Tag Archives: Engagement session

A Proposal Story: Soulmates in Salem

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

With the changing of the fall leaves and the cool air turning summer into autumn, I thought I would share a big change in two people’s lives that I recently got to be a part of.

Proposals might have to be one of my favorite types of portrait sessions, because they are so exciting! Not only do I get to document two people making a lifelong commitment to each other, but I get to be a part of the surprise.

Salem is known for it’s beautiful historic wonders and picturesque scenes, which attracts many young couples to celebrate the beginning of their love story.

I was delighted when a young man from Chicago came to us to document his commitment to the love of his life.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Bryce and Ann have known each other since they were 10 years old. As they grew older they grew closer, and finally together as a couple. Bryce loves history, and Ann loves all things Halloween, which made Salem a perfect destination for their story to begin.

“We met when we were about ten in grade school we always had a few months at a time sporadically throughout growing up of being close, and then eventually after graduation we really hit it off! Bryce and I realized we’d love Salem because he has a love for history and I absolutely love Halloween. We took a trip to Salem last year and fell completely in love, and since then we’ve decided it’s definitely our place!”

Bryce planned the the location and chose the Ropes Mansion Garden as the perfect backdrop for their special day. It was an excellent choice; the flowers looked amazing even as summer was coming to a close.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Mike loves proposals. He always has a great time working with the groom-to-be on how to surprise his love in the most special way. Mike and Bryce schemed out a plan for months… We bought a rose and planted it where we wanted him to get down on one knee for the perfect shot.

The plan worked out great and Ann’s reaction was priceless. She had no idea she was about to get the best surprise of her life.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.  Man gives new fiance her ring.
Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

And of course, she said yes.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

We continued on to have a wonderful session in the garden, and then something special happened. Two Monarch butterflies fluttered around the couple and Ann remarked, “That’s my grandmother.” She said that monarchs have always been a symbol of her spirit, when she can feel her presence. It was so sweet to know that Ann felt a connection to her departed loved one on her happiest day yet.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

It brings me so much joy to witness these moments, ones we will never forget, and to freeze them in portraiture- the emotions, the excitement, and the overflowing love.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

After the garden we took a stroll to The Roof Salem for their engagement session finale.

In the end, it was the perfect time in the perfect place for their perfect day, and the results were absolutely beautiful. Bryce’s choice of location allowed us to capture both of their personalities, interests, and their love for each other all at once.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

If you love the Salem area and are ready to ask your soulmate the final question,  I would highly recommend checking out any of the places mentioned above or in previous blogs for your picture perfect day.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Are you ready to say I Do?

Call us any time to start planning your perfect proposal

Oceanside Engagement Session, Winter Island Park Salem Ma.

Meet Liz and Mike

I\’ve taken many types of photographs over the years. But one of my favorites marks an engagement. An engagement session provides a focal point and a keepsake for a save-the-date card, sent to guests ahead of time. It\’s featured in a couple\’s wedding website, where everyone keeps in touch as the ceremony approaches. And it accompanies a formal engagement announcement in a magazine or newspaper.

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Liz and Mike decided to have their outdoor engagement pictures taken at Winter Island Park, overlooking the harbor in Salem, Massachusetts. On a late October afternoon, the light was golden, the autumn leaves red, orange and yellow, and the sea blue.

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Just perfect complementary colors for a variety of settings. I incorporated textures and shapes in the composition: their sweaters, the foliage, rock outcroppings, and the coastline. Liz and Mike faced each other on a path.

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I used both black and white and color settings and a special backlighting that created a thin halo around their figures. Their faces glowed with love. Its symbolic of the new journey they are on together.

Next, they sat down on a boulder. Then I saw two ships sailing into the background one. One of the ships was the famous Schooner FAME of Salem.

Perfect timing!
Perfect timing!

I waited until they had moved closer so both could be seen over Liz and Mike\’s shoulders. We enjoyed the session so much that we ended up in gales of laughter.

Liz and Mike will have a destination wedding and will be married at the Jupiter Country Club in Florida. And I\’m proud to say that Louise Michaud Photographer will be there. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your own engagement and wedding ideas in my Salem studio.