Rom-Com Inspired Detroit Engagement Photos

Tea & Josh’s Detroit engagement photos were more than a photoshoot.  Their quirky & fun gallery mirrored their story and gave them the opportunity to be fully present for their time together. After meeting in a hip-hop dance class (yes, Step Up style), they’ve spent most of their relationship long-distance thanks to school and work. (Tea is a PA, Josh is pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering). Now they’re planning their wedding and beginning their forever together!  We spent the day exploring downtown Detroit in a way that had all the ‘90s Rom-Com vibes, which is as fun and genuine as the couple themselves.

Upcoming Wedding at The Jam Handy Detroit

We started this session unofficially at The Jam Handy, the couple’s future wedding venue. They’d scheduled their walkthrough right before our shoot, so I got to tag along to scope out the layout, the lighting, and start mentally planning shots for the big day. This set the tone for a truly collaborative relationship, which is always my goal. When it comes to my engagement and wedding clients, I like to remind them I’m more than a photographer. I have experience with timelines, vendor logistics, lighting tricks, and all the little things that make your day run smoother. That trust and transparency at the beginning of the session really set the stage for the rest.

Vesper Books & Wine Detroit Engagement Photos

From The Jam Handy, we headed to Vesper Books & Wine.  This local gem in Detroit was funky & fun with its pop-art aesthetic and cozy bookish vibes. There’s just something magical about flipping through book spines while sipping wine with your person. It gave total You’ve Got Mail energy in the best way. Tea & Josh’s chemistry is palpable, and it showed throughout the session. These two were laughing, flirting, sharing quiet moments between the shelves, and genuinely just being themselves. You can tell they enjoy being around each other, even in the mundane. Whether they were browsing books, feeding each other cookie bites, or sneaking a kiss behind a glass of wine, it all felt real—and the camera loved every second.

Downtown Detroit Engagement Photo Locations

After the bookstore, we headed out on the town, and let me just say—I love a bridge moment. The Ambassador Bridge gave major NYC Brooklyn Bridge energy, which was such a treat to shoot. And it was another spot I’d been dying to include in a session. Thankfully, Tea and Josh were all in.

We had blue skies, wispy clouds, and a total wardrobe shift—Josh swapped his sunny yellow shirt (which matched Vesper’s vibe perfectly) for a more classic jeans-and-neutrals look. It let their love take center stage without distractions. There were spins, laughs, slow strolls on the Detroit Riverwalk, and even some editorial-style poses against the skyline. These were some of my favorite shots from the entire gallery! And they wouldn’t have happened without that full-circle trust.

Detroit Engagement Photo Planning Tips

Planning Detroit engagement photos can come with a few challenges. For example, many indoor locations downtown have strict photography rules or pricey fees. In many cases, the fees for photography sessions can range from $250 to $500.  (Side note:  Vesper was super accommodating about photography, so it’s a great option!)  So, unless you’re comfortable shelling out for access, you might have to get a little creative. But that’s where trust comes in.

I send my couples a big list of location ideas, and I always encourage them to think beyond “what would make a cute background.” Instead, I ask them to think outside the box to tailor their session.  How do you spend time together? Where did you first meet? Is there a meaningful spot that’s part of your story? Your session should feel like you, not like a Pinterest template. Tea and Josh trusted me implicitly and gave me full creative control. Because of that, we created something magical.

Detroit Engagement Photographer

Hey, I’m Anika, a Detroit, MI engagement and wedding photographer. Your engagement session is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to celebrate a huge milestone in your love story.  Are you looking  for a photographer who shoots outside the box? You can check out my engagement packages, and contact me here.  Let’s make it personal. Let’s make it you. I can’t wait to create something unforgettable together!