Ali + Zach | Lake Harbor Park | Engagement | Norton Shores, MI

Sometimes, things just come together and fit so perfectly that you would think it was planned that way. The light was perfect, the location was new and exciting, and Ali and Zach were effortlessly romantic in front of the camera. These evenings are the sessions that bring us back to the same giddy excitement we felt when we first started taking photos in 2019 and we nailed that “perfect photo” during the session. However, this evening, a secret challenge lurked on the beach, waiting to test our resolve and talents to their very limits.

In a word, Ali and Zach are just the cutest! As we heard their engagement story over Zoom, we knew that we were going to love our time with them! As fellow photo-lovers, Ali and Zach make a habit of trying to take photos of themselves wherever their adventures take them, and one day last year, Zach got down on the ground to set up the camera for a picture. However, instead of hitting the photo timer like normal, he secretly hit the record button as he knelt on one knee to propose to the love of his life. And frankly, these two seem like they have been living off of that moment ever since because all during their session, they had the joy and excitement that we normally see during a proposal!

Norton Shores was brand new to all of us, but with its beautiful combination of trees, tall, grass, sand dunes, and the lake shore, we felt like we were able to capture 3-4 photo shoots instead of one! However, as the evening came to close, our greatest nemesis to date reared its head: our portable tent would NOT. FOLD. BACK. DOWN! Since so many of our sessions take place 5-10 minutes from parking lots, we bring a portable tent so our couple doesn't have to waste time on their session running back and forth from the car. Up to Ali and Zach’s session, the portable tent has opened and closed flawlessly without a hint of stubbornness. However, after the portraits were over, the tent gained a mind of its own and after almost 5 minutes of trying (and laughing), we finally gave up and walked the entire trail back with Ali and Zach and the tent, partially opened and flowing in the breeze. And yet, we laughed and thought it was hilarious, and as our evening ended with Ali and Zach, we couldn’t help but think that it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun if they hadn’t been there.

Ali and Zach, you two bring fun with you when you show up somewhere. From our first moments with you two, we were laughing and joking and before we knew it, the session was already over and we weren’t wanting it to end! Your gift to bring joy to others is special, and we can't wait to see how that grows as you two continue to learn more about each other and how to spread that love and joy with others! We're already getting prepped for your wedding next year and we are ready for some fun hikes and some beautiful views!! Until then, all our best!

J + A