For Holly and Simon’s St. Joseph Michigan engagement photos, we lucked out with a gorgeous June evening. And, it was one year and one day before they get married. This couple was incredible to work with, and their vision for photos resulted in beautiful images to help tell their story.
They traveled from Chicago for their engagement session
I first got to meet Holly and Simon via Zoom, since they reside in the beautiful city of Chicago. They are planning a wedding at the Morris Estate, but wanted engagement photos in Michigan with woods and beach vibes. Holly and Simon traveled to St. Joseph, Michigan where Holly had her engagement session makeup done by the incredible Katie of Girl on The Glow, with hair by Ashley Wells. Making a day out of their engagement session, they relaxed in the area until we began our session in the evening for golden hour.
Whimsical woods and beach vibes were the vision for their St. Joseph Michigan engagement session
Holly and Simon shared that their wedding style was going to be ethereal and whimsical Midsummer’s Night Dream feel, so they wanted their engagement photos to fit with that. Holly shared that she wanted vivid greens and golds with a wooded setting as well as a beach setting. We met at Riverview Park in St. Joseph to begin, and Holly and Simon wore a formal look to start. Holly’s green eyes were stunning, as her green gown pulled out the colors in her hair and eyes. Simon looked sharp in a gray suit with a navy, patterned tie. I played music while we shot in a few spots at the park, finishing with a champagne pop. Along the river, Simon told me how they had likely floated a pontoon boat for Juneteenth a year before right near where we were shooting. I loved that connection to the space so much!
They were so comfortable with one another
After meeting online and connecting, Holly and Simon started building their life together. It was so obvious how much connection and love they have for one another, and I felt such a calm and comfortable energy between them. Needing little to no prompting, they were so connected that it was even more of a joy to photograph them together. I felt like they were able to be themselves for photos, and saw the beautiful moments between them through my lens.
Their go-to date night is dinner and a movie out, cocktails, and hosting dinner parties. They love being outside during the summer, and share two cats together at their home in Chicago.
Holly’s ring was a sapphire gem with a diamond studded band
Of course I always love seeing engagement rings, and Holly’s was stunning. Simon shared how he knew she definitely wanted a sapphire, and beyond that, he got creative to design the ring. The jeweler asked him if he “was sure” a sapphire was wanted and he knew what to do. 🙂 Getting some outside advice on the band, he designed a gorgeous ring that complimented Holly’s lovely hand so well.
We chased the light until sunset, and even caught the moon rising
Holly and Simon’s St. Joseph Michigan engagement session was one that felt so free and easy the whole time. I couldn’t believe we shot for 2 hours, and we chased the light into the horizon of Lake Michigan until the very end of their session. Finishing our shoot at Jean Klock Park in St. Joseph Michigan, we got plenty of beach shots, as well as some dunes shots that Simon requested. The colors of the water and light kept changing as the sun kept setting, and it was such a beautiful time on the beach. Right after the sun set, the final shot we got was of the moon rising behind them, and it was the perfect ending to their session.
Holly and Simon are two beautiful and amazing humans and I loved photographing their connection and love. I’m so very excited for their June 2023 wedding, and grateful for once again having an amazing couple to work with.
Are you engaged and looking for engagement photos at Lake Michigan? I’d love to chat!
