Ashley + Tim | Romantic Sunset Beach Engagement, St. Joseph, MI


Silver Beach and St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse


The roar of the waves as they crashed against the sandy beach was deafening as Ashley and Tim walked along the shores of Lake Michigan. Tim reached for Ashley's hand and she took it willingly, and then cuddled in a little closer to Tim as they walked. The dreamy golden light of the setting sun streamed through Ashley's hair, adding to the romantic feeling of their engagement shoot. The sun mixed with the picturesque surroundings of Silver Beach, along with Ashley's long, dark green dress, and Tim's ability to make them both crack up in laughter made for such an amazing engagement session!

When I first spoke with Ashley and Tim, they mentioned that they were planning a classic, laid-back beach wedding and had played around with the idea of a destination wedding in both Mexico and Florida when they finally discovered St. Joseph, MI. They fell in love with the location and it is only a few hours from their home and family in Illinois! I was so excited when I learned a few months later that they would be in town for some wedding planning with their venue and that they wanted me to photograph some engagement photos for them. I love traveling, and when I get to travel AND photograph either a wedding or an engagement session I am in heaven!

"I love traveling, and when I get to travel AND photograph either a wedding or an engagement session I am in heaven!"

 

Not only did Ashley, Tim, my assistant Scott, and I get a chance to hangout and get to know one-another a bit better in advance to the wedding day, we were also able to explore the very beach where their wedding will be held later this year. It was like the best bonus for me as their wedding photographer because 1.) I get to spend a fun evening getting to know my couple, 2.) I get to see and photograph different locations that we could also potentially use on the wedding day, and 3.) I get to go to the beach (any excuse to go to the beach is a good enough excuse for me)!

"I had such a fun time with Ashley and Tim and they were total pros in no time at all in front of my camera!"

 

I had such a fun time with Ashley and Tim and they were total pros in no time at all in front of my camera! I loved capturing the way Tim makes Ashley laugh and the way he held onto her for a few seconds after they kissed. Ashley was seriously rockin' it in her gorgeous dress which, I think, was the perfect color choice for this location! I could tell Tim thought so too as he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Near the end of the engagement session, Ashley and Tim sat down on the sand dunes and amongst the tall sea grass and took in the view. I held back for a few moments to really let them take in this moment because being engaged only lasts for a short period of time. I believe that having memories of being engaged and preserving that feeling of anticipation to spending the rest of your life with someone should be cherished!

"I think that right there told me pretty much all I needed to know about how Ashley and Tim love each other."

 

As I returned to Ashley and Tim's side, the wind picked up a little and the temperature dipped a bit. I, then, noticed how Tim was holding Ashley and the cutest thing ever was the way he held her cold toes trying to warm them up! I think that right there told me pretty much all I needed to know about how Ashley and Tim love each other.

Ashley and Tim, your engagement session was such a blast and I can't wait for your wedding day later this year!! It's going to be amazing!

Love,

Courtney

(I hope you enjoy some of my favorites for Ashley + Tim's Engagement Session.)

 

 

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