Some engagement sessions feel like a photoshoot. Others feel like being invited into a couple’s real life for a few hours. Courtney and George’s Boston engagement session was entirely the latter—thoughtful, personal, and rooted deeply in the city and moments that brought them together.

Their vision was simple and meaningful: honor Boston, honor their story, and move through the places that shaped their relationship. From church steps to subway platforms, park benches to a pint of Guinness, the day unfolded like a lived-in love story rather than a curated itinerary.

How Courtney & George Met: A Boston Love Story

Courtney and George first matched online in early April of 2024—but in true graduate-student fashion, life intervened. Finals season arrived, messages paused, and Courtney accidentally ghosted George.

Fate, however, had other plans.

Later that month, they both attended a Byzantine chant concert at Annunciation Cathedral of New England. Courtney recognized George from his profile while sitting a few pews behind him but was too nervous to say anything. Instead, she made eye contact with him on the way out of the church and hoped—quietly—that he would recognize her.

He did.

As Courtney walked down the cathedral steps, George approached her, and they spoke for the first time. Courtney asked if he wanted to get coffee. That coffee became their first date, and the rest—beautifully—followed.

Starting at Annunciation Cathedral

We began their engagement session at Annunciation Cathedral, a place that holds deep meaning for them. While the cathedral itself was closed when we arrived, it didn’t take away from the moment. The exterior, the light, and the quiet reverence of the space still grounded the start of the session.

The weather was one of those rare Boston days—soft light, warm air, and just enough breeze. As we photographed outside, the city felt calm and open, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Riding the Green Line (and a Little Bit of Magic)

From the cathedral, we hopped on the Green Line—Boston Green Line—the site of Courtney and George’s first kiss.

The train ride was one of my favorite parts of the session. We talked, laughed, and I learned more about who they are: George, a PhD student in physics, thoughtful and analytical; Courtney, a PhD student in theology, deeply reflective and creatively driven.

At one point, a ladybug landed on Courtney—one of those small, unplanned moments that feels symbolic without trying too hard. We all noticed it. We all smiled. It stayed.

Their original plan included photos inside the Boston Athenaeum, a space that perfectly reflects their shared love of reading and quiet intellectual life. While photography wasn’t allowed inside, the pivot felt natural rather than disappointing.

Instead, we wandered the surrounding streets—stone, brick, light filtering between buildings—letting the city guide us. These moments felt unhurried and honest, exactly the way Courtney and George move through the world together.

Boston Common, Park Dates, and One Very Persistent Squirrel

Next, we made our way to Boston Common, a place tied to many of their early park dates.

This portion of the session was playful and relaxed—sitting, walking, laughing—and yes, we were absolutely stalked by an extremely bold (and very round) squirrel. I have photo evidence. The squirrel was committed. Honestly, it felt like a rite of passage.

Ending the Day at The Dubliner

We wrapped the session at The Dubliner, an Irish pub across the street where Courtney and George shared a pint of Guinness. It was the perfect ending—cozy, casual, and unmistakably them.

This final stop mirrored what a typical Sunday looks like in their life together: church in the morning, time with community, rest, shared meals, and quiet evenings spent watching a movie. Their relationship is built on rhythm, care, and returning to one another at the end of the day.

How Their Personalities Fit Together

Courtney and George describe their dynamic beautifully:
George’s systematic, analytical mind gives structure to Courtney’s passionate, creative thinking. Courtney invites them beyond their comfort zones; George ensures there’s always a safe, loving place to return to.

That balance showed up everywhere during the session—in how they moved, how they listened, and how easily they existed together.

A Session Rooted in Meaning

One of their favorite memories together is watching the sunrise on the roof of Courtney’s apartment on Easter—the night they officially became a couple. Another is their first kiss on the Green Line platform. Both moments feel quietly monumental, much like the way they love.

Their Boston engagement session wasn’t about posing or perfection. It was about honoring faith, intellect, city life, and the moments that quietly shape a relationship over time.

And honestly? Those are my favorite stories to tell.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography

I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. Based in Upstate New York, my work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach—creating space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple: to make images that feel true to who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
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