When Miranda and Kevin told me they wanted to do their engagement session at a family cottage in Bellaire, Michigan, I immediately knew it would be something special. The location was full of character, charm, and personal meaning. It was exactly the kind of backdrop that makes engagement photo poses feel less like poses and more like storytelling.
We met up at sunrise to beat the heat (hello, Michigan heat wave!), and the early morning light did not disappoint. Soft, golden, and quiet. This set the tone for a session that felt intimate and unhurried. Instead of stiff, smile-at-the-camera photos, we leaned into movement-based posing that let their natural connection shine. Think: slow walks on the pier, twirls by the water, playful kisses, and hands brushing each other’s shoulders. It was less “stand here and smile” and more “do what feels good and let’s see what happens.”
Of course, we still carved out space for a few traditional engagement photo poses becauseI know those are classics for a reason. However, the gallery ended up being mostly candid, full of laughter, sweet touches, and real joy. That’s always my goal: to create images that feel alive, not manufactured.
Why Personal Locations Make a Difference
What made this session so meaningful wasn’t just the light or location (though both were incredible). It was the fact that these two were completely at ease in a place that already held so many memories. Every corner of that property and lakeshore had a story, and that personal connection gave the photos an emotional depth that’s hard to recreate on a random trail or city block.
Yes, They Jumped in the Lake
The highlight? Without a doubt, it was when I gently convinced them to jump into the lake fully clothed at the end of the session. The splash, the laughter, the soaked curls and dripping fabric — it was pure, chaotic magic. And honestly, those might be my favorite frames of the whole gallery.
If you’re planning your own session and wondering about the right engagement photo poses, start by thinking about what feels true to you. The best photos always come from the real stuff: movement, connection, and a little bit of adventure.
Got a spot that feels like home? A favorite trail, rooftop, or cabin in the woods? I’d love to help you turn it into your own personal backdrop. Start planning your session and inquire:
