Happy Wednesday, Friends! I’m SO excited to share this elegant Detroit Engagement Session with you, today!

As someone who was born and raised in south central Michigan, I’ve surprisingly and rarely had the opportunity to travel to and discover all the beauty that the city of Detroit (and it’s surroundings) has to offer. Let me tell you folks, the Spring scenery in Detroit does not disappoint! While summer is my favorite season, the beauty of spring blossoms always gets me excited for the warmer weather that’s currently blessing our great state.

Mike and Bailey met while working on a hit National Geographic show, “The Incredible Dr. Pol.” The show was based out of the Central Michigan area where Bailey received her Bachelor’s degree in media and video production. Mike, originally from Chicago, was hired onto the show about 6 months prior to Bailey joining.

As Bailey described, “it unfortunately wasn’t one of those love at first sight situations.” There was an obvious attraction, but they didn’t really have an opportunity to get to know one another until a few months after they started working together. After they started dating Bailey explained that their relationship was long distance for about a year. Once Bailey’s contract was up with the show, she packed her bags and moved to Chicago to be closer with Mike.

Since then they’ve traveled the world and have lived in many different places across the Midwest. It wasn’t until I first called Mike and Bailey about their wedding at Black River Barn, this spring, that I shockingly discovered that they currently reside and work on all their film projects, together, in HAWAII! How cool is that!? Bailey’s family mainly resides in the Metro Detroit area, and Mike’s family mainly in Chicago: Black River Barn is an amazing venue and compromise in between!

Their proposal story is just the sweetest. As Mike explained, he was “having a really hard time trying to figure out where to proposal to Bailey.” They had planned to stay at the Aulani Resort in Ko’olina, Hawaii for Bailey’s Birthday. Upon arrival to the resort, Bailey shared that the front desk associate asked if “they were there for an engagement.” Bailey said she got really excited, but continued to explain that Mike played it off really cool and assured her that they were only there to celebrate her birthday. But Mike was, in fact, planning to propose. In December 2020, Hawaii was in the midst of experiencing some harsh COVID restrictions; because Mike couldn’t hire anyone to photograph the proposal he decided that he would launch his drone that evening to “record video and take photos of the sunset,” but really his plan was to launch his drone to record the proposal. That evening, Bailey explained that Mike rushed her out of the room to look at the sunset. Once they got to the cove, Mike launched his drone and got down on one knee. He explained that he couldn’t really remember what he was saying, because he was so emotional. After asking a few times if this was real, Bailey said YES! Of course!

Their situation is unique because Mike and Bailey are actually getting married next weekend! While they were stateside for their wedding, we most certainly needed to take advantage of their time and memorialize their engagement. Belle Isle is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. The cherry blossoms near the James Scott Memorial Fountain are in full bloom and the weather we’ve had in Michigan has been absolutely perfect.

Mike and Bailey – it’s very apparent that your connection is strong and genuine. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to put your faith and trust in me as your wedding photographer, having located me half way around the world. I hope that you love your engagement photos as much as I do! It’s not HAWAII, but your wedding in Michigan will be just as beautiful. I cannot wait!