Anna and Matt drove into Holland from Midland, and we met at Lemonjello’s to chat over some super fair-trade espresso milkshakes since we had only spoken via email before the session. We really enjoyed talking with them about jobs, life, mutual friends (like Emma!), and found out that they were both quite excited about the session after following the blog for a few months. We took that to mean that they would be up for anything, which, of course, they were! We started at Tunnel Park (which is both our favorite beach to photograph at and lay out and read at), and spent the rest of the evening laughing, getting rained on, and photographing a bit of their beautiful relationship.

Anna was really good at burying her face into Matt’s shoulder and chest, and while I can’t speak for Matt, I always feel like the luckiest man alive when Leandra does the same.

While our initial plans for a spring session were rained out, we had a beautiful, summery time at the beach which will surely be a wonderful contrast to the wintry photographs we’ll be taking at their December wedding in Midland.

Leandra was inspired by Anna’s dress, and found and bought a little black dress on Etsy to wear to weddings, complete with two pockets.

The sky turned golden-orange on our way from Holland to Grand Rapids, and we pulled over to take a few in the rain. Leandra’s favorite.

Leandra and I have a little stash of matching black umbrellas in our car for weddings and engagement sessions, and although we’ve been lucky with good weather, I’ve really been hoping to have a chance to use one. And use it we did. Love these two…

…and these two, once we got into the city.

Once the rain wound down a bit, both Matt and Leandra spotted this steam (good call, you two!) coming out of who-knows-where in Rosa Parks Circle… this is my view.

…and Leandra’s… with the GRAM in the background.

Needless to say, we’ll be looking forward to their wedding!

Kathy and Charlie’s wedding is up next!