East Rock Park, New Haven Connecticut Engagement and Wedding Photographer | Julie & Alex

An engagement session at East Rock Park in New Haven Connecticut with Julie and Alex with their Corgi dog.

Litchfield Connecticut Engagement Photographer | Danielle & Andrew

An early fall engagement photography session at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, CT

Danielle reached out to me interested in having me photograph her and her fiancé Andrew’s wedding at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut. We talked details and ideas and Danielle shared her vision for her perfect wedding day and I shared my wedding photography style and it was a perfect match. Come to find out her fiancé Andrew and I actually knew each other from childhood when we attended the same church together with our families for many years. Such a fun discovery to make!

When it was time to plan their engagement session Danielle mentioned the special place in their hearts that Topsmead State Forest held, from hiking together, and bird watching dates, to the spot where Andrew proposed, we just knew it would be the perfect location for their engagement photos.

We could not have landed a more beautiful Fall evening than we did.

Connecticut engagement and wedding photographer Rebecca Lynne photographs with a candid and natural photography style. Using natural poses and organic moments to capture your love story how it naturally unfolds. Living in Middletown, Connecticut and photographing weddings throughout all of CT, Rebecca strives to tell your true love story through honest photography.

How Much Should the Groom’s Parents Contribute to Your CT Wedding?

Hey there, lovely couples and curious minds! We’re diving into a topic that often swirls in the whirlwind of wedding planning: how much should the groom’s parents contribute to the big day? It’s a dance of tradition, expectations, and sometimes, a bit of a guessing game. So, let’s unravel this with the same authenticity we bring to capturing your candid wedding moments.

The Dance of Wedding Contributions

Weddings are like a symphony, each note played by different contributors—the couple, the in-laws, and maybe even that quirky aunt who insists on bringing her accordion. Now, the groom’s parents, they have a role too, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Let’s explore how you can navigate this dance without stepping on any toes.

The Quirky Reality of Wedding Budgets

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: wedding budgets. They’re like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. Your wedding is as unique as your love story, and that means your budget should reflect that. It’s not about the dollar signs; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your vibe, your quirks, and your fierceness.

Tradition Meets Modernity

Traditionally, the groom’s parents might contribute to specific elements like the rehearsal dinner or the honeymoon. However, in this era of modern love, those lines are blurring faster than a Polaroid picture snapped in the summer sun. The key? Communication. Have an open, honest chat about expectations, desires, and what feels right for everyone involved.

The Candid Truth: It’s Personal

In the realm of wedding planning, one size doesn’t fit all, and that’s a good thing. Your wedding should be an organic reflection of you—imperfectly perfect, just like real love. The contribution from the groom’s parents is as unique as their relationship with the couple. It’s not about meeting expectations; it’s about embracing the authenticity of your celebration.

Our Role: Capturing the Realness

Just as we capture the genuine, unfiltered moments of your wedding day, let the contributions be a reflection of your family’s authentic dynamics. Whether it’s a grand gesture or a small, heartfelt contribution, it’s the realness that matters. Your love story isn’t staged; it’s candid, filled with laughter, tears, and unexpected moments—just like your wedding budget.

The Connecticut Twist: A Local Flavor

Here in Connecticut, where charm meets shoreline, weddings have a unique flavor. Your CT wedding photography journey should be an extension of that charm. So, when considering contributions, think about how you can infuse a bit of that local magic into your celebration. Maybe it’s a coastal engagement session or a rustic barn wedding—let Connecticut’s beauty shine through.

Wrapping It Up: Let Love Lead

In the grand tapestry of wedding planning, financial discussions are just one thread. The groom’s parents’ contribution, whether grand or subtle, is a gesture of love. It’s not about the dollars; it’s about celebrating love in all its quirky, imperfect glory. So, let’s embrace the dance, let love lead, and create a wedding celebration that’s as authentic as the candid moments we freeze in time through our lens.

Remember, it’s your love story—bold, imperfect, and uniquely yours.

Let’s capture it authentically, one candid moment at a time.

Connecticut Surprise Proposal and Engagement Photographer

Connecticut Surprise Proposal & Engagement Photographer

Planning a surprise proposal at the beach in Waterford, CT.

Planning the proposal

In late fall Daniel contacted me to photograph the perfect surprise wedding proposal to his girlfriend, Megan. He knew the date and he had a location in mind, so we worked together to plan all of the details.

The perfect proposal location

Picking the location of where you are going to get down on one knee and propose to your loved one typically involves a location that has meaning to your relationship together. Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford, Connecticut was the perfect location for Daniel and Megan and it was a location I am very familiar with.

