I’ve done many sessions on Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan, but this proposal is my favorite! When Austin reached out to me about planning a proposal for his girlfriend Hailie, (and now fiancée!), I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Hailie isn’t just any bride-to-be. She’s also a local photographer and a colleague of mine, which made this whole experience even more special.
Austin wanted the moment to be unforgettable, and he had one big advantage: he knew Oval Beach in Saugatuck was Hailie’s absolute favorite spot. With Michigan’s golden hour magic, the scene was already perfect. We just had to figure out a way to get her there without raising suspicion.
That’s where I came in. I told Hailie that I needed her and Austin to model for an outfit guide I was working on. I made up this whole story about models backing out and my design team needing photos ASAP because of my pregnancy timeline. She was so kind and agreed to help. Of course, Austin had already checked her calendar to make sure she was free, so the plan fell right into place. Or so we thought.
Plot twist:
The day before the proposal, one of Hailie’s clients asked to reschedule their photoshoot because of rain. And guess what night Hailie offered to reschedule for? Yep — the exact night of the proposal. Austin and I were panicking! He immediately reached out to her client, explained everything, and thankfully, they were amazing and kept the secret. They rescheduled for another day, and the proposal plan was saved!
As a Michigan photographer, I love creating sessions that feel effortless, but this one took some next-level secret planning. Austin and I came up with cues so we could communicate without tipping her off. I even drove to his house to pick up the ring so she wouldn’t accidentally see it. They drove to the beach together, so it would have been tricky to hide it from her!
He also sent me a playlist for the shoot, and I knew that when “Marry You” by Bruno Mars came on, it was go-time. I put them in a pose that let me hand him the ring box without her seeing, and then it happened. Austin dropped to one knee against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, and Hailie’s face was pure shock and joy. It was the BEST surprise!
Oval Beach gave us the dreamiest golden hour for their proposal photos.
I honestly can’t stop swooning over how perfectly everything aligned. Hailie got to enjoy the moment in a place she loves most, and Austin absolutely crushed the romance factor. To make it even sweeter, I brought champagne for them to pop and celebrate right there on the sand. And just when Hailie thought it couldn’t get any better, Austin told her he’d planned a second surprise: friends and family waiting at a Grand Rapids bar to celebrate their engagement!
Being part of this proposal reminded me why I love what I do. As a wedding photographer, I get to help couples create memories that feel just as real and joyful as the love they share. Congratulations, Hailie and Austin—thank you for letting me be part of your story!
