It’s no secret that life hasn’t been easy on Jesey. She has battled cancer and had what I think must be a record-breaking number of chemo treatments. She has dealt with a lifetime of the complications and effects of that many chemo treatments. Last year, she lost her father unexpectedly in an especially devastating way while he was on a business trip in Europe. It was horribly sad and something that’s still hard for Jesey. Life didn’t deal her an easy hand and she’s faced heartache after heartache. Through it all, she’s remained bubbly and strong. She’s been unwaveringly resolute and confident that better things were on the horizon for her. And they were!  She found Jason! He is a sweet humble guy with a big heart. He’s a great listener. I would describe him as a very steady even-tempered guy. Perhaps reliable to a fault. Jason is definitely the kind of guy that you can count on. Jason and Jesey have so much in common! They love Detroit, they love classic comfort foods like Mac N Cheese, they love cooler weather, they love sports, cars, and most of all music. The two of them LOVE concerts and go see as many old classic rock concerts as their schedule and budget will allow.

To say this couple holds a special place in my heart would be an understatement. Jesey has been my very close friend since 2012, but really I think of her as a part of my family. She and I have the kind of relationship where we can share anything with each other. She lives in my husband’s hometown, so we try to grab a coffee and catch up every time we go to visit my in-laws. We don’t get to see each other often, but when we do we pick right back up where we left off. She’s an awesome girlfriend, shopping partner (the kind to tell you honestly that something is ugly and you should put it back on the shelf), and she’s my favorite nail tech of all time. Jesey kinda gave me the choice between being a bridesmaid or a photographer and I without even thinking twice chose photographer. I cannot wait to see this couple begin their marriage next Fall. I’m so glad that I get to be the one to document it.

Here’s a look at their Kensington Metropark engagement session. ENJOY!

I love the lens flare here. Lenses are designed not to do this, so I improvised to make it happen.

These laying on the belly pictures are so freaking cute, I can’t stand it!! Jesey, you are gorgeous!

Jesey recently lost about 150 pounds. She’s worked so hard and honestly looks like a different person from the girl I first met a few years ago. She told me that she bought this dress with the cute tribal elephant pattern back before she started losing weight, and she saved it for a special occasion. I can’t think of a better day to break out this stunner. I loved this dress already, but finding out it was a goal dress made me love it even more.

The shoot was on a BEAUTIFUL day in a BEAUTIFUL location… with gale force winds. I’m thankful that Jesey thought to pull her hair back for the shoot. You can still see that windswept look in a couple of these images though. I particularly love the flyaways here along with that emotion when they lock eyes. GAH!

It’s really starting to look like Fall up in Michigan. I love those orange leaves!

As two Metro-Detroit natives, they decided to finish their session by repping their teams. Jesey wearing the Lions and Jason wearing the Pistons. They’re really showing their history with vintage nods at greats of the past. The Bad Boys and Barry Sanders, legends who would have been HUGE when Jason and Jesey were kids. I love it!

Jason and Jesey, you two are a perfect match for each other. I am so happy for you both. I can’t wait for your wedding next year. I promise, I can totally shoot photos and blubber happy tears simultaneously. Don’t worry about it!