Storytelling Engagement Photos Michigan

When it comes to engagement sessions, I’m all about creating something that feels personal, not Pinterest-perfect. Jenn and Cole’s Grand Rapids engagement photos were the perfect example of what I call a storytelling session—where every location, activity, and moment shared is meaningful to you. Instead of sticking to one photo spot, we spent the day exploring some of their favorite places in Grand Rapids!

Storytelling Engagement Photography Grand Rapids MI

Jenn and Cole are future wedding clients of mine, so their engagement session was step 1. I offer engagement sessions with my wedding packages so we can get to know each other and get comfy together before the big day. They were so cool, fun, and full of unique ideas for their photos! I am all here for personalizing photos for multiple reasons.  Why opt for cookie cutter when you could have a session that feels uniquely you (and doesn’t really feel like a photoshoot at all)?

Jenn and Cole opted for a storytelling session that included going to their favorite coffee shop, doing some photos at their home, and hitting up their favorite businesses. I immediately got to work looking up the addresses on Google Maps so that I could piece together a timeline of our day to show them. I’m here to do more than snap photos– consider me your right hand woman for planning and executing the session of your dreams. 

Planning Engagement Photos with a West Michigan Photographer

My Michigan engagement sessions include unlimited locations, outfits, & time, which means there’s a ton of room for creativity with the details. In the beginning, my clients usually have tons of ideas for locations & activities, but don’t know what is actually doable.  It can feel overwhelming and stressful, but when you’re an Anika B client, you’re not in it alone!  It’s my job to figure out what’s realistic, logical timelines, etc! Leave the freak outs at home because I’m here to take it over and make it simple. 

Unique Ideas for Engagement Photos Grand Rapids MI

I’m happy to make recommendations for locations when couples ask, but I love it when they bring fresh ideas to the table. My favorite part about doing a date night session is discovering new places I’ve never shot. I sometimes hear, “This might be weird or boring, but we like going to _____” and I’ll be so obsessed because it’s an idea I’ve never thought of that are personal to them. No matter how weird you think it may be, suggest it!

Jenn and Cole had several local businesses in mind for their storytelling session. (On that note, you’d be surprised how many businesses are cool with allowing us to shoot. It never hurts to ask, so suggest away!) For their session specifically, Lost & Found was my favorite stop of the day! It’s an antique shop stuffed with the coolest furniture! Totally up my quirky alley and I wouldn’t have thought of it without my clients! 

Jenn + Cole’s Michigan Engagement

As I said before, done properly, a photoshoot doesn’t have to feel like a session at all. Why does this matter? When you’re doing something that feels organic to you, you’re not as focused on the camera. This creates more natural & relaxed photos. Jenn & Cole’s session felt more like a day date than a photoshoot.

We started with coffee at their favorite shop Lyon Street Cafe, before heading back for some in-home photos. A quick trip to Lookout Park to take in the views in the sunshine led to browsing at Lost & Found (my favorite stop of the day). The antique furniture, stacks of vinyls, and cool finds made for such a fun afternoon! (It also created some of my favorite shots from the day.) They wrapped up the day with treats from One Stop Coney. Next, we’ll start planning for their wedding & after seeing their vibe for their engagement photos, I couldn’t be more excited!

West Michigan Wedding Photographers

If you’re searching for fun, relaxed Grand Rapids engagement or wedding photos that reflect your real-life love story, let’s create something together. Hey, I’m Anika, an engagement and wedding photographer in West Michigan, but I go way beyond taking photos.  I’ll help you plan every detail—from location ideas to timing—so your session feels effortless and fun. Check out my engagement packages and contact me here to start planning your own storytelling session in West Michigan.