I ventured to Harkness about a week before the photography session date and I sent Daniel some photos of the area on the beach I though would work perfectly. I showed him where I will be hiding out with my camera gear ready to go and also where I felt would be a good place for him to stand to be sure to capture both his and her reactions from the side as the proposal took place.

I kept the time of day that worked for Daniel and the lighting from the sun during that time in mind when choosing the location and position for them to stand in and it came together beautifully.

Ironing out the engagement details

On the day of the surprise engagement I had Daniel send me a text message of what clothing they are wearing and also let him know what I was wearing, making it easier for us both to spot each other but not obvious to his girlfriend. Daniel and I decided just a slight head nod was a good clue for him to give me that he was about to get down on one knee and propose to his girlfriend. I knew where I wanted to stand so that I could see them approaching the beach and turn my back to them slightly so I appeared as just another beach goer enjoying the ocean on the mild late Fall day in New England, but so that I could also keep an eye on where they were walking. Now that the details were planned out, we were ready to.

The surprise proposal

I arrived at Harkness Memorial Park about 10 minutes before they were set to arrive. I headed to the location of the proposal on the beach and got my cameras set up for the current lighting situation. I had a long zoom camera lens on me so that I could keep some good distance between us as to not make myself obvious to Megan. As Daniel and Megan walking across the boardwalk and approached the sand I was ready to go.

Daniel lead Megan to towards to water to look for shell and sea glass, as Megan was facing the ocean Daniel gave me a quick nod and I knew it was go time. Megan turned around just as Daniel got down on one knee and took the ring out of his pocket. It was absolutely perfect, everything he envisioned.

After he placed the ring on her finger I have them a few moments to embrace before approaching them. As soon as Megan saw me she jumped up and down in excitement. “Yes! all I wanted was a photographer when he proposed! yes!” She was so thrilled that her special moment was captured.

After the proposal

We spent the next hour exploring the beach and gardens on Harkness Memorial park capturing the excitement of just getting engaged. Megan couldn’t wait to get on the phone and tell her loved ones.

After we parted ways I headed home to edited a handful of photos to give to Daniel and Megan so that they could share the excitement of their recent engagement with their friends and family.

Planning the perfect surprise proposal has a lot of steps to think about, but when it comes down to it, your love for each other is all that matters.

Are you in Connecticut and planning a surprise proposal for your girlfriend and looking to hire a photographer to capture it all? Reach out to Rebecca Lynne today to photograph your proposal and engagement session.

New Haven County, CT Engagement Photographer

Wooster Street Pizza Engagement Photography

Joe and Grace have a love for really, really good pizza. Can you get any better pizza than at Sally’s Apizza on Wooster Street in New Haven?

Joe and Grace hired me to photograph their wedding at Anthony’s Ocean View in the early Summer of 2022. I love getting together with my wedding day couples for a fun photo session before their wedding day. It is such a great way for us to meet, laugh, enjoy each other’s company and for them to get a feel for being in front of my camera. They grabbed their favorite pizza and met me at the park down the street for their engagement session. After we enjoyed a slice (or two, or three) we cleaned up and headed out to explore the streets of New Haven. Along the way we found some great urban areas for fun portraits and ended on the famous Wooster Street.

Are you a recently engagement Connecticut couple looking to hire a fun wedding photographer that focuses on natural poses and genuine love and laughter to document your wedding day? Reach out to Rebecca Lynne Photography today.

Engagement Photographer in Connecticut

Litchfield County, CT Photography

An engagement session in Kent, Connecticut

Robin and Peter reached out to me earlier this year interested in booking me for their micro wedding at Geer Mountain Peony Farm located in Kent, Connecticut. . Robin and Peter are planning to spend their intimate wedding day celebrating with 30 of their closest friends and family. Their Connecticut wedding venue is a beautiful private property with a lake and being hosted by Clover and Ivy events. Not only are small intimate wedding days a favorite of mine to photograph, but this wedding is special to me because I grew up right in Kent, Connecticut just five minutes away from their venue location.

As we talked more about the details of their wedding day we thought it would be a great idea to have their engagement session at the location of their wedding venue. It was so wonderful to be able to walk around and get familiar with the venue before the big day. Robin and Peter showed me their vision for their wedding day details, pointing out where tables will be set and the ceremony location.

