Auston & Rob | Connecticut Natural Light, Fine Art Photographer

Auston and Rob’s love story began in December 2015. She was working as a nurse at the Medical University of South Carolina and he had recently commissioned to the Navy and was attending Nuclear Power School. After “swiping right” on each other and meeting up at a local cafe for coffee and conversation, they could have lost touch: Auston moved 5 hours away to Tennessee a mere month later. But, they kept talking, and after a memorable weekend getaway hiking the Smokey Mountains and a romantic Garth Brooks concert, they official became partners. A year later, they joined the crew of the U.S.S. Minnesota and moved to Groton, Connecticut. A year later, while visiting the scenic beaches of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Rob proposed: and, of course, Auston said yes.

So, because this couple’s story has been so influenced by the ocean, we thought it only fitting to take engagement portraits by the water in Mystic, Connecticut. Mystic is the perfect coastal town for any occasion, but the nautical-inspired homes and small side streets just scream romance to me. Auston and Rob appear so playful on the dock, and she had a blast flashing her new bling! The shot of the twosome quietly holding hands also gives me all the feels.

We stepped onto the Marine One for some magic hour shots; the Sun was glimmering over the ocean water just perfectly. I am obsessed with the image of Rob and Auston looking at each other; they are just so in love! The CT weather may have been freezing and the winds gusting, but these two southerners handled it like champs. That golden light made everything well worth it. I am in love with every single image. And, of course, we had to stop by Mystic Pizza for a slice of heaven. ( if you haven’t seen the movie, do so, so cute!)

Congratulations again, Auston and Rob! I can’t wait for your wedding day ;), and may you have a lifetime of calm ocean waters.

Shauna is a fine art natural light photographer based out of Connecticut. To book a session contact Shauna at:

shauna@shaunadaiphotography.com | 860-268-2588 | www.shaunadaiphotography.com