Downtown Ann Arbor Surprise Engagement Proposal at Aventura - Alex + Sydney
As an engagement photographer, there’s something uniquely special about being part of a couple’s love story from the very beginning—capturing that magical moment when one person asks the other to spend their life together. I recently had the privilege of photographing such a moment for Alex and Sydney in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their proposal was full of love, surprise, and unforgettable memories. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—surrounded by personal meaning, beautiful winter scenery, and a bit of Michigan charm.
Wedding at Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor Michigan - Miranda and Colin
One of the things that I will never shut up about is how you should not treat your wedding day like it's a movie set or a list of very specific moments to check off. It's kind of like giving birth-- you can plan for specific things or to not get an epidural or to have a natural birth, but sometimes you just don't get to choose how things go down. Being rigid about your plan just sets you up to feel stressed and to feel like you're missing out when one of the things doesn't get checked off the list. It's ok to have a plan, but it's also ok for feelings to change, and for plans to change to accommodate those feelings.
Vow Renewal at Helmer Castle in Jackson, Michigan - Kayla + Kyle
Kayla and Kyle renewed their vows at Helmer Castle for their 10 year wedding anniversary, and I'm so thrilled to have witnessed this day so full of joy and emotion. Kayla and Kyle's son was part of their special ceremony, along with Kayla's best friend. And they picked an amazing venue to host!
Sunrise Bridal Session on the Beach on Tybee Island, Georgia - Kamryn + Brandon
As a wedding photographer, every session offers something unique, but there are certain moments that leave an indelible mark. One of those moments occurred recently when I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a sunrise bridal session with Kamryn and Brandon on the stunning Tybee Island, Georgia. The entire experience was filled with love, joy, and serenity, making it a session I’ll always remember.
Beach Wedding at Sunset on Tybee Island, Georgia - Kamryn + Brandon
The couple chose to say their vows on the sandy shores of Tybee Island at sunset, surrounded by only a couple of close friends. As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to capture such a meaningful moment, and this wedding was no exception. The combination of the tranquil beach setting, the golden hues of the sunset, and the heartfelt emotions shared between Kamryn and Brandon made for one of the most memorable weddings I’ve had the privilege to photograph.
Intimate Outdoor Wedding at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor - Courtney and Chris
This wedding day is exactly the kind of wedding that I'm just dying to shoot more of-- intentional, relaxed and intimate. I think when you make space on a such a special day for the things that matter most, it will feel all the more special and memorable down the road. I think every wedding day is special, but there's just something different about small weddings and elopements.
Engagement Session at Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah - Miranda + Colin
As a photographer from Ann Arbor Michigan, I'm kind of starved for photo locations with mountains. We have mountains in Michigan, but they are 10 hours from where I live and let's be honest-- they look like hills in comparison with what's out West in America. I love a good park or botanical gardens, but it just isn't the same. So when I booked a trip that had me flying into Salt Lake City, I knew I had to get a couple in front of my camera in the mountains for engagement photos. I wonder if Utah wedding photographers ever get sick of photographing love in such a beautiful location.
Rainy Day Engagement Session at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Today I am reflecting on Courtney and Chris' engagement photo session and, as always, feeling such an intense sense of gratitude for being able to capture such a special moment in their lives. It seriously never gets old for me-- people only hire an engagement photographer once in their life, and sometimes they choose me?! Absurd. I am constantly reminded of the privilege it is to be able to document love and to witness the raw and real connections between two people.
Summer Engagement Session at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor - Ané + Ian
I'm writing this blog post retroactively-- so when I think back on this HOT hot summer day with Ane + Ian, all I can remember is just how much FUN it was. These two have the best attitude, and they came ready to play and fully put their relationship on display. Sometimes as a photographer I have to work really hard to pull genuine actions and emotions out of people and with these two, it was so EASY. It was like they were taking happy pills or something. I smile every time I think about them and this day (but like not in a creepy way) and I can't wait to photograph their wedding at the Collins off Main in May!
UP Adventure Engagement Photos at Black Rocks Beach in Marquette - Janie + Jacob
I am constantly jealous of photographers who live in geographically beautiful areas. Like, the kind with EPIC beauty— mountains, coastlines, beaches, rock coasts, etc. If you’re a photographer and you want to make yourself feel really bad, follow a bunch of photographer from Utah and Oregon on Instagram. “Should I just give up entirely and maybe sell socks at the airport?” is something you’ll be asking yourself on a daily basis.
Family Photo Session at Cranbrook House and Gardens - Perez Family
If you’re a photographer in Southeast Michigan, you know Cranbrook Gardens is the ideal place for a picturesque photoshoot.
Wedding at The Swan Bar Door in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin - Kirby + Nathan
Weddings are a celebration of love, but when you get to capture a couple’s story in one of the most stunning locations, it’s even more magical. Kirby and Nathan’s wedding was one of those unforgettable moments, set in the picturesque Wisconsin Dells at The Swan Barn Door. From their emotional first look to their charming outdoor ceremony and dreamy photos under the stars, this wedding was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Engagement Session Downtown Ann Arbor - Alyssa + Ben
This session was actually a combination of graduation + engagement because Alyssa and Ben are just overachievers like that. They both had just graduated from dental school, and Ben flew Alyssa (because he’s also a pilot.. like I said, overachievers) to Mackinac Island where he proposed to her before flying back to Ann Arbor. People who are planning to propose soon— are you taking notes??
Surprise Proposal at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor - Julia + Carson
If you’re looking for a place to propose in Ann Arbor, look no further than Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Conservatory. On a cold (but sunny!) day in March, Carson proposed to Julia at the botanical gardens. The spot was perfect, and so was the moment — the sun was just peeking through some clouds and it made for some really elegant, precious photos of this moment that Carson and Julia are going to remember f o r e v e r. I might have mention this a few times in various blogs but MAN I love my job, it is truly the best.
Engagement Photos at UMMA in Ann Arbor- Rachel + Frank
If you’re reading this because you’re a fan of photography in general, or because you’re looking up places for engagement photos in Ann Arbor, you’re in the right place! I also want all of my session blogs to be a good resource for other photographers who are looking for inspiration or info about shooting locations that they’re considering. Any time I go somewhere new, my anxiety forces me to exhaust the google and instagram search bars for any information I can about a place before I go there. What are the coolest places? When is the best time to go? Is there parking? (In Ann Arbor, there is never parking. lol. bring your walking shoes.) So hopefully this is helpful to anyone who is planning a photo session at UMMA and wants the inside scoop!