From the Secret Garden at Brys Estate to the beaches of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, here are the top five most romantic spots for a wedding proposal in Northern Michigan from the photography team at Dan Stewart Photography in Traverse City.
Related Read: Getting married Up North? From a gorgeous proposal to a perfect big day, view our Northern Michigan Wedding page to start planning!
Location One | Empire Bluffs
Lisa and Ryan were Up North visiting family last summer when Dan Stewart stepped in to photograph the “big question.” Ryan first surprised Lisa with a wine tasting, followed by a treasure hunt that led the couple up Empire Bluff Trail to a circle of rose petals at the top of the dune. As Ryan got down on one knee, Dan was there to capture the couples’ elation in front of breathtaking Lake Michigan views. But the surprises weren’t done—they returned from the trail to find their family and friends awaiting them, ready to sip champagne and celebrate the night away!
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Location Two | Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Photographer Anna Smith, an associate of Dan Stewart Photography, was delighted to capture this vineyard- trip-turned-proposal. Sagar’s plan had always been to propose at a vineyard because of the irresistible scenery (and Meera’s love of wine!), and a change of plans brought them from a trip to Napa Valley to Traverse City. Anna writes that while Sagar was nervous at first, the day turned out just as he imagined. The couple concluded their photo session by catching the sunset at another gorgeous spot on the peninsula: Mission Point Lighthouse.
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Location Three | Glen Lake
Two and a half years after meeting in Chicago, Max and Christy found themselves up in Glen Arbor celebrating the Fourth of July weekend. With the help of her family, Max surprised Christy by decorating a dock with rose petals, lanterns and candles, with a recording of Dave Matthews’ “You and Me” (their song!) playing in the background. After Christy said “Yes!” the couple turned to see both of their families standing on the beach watching it all happen. Later that night, her brothers put on a firework show to continue the revelry.
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Location Four | Sleeping Bear Dunes
Dan writes that “after months of planning the perfect proposal, Matt got down on one knee to ask Teresa to be his forever in front of beautiful Lake Michigan.” The moment was “nothing short of magical,” Dan adds, and that sentiment is evident in the love, laughter and smiles radiating from the couples’ romantic beach photoshoot. And what’s more fun than photos on the sandy shore? Capturing the couple playfully jumping into the water and splashing away, of course!
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
Related Read: An Intimate Northern Michigan Wedding at Riverside Inn.
Location Five | Secret Garden at Brys Estate
Photographer Luke Norris, an associate of Dan Stewart Photography, says Dan’s proposal didn’t go as he originally planned due to the pandemic, but that didn’t stop him from crafting a perfect Plan B that involved wine tasting, champagne and a suitcase full of sentimental photos placed in a white gazebo surrounded by rows of lavender. Luke writes: “The energy that bounces between [Chelsye and Dan] is hilarious, adorable and endearing. Watching the two of them interact with one another during this session was such a joy this season.”
Photo by Dan Stewart Photography
