Since our first conversation on the phone, I’ve been looking forward to meeting and spending some time with Ryan and Kristin.  These two have the ability to make you instantly feel welcomed and their warmth is infectious!

Their story is one of my favorites… Two Baltimoreans met and fell in love in the city.  They shared their first date at Bluebird Cocktail Room, the dreamiest restaurant in Hamden.

When we planned their session, we knew that Bluebird in Hamden would be the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos, too.

Engagement portraits are special because they represent who you are as a couple outside of the white dress / tux moment of a wedding day.  Sure, you’re probably a little more put together than you’re every day life but not by much.  These photos specifically just make me smile because one day if their kids are older and ask, “Dad, where did you and Mom go on your first date?” He can just pull up his favorite portrait.

… it makes me the happiest just thinking about it.

Not only did they share drinks at Bluebird, but then we set off just a few streets over to one of my favorite hidden gems in the city.  Ryan & Kristin are getting married in December at the Peabody, so they were craving the sentiment of Bluebird but also a few portraits of them outside, too.

Talk about the best of both worlds for me! I was basically in heaven this entire session.  I really could be convinced that it was all just a dream.

Because for as much as our evening was perfect, what’s even better is these two and the adoration they share for one another.  Their connection is something special, and I hope you get to see a tiny peek of it in these photographs.

K&R, I adore you two and I am counting down until we see each other again!

Until then, enjoy a peek at some of my favorites from this Bluebird Hamden engagement session!

After seeing these, you know that I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what LynnAaron of Nouvelle Weddings has dreamed up for their wedding celebration.