Mackinac Island Proposal | Michael + Caitlin
We were so excited to learn that Michael’s surprise Mackinac Island proposal. It was the most perfect day and lovely ferry ride to the island. We had blue sky and lilacs blooming all around the island. We arrived quite a bit early in order to soak in the beauty of the island ourselves, and to scout out the ideal position for the actual proposal.
We were so excited to learn that Michael's surprise Mackinac Island proposal would almost perfectly coordinate with our trip to Mackinaw City for a wedding a few days prior. After we finalized some details with Michael, we decided to plan on staying a few extra days after the wedding so we could be there for Michael and Caitlin's special moment. It was the most perfect day and lovely ferry ride to the island. We had blue sky and lilacs blooming all around the island. We arrived quite a bit early in order to soak in the beauty of the island ourselves, and to scout out the ideal position for the actual proposal. We sneakily texted with Michael all throughout the day and sent him some photos and videos on how to access the spot. And then.. we waited. Lots of people passed through the small garden that afternoon, but thankfully Michael had sent us a couple photos of him and Caitlin so we knew exactly who to look for. When they finally came around the corner of the garden, Miles and I walked around and posed as a normal couple enjoying the garden. We secretly kept a close eye on Michael and Caitlin as they chatted and when he finally dropped to one knee, we immediately started photographing them from a distance. We let them enjoy that moment and soak it all in until Michael finally pointed us out to Caitlin and introduced us. From there we made our way around the island for a mini engagement shoot and wrapped up just before their planned dinner at the Grand Hotel.
It was such an honor to be entrusted with capturing such a special moment. Congratulations to Michael and Caitlin once again! We wish them all the best!
Glen Haven Engagement | Ben and Joanna
We had so much fun adventuring Glen Haven and hiking some dunes for their portraits. We feel so blessed to have friends like Ben and Joanna. Though we could go on and on about their beauty and the love these two share, we will let the photos speak for themselves.
Glen Haven Engagement
This Glen Haven Engagement was one we will remember forever.
I will never not be excited about this session, this couple, and these photos.
We've known Ben and Joanna for a number of years now. Besides being fellow photographers in the area, Ben and Joanna are great friends of ours. They are some of the coolest (and some of the most good-looking) people we know. Whenever we are with Ben and Joanna we can't help but laugh and be ourselves. Whether we run into them at our mutual favorite coffee shop (shout out to Mundos Roasting & Co.), photograph their beauty, or enjoy a double date, we know we are bound to have a good time with these two.
When we were looking for a photographer, Ben and Joanna immediately came to mind. We loved having them photograph our engagement and wedding. When the time came for their engagement and wedding, we were honored to photograph them in return!
We had so much fun adventuring Glen Haven and hiking some dunes for their portraits. We feel so blessed to have friends like Ben and Joanna. Though I could go on and on about their beauty and the love these two share, I will let the photos speak for themselves.
Follow along on our Instagram adventures!
Adam and Kelly Proposal
Adam and Kelly have the sweetest love story, and we just love them together. This shoot will always and forever hold a dear place in our heart. Adam is my (Sarah’s) younger brother and Miles’ best friend.
Adam and Kelly
Adam and Kelly have the sweetest love story, and we just love them together. This shoot will always and forever hold a dear place in our heart. Adam is my (Sarah's) younger brother and Miles' best friend. We got to know Kelly while they were dating and she quickly became one of my best friends. When Adam reached out with his plans to propose, we were over the moon. The week leading up to the proposal, Miles and Adam trekked down the steep snowy slope to scout out the location. Together they found the perfect spot for Adam and Kelly as well as hidden locations for us to shoot the proposal in stealth.
Brown Bridge
The day came and we arrived to the location early. The snow had slightly melted and then refroze so the path down was more like an ice skating rink. I'm embarrassed to say that I (Sarah) had a wipe out on the way down and nailed my head on a tree root when I fell. However, nothing was going to stop me from capturing and celebrating this moment with my brother and his soon-to-be fiancée. Miles helped me back up, brushed the snow off and we continued to our respective hiding spots. We sat and waited, fingers going slightly numb in the cold and butts most definitely soaked through from sitting in the snow. Still, all of that was hardly noticeable to us in the wake our anticipation. After a little while, we heard a loud 'careful Kelly, it's slippery!' from Adam. That was our cue!
The Proposal
At the bottom of the hill, Adam took her by the hand and they looked out at the view while he chatted with her briefly. By the time he got down on his knee with the ring, I was already a mess of silent tears. We remained hidden the entire time so they could have their moment alone. Kelly had no idea that we were there, and even when Adam pointed out the spots we were hidden, they could only just see the edge of my boot from behind a tree. It wasn't until they continued on their hike and were well out of sight that we emerged and went on our way. We were able to celebrate them later which was so fun. It was so special to capture this proposal for some of our favorite people. We also both had the honor of standing in their wedding last October. We love Adam and Kelly!
Location | Brown Bridge
Glen Haven Engagement | John + Sarah
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer. Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love.
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer.
Despite having lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, the beauty of its landscape continuously blows me away. Glen Haven has a range of scenery to offer. Firstly, the quaint historic village itself. Secondly, the stunning lake and beachfront. And lastly, the well known Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes accessible just beyond the hill.
Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love. The stunning view was just an added bonus. We couldn’t have asked for a better day or a better couple who were ready and eager to trek to the prettiest places.
When the sun began its descent in the late evening as it always does mid-summer, we left the dunes behind to make the quick trip down to the little village of Glen Haven. The iconic red Glen Haven Canning Co. building is unmistakable set against the deep blue lake behind it. Dune grass surrounding the entire village matches the pale green accents on the modest white buildings and homes. The beach itself was our last stop of the night, just as the sun began to dip behind the magnificent body of water.
Sessions like these, on days like this, with couples like John and Sarah make us feel so blessed to call this our career. What a lovely glimpse into the love story John and Sarah share during their Glen Haven Engagement session. It just made us all the more excited to celebrate their wedding the next year!
Nick + Amy | Traverse City Engagement Session
Nick and Amy are a testament to how much we love Traverse City engagement sessions. Tucked away at the quiet, serene Oleson Bridge Trail-head, these two were full of laughter and real connection. They seriously could not stop smiling and had us giggling right alongside them.
Traverse City Engagement Session
Nick and Amy are a testament to how much we love Traverse City engagement sessions. Tucked away at the quiet, serene Oleson Bridge Trail-head, these two were full of laughter and real connection. They seriously could not stop smiling and had us giggling right alongside them. It was evident from start to finish how ready they were to spend the rest of their lives together. As photographers, we are so thankful that we got to capture their love story.
This particular trail in Traverse City is a beautiful yet quiet spot that we love frequenting during hikes together. Even better when we can bring our lovely couples here to enjoy it with us. With it's mixture of wooded and open areas, combined with a warm spring evening, it made the trail the perfect setting for Nick and Amy's Traverse City engagement session. We love being able to spend an evening our couples, getting to know them and their love of each other.
As Traverse City photographers, our goal with all our engagement sessions is to not only get beautiful, artistic photos of you and your soon-to-be spouse, but to also create a space where you two can be authentically yourselves and enjoy one another's company. In the midst of stressful wedding planning, we want to allow the time and room to simply savor the moment and remember the fact that you are marrying the love of your life! Nick and Amy modeled this idea perfectly and we had the honor of capturing their love and friendship truly and organically.
We love you Nick and Amy! Keep your eyes out for their beautiful wedding we also had the privilege of photographing later that summer. Keep your eyes peeled for that post to come shortly as well!
