Valerie + Josh | Engagement | Riley Trails | Tunnel Park | Holland, MI
"So we've been looking at some of your blogs to get an idea for what we would like, and your sessions at Riley Trails are really speaking to us. But, we don't just want woods; we'd also like something on Lake Michigan to get that beach vibe too! Do you think you two can do that?" As the weekly blog has gotten more and more popular, we've started getting this kind of message more often! So many of our couples are now using the blog as a kind of "one-stop shop" to see different locations, outfits, and poses; and by the time they get to the engagement session, they are already completely prepared for their evening with us!
Valerie and Josh were no exception, especially since they had to figure out locations and outfits while on the other side of the country! These California natives have the cutest engagement story, complete with poems and a beach-side proposal. As they began looking at vendors in Michigan, the four of us hit it off within the first few minutes of our Zoom call! Before we knew it, we were meeting in person at Riley Trails and already laughing at the fact that Andrea was going to have to be careful when she asked "Josh" to do something, since there were two of them at the session! Although we knew that a storm was coming in that evening, the "pre-storm" cloud cover over Holland gave us new opportunities at familiar locations since we could literally go anywhere and still have that soft, beautiful light!
We still can't believe that Riley Trails and Tunnel Park are only a few miles away from each other! We still have yet to find two locations in our area that give totally different "vibes" for a session, while not forcing our couples to drive 30+ minutes! However, we've noticed over the last 2-3 times we've been to Riley Trails that even though we have our "favorite spots," each session gives us the opportunity to find new places around the trails! Val and Josh were absolute champs as we guided them around the pond and told them that we were going to try some "new ideas" with them around the park! It's sessions like these that keep us excited about photography; it's not always about playing it safe and looking amazing, but it's also about pushing the limits and seeing what you can create with your couple!
Val and Josh, you two compliment each other so well, both in your personalities and the way that you two tackle life! From the first moment we met you, we could easily feel that you two are so well in sync and that you both have the same joys and the same goals in this life. We think about how you two are teachers and after meeting you in person, your students are so blessed to have you both loving them and caring for them as you raise up the next generation! We are already counting down the days to seeing you both again at your wedding!!! All our best!
J + A
