If there’s a time of the year where I love sessions the most, it would be right now! Hannah & Quinn’s summer sunset Stony Creek Metropark engagement was beyond anything I could’ve hoped for for them! The colors, the tones, the outfit coordination to even their personalities, what could be better? The moment I heard from Hannah and she mentioned wearing boots I was instantly eager to meet her and photograph them! I am a huge lover of cowboy boots and it’s not often I have a chance to see them make a presence in sessions. So with that here are a few captures from our time together!

Camden & Julio had a gorgeous summer Detroit Institute of Arts engagement session in Detroit, Michigan. They are simply stunning. From their connection, their outfit selections, to the colors choices, it could not have gone any better.

During our time I had the opportunity to watch them connect an I have to say you guys, you can certainly feel their love in every capture.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

xoxoxo

Sarah

Guys, like, is this real life right now? When I rolled in for Danielle and David’s Downtown Rochester Michigan engagement session, my mind was blown – not only are they beautiful on the outside, but also on the in.

I always start off in the standard poses to get couples to feel comfortable in their skin, outfit and of course with ME! It’s not the most comfortable feeling being documented. Believe me, I know. However, I try to make it as painless as possible.

Moving on Danielle mentioned to me that they are big cigar smokers and in fact, that was their first date! So because of that they really wanted to end the session having a cigar because it was meaningful to them. I mean….WHAT? I was like HELL YES!! Every ounce of our time together felt like I had this long lost friend. I dig a bride with an awesome sense of humor and funny one liners, HA!

I knew this was the perfect blog to post now that I am finally seeing smiling faces again <3

xoxoxo

Sarah

Hair & makeup was done by Amber Frampton Instagram @allurebyamber_

Gina & Kevin’s Downtown Detroit engagement session was PERFECT! The moment I met them I instantly connected with them. Not to mention they looked incredible!! PERFECT outfit selections for their wintery city shoot.

We began at the Detroit Institute of Arts and as luck had it we managed to see a few flurries. From their stories, their laughter and their CONNECTION, it made the day warm. Gina must have been the happiest ever, she loves photos and even shared how much she loves photos. It showed!

Kevin has an office in Downtown Detroit where we headed to next and WOW. They have an actual terrace on their floor which is pretty high up. The views were EVERYTHING. I feel blessed to have been there to document their engagement with such a unique flair.

Take a peek into our afternoon!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Peyton & Ian’s Stony Creek Metropark winter engagement I am obsessed with!

Peyton reached out to me this month asking if they could possibly do an engagement session. The catch was they live in Chicago but were coming here to visit Ian’s family for one weekend. Of course I couldn’t say no and I love Stony Creek!

As it got closer a winter storm began to brew. Our session was scheduled for Saturday and this storm came in with a vengeance Friday-Saturday so luckily we managed to meet Sunday morning before they flew back to Chicago. I am SO GLAD WE DID!! We had fresh snow, it was actually snowing and we even had sun. It was absolutely picture perfect.

Here’s a peek into our time together…

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We are approaching the most FAVORITE season of the year for engagement shoots. It’s a great time to post a few things you may not think of or realize when we reschedule engagement shoots.

Fall is OUR FAVORITE time to shoot! And when we have great weather IT IS THE BEST! Because we live in Michigan, we can receive some pretty challenging conditions. It’s important to know we KNOW how much you want your shoot done, and how much time/effort go into planning. We know you need Save The Dates and REALLY want to get them in before the holidays. But, we want it to be PERFECT. Wedding days we can’t control but we CAN control your engagement shoot! It’s important for us to deliver a jaw dropping gorgeous gallery!

Trust us that it’s important when the day comes and the weathers not ideal that we reschedule. With 20+ mph winds, rain, below 30 temps, and pure yuck TRUST ME, it’s not good for anyone. Your hair is all over the place and even on your lips with the cute gloss you have on as you’re trying to pull the strands off.! Everyone has snotty noses (totally being serious here) and you’re downright uncomfortable. And, so are WE! It effects the outcome of your photos which we don’t want.

Wedding days we can’t control which is why winter weddings are generally documented indoors (unless we get an awesome day and we can sneak outside braving the chilly air for a few moments!)

Here are basics we use when rescheduling….

We use the weather channel to keep our eye on conditions. We will make the call 48 hours in advance. If we see anything with more then a 50% chance we’ll make the call. We do not wait until the day of or an hour before your shoot to make this call. This is to be respectful to everyone involved in making this happen (your makeup artist, hair stylist, us and even babysitters!)

