Shoot + Share Photography Contest: It's Time to Take A Risk!

I would scroll through hundreds and hundreds of amazing wedding, engagement, and lifestyle images from photographers who were killing it and they inspired me to aim higher, but back in 2013 I also felt like I had nothing to offer. I was just starting out with my first camera and some of these people who entered into the contest had been photographing couples in dreamy, wanderlust type locations for years . . . How could my images possible stand aside their's and compete in a contest? I was afraid to be judged, like most of us are, and so I decided not to enter. . .

The Best of 2016: Engagements

I had the honor and the privilege to work with some pretty awesome couples in 2016, and I wanted to be sure to share some of my all-time favorites from their engagement sessions. These images make me fall in love all over again with my job, and were narrowed down from 626 overall favorites from 2016! But I wanted to share only the best of the best on this post today!

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite images from the engagement session of couples married in 2016! Stay tuned for next week's post on the Best of Weddings!

Lauren + Marcus | Belle Isle Conservatory Engagement, Detroit, MI

Before Lauren and Marcus' engagement session at Belle Isle in Detroit, I sent them my Engagement Session Style Guide which includes everything from choosing the right location for your portraits to coordinating outfits to the little details you don't want to forget about. I think they totally ROCKED their engagement photos and can I gush one last time about their unbelievable outfits for a minute - gorgeous taste and Lauren has such an eye for style! I believe that because they were given the tools to prepare, that allowed both Lauren and Marcus to relax, be themselves, and to most importantly have fun at their engagement session! . . .

Jen + Kyle | Downtown Northville Fall Engagement

When Jen, Kyle, and I all sat down for their initial consultation to discuss their wedding I knew we were going to be a perfect match! Jen is so easy to talk to and I could tell Kyle loves listening to what she has to say! Jen and Kyle told me that they originally met through Match.com, and they joked saying everything just "clicked" from there (aren't they cute?!). . .

Literary The Best Engagement Photos Ever in Ann Arbor, MI: Madison + Brandon

Did you see what I did there with the title?! Madison and Brandon's engagement session took place in downtown Ann Arbor, MI, and I just lovelovelove that they incorporated so many personal details into their engagement portraits - like Madison's love of books and the couple's love of all things colorful and happy! . . .

Molly + Chris | Downtown Chicago Engagement

I remember sitting down with Molly and Chris before last Christmas to discuss all their wedding plans. When the topic of an engagement session came up and Molly said, "Maybe we could hold it in Chicago where we live, " I almost fell out of my chair! Chicago is one of those cities that is so very near and dear to my heart. Having the opportunity to travel to the beautiful Windy City AND photograph an amazing couple at the same time!? I was in heaven! When we were finally able to discuss possible dates to hold the engagement, I amazingly had one weekend free in June in between all my other weddings so Molly and Chris invited me out! . . .

Marita + Kirt | Downtown Flushing, MI Engagement

She had me at the words, "I think I'll be wearing a blush tulle skirt." When Marita, Kirt, and I sat down to chat about some ideas for their engagement session I was doing a happy dance as Marita told me about their outfit choices! I feel like day-to-day you wear what you need for work or for comfort, but there aren't many opportunities to really rock a blush tulle skirt. I always want my couples to feel like themselves in their engagement portraits, but in my opinion there is no such thing as too dressed up when it comes to the engagement session! . . .

Laid-Back Winter Engagement in Detroit, MI: Tina + Zach

When Tina told me that she loves the fall and pumpkin everything, I knew that we would be instant friends! Coincidence or not, the fall season also became the backdrop to Zach's proposal last September! While walking along the leaf covered trails of the cider mill with donuts in one hand and hot cider in the other, Zach stopped by the water and got down on one knee. Much to Tina's shock and aw, Zach asked her to marry him and she only had one answer for the man of her dreams; a resounding yes!

Rachel + Steve | Classic Red, White, and Blue Engagement, Detroit, MI

There I sat with the smell of coffee and the hum of conversation in the air and I thought to myself, "Wow, I really liked them!" I remember listening to Rachel tell the story of how her and Steve met in high school and eventually became engaged. She had the biggest smile on her face and at one point Steve grabbed her hand during the re-telling of the proposal.

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