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.

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.

We met up with Matt and Lynden in early spring for their engagement session in Glen Haven. They brought their sweet pup along for the adventure and we spent some time wandering around the area, admiring the views, and finally ending on the beach.

Two summers ago, we met Alex at his downtown home and made the short walk to the beach for photos at one of his favorite locations— Grand Traverse Bay. It was so special to photograph Alex’s senior portraits in a place that meant so much to him all growing up.

Not only are the Emerys some the coolest people we know, but they’re also family. We loved spending the evening with them in Glen Haven, capturing their family portraits.

Simon is currently studying music theory and audio technology. When he’s not at school, he loves playing guitar, listening to music (he is a big fan of Thom Yorke), or absolutely wrecking everyone playing Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo Switch.