A Traverse City Winter Engagement Session: Nick & Sarah
A Traverse City Winter Engagement Session: Nick & Sarah
Photographing Nick and Sarah’s Traverse City engagement session in the middle of a Michigan winter was quiet, relaxed, and honestly kind of perfect. We started at the old State Hospital grounds —always a favorite of mine.
The light snow added a soft layer over the historic buildings, and the whole place had that calm winter stillness that’s hard to describe, but soo good for photos.
After that, we made a spontaneous detour downtown for a handful of portraits at the City Library. (Right next to Hannah Park) Sarah is a lover of history & architecture. So I figured this location would be perfect for them, and it absolutely was.
We ended the session at Kilkenny’s—a local gem. Kilkenny’s in Traverse City is one of those bars that feels like a warm hug after being outside in the cold too long..Dim lighting, cozy booths, and the kind of pub energy where you can grab a Guinness or a local cider and not feel rushed to leave.
It’s got just the right amount of character—like if your favorite dive bar grew up, got a wood-paneled facelift, and decided to sprinkle in a little Irish charm. Basically: the perfect place to thaw out your fingers and capture a few relaxed, real-life moments.
Nick & Sarah grabbed a drink before playing a game of pool. I always try and incorporate at least one activity into my engagement sessions, and Sarah & Nick chose pool because it’s something they share a love for. The most candid images of the day came from that part. I’m always a fan of wrapping up sessions in a spot that feels familiar to my couples.
Sarah’s parents even popped in towards the end of the session. I loved getting to meet them before the big day. That was special.
BUT, we simply can not forget the epic wall that Kilkenny’s put together, where we got some of my favorite photos of the evening. These photos feel like some epic cover to an old timey record.
Thinking about your own winter engagement session?
I’ve got a few helpful reads if you’re starting to plan:
- 👉 Top 6 Engagement Session Locations at Sleeping Bear Dunes — even in winter, these spots have some serious magic
- 👉 How to Plan a Proposal: 8 Steps — perfect if you’re still in the early stages
- 👉 When to book wedding vendors — a guide of when to hire all your wedding vendors
A few winter engagement session tips:
- Dress in layers. It helps with warmth and styling. Don’t be afraid to switch out coats or add accessories like scarves, hats, or boots.
- Pick locations that are close together. This keeps the session moving and avoids long drives in the cold.
- End with something warm. Whether it’s drinks at your favorite bar (like Kilkenny’s) or grabbing coffee, it’s a great way to relax and finish the session with some low-key photos.
- Lean into the season. Winter light is soft and flattering, and the muted color palette makes everything feel a little more timeless.
Nick and Sarah—thanks for braving the chill with me. Your wedding day was equally incredible. I can’t wait to share a blog on your special day, as well – which was so easygoing, intentional, and full of love & a little rain hehe.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Photographing Nick and Sarah’s Traverse City engagement session in the middle of a Michigan winter was quiet, relaxed, and honestly kind of perfect. We started at the old State Hospital grounds —always a favorite of mine.
The light snow added a soft layer over the historic buildings, and the whole place had that calm winter stillness that’s hard to describe, but soo good for photos.
After that, we made a spontaneous detour downtown for a handful of portraits at the City Library. (Right next to Hannah Park) Sarah is a lover of history & architecture. So I figured this location would be perfect for them, and it absolutely was.
We ended the session at Kilkenny’s—a local gem. Kilkenny’s in Traverse City is one of those bars that feels like a warm hug after being outside in the cold too long..Dim lighting, cozy booths, and the kind of pub energy where you can grab a Guinness or a local cider and not feel rushed to leave.
It’s got just the right amount of character—like if your favorite dive bar grew up, got a wood-paneled facelift, and decided to sprinkle in a little Irish charm. Basically: the perfect place to thaw out your fingers and capture a few relaxed, real-life moments.
Nick & Sarah grabbed a drink before playing a game of pool. I always try and incorporate at least one activity into my engagement sessions, and Sarah & Nick chose pool because it’s something they share a love for. The most candid images of the day came from that part. I’m always a fan of wrapping up sessions in a spot that feels familiar to my couples.
Sarah’s parents even popped in towards the end of the session. I loved getting to meet them before the big day. That was special.
BUT, we simply can not forget the epic wall that Kilkenny’s put together, where we got some of my favorite photos of the evening. These photos feel like some epic cover to an old timey record.
Thinking about your own winter engagement session?
I’ve got a few helpful reads if you’re starting to plan:
- 👉 Top 6 Engagement Session Locations at Sleeping Bear Dunes — even in winter, these spots have some serious magic
- 👉 How to Plan a Proposal: 8 Steps — perfect if you’re still in the early stages
- 👉 When to book wedding vendors — a guide of when to hire all your wedding vendors
A few winter engagement session tips:
- Dress in layers. It helps with warmth and styling. Don’t be afraid to switch out coats or add accessories like scarves, hats, or boots.
- Pick locations that are close together. This keeps the session moving and avoids long drives in the cold.
- End with something warm. Whether it’s drinks at your favorite bar (like Kilkenny’s) or grabbing coffee, it’s a great way to relax and finish the session with some low-key photos.
- Lean into the season. Winter light is soft and flattering, and the muted color palette makes everything feel a little more timeless.
Nick and Sarah—thanks for braving the chill with me. Your wedding day was equally incredible. I can’t wait to share a blog on your special day, as well – which was so easygoing, intentional, and full of love & a little rain hehe.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
