Haley and Brendon’s UConn Engagement Session

According to Almanac.com, we have about a month left of winter here in Connecticut (when I originally wrote this post back in 2020). I know what you’re thinking: this winter has been big on the cold but low on the snow. From a photography standpoint and as a New England lover, I’d have to agree with you.

But if you live in Connecticut like me, you hopefully at least like this type of weather. And it makes for great pictures as long as you pick a location that’s special to you. Hayley and Brendon saw it this way, so we went back to their alma mater for theirs. Read on for more about Hayley and Brendon’s UConn engagement session!

Here’s how their engagement session went and the locations we chose:

Horsebarn Hill

The backstory to this UConn engagement session: their love started in college. Though Hayley and Brendon actually met as kids long before college, their actual relationship began as freshmen.

We started there winter engagement session in the Horsebarn Hill farm area of UConn. These a beautiful area with golden reeds that made for a great backdrop. Then, we ventured across the street to Hayley’s old dorm.

A couple cuddles close together with a tartan blanket during their winter UConn engagement session.

A couple walks closely together during their UConn engagement session on a winter day at Horsebarn Hill.

A couple stares intently into each other's eyes in a black and white image during their UConn engagement session.

These two really braved the cold and wind that day! It was below freezing and the wind was whipping around pretty steadily. Fortunately, my portrait style tends to keep you physically moving around, so at least they weren’t standing in one for too long.

UConn Dairy Bar Engagement Photos

Scouting the area before my couple arrived, I found a great rock. Naturally, then, I asked Hayley and Brendon to have a seat on it while I thought of what to have them do next.

Conveniently, this rock was right behind the world-famous UConn Dairy Bar. If you ever visit the UConn area, such as while on a date, you must do yourself a delicious favor and stop in for some ice cream. These two opted for a milkshake.

A couple enjoys a milkshake together at the UConn Dairy Bar during their engagement session.

And to be totally honest, I ran back in to grab my own milkshake after Hayley and Brendon left.

Jacobson Barn at Horsebarn Hill

Knowing beforehand that Hayley and Brendon really like barns, I had my thinking cap on for this session. Luckily, picturesque Jacobson Barn greets you right as you drive onto campus in the Horsebarn Hill area of UConn.

A man and woman walk arm in arm alongside Jacobson Barn during their UConn engagement session.

I recommend that when you choose an engagement photographer, you make sure that you’re getting more than just digital pictures for your phone. One way that I try to do this for my clients is by creating at least one “epic” signature photo for them that they can enjoy on their wall for years to come.

Here’s what I came up with for Hayley and Brendon during their UConn engagement session, in front of Jacobson Barn:

A couple embraces and kisses in front of Jacobson Barn during their UConn engagement session.

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To round out their adoration for barns, Hayley and Brendon ended up getting married at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown.

Before meeting them, I never would have thought to photograph an engagement session at a university or college. I guess it’s a good thing that I listen to my clients, because this UConn engagement session turned out great.