Yale University Engagement Session in New Haven, CT | Christine & Brett

A YALE UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION

There’s something about the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut that adds a touch of class and elegance to engagement portraits… A mix of the historical architecture and downtown setting makes the perfect backdrop for photos! I was so excited when Christine and Brett planned their engagement session for Yale because it’s one of my favorite spots to photograph our couples!

Brett and Christine brought along their sweet pup, Enzo, to include in a few of their portraits. We started off in front of one of my favorite little archways on Rose Walk and eventually made our way to the front of Sterling Memorial Library. Despite the chilly evening we had, Christine and Brett were full of smiles and laughter during their engagement session!

THE PROPOSAL STORY

One summer night back in July of 2009, Christine and Brett were together at a party at his friend Cullen’s house. The two had met a couple of weeks prior and had been getting to know each other (though Christine was already totally in love with Brett!). They were hanging out at the party and decided to take a walk outside to enjoy the nice night. The pair walked for a little while and then sat down on the step of a sidewalk leading to the front door of another house. Christine and Brett chatted a bit, and he asked her to be his girlfriend. She kindly declined because she thought it was “too soon” to be real. The next month, however, Brett and Christine finally started dating!

Fast forward to this August, just days after their 10th anniversary together, Brett went to work as Christine stayed home to enjoy one of her last days of summer vacation. Her mom called up and invited Christine to go out and do some shopping. She agreed, quickly throwing on some comfy clothes and putting her hair up… no makeup, no nail polish, nothing!

A few hours later Brett texted Christine and asked if she wanted to go look at a house with him, as he’s a realtor and had been looking around for potential flip houses. Christine thought nothing of the invite since it’s something they had been doing every now and then. She happily agreed and asked him to pick her up at her parents’ house before their appointment that afternoon.

Christine paid no attention whatsoever to where they were driving. When they arrived, Brett and Christine got out of the car and started walking towards the house. He stopped her and said, “Hey, look! We’re near Cullen’s house!” Christine looked around and noticed where they were… the house where they’d sat together on the sidewalk and Brett asked Christine to be his girlfriend! Just then, Brett took out a beautiful engagement ring. He said, “The last time we were here, you said ‘no’. This time, I hope you say ‘yes’.” Brett then got down on one knee and popped the question!

Christine was caught completely off guard and totally stunned!! According to Brett, she turned pale white, and her first response was, “What? Why? Are you sure?” Eventually, Christine was able to collect her thoughts and exclaimed, “Yes!”. After Brett slipped the ring on her finger, they quickly hopped in the car so they didn’t get in trouble for trespassing!

These two are having what is sure to be a fun-filled New Year’s Eve wedding next year at The Riverview in Simsbury, Connecticut! To say Arturo and I are excited about their celebration would be an understatement! Congratulations Christine and Brett!!

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

Christine: “I knew I found ‘the one’ probably within the first month of getting to know Brett. We would talk on the phone until very late at night. Sometimes we would even fall asleep talking to each other. I knew I loved him and that he was ‘the one’ when I started waking up with a smile on my face and thinking only about him.”

Brett: “I think it was a gradual growth for me. As we started dating our love began to grow through the years as it typically would. Our experiences shaped our bond. I lost my father relatively early in our relationship, and it took many years to come to terms with that loss. She was there for me through it all, and her comfort and support meant the world to me. Throughout the grieving process, I continued to recognize the impact she had on my life.”

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Christine: “I love Brett’s ability to bring joy to others. He is the only person I know who continues to make sure others are happy and feeling loved even on his own worst days. It's really something special.”

Brett: “I'm most impressed by her drive and her passion. Ever since I've known her she's had one goal: to be a teacher. She worked extremely hard and made many sacrifices to achieve her goal. Her dedication is admirable and impressive, to say the least. Because of her, I've realized that having a passion, pursuing it, and achieving it is the definition of success.”

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

Christine: “The party!! I can’t wait to have our family and friends all together in one place. I’m also looking forward to seeing Brett's top-of-the-line dance moves.”

Brett: “I'm a little nervous about being up on the alter. So, I'd say I'm most excited for the after-party where I can show off my dance moves, have fun with family and friends, and enjoy the rest of the day as husband and wife.”

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

Christine: “I’m simply looking forward to being able to call Brett my husband. He’s an amazing person, and I’m so proud of him. I loved being able to call him my boyfriend for ten years. Now being able to call him my fiancé is even more amazing. I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when I officially get to call him my husband!”

Brett: “Having kids and being able to work together with Christine to raise a family.”

I hope you enjoyed this fall engagement session at Yale University!  Do you know Christine and Brett?  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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