Melissa + Joe | Lake Superior Engagement
Joe, Melissa, their two dogs, and Melissa’s cousin piled into the car and headed towards Big Bay, the tiny little town on Lake Superior where Joe’s family has a cabin. They were beginning the celebrations of Melissa’s 25th birthday, and as they drove it was all Joe could do to try and play along with the plans Melissa thought were about to happen. Those plans began with a well crafted lie involving her cousin needing to take the car after arriving to the cabin in order to go “see a friend” before joining in on all of the birthday fun.
As Joe and Melissa opened the gate and headed towards the front door, Joe slowed his pace as he patted his pockets in search of the keys (all part of the act, of course). Explaining he must have left them in the car, he suggested they take a walk along the beach while they waited for her cousin to return. A crisp spring breeze blew off the lake as they strolled and the dogs ran. Melissa headed towards the steps back up to the cabin when she heard Joe say something. Turning, Joe took her hands in his and lowered one knee onto the sand. Melissa gasped, her heart racing, her lips trying to form the words yes.
They were soon met not just by Melissa’s cousin returning to the cabin, but by both of their families ready to congratulate and celebrate into the night. The evening filled with laughter and new memories as they celebrated not only the beginning of Melissa’s 25th year, but the perfect beginning of the rest of Melissa and Joe’s life.
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M+ J’s engagement session took place back at the heart of the story in Big Bay. We began at Thomas Rock and ended along Lake Superior, with the last images you see near the exact spot Joe popped the question. The day was chilly and fiercely windy, but these two didn’t complain once – and that wind made the photos even more magical! Melissa + Joe, we can’t wait for your wedding next year!
Makeup by: Melissa Boettcher-Parsons at Salon Salon