Breanna and Mike’s Engagement at Benson Park is the kind of day that makes you stop and appreciate how unexpected love can be. Their story began back in 2018 at Constant Contact, where they both started as software engineers fresh out of college. What began as two new hires navigating their first jobs quickly turned into a solid friendship. They bonded over shared experiences with fellow new grads, enjoying lunch breaks, late-night coding, and weekend adventures beyond the office. Neither expected this work connection to grow into a partnership filled with hiking trails, finish lines, and countless treasured moments.
Before dating, Breanna and Mike’s calendar was full of outdoor escapades. They hiked, skied, biked, swam, and even created a detailed training plan together for their first 70.3 triathlon. They were more than just workout buddies, they were each other’s constant teammates in both sports and life. Their “fake first date” happened on August 11, 2019. It was a long, scenic drive to Wildcat Mountain for a hike, followed by dinner, then another long drive home. They were still “just friends,” but looking back, that day planted the seeds of something bigger. The year and a half that followed only brought them closer.
March 4, 2021 is the date Breanna and Mike truly count as the beginning of their relationship. After working remotely together at Mike’s apartment, Breanna was about to head home when Mike finally asked if he could take her out as a date. She said yes instantly, and they headed to Spring Shabu-Shabu, one of Breanna’s favorite spots in Boston. The excitement was so high that neither of them could eat much, but they both knew they were exactly where they were meant to be. That hot pot restaurant became a staple in their relationship, and they have been back dozens of times since.
Fast forward to July 12, 2024. The couple was on vacation at Lake Winnipesauke with Mike’s family. Mike suggested a family-friendly hike up West Rattlesnake near Squam Lake. Breanna, the seasoned hiker and planner, thought nothing of it until they reached the summit.
What she didn’t know was that Mike had arranged for her parents and twin sister to be there, hiding behind rocks and bushes. After taking in the view, Mike took her hand, spoke from the heart, and asked her to marry him. Her “yes” was immediate.
The surprises didn’t stop there. A photographer friend captured the moment, more family members greeted them at the trailhead with balloons, and back at the Airbnb, Mike’s aunt and cousin had decorated for an engagement celebration. The day felt like a perfectly crafted chapter in their love story.
Benson Park in Hudson, New Hampshire, was the perfect choice for their August 4, 2025 engagement session. Known for its peaceful walking trails, picturesque ponds, and lush greenery, it offers a quiet charm that lets couples simply be themselves.
We started their session along the water’s edge, where the soft summer light reflected off the pond. Breanna wore a white dress dotted with delicate pink flowers, a breezy, romantic choice that moved beautifully in the warm evening air. Mike’s navy shirt and khaki pants complemented her look without overpowering it, allowing the focus to stay on their connection. On a stone ledge, Mike pulled Breanna close, kissing her hand with a gesture that felt completely natural. They laughed softly, a sound born from shared jokes and the deep comfort found in each other’s presence.
One favorite part of photographing Breanna and Mike’s Engagement at Benson Park was how naturally they moved together. They required little direction, and every interaction between them felt completely genuine. Whether Mike embraced Breanna from behind or she leaned in smiling, each moment appeared effortless and unforced. As the sun began to dip lower, the golden light framed them in soft tones. The tall grass swayed gently in the breeze, and the background melted into a blur of green and gold. It was peaceful, intimate, and entirely them.
Breanna and Mike’s relationship is grounded in the activities they love. They are both avid hikers and skiers, often planning their weekends around trails or slopes. While Mike now focuses more on marathons and Breanna trains with friends for triathlons, they still find ways to run and bike together when schedules align. They also share a love for gaming, especially Pokémon, and enjoy quieter hobbies on their own, with Mike playing guitar in his band and Breanna cooking and reading fantasy novels. Their balance of togetherness and individuality is part of what makes their connection so strong.
These two are planning a winter wedding, something that feels uniquely theirs. They both love the season, and they have discovered that it comes with practical perks, like better availability for vendors and more budget-friendly venue options. Mike is already looking forward to the dance floor, while Breanna is excited to celebrate surrounded by everyone they care about most. With wedding plans ahead of schedule, they are savoring this season of anticipation.
For Breanna and Mike, Benson Park wasn’t just a backdrop, it was an environment where they could relax, move at their own pace, and enjoy each other without distractions. Its blend of open spaces, shaded paths, and reflective water gave us a variety of settings to work with, each one framing their connection in a different way.
This park has a way of making engagement sessions feel unhurried. You can wander from the pond to the meadow to the wooded trails, all within a short walk. That variety allowed us to create a gallery of images that feels like a true reflection of their personalities, adventurous, warm, and grounded.
Breanna and Mike’s Engagement at Benson Park was everything an engagement session should be, personal, relaxed, and full of moments that tell a story. From the stone bench by the water to the soft light on the open lawn, every frame captures the ease and joy they have built together over years of friendship and love. Their journey from colleagues to partners is one of shared adventures, quiet gestures, and the kind of bond that only grows stronger with time. As they look toward their winter wedding, this session stands as a beautiful chapter in a story that is still being written.
If you are looking for a location that offers natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and endless opportunities for authentic moments, Benson Park in Hudson, NH is a hidden gem. Whether you are drawn to the water, the open lawns, or the winding wooded trails, it is a place where your connection can shine and your story can be told in the most genuine way.
Are you someone looking for an engagement photographer? Get in touch with me by just dropping me an email. Find inspiration by checking out A Charlestown Engagement: Christina & Michael, Engagement at Splash at the Boathouse: A Tale of Two Hearts, and Capturing City Romance: A NYC Engagement. Head to my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more of my work!