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When I became a wedding photographer back in 2012, I never could have imagined ending up here. "Here" as in having couples-turned-lifelong-friends, shooting hundreds of weddings at the most beautiful venues in Metro Detroit, and fueling my passion for travel by adventuring from coast to coast. It's such a dream and privilege to serve couples like you on a daily basis!

Hi! I'm Shauna. Detroit wedding photographer and your new BFF

Engagements

Belle Isle Conservatory Engagement Session | Maria + Jay

When I say this Belle Isle Conservatory engagement session had it all—I mean it! A cozy tropical escape from the rain, the dreamiest couple, and even a birthday toast to top it all off. Despite the weather, this shoot was full of warmth, laughter, and so many genuine moments. The newly renovated Belle Isle Conservatory made the perfect spot to take shelter from the drizzle and soak in the beauty of the day.

Couple smiling together inside Belle Isle Conservatory surrounded by lush greenery

Maria and Jay are so natural together. They met years ago through work, became fast friends, and after life led them through a few changes, they reconnected—and the rest is history. Their connection is strong, effortless, and full of joy. You can tell they’re each other’s favorite person.

Romantic close-up of couple with greenery in the background

Candid moment of couple walking hand-in-hand inside the tropical greenhouse

Rainy Day Magic at the Belle Isle Conservatory

The rain didn’t slow us down one bit. We started inside the Belle Isle Conservatory, which has recently undergone the most beautiful renovation. The light was soft and dreamy, filtering through the glass ceiling and bouncing off the lush greenery around us. Honestly, it felt like we had stepped into a tropical getaway right in the heart of Detroit.

Couple sitting closely on a bench inside Belle Isle Conservatory

Maria looked absolutely stunning in a classic black dress—it was elegant, timeless, and such a perfect contrast against the bright greenery. Jay wore black pants and a sport coat that complimented her perfectly. They were effortlessly chic, and it was such a joy to photograph their connection in a space that felt both peaceful and vibrant.

Joyful moment as couple laughs together inside the conservatory

Close up of couple smiling during their Belle Isle Engagement Session

Couple sitting in front of the trees at a Belle Isle Engagement Session

Couple embracing during their Belle Isle Engagement Session

Dancing in the Rain (Literally)

Toward the end of the session, we embraced the weather and stepped outside with clear umbrellas in hand. There’s something so romantic about a little rain, and Maria and Jay leaned right into it. We wandered Belle Isle’s winding paths, the sound of raindrops all around us, and captured some of my favorite candid moments from the day.

Couple walking in the rain with clear umbrellas on Belle Isle

Couple holding hands and smiling beneath umbrellas near Belle Isle gardens

And to make the day even sweeter—it was Maria’s birthday! So of course, they brought champagne and toasted to the year ahead and their upcoming wedding. It was such a thoughtful, celebratory moment, and the perfect way to wrap up their Belle Isle Conservatory engagement session.

Couple popping champagne near the conservatory to celebrate a birthday

Candid photo of couple toasting with champagne glasses

Next Stop: Royal Park Hotel Wedding

I absolutely cannot wait for their wedding next month at the gorgeous Royal Park Hotel. If their engagement session is any hint of what’s to come, it’s going to be a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Maria and Jay are the kind of couple that reminds me why I love what I do. Their love story is beautiful, and it’s been an honor to help capture it.