Melissa and Jerry’s story together is very much tied to the University of Michigan. Nearly every important moment in their relationship is tied to some location on or near campus. We so enjoyed spending that Sunday evening with them, walking around campus (literally!) and hearing about all their little histories at each stop we made. Even though they won’t be living in Ann Arbor until their wedding, we’re looking forward to making the trip back to this beautiful city and campus for their wedding next summer!

My view on the left, Leandra’s on the right.

If you’ve never been to the Law Quad at U of M, it feels like you’re walking into Hogwarts. I know that’s probably said a lot, but it’s true!  It’s a beautiful place to photograph. The library inside the quad is the quietest spot on campus, but is quite beautiful in it’s own moody way. So much so, that when I was a freshman at U of M, I decided that my pinhole camera project needed to be taken inside the library. I got some weird looks, sitting there with my little box for 30 minutes while the photographic paper exposed inside, but it was worth it (even though I can’t find the prints anywhere!).

Leandra’s on the left, mine on the right!

Let it be said that Melissa’s flower is maize, not yellow!

I love this one. I think it really captures the tender romance the two of them have. Full of care, with the other always on their mind.

So, according to U of M legend, the one you kiss under this arch is the one you’ll marry. I don’t think they needed an old stone arch to tell them they were meant for each other, but they kissed underneath it anyways.

During our last session, I mentioned we had just enough rain for a bit of added romance. Well, this time around, the heavens opened up halfway through and forced us inside… to Bubble Island, one of Melissa and Jerry’s favorite spots!

The last two, just before it got dark, outside of the dorm Melissa lived in when they first met.

Thank you, Melissa and Jerry, for sharing your evening with us (and for the bubble tea)!

Tanya knows how to make us feel special. We were sitting on our big blanket, having a picnic (yes, really) at Tunnel Park a few weeks ago, when she called to tell us that she was recently engaged, and although they’re not getting married until the last half of next year and she didn’t have anything else picked out just yet, she knew she wanted engagement pictures–with us–pronto! And that, in case you were wondering, made our afternoon!

So, after one rain-out, we met on a Saturday afternoon with just enough sun for our time at the park and a bit of rain downtown for that extra dash of romance, and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Tanya and Ryan. Our favorites:

Love these two… so springy!

This one has to be my favorite.

We can’t take credit for this next one, truly. We were in between pictures when Ryan struck this pose, and we immediately knew it was gold. So classic.

If you’re ever wondering what good engagement session wear is, you really can’t beat the Little Black Dress (for ladies, obviously).

Tanya’s only request (besides “springy” and “romantic”) was the picture of the left, but we loved their corresponding top halves, too.

Melissa and Jerry’s engagement session is up next (really, really soon!)

Leandra and I have this thing we do.

It’s something small.

From across a crowded room, or once one of us steps out of the car. Or against the others’ leg or clasped hand during a long car ride or under the table at dinner. Written in the corners of notes or books or scrawled across the IKEA chalkboard hanging in our kitchen.

3, 2, 1. We’ll show the numbers on our fingers, or write them out, or “tap-tap-tap, tap-tap, tap” it out to each other, like a simple Morse Code. It signifies the love we share, and it gives us a way to show it when words won’t work.

That’s what it means to us, but I’m not telling what it actually means. Not ever.

And even though “3, 2, 1” has already been spoken for, I highly recommend at least one secret code to share with your lover.

We spent Sunday afternoon in Ann Arbor with Melissa and Jerry, talking about everything from bubble tea to Melissa’s graduation the day before, exploring campus, and–of course–photographing their sweet romance.

We’ll be posting more favorites soon!