Golden Hour Fall Engagement Session at Harkness State Park

Krista and Nick’s engagement session at Harkness Memorial State Park was one of those evenings where everything aligns perfectly. I’ve photographed engagement photos at Harkness Memorial State Park many times, and this was some of the best light I’ve ever had there. The sun sat low and warm over the gardens, the trees were turning every shade of rust and gold, and these two were completely at ease in front of the camera.

A Bumble love story

Krista and Nick are a Bumble success story. Krista admits she never imagined that’s how she’d meet her future husband, but she decided to give online dating one more try, and she’s forever thankful she did.

They clicked right away and talked nonstop. At the time, Krista was on a solo birthday trip that pushed her out of her comfort zone. It turned into a transformative moment in her life, and even though they hadn’t met yet, Nick felt like he was right there with her through every conversation and phone call. She remembers counting down the days until they could finally meet.

Less than a week later, she was getting ready for their first date. She came home to her family beaming. They still celebrate that day as their dating anniversary, so it’s safe to say it went pretty well.

A Fourth of July proposal

Every year, Krista and Nick throw a Fourth of July party at their house. It’s Nick’s favorite holiday, and he loves putting on his own fireworks show for everyone.

This year felt like any other. Krista was sitting in the driveway with friends and family, watching the sky, when Nick’s friend suddenly pulled out a big sign that said “Will you marry me?” Before she knew it, Nick was down on one knee in front of her.

Krista says she has never been more surprised in her life. He got her so good. Being surrounded by everyone they love made the moment that much more special, and it’s one they’ll never forget.

Their session at Harkness

We started under the ivy-covered pergola in the formal gardens. The stone columns and trailing greenery framed them perfectly, and the fall color in the trees behind them glowed in the late afternoon light.

As the sun dropped lower, we moved out along the garden paths. The light came through the trees in that soft, hazy way I wait all season for, and the last of the white blooms gave us a dreamy foreground. This was truly some of the best light I have experienced all year. It’s what I dreaammm of for every single session!

Krista and Nick describe themselves as steady, silly, and supportive, and you can see all three in these photos. There’s an easy calm between them, but also a lot of laughter.

Looking ahead

What they’re most excited about for the wedding is having all the people they love in one room, celebrating with the people who mean the most to them and their story. After hearing how Nick proposed, surrounded by family and friends, that makes perfect sense.

Krista and Nick, thank you for such a beautiful evening. I can’t wait to celebrate with you on your wedding day!

Planning your own engagement session in Connecticut? Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford is one of my favorite spots, especially at golden hour in the fall. Get in touch and let’s start planning yours.