From Glen Arbor to Sleeping Bear Dunes, An Engagement Session for Brad & Paige
March 3, 2026
There’s something about a Glen Arbor engagement session that feels like pure Michigan magic. And Brad and Paige’s day? It was one for the books.
I actually went to school with Paige, so getting to capture her engagement session (and later, her wedding) felt extra special. These two are genuinely some of the sweetest, most laid-back couples I’ve ever worked with. The kind of people who make you feel like you’ve been friends forever within five minutes of meeting them.
Starting with Mini Golf at River Club Glen Arbor
We kicked things off at River Club in Glen Arbor, Michigan, with a round of mini golf. I love incorporating activities into engagement sessions because it helps couples relax, have fun, and just be themselves.
Plus, I get to see them doing what they actually enjoy together instead of just standing and posing the whole time.
Brad and Paige were all smiles, laughing through every swing and celebrating the little wins. The River Club Glen Arbor photos turned out so playful and genuine—exactly the vibe I was hoping for. Natural light, easy movement, and that down-to-earth energy that makes Northern Michigan engagement sessions feel so refreshing.
This is exactly why I recommend activity-based engagement sessions to my couples. When you’re doing something you love, the camera kind of fades into the background. You’re not thinking about how to pose or where to put your hands.
You’re just laughing, connecting, and being present with each other (and those are the best moments).
Whether it’s mini golf at River Club Arbor Glen, getting a drink and playing pool at Kilkenny’s in Trave City, hiking to a mountain-top in Sedona, or wandering through a farmers market, these little moments create the kind of photos that actually feel like you.
A Mini-Session at Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes: Where They Had Their First Date
After the River Club, we headed to Pyramid Point in Sleeping Bear Dunes. This spot holds so much meaning for Brad and Paige—it’s where they had their first date.
So naturally, we had to go back and capture some magic there.
The wind was crazy that day. Like, hold-onto-your-bouquet kind of windy. But honestly? It made the photos even more epic and dreamy. Paige’s hair was flowing, their jackets were catching the breeze, and the whole scene felt cinematic in the best way.
Final Photo Destination: The Sunset at Empire Beach
We wrapped up the session at Empire Beach—one of my favorite engagement session locations at Sleeping Bear Dunes— just as the sun started to dip toward the horizon. The light was soft and golden, the kind that makes everything feel a little more romantic.
Empire Beach is one of those Sleeping Bear Dunes photography locations that never disappoints. Calm water, wide-open sky, and that perfect Northern Michigan charm.
It was the best way to end a day (and we weren’t very far from where we started at River Club Glen Arbor, too).
Sunset is one of the best times to get married at Sleeping Bear Dunes! It creates a warm glow that highlights your micro-wedding and creates moments you’ll remember forever—of course, the perfect time depends on you!
As a luxury Michigan photographer, Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of my favorite places to shoot!
Tips for Planning Your Glen Arbor or Sleeping Bear Dunes Engagement Session
Thinking about planning your own engagement session in the Glen Arbor or Sleeping Bear Dunes area? Here are a few things that can help make your session feel smooth, relaxed, and totally you:
#1. Incorporate an Activity You Enjoy, Together!
Whether it’s mini golf at River Club, getting ice cream in town, or taking a hike, starting with something fun helps you ease into your session and feel more like yourselves.
#2. Choose Engagement Session Locations with Meaning
Brad and Paige went back to Pyramid Point because that’s where they had their first date. That personal connection makes the photos (and the photo session) that much more meaningful. Think about spots that hold memories for you as a couple.
#3. Don’t Stress About the Weather
Windy days, cloudy skies, or even a little drizzle can create stunning, memorable photos. Trust your wedding and engagement photographer (like me!) to work with whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Ready to Plan Your Glen Arbor or Sleeping Bear Dunes Engagement Session?
Whether you’re dreaming of River Club Glen Arbor photos, windswept moments at Pyramid Point, or a sunset walk along Empire Beach, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes area hold such a special place in my heart, and I’m always honored to document couples in this beautiful corner of Michigan.
I also have a ton of helpful resources on the blog if you’re just starting to plan. Check out some of my favorite posts below!
Planning a Sleeping Bear Dunes Engagement Session? Here Are Some Helpful Links:
✨ A Micro Wedding in Northport Michigan at Norton’s
📍 Sleeping Bear Dunes Proposal at Empire Bluff Trail
🌅 Best Time to Get Married at Sleeping Bear Dunes
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