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Old Mission Peninsula Proposal at Sunset | Traverse City, MI

You’ll never guess how we met!

I was down in Charleston, SC at a photography retreat, and on the last day, these two were our models! Before we started shooting, one of the hosts said, “Hey Hailey, Maddie’s from the pinky too”, and the two of us got talking about how we both grew up in Traverse City (TC). Her boyfriend Walker overheard, and the next month messaged me on Instagram asking if I could capture their proposal in TC out on the peninsula! I was so excited for this and couldn’t believe how full-circle it was seeing the two of them again back in my hometown! Walker surprised Maddie on her birthday, by proposing on her family’s dock over East Bay at sunset!

this is just a glimpse at their proposal, not the full gallery.

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Ice Cream Shop Engagement Session | Traverse City, MI

I love that there is no rulebook to an engagement session! Elyse came up with the idea that she would love to do some photos at an ice cream shop, because they always end their evenings together with two scoops of vanilla ice cream! I immediately LOVED the idea, and wanted to do everything to make it happen! I knew The Dairy Lodge in Traverse City, MI would be perfect for this, because it has that cute-old-ice-cream-shop feel to it! The owners were so unbelievably kind and opened their shop up hours early, just for us! They pulled out the fun shake glasses and straws and then made them whatever flavor cone they wanted! It was such a sweet time, and I’m so happy I got to bring their vision to life!


this is just a glimpse at their session, not the full gallery.

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Village Suites Bay Harbor | Sunset Beach | Bay Harbor, MI

Josh and Elyse started their morning watching sailboats out in the harbor while getting ready in their private suites with friends and family! We started out with bridesmaids photos on the lake, and the wind did start to pick up, so we ended up moving locations. Just before the ceremony started, when Elyse took her dad’s arm, the wind calmed down. Emotions were high as she began walking down the aisle, and Josh’s reaction almost had me crying! Elyse’s sister had the honor of delivering a beautiful ceremony; and after the two sealed their vows with a kiss, guests began walking over to the reception space for cocktail hour with a gorgeous view.

We snuck away for bride and groom portraits in the village, and after a little snack/drink break, the two were ready for their grand entrance. I loved that they went straight into special dances, followed by some hilarious/heartfelt speeches! After dinner, the two kicked off the rest of the evening by cutting their cake and getting some sunset photos in. The lighting was so perfect, that I definitely wanted to get bridals in as well as bridal party pictures. Normally grooms don’t care too much about pictures, but I though it was so cool, that Josh jumped up and said he wanted to get some beer pics with the guys - how fun!

The DJ opened the dance floor and everyone go out there! Towards the end of dancing, Elyse was surprised with an emotional recording from her grandparents who are such a big part of her life. Unfortunately, they couldn’t be there due to health restrictions. You can only imagine the love and sweet wishes that were said. They dedicated the song “Sweet Caroline” to her and asked everyone to shout “sweet Elyse” instead, as they all serenaded her! The couple ended their evening with a private last dance and tunnel exit! I’ll never forget how perfect this days was!

This is just a glimpse at their day, not the full gallery. Vendors listed below.

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