This spring engagement session was the first time I ever worked at Cranbrook House and Gardens. I’ve been in the area several times for other wedding days, both working and as a guest, but never to Cranbrook.
Cassandra and I met at the Packard Proving Grounds Bridal Show back in March- she was actually my free engagement session winner! I always meet so many couples at these events, and I’m really glad I have the opportunity to meet in person. A lot of times I meet couples virtually before booking, so meeting in person is such a nice change of pace! Working with couples from all over Michigan doesn’t always allow the opportunity for a coffee date.
I was a little nervous throughout the day leading up to our time together. The day before I had an engagement session and the weather was warm, bright, and sunny. It felt like the beginning of summer. And then it rained overnight and totally changed the vibe. Rain would come down randomly throughout the day, but it wasn’t enough to reschedule our time. Some rentable locations (like this engagement session at Cranbrook) only allow reschedules for severe weather. This means a lot of time I’m working in rain, sun, snow, or wind even if it’s inconvenient. While our session time together was warm and overcast, we were working against the clock a little to beat some rain that was moving in.
Finding a Location for your Engagement Session
There’s a lot that goes into location scouting for engagement sessions. When possible, I love using locations that have some sentimental value to them. An engagement session is more than just getting pretty portraits. My goal is to tell a story of who you are as a couple and where you are in life right now. A lot of engagement portraits are used for Save-the-Dates and decor. Choosing the perfect location for this (or any) session is important.
At the beginning of our time together planning, I always send out a little questionnaire. With the answers I’m able to get a sense of where we will be working as well as your personalities! If a sentimental location is disclosed during the questionnaire, I will research to see if it’s possible to work at that location. In the past this has included homes, restaurants, beaches, historical sites, and even Disney World. Homes are almost always a yes because it’s your home. Sometimes restaurants aren’t as willing to work with us due to scheduling restraints.
You may be thinking “how much research could possibly go into this?” and in all honesty, it’s a lot sometimes. This is why location scouting is always something I do for my clients. Some locations have strict rules and fees on what can be done. Something a little different about my services is that I currently include all venue rental and permit fees into my pricing. Venues like Cranbrook, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, & Meadowbrook have fees for us to be on the property taking portraits. Not all photographers offer this service!
I’m always flexible and up for any ideas my couples have. Some couples have been envisioning these images in their heads for a while. I welcome any ideas you already have and Pinterest boards you share! This engagement session at Cranbrook is super dreamy and perfectly captures Cassandra & Connor’s love for each other.
