Your Ultimate Guide for Wedding Proposals in Michigan

Proposing in Michigan

Fun fact: did you know that winter is the most popular time of year to get engaged? Hi friend! I’m Catie Eovaldi, a Southeast and Mid Michigan wedding photographer who has witnessed some of the dreamiest proposals and engagements in my three years of being a professional photographer. Heading into my fourth year of professional wedding photography, I’m getting more into proposals and the planning it takes to execute a successful one.

Winter engagements are popular because of the time spent with family over the holiday season. Sometimes a little extra help is needed when proposing, and some couples love having family present during that “Yes!” moment. Additionally, a lot of families are already getting together to celebrate the holidays and will often celebrate an engagement as well since they are already together!

3 Tips for Your Wedding Proposal

Plan A Date

The couples I’ve worked with found it was easier to treat this proposal as planning another date night with their love. Planning a proposal that was similar to their other favorite date nights took some of the pressure off because the locations and details were already familiar to them! If you want the proposal to be a surprise, doing something wildly out of the norm could tip off your partner that something special is about to happen.

Think Sentimental

Along the lines of planning a date night, you have the opportunity to really incorporate something sentimental into this moment. Think about moments throughout your time together: is there a location that’s special to you? Is there a sentimental piece of jewelry you could use? Proposing is already a special moment, but using something sentimental can just add an extra layer of specialness to the moment.

Ask for Help

Sometimes you just need a little help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout planning and executing your proposal. This could be from a friend, a family member, or even your professional photographer. Planning a proposal can be a lot of work, so don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand if you need it!

3 Reasons to Consider Hiring a Photographer for Your Proposal

The Emotions

Hiring a photographer for your proposal can seem scary. You want a photographer that’s great at hiding, communication, and equally excited as you are to capture the moment. You want to be able to have photos to look back on this moment because of how big it is. With all the nerves surrounding this big moment, you will experience a rush of adrenaline and can forget yourselves in the moment. This is a huge and exciting emotional moment!

Planning the Logistics

Couples put a lot of thought and care behind their proposal. You want the perfect location, perfect ring, and for them to say “Yes!”. With all of this already brewing in the back of your mind, sometimes planning the logistics of where and when can be a lot. A professional wedding and engagement photographer will know the the best locations. They’ll know the best time of day. They’ll know how to capture the moment without interrupting it. They’ll assist you with planning the logistics and reassure you of your plans.

Ensuring the Moment Stays Private

A lot of the couples I work alongside value their privacy, and as a wedding photographer I do, too. There are a lot of times throughout engagements and wedding days that I double as a couple’s private security during moments they want peace and privacy. I ensure the space around us is often free of others while hiding so the couple can’t see me.

In addition to that, these photos don’t have to be public. I’ve worked engagements and weddings that resulted in the most stunning galleries, but you’ll never seen them posted when the couple requests privacy.

5 Places to Propose in Michigan

Cranbrook Gardens in Bloomfield Hills

Aside from its rich history, Cranbrook House and Gardens is an immaculate property and available year round. Fresh fallen snow make the house appear like a winter wonderland. The summer blooms add such beautiful color to the property. The orange leaves of fall color the vast expanse of the property.

This premier engagement location has such beautiful architecture and features that it’s the best spot for portraits. With sunken gardens, multiple water fountains, and lush green trees this property makes an amazing backdrop for your proposal or engagement. You can actually read more about Cranbrook here! The property is amazingly beautiful and peaceful.

Postcard Cabins in Lapeer

This is a prime spot for a romantic weekend getaway. Postcard Cabins are a national brand of tiny cabins scattered throughout the United States, including some in Lapeer, Michigan. The property is serene and deep in the woods, so this is perfect for any outdoor lovers. With towering trees and a huge picture window to look out on the property, this cozy little spot is perfect for a proposal. After you propose, you can spend the rest of the weekend lost in each other and immersed in nature.

The below proposal actually happened during the winter- I was hidden under some fallen trees and all decked out in my thick snow gear!

Grand Haven Beach in Grand Haven

Grand Haven is well known for its lighthouse and beachy atmosphere. This beach is often quiet first thing in the morning. With not many people around early morning, this beach can be the perfect setting for your proposal. It’s quite popular in the summer, so if you’re okay with a potential audience later afternoon and evenings are usually busy. We found the beach pretty empty early fall though and no one else was around. White sands, blue lake water, and a lighthouse make this location a great destination whether local or traveling in.

Belle Isle in Detroit

Belle Isle is quite a versatile spot located in the Metro-Detroit area. With a grand fountain, the conservatory, and colorful gardens you have a lot of options for a proposal backdrop at this location. The metro-park is usually busy in the heat of summer, so expect people to be around!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is actually a part of the University of Michigan. The property is home to 841 acres full of trails, wildlife, and the conservatory. In the summer you can expect brilliant blooms in the outdoor gardens. Artistic sculptures are featured throughout the gardens and can be a backdrop as well. The conservatory is open year round and features a lot of greenery (rather than flowers).