Isabel and Keith’s sailboat engagement session on Lake Michigan off the coast of Saugatuck, Michigan was a dream. There are moments as a photographer when everything comes together perfectly- when the light, the love, and the location come together in a way that feels almost magical. Isabel and Keith’s sailboat engagement session was exactly that kind of day.
We met early in September, when the summer heat had mellowed into something softer. The kind of weather that makes you want to spend every possible moment on the water. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. Clear blue skies, gentle waves, and that gorgeous golden hour light.
With all of my engagement sessions, I love to send my couples sneak peek images before their full gallery is delivered. When I had the privilege of delivering theirs, Isabel sent me the sweetest message that made me so happy.
“OMG Kaitlyn!! I saw the little sneak peek of the pictures! Are you kidding me, those are unreal! I was in tears at what a beautiful job you did!”
Fashion on the Water
Isabel gave a nautical elegance vibe in each one of her looks. First, she wore a crochet mini dress with pearls and a longer dress with starfish details. The dresses were casual enough for a sailboat but elevated with those beautiful crochet details. She then switched into a sculptural cream strapless dress with a scarf. Keith complemented her perfectly in his classic button-down shirts and beige pants, barefoot and relaxed. They looked like they’d stepped out of a coastal living magazine, in the most authentic, effortless way.
Why Sailboat Engagement Sessions are Magical
There’s something incredibly romantic about sailboat engagement sessions, especially on Lake Michigan. The water creates this constantly shifting backdrop – sometimes deep navy, sometimes sparkling turquoise. The white sails billow overhead, creating natural frames and gorgeous shadows. And the intimacy of being on a boat together? It’s unlike any other session. You can’t help but be close, can’t help but hold onto each other as the boat gently rocks.
Lake Michigan Sailboat Engagement Session
The Great Lakes offer something truly special for engagement photography. Lake Michigan, in particular, has this incredible versatility. You have the shoreline, green and lush. You have wide-open water photos where it felt like you’re out on the ocean. You also have the marina at dusk, all those masts creating vertical lines against the soft sky.
If you’re considering a sailboat engagement session (and especially if you’re in the Midwest), I cannot recommend Lake Michigan enough. September is a perfect month for a sailboat engagement session. The weather is still warm, the crowds have thinned out, and that golden sunset hour? Absolutely dreamy.
Isabel and Keith, thank you for trusting me with your love story. I wish you many, many years of happiness, love, and adventure together.
Are you interest in having a sailboat engagement session on Lake Michigan? Contact me and let’s chat about your vision!
While you’re here, here are additional journal entries you might be interested in:
