when a sign was supposed to come up and read, "Erica will you marry me?" As it turns out, the sign never came up because he had put in the request too late! Without an idea of what was coming, Erica went to get food with one of her friends and came back around the eighth inning. As she was eating her meal, Ron stood up and called out, "Yankee Stadium, I would like to make an announcement!" All of a sudden he was down on one knee with the most beautiful sparkling ring Erica had ever seen, asking her to marry him!! She was in total shock, just standing there for a minute not sure if the moment was entirely real! When she realized what was actually happening, she thought to herself, “I need to throw these french fries somewhere!”
It took Erica a minute or so to actually say "YES!" because she was so in awe of the absolute surprise Ron had pulled off! Everyone was cheering in the stands and the whole stadium chanted "Let's Get Married!" Erica and Ron kissed and embraced, and all of their friends ran up to cheer them on and hug the newly engaged couple. Ron’s proposal was such a grand gesture and a truly magnificent, magical moment that Erica says she will never ever forget!
These sweet souls are getting married at Aria in Prospect, Connecticut next October and we couldn’t be more thankful to be the ones to document their beautiful day!
When did you know you'd found "the one"?
Erica: “I'm not sure if there is just one moment that you know when you have found the person that you are meant to spend your life with. To me it is all the little moments, the little in between moments; the way I feel when he holds me in his arms, the way he kisses me when I come home from work and looks so excited to see me, that when we make tacos I cut the vegetables and Ron makes the meat, when we do the dishes I wash and Ron dries, the way we make each other laugh (and we laugh a lot!), the way we sing loudly on the way home from a night out, that it is understood that I vacuum and Ron cleans the bath tub, the way he always says the exact right thing when I'm feeling down, the way that Ron sees the silver lining in every cloud, and mostly the way he sees me.”
Ron: “I’m not sure there’s an exact moment but it was more of a feeling. I’m usually the type of person that likes to spend most of my free time by myself. Once Erica and I started dating I started looking forward to seeing her more than I looked forward to spending time alone. I missed her, I wanted to spend time with her. It got to the point where I didn’t like it when she wasn’t around. Her mood started to affect mine; if she was happy then so was I, if she was having a bad day then so was I. When I’m having a great day there’s nobody I’d rather share it with and if I’m having a bad day there’s nobody I’d rather talk to. I guess that’s when I felt she was the one and that I had to spend the rest of my life with her.”
What's one thing you love about your partner?
Erica: “I love the way Ron makes me feel about myself. I wish sometimes I could see myself the way Ron sees me. I love the way that in everyday moments he tells me I look beautiful, he tells me things I do are cute, he tells me I'm smart, he tells me I'm kind. I always know the way Ron feels about me, and that is such a special quality to have in a partner. I always feel how much he adores me. It is a wondrous thing to be adored, and I've never had that in my life before. I love how fiercely loyal Ron is to his family and friends, and to me. I know that he will always be here for me and for all the people I love as well. He has always been so respectful of family and understanding of the importance of that. I love the fun times we have had together. I love how we make each other laugh, and our biggest accomplishment is making each other smile. We are pretty social people and do a lot together, but I also think we are independent and have our own lives as well. I love that we respect each other enough to value the time we spend apart, and cherish all the things that we do together.”
Ron: “There are so many things that I love about Erica. Her smile, the way her laugh makes everyone around her want to laugh too. It’s my favorite sound in the world and I can’t help but smile every time I hear it. I also love the way she treats people and the effect she has on everyone. She’s the most loving and caring person I know and she would do anything for the people closest to her. She makes everything more fun and there’s nobody I’d rather be around.”
Besides getting married, what is one thing you're looking forward to on your wedding day?
Erica: “I am looking forward to that feeling when I walk down the aisle and see Ron at the end waiting for me. I will try to walk, but I know I will want to run to him! Holding his hands and looking into his eyes while we tell each other all the many reasons we are so perfect for one another, smiling and giggling as we take our first kiss as husband and wife, the blissful joy of floating down the aisle hand in hand, announcing our bridal party walking into the grand ballroom at the Aria. Lots of dancing, and spending the most amazing day with the person I love and all the people we love, celebrating that feeling that could just make your heart burst!”
Ron: “I’m really excited about our wedding. After all the hours of planning I know our wedding is going to be an amazing night but what I’m looking forward to the most is watching Erica walk down the aisle. I can’t wait to see her smiling, laughing and probably crying. I’m also happy that we get to get married in front of all our friends and family.”
What's one thing you're looking forward to about marriage?
Erica: “I have heard that initially not that much changes when you get married, it's just a "title" after all. For Ron and I in some ways I hope that is true. Our relationship has always been easy, we don't fight a lot, we have an easy love. I know that life has obstacles, and there will always be ups and downs, but I hope our marriage is very much the same as all of our relationship has been which is supporting, loving, and understanding.”
Ron: “I’m looking forward to being married to my best friend. Somebody who I love and care about so much and who I know feels the same way about me. Erica is the person I want by my side no matter what life happens to throw our way.”
I hope you enjoyed this Waveny Park engagement session! Do you know Erica and Ron? 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.
