Jim and Mae’s engagement session was the best of both worlds: classic city architecture in downtown Grand Rapids, then a slower, softer evening under the trees at Riverside Park. If you’re planning engagement photos in Grand Rapids and can’t decide between city and nature, this session shows how easy it is to do both.
Downtown Grand Rapids engagement photos
We started at the historic Civic Auditorium, now part of DeVos Place. The tall limestone columns, bronze doors and wide steps feel timeless, and the covered colonnade gives soft, even light even on a bright day. It’s a perfect backdrop for a suit and a white dress.
From there we wandered a few blocks to explore more of downtown. Clean stone walls, big windows and quiet plazas make for a modern, editorial look, and walking between spots keeps things relaxed. Most couples tell me they forget about the camera after the first few minutes.
Riverside Park engagement photos
For the second half, Jim and Mae changed into lighter summer outfits and we headed to Riverside Park. It’s about 250 acres along the Grand River just north of downtown, with weeping willows, big shade trees, open lawns and paths right along the water. It’s also one of my favorite spots for wedding party photos. I took Vianca and Gerald’s wedding party there for their Leona Road wedding.
Tips for your Grand Rapids engagement session
Plan two locations. A city spot and a park spot give you lots of variety in one session. Downtown and Riverside Park are only a few minutes apart, so you don’t lose much time driving.
Bring an outfit change. Something a little dressier for downtown and something light and comfortable for the park, like Jim and Mae did, makes your gallery feel like two sessions in one.
Save the park for golden hour. I like to start downtown while the buildings give us shade, then finish at the park as the sun gets low and warm.
Just be yourselves. I’ll guide you the whole time with simple prompts, so you can focus on each other instead of posing.
Book your engagement session
Engagement photos are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day, and you’ll love having them for save the dates and your guest book. Want to see more? Take a look at my portraits page, and when you’re ready, reach out here and we’ll plan your session together.
Now booking engagement sessions and weddings!