We stop shooting portraits November 1st (unless it’s a winter themed one!). November is the beginning phase of winter coming. The temps dip, the colors become pretty dull and we are experiencing crazy winds because of the season changes. It’s important that if you are eager to have a fall engagement session to schedule that ASAP.

We schedule engagements Monday – Thursday evenings because of our weekend weddings!

We do not schedule to photograph inside for a whole shoot during bad weather. Photographing inside somewhere requires permission. Additionally we are natural light wedding photographers, because of that we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your engagement session!  We love using an indoor space for some of your session but it is not recommended for the entire session.

I considered posting major weather fail photos from engagements but I’ll leave it to your imagination!

I hope this is a helpful tool for couples planning their shoot!

 

xoxoxo,

The SKP Team

 

 

 

Guys, these two are THE most relaxed couple ever. Their Bloomfield Hills summer engagement is incredibly special because this is also where they’ll be getting married! I met Casey + Chris right in the front where I realized they were completely remodeling. It was actually really cool to witness because the general manager took us around showing us what they were updating and how far they have come. I could tell instantly this was the perfect place for Casey & Chris just because they felt so comfortable. The country club is gorgeous and to be honest unlike any other country club i’ve been to. It also has a calm and peaceful sense about it without the hustle and bustle of golfers or guests roaming about. From the ceremony location, to the balcony up stair it was truly a dream club. And they were totally in their element! They were relaxed and their personalities shined as I documented the chemistry between them!

I cannot wait for their wedding this fall as I know it will be absolutely beautiful!

-Sarah-

 

Okay guys, these two are THE cutest! Their Pinckney Recreation summer engagement filled me with all sorts of warm, happy feels! I met Mary and Dave at Pinckney Recreation Area, right near where they live. These two LOVE going there, and I can tell why. The park is not only beautiful, it also has a calm and peaceful sense about it. I love photographed Mary and Dave there. They were totally in their element! They were relaxed and their true personalities were displayed as I documented the chemistry between them!

They had a little picnic at the beginning of our session and Mary made homemade cookies! They looked delicious! After the yummy picnic, these two had a chill session on the hammock. And let me tell you, Mary looked too cute in her red dress! As I photographed, we talked and laughed. I learned so much about them!

These two loves are attending University of Michigan for med school. So not only are they adorable and charismatic, but they’re also smart! Usually opposites attract, but the similarities that they share bring them closer! I think it is so cool that through all the challenges of med school and life, these two are making it work!

Hopefully one of them is going to be a cardiologist, because they’re making my heart throb! Okay… completely cheesy, I know. But seriously, take a look at these sweethearts!

I cannot wait for their wedding at the Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor this September!

-Lindsey-

I instantly knew that I had a connection with Allison and Chris when I met them for their engagement shoot at the Meeting House in Downtown Rochester. I walk up to the bar to find this adorable couple enjoying drinks, chips, and guac! I knew right then, it was going to be an amazing photography session. These two have such a relaxed vibe and honestly had fun with their photographs!

We started at The Meeting House where these two enjoyed each others company. I learned during this very short time that even though Allison and Chris haven’t been together for years, their love is secure and strong! Afterwards, we headed out to walk around Downtown Rochester. Allison looked stunning in her yellow sundress and Chris looked super dapper in his business casual attire. As we walked, they talked, laughed, and I documented the sweet moments shared between them.

Allison and Chris, like most couples, expressed their nervousness with photographs. Many couples feel uncomfortable behind the camera. But as soon as these two embraced, their fears went away. The only thing that mattered was that they were wrapped up in each other arms. And it’s those authentic, heartfelt moments that I live to capture.

I cannot express my excitement enough to photograph these two this fall! It’s going to be autumn bliss. But until then, take a look at these love birds!

– Nicole –

 

It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful Friday when I met Sarah and Tom in Downtown Birmingham for their engagement session. Downtown Birmingham is bustling with character and is one of my favorite spots to capture the love between two beautiful souls!

Sarah and Tom were a delight to document! They were authentic, loving, and outgoing. Oh and did I mention, SUPER nice! Their personalities truly are reflected inside the camera. I love when couples are REAL! It creates a more authentic depiction of their relationship and who they are!

They both met in Virginia and that is where they currently live. Their family is back home in Michigan. Sarah’s Dad was even apart of the photo shoot with his dusty blue vintage convertible. It created the perfect backdrop for these two!

I am so looking forward to their wedding this November. I cannot wait to capture all their spectacular moments.

As I daydream, enjoy their beautiful Birmingham photographs!

xoxo,

Sarah