The Empire Bluffs in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park are a hidden treasure. If you are in Michigan, please do yourself a favor and hike at least one portion of this park! The first time I had the honor was in 2016 to capture this surprise proposal!

To my friends who’ve been with me through every website transition, get excited to see this lovely story once more! To my new friends: yes, this was a surprise, and all planned by the groom.

A girls trip turned engagement! (Quick backstory: Sera and my sister have been friends for years – like bowl cuts and sparkly clips years! Their group was my first subjects and still are my loudest cheerleaders. So when I suggested we get dressed up to scout this location to photograph, it wasn’t weird.) As we journeyed to the trailhead Kerrigan chose, he printed 10 years worth of memories and placed them along the path for her to find. As soon as the trail spilled out to the lake view, he was waiting for her at the end of the boardwalk!

After the obvious “Yes”, the celebration continued! They spent the next few minutes calling family and friends, enjoying the scenery, and then experiencing delicious food (at Blu) which overlooks that infamous Lake Michigan sunset.

A year later they were married and welcomed a beautiful little boy in 2020! So get ready to see the moment that started it all. Scroll down to view the CUTEST surprise proposal of all time! // xo