Post-COVID Closure Longwood Gardens Engagement | Hannah + Justin
“After thinking more about it, I think we want to do Longwood Gardens! The flowers are just so beautiful there.” - Hannah
Every time I drive to Longwood Gardens I feel like singing, “Into the unknown!” from Frozen 2.
I have lost track of how many sessions I have completed at Longwood Gardens and every time it is different for one reason or another. The first time I went, they let me take my step-ladder and everything in with me. The second time I went, they laughed at me for trying to bring a step ladder in with me and I was told professional photography sessions were not allowed and handed a card with the rules. For countless sessions after that, they didn’t say anything (but I left my step ladder in the car). Sometimes they let the couple bring clothes to change into. Sometimes they didn’t…
And so, this session for Hannah and Justin was no different but SO different all at the same time. No open bathrooms at the entrance, masks everywhere with staff to ensure guests followed the rules (thank you for keeping us safe Longwood!), one-way arrows and signs galore, closed areas.
Even with all the changes, many things remained the same: beauty, smiling eyes, congratulations for the couple and solace. I can breathe there.
Longwood has this feeling of belonging to all who enter and wander its vastness. A secret garden that everyone seems to have found out about.
I got to meet Hannah and Justin for the first time in that beautiful place. Hannah was a trooper in her heels and Justin carrying their second outfit for half of the session. What a gentleman. While Hannah glowed with fun and joy, Justin couldn’t help smiling at his bride to be. They would later tell me that Justin was far out of his comfort zone. I would have never known. He never once complained or even rolled his eyes. He was there for Hannah and when he’s all in, he’s all in. I MAY have pushed him to the limit though at the end with oooooonnnnneeeeee more, “Okay just one more quick one right over here….and then we’re done….I promise….again…..sorry!” He was a good sport.
Hannah’s smile is so big and so welcoming, I bet the students in her classroom ADORE her. She has the kindest heart and, for me as a mom of 4, I have to say thank you to all the teachers out there for all you do every year but especially this coming year with so many changes. We really are heading into the unknown this year. Between COVID and starting this new and stressful school year, you would think Hannah would show signs of it all. Nope! She has this easy, fun spirit that you can’t help but smile with and have fun around.
Hannah and Justin will be married at The Barn at Stoneybrooke in July of 2021 and I can’t wait to meet the rest of their family and huge group of friends I have heard so much about.
Hannah and Justin, you guys are going to have one heck of a fun party on that day and I can’t wait to document it all. I had a BLAST with you two for your engagement session. You were such good sports walking that far for me to get so much content for you. I checked my Fitbit afterwards and I walked 7,000 steps during your session. Which means, Hannah, you walked that far in your heels! I’m so impressed. I hope you love this sample of my favorites from your beautiful Longwood Gardens engagement session. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there are a few surprises in your inbox RIGHT NOW, so go check! XO - Megan
