Susie + Andre's Engagement Photoshoot at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor
Congratulations Susie and Andre!!
♡ Wherever you go, I’ll be right there beside you. 💍
How did you two meet?! “OkCupid. We exchanged long, thoughtful messages for a week and knew a lot about each other before our first date, which was 10 1/2 hours long. It was an instant connection. After an initial attempt to slow down this train, we made an active choice to jump in with both feet. Our wedding day will be the three year anniversary of that first date. We have five kids between us, including a 21 month old. When you know, you know!
Why did you decide on this location for your engagement photoshoot?
”Susie's favorite color is red, and Andre's is pink, so those are the colors we chose for our wedding. The peony garden at the Arb is full of gorgeous flowers in many shades of pink and red. It was perfect.”
How did the proposal go?
”Andre asked me to marry him every single day for two months. One night, after my last client, I opened the door to see my name written in wooden letters on the floor, with instructions to go downstairs, which was adorned with candles, flowers, and more messages of love. "Geronimo" by The Beach was playing on a speaker in the kitchen. Following more flowers outside, I saw Andre holding Rowan under my favorite tree in our front yard. He actually managed to get down on one knee while holding the baby.
And I said, "Yes" for the sixieth time.
"I was living in the dark
Couldn't feel my heartbeat
I was living in the dark
Til the light you gave me
I was looking down
And she said my luck has changed
What are you waiting for?
She looks in my eyes
Felt like the first time
I saw a sunrise
Said what are you waiting for?
She let the fire burn
As the world turns
She said don't let go
I said Geronimo
She's in my bones"
That day would have been my mom's 76th birthday. Andre told her that he was planning to ask me to marry him in her final days, when she wasn't talking very much but could still respond nonverbally to what we were saying. He said that she gasped and held her hand to her heart. I'm so glad that she knew. I'm so glad that she saw our happiness.'‘
Do you have any tips or advice for other couples about to have engagement photos taken?
”Have fun, and try not to stress. We spent two hours giggling, cuddling, and kissing while romping around the forest. Alyssia did a beautiful job capturing the spirit of who we are together because we were having so much fun.”
What was your favorite part of the engagement session?
”Andre: Having the opportunity to just focus on my adoration for Susie and spend time enjoying her company and remembering why I fell in love.”
Alyssia is 3rd generation, Mid-Michigan based Portrait Artist.
She photographs fantasy photography, boudoir, pets, families, seniors, weddings, headshots, and more!
Her studio is in Williamston, Michigan.