Planning proposals is always such an honor, and I had so much fun helping plan Nick’s proposal to Olivia. 

We chatted on the phone a few times talking logistics and ideas before I sent him my Location Guide, and the second he saw North Bar Lake, he decided that was the place to ask Olivia to marry him.

The Day of the Proposal at Sleeping Bear Dunes

When the weather started to look iffy, Nick told me he planned to propose regardless – rain or shine. Right as they were out to dinner, a storm started rolling in. I was driving into a black sky and texted Nick a photo, but we decided it was still a go. 

I arrived an hour early and waited at the beach under a tiny umbrella as the rain poured and the beach cleared out. I was soaked by the time they arrived because Olivia wanted to wait it out in the car. She was puzzled why Nick and their friends wanted to go to the beach in the rain, but after a lot of convincing they headed my way.

A Magical Moment

After they took a few photos, Nick and Olivia walked closer to the water where he dropped to one knee and proposed. She was so surprised and soon after, the rain stopped, the sky cleared, and the most INCREDIBLE post-storm colors filled the sky. Pink clouds and even a rainbow, it was magical.

She even joked that there better be a pot of gold on the beach as they were walking to the beach and in that moment, there might as well have been.

We finished the evening with champagne with their friends and an engagement shoot under the beautiful sky. It was that kind of proposal that reminded me why Northern Michigan proposals are so special.

Thinking of Proposing in Northern Michigan?

If you’re considering a proposal at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, or Traverse City area, North Bar and the other Sleeping Bear beaches are some of my absolute favorites. 

I’ve photographed a ton of proposals and sessions in the area, so I’m a pro with locating scouting, timing for golden hour, and logistics. Reach out today and we’ll make your proposal magical and memorable!