Love on the Lake: The Waterfront Engagement Session of Alyssa & Connor

What began with a right swipe on Hinge quickly became a love story filled with faith, adventure and a shared vision for the future. For Alyssa and Connor, their first conversation turned into a first date where everything seemed to fall naturally into place. "From our very first date, everything felt effortless—we laughed easily, talked for hours and realized we shared the same values, dreams and sense of adventure," Alyssa recalls. It wasn't long before the couple realized their connection was something truly special!

Connor’s proposal made their engagement story even more meaningful. He chose to pop the question on the evening of the Easter Vigil, a day that already held profound significance for Alyssa. That day, she received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation before Connor got down on one knee inside their church. The moment became even more unforgettable when their priest announced the engagement to a congregation of more than 1,000 people! The church erupted in applause and celebration, creating a memory the couple will treasure forever. "What began as the day I fully entered the Catholic Church became the day we also began our journey toward the Sacrament of Marriage," Alyssa says.

The ring was another beautiful surprise to Alyssa! Connor chose the engagement ring entirely on his own, despite the couple having very different ideas about what it should look like. "I must say his idea was much better!" Alyssa says. His choice was a custom 14 karat white gold design featuring a 1.40-carat round brilliant-cut center diamond surrounded by eight round brilliant side diamonds. The timeless silhouette perfectly captures Alyssa's classic style while giving the center stone its moment to shine! For her, the ring is meaningful not only because of its beauty but because of what it represents and the life they are building together.

When it came time to plan their engagement session, the couple wanted something that felt sophisticated yet authentic to their relationship. Alyssa had already admired the work of Danielle Schury Photography after seeing her photograph another wedding, making her an easy choice to capture this special milestone!

For the locale, the couple took to Lake Geneva aboard an old wooden boat. Their love of being on the water made the location feel especially personal, while the peaceful scenery and golden sunset provided an undeniably romantic backdrop! "It perfectly reflected our style and personalities," Alyssa shares. The combination of open water, warm evening light and the boat's timeless character created photographs that feel both elegant and deeply personal.

Their wardrobe followed the same philosophy. Knowing the session would take place aboard a luxury yacht, Alyssa chose neutral tones and clean, tailored pieces that complemented the sophisticated setting without competing with it. The couple wanted their outfits to feel classic enough to remain beautiful years from now, while still allowing their personalities and connection to take center stage.

That timeless aesthetic is also at the heart of the couple's wedding vision. Alyssa knew exactly what she wanted long before Connor proposed: a celebration filled with classic elegance, a black and white color palette and a black-tie atmosphere. Lush white florals, candlelight and luxurious details will bring the vision together, creating a wedding that feels sophisticated while remaining true to the couple.

For Alyssa, planning has become an extension of that creative vision. From researching vendors and designing stationery to selecting florals and linens, she has embraced each decision as another opportunity to bring their dream celebration to life. "Planning has become a creative outlet for me, and I have enjoyed watching our vision come to life one detail at a time," she says.
 

 

 

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