A Brooklyn, Michigan Engagement Session | Mary & Tanner
A Brooklyn, Michigan Engagement Session | Mary & Tanner
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session surrounded by nature, golden light, and a whole lot of genuine connection, Watkins Lake State Park & Preserve in Brooklyn, Michigan is a gem worth considering. This peaceful spot offers wide open meadows, quiet trails, and the perfect backdrop for couples who feel most at home outdoors. I recently had the joy of photographing Tanner and Mary’s engagement session here—and it was one of those evenings that just felt really right in all the ways.
Cozy home portraits with the pups
First, we met up at their home, to get some photos of them with their sweet pups. I got out of my car, and they came and greeted me with hugs! Even though we have “met” through a zoom call, it’s still so special officially meeting during the engagement session. And they have been so intentional with every interaction.
Their Session at Watkins Lake Preserve:
Next, we went to Watkins Lake preserve. Some sessions feel like a deep breath—and this was one of them. Tanner and Mary are the kind of people who put you at ease the moment you meet them. They’re humble, kind, and clearly happiest with the wind in their hair and grass beneath their feet. So Watkins Preserve, with its various landscapes and tucked-away charm, felt like the perfect place to celebrate their love.
Michigan weather
With all the rain Michigan has been handing us this year, we absolutely lucked out with perfect weather. And we felt so grateful! Warm sun, a little breeze, and that golden-hour light that makes everything glow. The kind of evening that feels like it’s giving you a wink, saying “yep—this was meant to be.”
Keeping things authentic
We kept things really relaxed and authentic to them—gentle posing, fun prompts & no overthinking. We laughed, chased the light, and wrapped it all up with a celebratory champagne pop that felt like the perfect exclamation point to the session.
Super 8 film photographer
I also captured a few quick Super 8 film clips—something new I’ve been offering during engagement sessions. It’s been so fun seeing how many couples are drawn to that nostalgic, dreamy vibe. Just a few seconds of grainy, heartfelt magic that feels like a time capsule.
One of the most intentional & authentic couples
I think what struck me most wasn’t just how cute they are together, but how present they were with one another. No rush, no fuss. Just two people in love, savoring every second of this sweet season of life.
Let’s Plan Your Own Nature-Forward Session:
Whether your love story unfolds in a quiet Michigan preserve, along the shores of the Great Lakes, or halfway across the world—I’m always up for the adventure. I travel all over Michigan (and beyond!) as a destination photographer to capture stories just like this: real, joyful, and deeply personal.
Ready to plan your own engagement session?
Let’s create something that feels like you—natural, meaningful, and maybe a little bit magical.
©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.
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session surrounded by nature, golden light, and a whole lot of genuine connection, Watkins Lake State Park & Preserve in Brooklyn, Michigan is a gem worth considering. This peaceful spot offers wide open meadows, quiet trails, and the perfect backdrop for couples who feel most at home outdoors. I recently had the joy of photographing Tanner and Mary’s engagement session here—and it was one of those evenings that just felt really right in all the ways.
Cozy home portraits with the pups
First, we met up at their home, to get some photos of them with their sweet pups. I got out of my car, and they came and greeted me with hugs! Even though we have “met” through a zoom call, it’s still so special officially meeting during the engagement session. And they have been so intentional with every interaction.
Their Session at Watkins Lake Preserve:
Next, we went to Watkins Lake preserve. Some sessions feel like a deep breath—and this was one of them. Tanner and Mary are the kind of people who put you at ease the moment you meet them. They’re humble, kind, and clearly happiest with the wind in their hair and grass beneath their feet. So Watkins Preserve, with its various landscapes and tucked-away charm, felt like the perfect place to celebrate their love.
Michigan weather
With all the rain Michigan has been handing us this year, we absolutely lucked out with perfect weather. And we felt so grateful! Warm sun, a little breeze, and that golden-hour light that makes everything glow. The kind of evening that feels like it’s giving you a wink, saying “yep—this was meant to be.”
Keeping things authentic
We kept things really relaxed and authentic to them—gentle posing, fun prompts & no overthinking. We laughed, chased the light, and wrapped it all up with a celebratory champagne pop that felt like the perfect exclamation point to the session.
Super 8 film photographer
I also captured a few quick Super 8 film clips—something new I’ve been offering during engagement sessions. It’s been so fun seeing how many couples are drawn to that nostalgic, dreamy vibe. Just a few seconds of grainy, heartfelt magic that feels like a time capsule.
One of the most intentional & authentic couples
I think what struck me most wasn’t just how cute they are together, but how present they were with one another. No rush, no fuss. Just two people in love, savoring every second of this sweet season of life.
Let’s Plan Your Own Nature-Forward Session:
Whether your love story unfolds in a quiet Michigan preserve, along the shores of the Great Lakes, or halfway across the world—I’m always up for the adventure. I travel all over Michigan (and beyond!) as a destination photographer to capture stories just like this: real, joyful, and deeply personal.
Ready to plan your own engagement session?
Let’s create something that feels like you—natural, meaningful, and maybe a little bit magical.
©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.
