Wickham Park Engagement Session in Manchester, CT | Ali & Danny

Ali and Danny chose to do their engagement session at Wickham Park in Manchester, Connecticut, since it holds so much special meaning to them! It’s a place where they often share picnics together, and it’s also where Ali’s parents had their wedding photos taken over thirty years ago! Arturo and I had never visited Wickham Park before, but we instantly loved it as we drove around and explored the endless options for photos. We settled on photographing Danny and Ali in the Irish Garden and Scottish Garden since it was in a secluded valley and the sunlight was pouring into that part of the park! The autumn colors of the flowers, plants, and trees around them popped so beautifully in each of their photos, probably due to the massive rainstorms we had earlier last week!

Shortly before their 5th anniversary, Danny proposed to Ali. She knew his proposal might be coming soon since the two had been discussing marriage in general in more recent months. Ali casually mentioned to Danny that she would be getting a mani-pedi on a Wednesday, but changed her mind last minute and decided to head home that day instead. On her way home, she was chatting with Danny’s sister, who immediately called to tell him that Ali had only gotten a manicure, no pedicure, and she would be home earlier than he was expecting. The heads up from his sister gave Danny just enough time to gather a beautiful flower arrangement and get down on one knee to ask Ali to marry him (his original proposal plan included over a hundred tea lights, which he now has no idea what to do with!). She of course said yes!

Danny and Ali are getting married at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut next fall and we cannot wait for their wedding celebration!

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

Ali: “Because Danny was the older brother of my college roommate, I always knew it could be tricky to get involved, but I kept wanting to see him, and then date him. Danny has a way of making me feel relaxed and he can make me laugh like no one else can.”

Danny: “I was really nervous about living together but once we did, we found that we’re a really amazing team.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Ali: “Danny is the yin to my yang. For instance, I can be kind of high strung and anxious, and I’ll start telling him some story of what minor thing I’m freaking out about. He is such a good listener and allows me to feel those feelings and never makes me feel bad about the way I feel. Instead, he has a way of reminding me about what’s most important in life and he always has me laughing by the end of conversation.”

Danny: “Ali is an absolute counterbalance to me. For every one of my shortcomings, it’s something she’s especially good at. I tend to be a little insensitive sometimes, but Ali is always considerate of other people’s feelings. Sometimes I can be wasteful, like I’ll throw food out if I don’t know what to do with it but she’s savvy at finding a use for it or repurposing leftovers. Everyone of my shortcomings she makes me better.”

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

Ali: “Besides being husband and wife, obviously, I’m going to like seeing Danny wearing a wedding band! I’ve been showing off my ring for a while, it’ll be great to see him wear his!”

Danny: “Having a big party with all our friends and families to celebrate us coming together as our family. Realistically, this is probably the last time we’ll see everyone including our out of town family all together, so I’m going to really enjoy that.”

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

Ali: “Having someone to go through all the milestones of life with and go on all the adventures life has to offer!”

Danny: “It’s really a continuation of the way we live now!”

I hope you enjoyed this Wickham Park engagement session!  Do you know Ali and Danny?  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.