Chasing Light: Lucy & Ben’s Sunset Engagement at Petoskey State Park

Last summer, we met up with Lucy and Ben for one of our favorite kinds of sessions, a beachside engagement shoot with golden light and a couple so easy in love, it practically photographed itself.

We chose Petoskey State Park for their engagement session, one of our go-to spots for beach photoshoots in Northern Michigan. From the soft dunes to the sweeping views of Lake Michigan, this place never disappoints, especially when you catch it at just the right moment.

And that’s where Ezra’s magic comes in.
He has an uncanny gift for timing… not just knowing when golden hour will hit, but exactly when the sun will slip below the horizon and leave everything bathed in that last, perfect glow. We like to joke that Ezra has a sixth sense for sunsets, but honestly? It’s just years of practice, scouting, and a whole lot of love for the way light transforms a moment.

For Lucy and Ben, that meant golden hour on full display soft, glowing skin tones, shimmering water, and silhouettes that looked like they were pulled from a dream.

These two were playful, affectionate, and totally down to get their feet sandy, the perfect combination for a relaxed and romantic beach engagement shoot. We wandered the shoreline, stopped for moments in the dune grass, and wrapped up the session with the sun dipping just below the water, the sky painted in pastels behind them. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Now, with their wedding just around the corner this spring, we’re even more excited to celebrate this next chapter with them! After seeing the way they moved together during their engagement session, so natural, so full of love, we already know their day is going to be something special.

Why Petoskey State Park Is a Favorite for Northern Michigan Engagement Photos

Whether you’re planning a formal shoot or something more laid-back, Petoskey beach photoshoots offer the best of both worlds: a natural, timeless backdrop and that unbeatable lake light. For couples who want something beautiful but un-fussy, this location delivers every time and is easily one of the top places for engagement photography in Northern Michigan.

Beach sessions also give you the space to be a little more you, barefoot in the sand, cozy in the dunes, laughing in the wind. It’s the kind of vibe that never goes out of style.

Planning Your Northern Michigan Engagement Shoot

We always help couples choose the best time and location for their shoot, but if a Petoskey beach session is calling your name, trust us, sunset is the way to go. We’ll keep an eye on the light, watch the weather, and guide you every step of the way. All you have to do is show up and love your person

Lucy and Ben’s engagement was one of those sessions that reminded us why we love doing what we do. Real connection, incredible light, and a moment in time that now lives forever.

If you're dreaming of a Northern Michigan engagement session, whether on the beach or tucked into the woods, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s chase that perfect light together.