I love engagement sessions. Especially, fall engagement sessions. When Liz and Jake told me their wedding would be held at the historic Avon Old Farms School in Avon, CT, I was ecstatic. When they told me their engagement session would be there too, I was like a little kid on Christmas morning! Avon Old Farms (AOF) has a special place in my heart. No, I’m not an almnus. And no, I didn’t attend any camps there as a kid. In fact, I don’t even know anybody personally who went there.
I am, however, a huge hockey fan and if you know anything about the sport of hockey then you know that Avon Old Farms is one of the premier hockey schools in the US. AOF has produced some of the best NHL talent over the years. Brian Leetch, Jonathan Quick, Cam Atkinson, Nick Bonino … to name a few. It also happens to be the place where I got to rub shoulders with one of hockey’s greatest all-time legends, Jim Craig! Yep, THAT Jim Craig! If the name doesn’t ring a bell, just google “1980 USA Men’s Hockey”. Yeah. THAT Jim Craig.
AOF is more than just sports, though. It’s a school that is steeped in tradition and academic excellence and has a long track record of molding young men into tomorrow’s leaders. It reminds me a lot of my high school alma mater, Montgomery Bell Academy.
So, why am I gushing about this place? What about Liz and Jake? Have I forgotten the reason I was there in the first place? I wanted to give a little back story on AOF because it just so happens that Liz and Jake are both Avon Old Farms royalty. See, Jake’s dad is the Athletic Director and Liz’s father is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. So, it’ll come as no surprise that Liz and Jake first met at Avon Old Farms. Heck, they practically grew up right on campus!
I always tell couples to have their engagement session at a special location. A place with meaning. Some sentimental attachment. Well, Liz and Jake took this advice to heart even before I met them. And they doubled down on that advice to boot! Not only are they a sentimental couple that appreciate their lineage, heritage, and family, they are heck of a lot of fun to be around! We had a blast from the start and didn’t stop until the sun went down (literally).
Thanks for a great session, guys! I am truly honored to be your wedding photographer and I cannot wait until June!
Wonderful pictures. Can’t choose a favorite. All too perfect. Love you both very much.
I had the hardest time choosing a favorite too! Thanks for stopping by – can’t wait to see you in June!
Happiness shows in those big smiles! Love it!
Couldn’t agree more Terri!