Croton Landing Park Engagement Session in Croton-on-Hudson, NY | Christy & Matt

A CROTON LANDING PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I always love photographing my couples at locations I haven’t been to, so when Christy and Matt told me they wanted to have their engagement photos taken at Croton Landing Park in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, I was pretty excited! Aside from the beauty of the park itself, the two chose this spot for their engagement session because they used to take their rescue pup, Mille, for walks here all the time before they bought their first home together.

The park sits right along the Hudson River which meant we had beautiful views of the water. It was one of the first really chilly fall days we had here in the northeast, and despite the sunshine, we were all pretty cold with the wind that was coming off the river. Poor Christy was quite LITERALLY shivering in her boots! However, even with the 20° temperatures Matt and Christy made it look much warmer than it actually was!

We walked on the pathway along the river, stopping every so often to capture portraits in the oh-so-dreamy sunlight. The Hudson Valley will always be home to some of my favorite locations for photographing our couples’ engagement sessions and wedding day portraits!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

Days before Christmas in 2017, Matt and Christy were decorating their tree in the house they were renting at the time. The tree was up, strung with lights, and they were almost done putting on the ornaments, which all happened to be red. As Christy and Matt were finishing up, he said they should take their dog, Millie, outside for a walk. It was a chilly evening, as Decembers here in the northeast are, so Christy took Millie out and was back within a few minutes. When she arrived back inside, Matt asked Christy what she thought of the tree. Christy noticed that he had put four silver ornaments in a line on the tree. She told him that she liked the contrast of the silver ornaments with the red ones, but thought they should try to space out the silver ornaments so they were more spread out on the tree. Just as Christy went to move one of the silver ornaments, she noticed that it had writing on it! She stopped and took a step back to read what was written on the ornaments. The words, "Will You Marry Me?" were spelled across them!! She turned around to find Matt down on one knee, where he shared some sweet words with her before proposing. Of course, she said yes!

These two are getting married in April at Whitby Castle in Rye, New York, one of our favorite Westchester wedding venues! I can’t wait to see their beautiful day come to life! Congratulations Christy and Matt!!

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

Christy: “I knew I found ‘the one’ when I realized just how loved and comfortable I felt with Matt. With him, I felt like I didn't have to try or be someone else. I can just be who I am. I am comfortable, happy, and loved.”

Matt: “For me, knowing she was ‘the one’ was not just one particular moment. It was really all the moments and experiences we shared that I knew we could do anything. I knew then she was the person for me.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Christy: “What I love most about Matt is that he can always manage to make me smile or laugh no matter how my day might be. He hates to see me upset or worried, so he always does everything he can to make me feel better. Usually, that is just a big hug, an ‘I love you’, or a ‘talk to me’… something small to just make me smile or laugh.”

Matt: “I love the fact that we can joke and laugh at the little things. At the end of the day, I can call her and she will always pick up.”

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

Christy: “Besides getting married, I am really looking forward to seeing all of our family and friends together enjoying the day and spending time with one another.”

Matt: “Just seeing her face at that moment, as well as the happiness and beauty on it.”

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

Christy: “Finally being able to call Matt my husband.”

Matt: “Knowing I can actually call her my wife.”

I hope you enjoyed this fall engagement session at Croton Landing Park!  Do you know Christy and Matt?  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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