Engagement Photos Traverse City | West Bay and Power Island | Brady & Sarah's #BoatLife

I love it when couples truly incorporate their hobbies into their engagement sessions. I knew right away when I was reading their application that Brady & Sarah were going to be the ideal couple for us to work with. When they answered the questions "What have you seen in our work that you like and what are your photographic expectations?" they answered the way I always hope every couple answers:

"The candid moments, sunset lighting, water/beach. With there being so many photographers these days, I want photos that show how talented and creative our photographer is."

So basically, they had me at hello. As I continued reading their application it became apparent that one of Brady & Sarah's favorite ways to spend time together is boating. Boating wasn’t always a part of Sarah’s life, but when she met her future fiancé Brady he showed her the difference in owning a boat and living the boat life. Fast forward 2 and a half years and we’re taking engagement photos on their boat at Power Island in the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay.

Sarah's 9 year old son, Holdan, also came along for the boat ride/photo session - he even got to do some Petoskey Stone hunting in a pretty secret spot. We launched my boat, a 1997 Baja Islander (Clarissa - she explains it all) from Elmwood Marina where they stayed on their boat for the weekend and headed out to Power Island just in time for a beautiful northern Michigan sunset. When Holdan said he was hungry, we came to the rescue! Snacks are important, especially when you're boating. We always ask our couples what their favorites are, and they said their top three go-tos are Beef jerky, skittles, cheddar bugles, so Holdan was thrilled to know we wouldn't be starving on the island.