Ashley and Bryan’s cloudy beach engagement session at Silver Beach in St. Joe, Michigan was a beautiful and intimate affair. It was suprisingly not very busy for mid-May. They chose to have their photos taken surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Lakes. Honestly, it wasn’t their first choice but the threat of Covid forced other plans. And I’m grateful, because I love a good beach session, and these two killed it! Despite the overcast sky, their love for each other shone through in the photos. The soft, diffused light created a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, adding to the already magical setting. Ashley and Bryan’s chemistry was palpable in every shot, making for a truly breathtaking engagement session.
These two had known each other for over 10 years before they became engaged. Ashley had went out one night to see Bryan’s band, and they became friends. They went on a few dates in high school, then parted ways, seeing each other from time to time through mutual connections.
Years later, Bryan was looking to rehome a cat and Ashley needed a companion. So, she took the cat and it sparked some new conversation and a new connection between old friends. About six months later A realized she was falling head over heels for her old flame, and finally told him she loved him at their favorite local tavern where they frequently visited for the live music and dancing.
Nearly three years later, back at the same tavern, they were enjoying dinner, a live band, and the dance floor. I think the next part is best told from Ashley’s point of view:
“The band started playing ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and Bryan asked me to dance. Once the song was over, I started to walk back to the table but he grabbed my hand and told me to wait. He then walked up on stage and I immediately broke down. How could I not have seen this coming?! He gave the most wonderful speech, talking about our times at LKT [the tavern they love] and how much we loved to dance, and then asked if I would dance with him forever. Everyone was left in tears. Our friends and the entire LKT staff and band were in on it. I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect.”
I had a lot of fun hanging out with Ashley and Bryan and getting to know them better during the engagement session at Silver Beach. And, I think the photos really captured the essence of their relationship’s personality. Oh, and they do still have the cat, hah!
Now, on to the wedding!
