Sarah and Maceij have a classic love story, and we were so excited to take a little journey over to the other side of the state to be their West Michigan engagement photographer for the evening in October. We adore traveling our mitten state, and exploring new places and new gems along with clients. This particular session was almost what we’d classify as an ” adventure photography session .” We can’t wait for their 2021 wedding!‘What’s an “adventure photography session” you may ask? Basically, it’s going out and doing something along with just taking photos. For their session, we explored around the Grand Haven area, on the Rosy Mound Natural Area. The weather held out for us the entire time even though it was technically threatening thunder showers according to the radar. It was so stunning with all the foliage throughout the trails, and then it ended right on the shores of Lake Michigan. According to my watch at the end of the day, I did 12,000 steps during their 2 hour long session, and I use the word “steps” quite literally. A ton of the trail was actually up and down steps, and I felt their session in my leg muscles for what felt like weeks after that. (If you know me at all, you know I actually love working out and being sore- it makes me feel alive and this was wonderful!)

We had so many different backdrop options, from the bright yellow trees to the sand hills to the actual lakeshore. Being on the lakes always takes my breath away, and since Lake Michigan feels so different compared to Lake Huron that we’re normally on, it was a welcome and fun adventure. During our time, I learned all about Maceij’s polish heritage, as well as the meadery that he is opening. That’s actually how he and Sarah met; she was bar tending at a mead brewery, and he was managing it. Now he’s opening his very own in Grand Rapids, and I’m so stoked to shoot their wedding and see how they incorporate their love for mead into their wedding.

I had a wonderful time being their West Michigan engagement photographer. If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer or destination engagement photographer, we’d love to chat!