KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

Hi, I'm KARA.

Hi there! Welcome to the blog, a journal about our photography, love stories, seniors, education, and more. Stay a while and say hello!

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Engagements

Romantic Aquinas College Engagement Session in Grand Rapids, MI | Hannah & Cameron

There’s something incredibly peaceful about a quiet evening walk, especially when you’re in love. Hannah and Cameron’s engagement session was the perfect blend of timeless romance and city charm, beginning on the historic grounds of Aquinas College and ending in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

We started our session surrounded by the classic ivy-covered brick buildings of Aquinas College. The soft light filtered through the trees as Hannah and Cameron strolled hand-in-hand along the pathways. The campus, with its stone archways and quiet corners, felt like a secret garden tucked away in the city. The way these two looked at each other—full of comfort and quiet joy—made the ivy walls and old-world charm even more magical.

As the sun dipped lower, we headed downtown. Our second stop: the Civic Auditorium, with its grand architecture and elegant steps. From there, we wandered over to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The clean lines and modern facade contrasted beautifully with the earlier warmth of the college campus, giving their gallery of images a perfect balance of classic and contemporary.

And then came the perfect finale—the stunning Tower of McKay, their upcoming wedding venue. With its breathtaking views and timeless design, the building stood tall behind them as the sky turned soft with evening light. It was the perfect backdrop, not just for a photo, but for this beautiful next chapter in their story.

Throughout the evening, there was a gentle calm between Hannah and Cameron. No rush, no posing—just genuine connection. Their laughter was soft, their movements easy, and their love, unmistakable.

I can’t wait to return to the Tower of McKay to photograph their wedding day, knowing that this peaceful evening was just the beginning.

Thank you, Hannah and Cameron for letting me be part of this moment. I look forward to your wedding in September.

-Kara

(If you would love engagement photos at Aquinas College, click here for more info and click here to contact me. )

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I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

FREE DOWNLOAD

MY WEDDING GUIDE

Learn how to get the most out of your photography experience with this free resource

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