Aaron & Marlena's Downtown Detroit Engagement Session
Earlier this month, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Aaron and Marlena’s engagement session during their weekend trip to Detroit from Cincinnati. They were in town visiting family for Mother’s Day and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of Detroit’s most charming spots for their photos—and I’m so glad they did!
Aaron and Marlena had their hearts set on something that felt authentic to the city. After chatting about a few possibilities, we landed on starting downtown in either The Belt or Parker’s Alley—two of Detroit’s most unique and artsy alleyways that bring so much character to a shoot. From the colorful murals to the brick-lined charm, it was the perfect way to kick things off.
After wandering through the city, we made our way over to Belle Isle just in time for golden hour. The sunset glow at the James Scott Memorial Fountain never disappoints, and this night was no exception. The soft light, the sound of the water, and the joy between these two created such a dreamy, romantic atmosphere—it was hard to stop shooting!
What made this session especially fun was the trust Aaron and Marlena gave me in terms of creative direction. They were totally up for trying new things and exploring new spots, which always leads to the best kind of magic. More than anything, though, it was their connection that stood out the most. You can feel how much they love each other—and how deeply they care for the people in their lives.
We’re already counting down the days until their wedding in May of 2026, and we know it’s going to be filled with just as much love, laughter, and genuine connection as their engagement session was. Aaron and Marlena, thank you for letting me be a part of your story. I can’t wait for what’s next!
