Rainy-Day Engagement at Hartwick Pines State Park
Owen had a plan. And it was a good one!
He reached out to me with the sweetest idea: to surprise his girlfriend, CeCe, with a proposal at Hartwick Pines State Park here in Grayling, Michigan. They’d never been there before, but Owen was drawn to the park’s rich history, the towering old-growth pines, and the beauty he’d seen in photos. More than that, he wanted to start this next chapter of their lives somewhere brand new to them. A place that would instantly become their special spot.
Planning the Big Moment
About a month before the big day, I met Owen at the park to scout the perfect location. We wandered my favorite trails, talked through timing, and settled on just the right spot for him to get down on one knee. Owen also shared another layer of the surprise; he was inviting close family to be there, hiding out nearby until the exact moment. To keep CeCe from catching on, I brought along some friends as a decoy couple for a “photoshoot” while we waited.
The Surprise Unfolds
When the day arrived, Northern Michigan gave us one of its classic summer moods: dreary skies and a soft, steady rain. As I was photographing my “decoy clients,” I spotted Owen and CeCe walking down the trail. He casually asked if I’d snap a photo of them with his phone. I offered to take one with my camera instead, handing his phone off to my friend. I clicked a few shots of them together, and then, just like we planned, Owen turned to CeCe and got down on one knee.
As he stayed there asking her to marry him, my friend gestured for the waiting family to come out. They began walking out of The Chapel right as the proposal unfolded. Smiles wide, eyes brimming with happy tears. And of course… CeCe said yes.
Exploring in the Rain
After the excitement and congratulations, I took CeCe and Owen for a little adventure around the park. The rain picked up, but it didn’t slow them down one bit. They’re nature lovers through and through who love fishing, camping, exploring rivers—and with umbrellas in hand, they were game for anything. The overcast sky gave us that soft, moody light photographers dream about, and it made the whole day feel even more magical.
One of the moments that stuck with me most was something CeCe shared as we walked. Her grandmother had told her, “Honey, you’re engaged! And I’m still here to be able to see it!” Family means the world to these two, and it was so special that they could share this milestone.
A Day They’ll Never Forget
Some people want perfect blue skies, but I’ll say it every time, overcast and rainy days are magic for photos. They bring mood, intimacy, and a sense of adventure that sunny days just can’t match. For CeCe and Owen, the rain didn’t dampen a thing. Instead, it became part of the story. A day full of surprise, joy, and the kind of love that makes you want to chase every adventure together.
