Bay View Michigan wedding proposal

Northern Michigan has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts. This is the case with this beautiful couple who have known Bay View as a Summer destination. This proposal was as beautiful, and fun, as they come. Surprise Engagement Photography Bay View Northern Michigan Petoskey

When I arrived at the planned location I noticed the homeowner out on the lawn doing yard work. I introduced myself and asked if she would allow me to “hide” on her property when the couple walks up. She is very nice and welcomes me with open arms. We swap funny stories for a while until I have to go to work. I look in her backyard and there are a bunch of people behind her bushes. She says, “they were just standing out in the open and I invited them to hide behind my bushes.” 🙂 Now we have the family hiding behind the bushes and me sitting on the front porch waiting for the couple to walk down from Bay View.

“Here they come!” I whisper to the family who immediately duck and shoosh everyone.

The couple walks up, doesn’t even notice me, and begins looking at the lake. It isn’t as beautiful as usual due to the incoming storms and Canadian fires causing smoke to hang around. The lake has it’s own mystic and personality to this day.

As they say, the rest is history, or at least told in my images.

Enjoy the images of the proposal, the realization that family is present, and a short photo session post session.

If you are looking for a professional photographer for your engagement call me, Paul Retherford Photography, 231-445-1793