Gear mountain farm in Kent, Connecticut is an absolutely stunning location for your wedding day. From the beautiful lake you can row out into with a kayak, to the fire pit to sit around as the sun goes. There is also a beautiful barn silo and a gorgeous barn converted to a bar perfect for cocktail hour and serving your guests and your wedding day. So many beautiful details in a stunning setting surrounded but greenery.

recently engaged couple during connecticut photo shoot

Connecticut engagement photography session under a willow tree

man with his arms wrapped around his fiance

couple holding each other during kent, connecticut engagement photography session

engagement photography at Connecticut apple orchard

engaged couple embracing in orchard

soon to be married couple holding hands and walking

fiances enjoying a mid summer day together in kent, conneticut

fiance with arms wrapped around his fiance

engaged couple standing new silo

engagement photography posing

photography at Kent, Connecticut wedding venue peony farm

wedding venue located in Litchfield County, Connecticut

engaged couple popping Champaign during the engagement photography session in Kent, CT

couple walking candidly at wedding venue

After you have shared your engagement with loved ones it is time to start planning your wedding day. Starting to book your vendors early gives you the best chance of snagging your dream team for your specific wedding date. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Rebecca Lynne Photography to discuss your wedding day photography needs and to start planning your fun engagement session.

Connecticut Engagement and Wedding Photographer | Em & Jim

Engagement Photo Session in Central CT

Emily and Jim wanted to head into the woods for their engagement photography session, so that is exactly what we did. Connecticut is overflowing with gorgeous locations for photography sessions. We headed to one of my favorite spots in Central CT.

I love to start of engagement sessions just letting the couple be themselves. Be silly, be serious, be camera shy, I love it all. I enjoy seeing the natural chemistry between two people first. Then as we move throughout the session I will give guidance on as needed on hang placement and poses. I have been known to thrown in a very corny jokes if that’s what it takes to break the ice and help the couple relax and have fun.

Are you a recently engaged couple in Connecticut who is looking for wedding day photography? Reach out to Rebecca Lynne today. Rebecca Lynne Photography specializes in candid and natural wedding photography throughout all of Connecticut. Capturing your wedding day as it naturally unfolds.

Middlefield, CT Enagement Photography

Middlesex County Connecticut Engagement Photographer

Sunset photo session in a field

I met Robin and Sarah at their engagement session in the Fall of 2019. Robin and Sarah were due to be married in the Fall of 2020 at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut. Due to Covid-19 they have decided to move their wedding to 2021, so we decided to get together again in the Summer of 2020 for another photography session with their sweet little fur baby.
I knew the perfect location in Middlefield, CT with a big open field and man it did not disappoint.

Are you a recently engaged couple living in Connecticut who is looking for a Connecticut Wedding Photographer? Reach out to Rebecca Lynne today. Rebecca captures real honest emotion on your wedding day with her photography. Documenting your wedding day in a natural and candid style.

Middlesex County, Connecticut Engagement Photographer

Killingworth, CT Engagement Photography
Fall Photo Session in CT

I met up with Ben and Jill at one of my favorite Fall photography locations in Connecticut for their engagement session. I met Jill when she was in the bridal party of a wedding I photographed at the Hill-Stead Museum recently. When she and Ben reached out letting me know they were interested in having me photograph their wedding day in Avon, Connecticut I was over the moon.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from their engagement session.

Are you recently engaged in Connecticut and looking for a photographer for your wedding day? Reach out to Rebecca Lynne Photography today. Rebecca Lynne is a Connecticut wedding photographer that captures your wedding day in a natural and true to life style. Focusing on the intimate moments of the wedding day and capturing candid moments.

Talia & Paul's Engagement | Connecticut Candid Wedding Photographer

Paul and Talia’s fun engagement photography session in Killingworth, CT on a chilly Fall day.

I was so excited when Paul and Talia told me they wanted their fur babies to join in on some of the photo fun during their engagement session. The pups may have wanted to explore the park more than pose for photos, but they decided to join on the fun in the end.

I knew the perfect spot for a natural wooded location with tall trees as a backdrop to their engagement photos, just like they envisioned.

Couples may feel a little nervous at the very start of their session, it can feel a little weird to have a camera focused on you. Have no fear, my corny jokes and hilarious prompts with either loosen you guys up or help you bond over your mutual feeling of awkwardness at my expense…either way you nail the perfect laughing shot and I win. No but really, my sessions are just full of fun and focus on you two love birds enjoying your time together celebrating your love. No need for stiff poses or fake smiles.

I can not wait to photograph Paul and Talia’s backyard wedding this coming Fall in Milford, CT.

Scroll on down to view some of my favorite moments from this crazy cute engagement session.

If you are looking for a small wedding photographer in ct, connecticut intimate wedding photographer, candid wedding photographer ct, candid wedding photography in connecticut, photo journalistic wedding photographer ct, documentary wedding photographer ct, backyard wedding photographer connecticut, ct backyard wedding photography, please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today