Joelle & Michael


Getting to travel all through Michigan has got to be one of my favorite parts about my job. Not only because I love the state, but I always feel like I am discovering new and fun places to explore. For Joelle and Michael's session, they chose to have their engagement photos in Detroit, Michigan. Not only do they hang out a lot in Detroit but they are also getting married there as well, so it only seemed fitting to have their engagement photos done there as well! Prior to their session, Joelle sent over some inspo pics that she was wanting for her session. Now while I do take into account the photos and inspiration my couples send me, I always preface by saying I will try and get the same "vibes" as the photos but I will never copy them exactly. This still gives me creative freedom to shoot in my style, but am able to understand better the vision that my couples are wanting.


So I always encourage whenever you're working with a photographer to give them some form of inspiration for your photos, but never expect to have them done exactly as you see in the photos you save on Pinterest! It gives you realistic expectations for what you're going to get and gives your photographer their creativity still.


downtown city golden hour engagement


Our first stop was at Hammer & Nail, a bar located here in Detroit, Michigan. When we arrived, it was pretty much empty which was absolutely perfect for us. Less people = less distractions which are always better especially when shooting in a public place like a bar. Compliments to the bar for giving us complimentary glasses of champagne for us to use as props throughout their session, which of course we were incredibly thankful for.


rooftop parking garages & soft-serve ice cream


Shortly after, we drove over to the infamous Z Parking Garage and decided to walk throughout Downtown Detroit and get some of those city vibes, ya know? On this little journey of ours throughout Downtown Detroit, we made a pit stop at Huddle Soft Serve for some ice cream! A very discrete ice cream shop but one that has very VERY good soft serve, so I would definitely recommend. We wandered throughout the streets of Detroit soaking up the hustle and bustle of the city since it was a busy Friday night on the day of their engagement session. Nonetheless, we made it work and even got to embrace all of the amazing smelling food omitting from the restaurants that were flooded with people.


It wasn't long until the sun began to set and we decided to head back to the Z Parking Garage for Joelle and Michael's golden hour moment. Joelle actually decided to do an outfit change into this gorgeous olive green dress which fit her so perfectly and paired amazingly well with Michael's neutral outfit. Take this as your sign that both partners don't need to change in order for the entire look of your photoshoot to change. Sometimes it takes the power of just one person changing an outfit to change the entire vibe and aesthetic, so don't feel pressured if you feel like both of you need to change because trust me when I say you don't!


That golden hour light that hit us so perfectly on the rooftop parking garage was just perfect. It made Joelle and Michael look super sun-kissed and if I'm being honest, they looked like absolute MODELS. Like hello Calvin Klein called, they want their models back! These two were absolute masters when it came to posing in front of the camera, especially the traditional smolder look. When we ended their session, the sun was hiding beneath the horizon and boy oh boy am I completely in AWE with how amazing these two looked. What do you think?


If you’re loving this Downtown City Golden Hour Engagement , then maybe you should check out this blog here!


Photos By Gayle does more than just take photos of people. Rather, it is capturing moments of LOVE and HAPPINESS. Singing to the skies, dancing in a field, smiles that hurt because they’re so big. There is nothing else I would rather be doing than photographing these unique details that make you and your significant other a couple. If these photos from Joelle & Michael's session puts a spark in you, you know where to click <——— right there!