As an Elk Rapids proposal photographer, I get a front-row seat to some of the most emotional moments in a couple’s story. Proposals are equal parts nerves, excitement, and pure joy. Jake and Brigitte’s proposal on the shores of Elk Rapids is one I’ll never forget.

From the very beginning, this moment felt intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal.

Why Elk Rapids Was the Perfect Place

Elk Rapids wasn’t just a beautiful location for Jake and Brigitte. It was the place where their story truly began back in 2020. As Hope College grads, they spent countless days traveling up north together and slowly fell in love with Northern Michigan. The lakes, the small towns, and the slower pace became part of their relationship.

So when Jake started planning his proposal, Elk Rapids Beach felt like the only choice. It wasn’t a backdrop. It was home to their memories and the start of their forever.

Planning a Thoughtful Northern Michigan Proposal

From our first phone call, I could tell Jake had put so much thought into every detail. That’s one of the reasons I love proposal photography. It’s never just about the question. It’s about preserving the emotion, the planning, and the story behind it all.

A few days before the proposal, Brigitte’s sister Jillian reached out. She works at Chateau Chantal Winery in Traverse City and had custom wine bottles and glasses made just for them. I picked everything up ahead of time and brought it to the beach, knowing it would add such a meaningful touch.

When Brigitte opened the gift, the happy tears started immediately. Jake cried. Brigitte cried. It was one of those moments that feels unreal in the best way.

The Proposal on Elk Rapids Beach

On the day of the proposal, I arrived early to Elk Rapids Beach, nerves buzzing in that familiar, excited way proposals always bring. I watched Jake and Brigitte walk along the boardwalk and down the shoreline together, completely unaware of what was about to happen.

At the far end of the beach, with Lake Michigan behind them and golden light spilling across the sand, Jake dropped to one knee.

Brigitte’s reaction was everything. She dropped to her knees too, laughed through tears, hugged Jake, kissed him, and stared at her ring in disbelief. After a few moments, she noticed me capturing it all and immediately started jumping up and down when she realized Jake had hired a photographer. That reaction alone is why I love being a Traverse City and Northern Michigan proposal photographer.

Celebrating and Portraits After the Yes

After the proposal, we popped the custom wine and celebrated before moving into portraits along the shoreline. Jake and Brigitte were so natural together. Every laugh, glance, and hug felt effortless and honest.

One of my favorite moments came when I pulled out my film camera. Brigitte lit up and told me film was her love language, which felt like the perfect match. Along with digital images, we captured film photos and Polaroids they could take home that same night. Those instant keepsakes are such a special way to remember the beginning of forever.

Why I Love Being an Elk Rapids Proposal Photographer

There’s something truly special about proposals in Northern Michigan. Whether it’s an Elk Rapids beach, a Traverse City vineyard, Bay Harbor overlooking Lake Michigan, or a quiet stretch of Grand Traverse Bay, each location brings its own magic.

For Jake and Brigitte, Elk Rapids wasn’t just where he proposed. It was a reflection of their relationship and everything they’ve built together. Moments like this are exactly why I love what I do.

If you’re planning a proposal in Elk Rapids or anywhere in Northern Michigan, I would be honored to capture your story in a way that feels natural, emotional, and timeless.

Documenting Their Proposal on Film

There was something about Jake and Brigitte’s proposal that felt especially right to capture on film. Film has a way of holding onto moments exactly as they are—perfectly imperfect, honest, and deeply real. The soft grain, the quiet in-between moments, and the way it captures emotion without trying too hard felt like the perfect match for the beginning of their story.

Adding film alongside digital images gave Jake and Brigitte a timeless way to remember this season. These frames feel just as meaningful as the moment itself—raw, emotional, and full of heart—and I love that they get to have this part of their story preserved in such a tangible, nostalgic way.

And if you’d like to see a Northern Michigan wedding day, you can check out Delaney & AJ’s Bayview wedding at Gallagher Farms here.

If you’re planning a proposal in Elk Rapids or Northern Michigan, I’d love to document it for you. You can reach out to me here.