As a Michigan wedding photographer, I’m lucky to work at some of the most beautiful and historic locations in the state—but few compare to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair, the estate offers a magical blend of history, architecture, and lush natural scenery, making it an ideal backdrop for an engagement session. Katrina and Kory's early summer shoot was the perfect example of why I always recommend this spot to couples looking for timeless, romantic photos.


Their session took place on a sun-drenched day in June—one of those perfect Michigan afternoons where the light is soft, golden, and endlessly flattering. The grounds were in full bloom, and the lake breeze added just the right amount of movement to Katrina’s dress and Kory’s shirt, creating effortless, editorial moments. We began our session near the main house—an elegant Cotswold-style mansion that looks like it belongs in the English countryside. With its ivy-covered stone walls, arched doorways, and beautifully preserved windows, the architecture provided a classic and refined backdrop for our first set of portraits. Katrina wore a soft, flowy cream dress that caught the light beautifully, while Kory kept things timeless with a crisp button-down and dark slacks. Their outfits complemented the neutral tones of the estate perfectly. From there, we wandered through the gardens. One of the best things about shooting at the Ford House is the variety it offers—just a few steps from the mansion, you're suddenly surrounded by lush greenery, sculpted hedges, and stone pathways that seem designed specifically for dreamy engagement photos. Katrina and Kory were all smiles, and every candid laugh and shared glance came naturally. They have the kind of chemistry that makes a photographer’s job easy.


Katrina and Kory’s engagement session at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House was everything I love about summer photography in Michigan: natural beauty, authentic connection, and timeless style. Their love story shone through every image, and the historic charm of the estate only enhanced the magic. As they prepare for their wedding day, I know their photo gallery will always remind them of this warm, joy-filled afternoon by the lake.


If you're considering a location for your engagement photos, I can’t recommend the Ford House enough. Whether you're drawn to history, nature, or simply stunning light, it checks every box—and as Katrina and Kory proved, it’s the perfect place to celebrate love.

 

Close up of person's hand wearing a gold wedding ring against a navy blue polka dot shirt.
Couple walking together on a garden path surrounded by lush green foliage.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment under willow trees in a sunlit garden setting.
A couple walking together on green grass with trees in the background during a sunny day.
Couple embracing under willow tree during outdoor photoshoot.
A playful couple dances and twirls together on a stone patio surrounded by ivy-covered walls.
A joyful couple shares intimate moments while walking together in a garden setting.
A couple shares a joyful moment together on a grassy hill under willow trees in a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
Couple shares romantic moments on stone path surrounded by lush greenery and white flowering trees in springtime.
A couple takes a romantic stroll through a beautiful garden pathway surrounded by greenery.
A romantic couple shares playful moments under a weeping willow tree in a grassy park setting.
Happy couple poses together in casual attire against green garden background.
A couple walks hand in hand through a lush green park on a bright summer day wearing coordinated casual outfits.
A sweet moment between two people under weeping willow trees by a lake.
A couple shares intimate moments while walking along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple shares a romantic moment together on a sunny day outdoors near a stone wall and greenery.
A couple walks hand in hand through lush green gardens during their outdoor photo session.
Couple walking together along ivy-covered wall during summer photoshoot.
An intimate close-up moment between a couple wearing blue and black clothing outdoors.
A couple embraces in a romantic outdoor photo session wearing blue and white outfits against a natural background.
A romantic couple embraces while standing in a green park setting with trees in the background.
Couple holding hands while walking through a lush garden path with stone wall backdrop.
A couple shares loving moments under a weeping willow tree in a park setting.
Couple sharing joyful moment together under willow trees in outdoor setting.
A couple dances together on a stone patio next to a brick building on a summer day.
A couple shares intimate moments near a historic stone building during their engagement session.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a grassy hillside during a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
A couple poses in front of a historic stone chapel building in a park-like setting.
Two people enjoying a romantic moment on a stone path surrounded by greenery.
A romantic couple poses together near a stone building with ivy during an engagement photoshoot.
Romantic couple shares tender moments in a sunlit outdoor setting with white cherry blossoms in the background.
A couple interacts playfully on a stone bench in a landscaped garden with gravel paths.
A romantic couple embraces while sharing tender moments in a natural outdoor setting.
Couple poses on garden path in coordinated blue and white outfits near stone walls and greenery.
Black and white portrait of couple standing together on garden path under trees.
A romantic couple embraces in a lush green park setting wearing blue and navy coordinated outfits.
A couple walks and poses together on a gravel path surrounded by green foliage in a garden setting.
Couple takes romantic stroll on gravel path through park in black and white photography.