Glen Haven Engagement | Jake + Marina
Last summer, we met up with Jake and Marina in Glen Haven for their engagement session. They brought along their dog to join in on some of the fun—chasing them through the fields, getting up close and personal with the camera, and excitedly running along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Last summer, we met up with Jake and Marina in Glen Haven for their engagement session. They brought along their dog to join in on some of the fun—chasing them through the fields, getting up close and personal with the camera, and excitedly running along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We were laughing the whole night while we got to know the two of them and their story. As the sun set over Lake Michigan and the two of them drew into an even closer embrace, we felt so honored to be trusted to capture this part of their love story together.
Alex + Katherine | Glen Haven | Engagement
Alex and Katherine, both elementary school teachers, loved taking every opportunity to escape away to Michigan during their summer breaks. Specifically camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes was a special tradition for them every summer. Alex and Katherine describe themselves as ‘nature freaks’ and wanted to incorporate the outdoors in as many of their photos as possible—both for their engagement and their wedding! While their wedding was set at a beautiful vineyard venue in Suttons Bay, taking the trip out to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area for their engagement session was a perfect way to tie in their love for the area.
Alex and Katherine, both elementary school teachers, love taking every opportunity to escape away to Michigan during their summer breaks. Specifically camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes has been a special tradition for them every summer. Alex and Katherine describe themselves as ‘nature freaks’ and wanted to incorporate the outdoors in as many of their photos as possible—both for their engagement and their wedding! While their wedding was set at a beautiful vineyard venue in Suttons Bay, taking the trip out to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area for their engagement session was a perfect way to tie in their love for the area.
We got the chance to know them over a video call prior to their session and wedding where we immediately hit it off. We knew that being a part of their days would feel natural and exciting and couldn’t wait to document the two of them being adventurous and hilarious. We decided on an early spring day for their engagement session and Glen Haven proved to be a versatile location—with a little bit of woodsy, beach, and dunes to finish off the night. We spent the whole evening grinning from ear to ear just being in Alex and Katherine’s presence.
We are so happy for these two and loved being a part of their story!
Ben + Vina Engagement | Glen Haven Sand Dunes
The whole world was quiet and calm as it was not yet busy season for the Sleeping Bear Dunes—it felt like we had all of Glen Haven to ourselves. It was the perfect time to get to know Ben and Vina before their wedding day. By the end of the evening, we felt like we had made new friends and couldn’t wait to see them again for their wedding less than a month later.
It was an overcast and moody spring day when we met up with Ben and Vina for their engagement session in Glen Haven. Lake Michigan shone a pale greyish blue against the cloudy skies as we hiked the dunes. As we reached one of the peaks we could see the Lake below us—vast and calm. Behind us, rolling dunes and even further, a sea of evergreens and various other trees that were not yet fully leafed. It was quite the breathtaking view from every direction with Ben and Vina looking out and taking in the scene all around. The whole world was quiet and calm as it was not yet busy season for the Sleeping Bear Dunes—it felt like we had all of Glen Haven to ourselves. It was the perfect time to get to know Ben and Vina before their wedding day. By the end of the evening, we felt like we had made new friends and couldn’t wait to see them again for their wedding less than a month later.
Intimate Wedding | Jake and Kristi
This intimate wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is one we will likely remember forever. Jake and Kristi gathered with seventeen of their closest friends and family including their own two precious boys. The day was absolutely brimming with emotions.
This intimate wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is one we will likely remember forever.
Jake and Kristi gathered with seventeen of their closest friends and family including their own two precious boys. The day was absolutely brimming with emotions. From the start when Kristi made her way down the sand to meet Jake for their first look, we couldn’t help finding ourselves tearing up at the moment. The two boys were so eager to love on their parents during this special day and we got to witness and document all the love and laughter the family shared. It’s impossible not to find myself smiling even now going through the photos and reminiscing about the sweet relationship they all had.
With toes perhaps a little sandy, we made our way over to the peaceful North Bar overlook for their vows. Jake and Kristi committed to a lifetime of loving and choosing not only each other, but their children as well. That quiet platform held not a single dry eye as the two became husband and wife. A champagne toast and dried flower confetti were the final ceremonious to-dos before heading to their reception.
Later that night, we tried to catch the sunset. We were met with the most epic thunderstorm instead. Jake and Kristi took it in stride which perfectly encompasses just how easy-going they were. Even a thunderstorm for golden hour photos still had Kristi giddy. They stood out against the dark grey storm clouds, almost glowing with brightness as they made their way barefoot down to the beach, thunder rumbling ominously all around.
Jake and Kristi, thank you for allowing us to take part in your intimate wedding, treating us like family, and having a love that is so genuine and real on display.
Glen Haven Engagement | John + Sarah
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer. Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love.
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer.
Despite having lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, the beauty of its landscape continuously blows me away. Glen Haven has a range of scenery to offer. Firstly, the quaint historic village itself. Secondly, the stunning lake and beachfront. And lastly, the well known Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes accessible just beyond the hill.
Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love. The stunning view was just an added bonus. We couldn’t have asked for a better day or a better couple who were ready and eager to trek to the prettiest places.
When the sun began its descent in the late evening as it always does mid-summer, we left the dunes behind to make the quick trip down to the little village of Glen Haven. The iconic red Glen Haven Canning Co. building is unmistakable set against the deep blue lake behind it. Dune grass surrounding the entire village matches the pale green accents on the modest white buildings and homes. The beach itself was our last stop of the night, just as the sun began to dip behind the magnificent body of water.
Sessions like these, on days like this, with couples like John and Sarah make us feel so blessed to call this our career. What a lovely glimpse into the love story John and Sarah share during their Glen Haven Engagement session. It just made us all the more excited to celebrate their wedding the next year!
