Any opportunity to return to Harkness Park in Waterford CT for a wedding, family session, engagement or senior session is a MUST. There are so many reasons and so many seasons why this is the absolute BEST spot for portraits. Literally every season is a stunner at Harkness. I am going to put it out there that I want to go back after a fresh snow and do some sessions there!The grounds and Eolia Mansion are literally that gorgeous that they don’t need a single leaf or blossom to make it any more beautiful!
When Katie reached out to me to do their 10 year anniversary session with her husband Mike, I literally leapt at the chance. As she was able to see through her Google searching (and anyone else’s Google search of Harkness Park Engagement) I come up quite a bit. I won’t complain one bit I absolutely love the challenge of seeing the same space in a new way and Katie and Mike’s session was no exception! I was planning on heading back the following week for another engagement session and then came back a few days later for my daughter’s senior photo session, that is how much I love photographing there.
Not convinced? See the glorious zinnia garden below for reference / convincing!
This particular garden is what it probably looks like inside of my heart; a thick, glorious, colorful cacophony of zinnias absolutely BURSTING about in every direction!!!
Harkness has some wonderful gardens and the zinnias and dahlias here just about make me squeal when they are in bloom.
If you catch it at juuuust the right time you can get the sun to peep out and kiss your couple! Katie and Mike enjoyed a little sun’s warmth right at this moment.
The Japanese Maple is also home to the pet cemetery and makes for a pretty spectacular backdrop for photos. We are mindful and respectful of the environment- it is about 110 years old, and there is no climbing allowed.
This ivy wall is another pretty spectacular spot. In the fall it changes to a gorgeous ombre rainbow feeling with rich reds, oranges and yellows! I have a session there this fall and I am beyond thrilled to return to see it!
This little goldenrod alley with greenhouse has turned into another sweet spot for me. I caught it right at the tail end of the goldenrod being in full bloom and I am so grateful for that!
Come on Katie!! You are such a stunner!!
The ferns at Harkness are GIANT. I was…speechless and in absolute AWE.
It’s quite funny it looks deserted here now, but man oh man Harkness was FULL of photographers and their clients bopping all about the park doing their thang! I was so distracted and intrigued to see where each photographer chose to go and when. That is one of my most favorite things, watching other photographers work and assess light and how they interact with their couples.
Harkness is FULL of nooks and crannies and light and texture and little windy paths…
This little cutie! KATIE!!!!
This beach, this sun, Katie and Mike….wow. Your 10 year anniversary session was so much fun!
To see more weddings and engagements photographed by Harkness Park photographer Carla Ten Eyck, click the links below:
Ellen + Ken’s Spring Maternity Session in Harkness Park, Waterford CT
Jennifer + Jared’s Early Spring Harkness Park Engagement Session, Waterford CT
Mackenzie + Steve’s Fall Harkness Park Engagement Session, Waterford CT
Beth + Chris’ Whimsical Garden Party Wedding in Harkness Park, Waterford CT
Sara + Mike’s Romantic Fall Harkness Park Wedding, Waterford CT
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