Engagement at Aldworth Manor | Adam and Kat

There’s something timeless about Aldworth Manor. Nestled in the quiet hills of Harrisville, New Hampshire, the historic estate spans 180 acres of lush gardens, rolling meadows, winding trails, and panoramic views of Mount Monadnock. With its European-style architecture and serene charm, it was the perfect place for Adam and Kat’s engagement session at Aldworth Manor on June 19, 2025.

As a photographer, I love when a couple brings their full selves to the session; quirks, dry humor, soft touches, and unspoken rhythms. That’s exactly what Adam and Kat did. From the moment they arrived, they brought warmth and energy that made every frame feel deeply personal and true to who they are. This wasn’t a photoshoot they posed for, it was a snapshot of the way they exist together in the world.

A Love Story That Started with Scones and Sunshine

Their story began under a festival tent during a sweltering summer day in 2022. Katerina had spent years helping to run a children’s theater program, and that summer, Adam showed up as a volunteer. While most people would have wilted in the heat, Adam came prepared with coffee and scones. That thoughtful gesture was just the beginning.

They spent the entire day recruiting families, laughing, and getting to know each other. By the end of it, Kat took the lead and asked Adam out to dinner. That night was filled with laughter so much, in fact, she could barely finish her meal. Over the following weeks, they built pillow forts in the living room, watched the stars from rooftops, and found themselves growing into something that already felt like home especially with Adam’s daughter Natalie, a dog, and a cat rounding out their new crew.

From Pizza to Planning

Their first “official” date took them out for pizza and pasta, not exactly Adam’s go-to foods, which only made it sweeter. They double dated with Adam’s sister and her boyfriend, but when the other couple headed home, Adam and Kat just kept walking, talking, and taking in the evening. Neither one wanted it to end. That simple night out set the tone for the life they would go on to build: thoughtful, easygoing, and deeply connected.

Scavenger Hunt Surprise

On Good Friday, April 18, Adam planned a proposal that felt completely tailored to Kat. Knowing her tendency to fill a day off with creative projects, he asked her to block out time for a scavenger hunt. He gave her the first clue the night before and sent her off the next morning to revisit places that held meaning in their relationship, each one tied to a memory, a moment, or a quiet inside joke.

The final stop was home, where Adam waited with the biggest surprise of all. When Kat opened the door, he was down on one knee. The answer, of course, was yes, and even Natalie was in on it. She proudly declared, “Now you’re officially going to be my stepmom!” Meanwhile, Kat’s nephews coined a new nickname for Adam: “Almost Uncle Adam.”

An Outdoor Setting That Felt Like Home

For their engagement at Aldworth Manor, Adam and Kat chose a location that reflected their style. They wanted something calm, beautiful, and natural. The manor’s lush fields, ivy-covered walls, and stunning mountain views offered the perfect backdrop.

Kat wore a soft blue floral midi dress with a sweetheart neckline and flutter sleeves. The way it moved in the breeze added a gentle flow to each frame. Adam kept things relaxed and refined in a textured beige polo and dark slacks. Their outfits matched the landscape effortlessly. They strolled through golden fields, paused under archways, and shared quiet laughs beside stone steps. The natural beauty of the grounds highlighted the ease and comfort they have together.

After exploring the estate’s gardens and open spaces, we headed indoors. Aldworth Manor’s interiors are filled with character. Think white paneled walls, antique mirrors, vintage furniture, and warm natural light streaming through tall windows.

Adam and Kat settled onto a cream-colored settee, and in that cozy corner, their quiet connection took center stage. Kat leaned into Adam while he gently kissed her temple. A few rooms later, she sat at the grand piano as Adam stood behind her. The image felt timeless, like a still from a black-and-white film.

They moved through the space naturally, never stiff or overly posed. These indoor moments added texture and softness to their gallery, a perfect contrast to the open-air scenes from earlier.

The Kind of Life They’re Building

Adam and Kat might joke that they have “grandparent energy,” but their version of that means game nights, Wordle over coffee, long walks, garden projects, and cycling classes that leave them both saying “oof” the next morning. Adam loves to cook; Kat bakes the desserts. Together, they read, host parties, and plan weekend road trips that somehow pack in 10 cities in 3 days.

They’ve already visited one national park and plan to explore more. And whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a quick escape to Maryland, they show up for life and each other in ways that feel thoughtful and full of care.

Looking Ahead: The Wedding, the Planning, the Fun

Planning is well underway. They’ve locked in all the big pieces ;venue, entertainment, date, photography (thank you!) and are starting to work through the fun details like dresses, invitations, and dessert. Kat is especially excited to have the summer free from school to dedicate time to planning.

When asked what they’re most looking forward to, they mentioned the first look and being surrounded by everyone who’s supported them along the way. Their advice to other couples? “Marry an Adam,” Kat says, laughing. But seriously: decide what matters most to you and focus on that. The rest will come together. And no matter what happens, always remember you’re on the same team.

Why Aldworth Manor Was the Perfect Backdrop

Engagement at Aldworth Manor was the perfect choice for this couple. Its mix of history, nature, and quiet beauty matched Adam and Kat’s personalities so well. The manor’s character-filled interiors gave us space for softness and stillness, while the gardens and open sky let their playful side shine.

If you’re looking for an engagement session location in New Hampshire, Aldworth Manor offers a little bit of everything timeless architecture, quiet corners, and landscapes that stretch for days. And if your story is anything like Adam and Kat’s full of thoughtful gestures, baked goods, and spontaneous laughter,I’d love to help you tell it.

Planning your own Engagement at Aldworth Manor or looking for a New England engagement photographer? I’d love to connect and help create something truly you.