On a quiet summer evening, Julia and Ryan had their engagement session at Belle Isle Park in Detroit. They live in Wisconsin and traveled all the way to Detroit for their engagement session and I am so glad they did! The weather was perfect, sunny blue skies with not a single wisp of a cloud.
We bonded over our dogs and Taylor Swift as we adventured around Belle Isle's conservatory, aquarium, gardens, and fields. Julia and Ryan are high school sweethearts who have experienced a lot of life changes together. Even after almost nine years together, Ryan said that Julia still surprises and teaches him new things and he cannot wait for the wedding. Julia said that they have so much fun together and cannot wait to be his wife.
Their session was more of a creative challenge because unfortunately, Ryan has a broken foot, and usually, my sessions include a lot of movement. I typically prompt couples with actions to help them feel comfortable and confident in their photos rather than demonstrating how to pose but I knew we'd need to do less moving around for their session. Instead, I focused more on ways they could interact with each other without too much movement. Julia and Ryan were naturals and you can tell it's because of their love for each other that made every interaction between them flow naturally. Julia was so sweet in assisting Ryan with his crutches and you'd never know looking at the photos it was the first time he put shoes on his broken foot, with the doctor's approval, of course!
When I asked what they are looking forward to on their wedding day, they mentioned their first look together was a moment they couldn't wait for. They are even considering writing their own private vows to make the moment that much more meaningful. As the sun started to go down, the sunset glow created a dreamy haze. I loved how the weeping willow tree draped down around them and gave them a private little spot to take in the view of the isle and each other.
Julia and Ryan will be getting married in Ann Arbor next year and I cannot wait to capture their special day!
All my love,
Julia and Ryan's Detroit Belle Isle Park Engagement Session
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