Alana and Patrick’s Mystic Connecticut Engagement Session

Mystic Connecticut engagement sessions are truly a best kept secret.

Between the boats lining the river, the historic New England architecture, and the waterfront views, Mystic Connecticut gives us so much variety without ever having to venture very far. Alana and Patrick’s engagement session was the perfect example!

Alana mentioned she wanted Mystic for their photos, and I wanted to capture that in different locations that gave off its charm but also weren’t too crowded.

Why Mystic Connecticut?

We started the evening near the iconic Mystic River Drawbridge, taking advantage of some of the most recognizable views in downtown Mystic. From there, we wandered along the docks, where sailboats and the waterfront created the quintessential coastal New England backdrop. I love engagement sessions that feel like a little date night rather than one long photoshoot, so we kept things moving, walking through downtown and stopping whenever we found a beautiful pocket of light or a backdrop that caught my eye.

We also incorporated some of Mystic Connecticut’s beautiful architecture into their gallery, including the exterior of the nearby inn. Mixing those more structured, architectural portraits with the relaxed waterfront photographs gave Alana and Patrick so much variety while still keeping their entire gallery cohesive.

At the beginning of their session, Alana and Patrick told me they weren’t photogenic.

Spoiler alert: they absolutely were.

Getting Comfortable for Engagement Photos

Like so many of my couples, they simply needed a little direction to get comfortable in front of the camera! You don’t need to arrive at your engagement session knowing how to pose, where to put your hands, or what you’re supposed to do. That’s my job. I guided Alana and Patrick through everything, and as the evening went on, you could see them relax more and more. Before long, they were laughing, moving, and completely settling into the experience together.

We finished their Mystic Connecticut engagement session at the lighthouse, which was the perfect final stop for the evening. The classic coastal setting felt especially fitting after spending the evening exploring the docks and downtown Mystic together.

One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is getting this time with my couples before their wedding day. Not only do we create beautiful photographs in a place that feels special, but they also get a chance to experience exactly what it feels like to be photographed by me. By the time the wedding arrives, being in front of my camera already feels familiar.

Alana and Patrick, you two were an absolute joy to photograph — and I think we officially proved that whole “we’re not photogenic” thing wrong!

If you’re dreaming of a classic, coastal New England setting for your own engagement photos, a Mystic Connecticut engagement session offers everything from historic architecture and charming downtown streets to sailboats, docks, water views, and the lighthouse — all within one beautiful evening. Inquire now to book your session!