A Grand Rapids E-Session Full of Gatsby Glamour: The Engagement of Hailie & Austin

Hailie and Austin's love story began at a college party at Western Michigan University. Hailie was attending WMU at the time, while Austin was visiting a friend. Thanks to a connection between their friend groups, the two ended up at the same party—and Hailie wasn't afraid to make the first move. That chance meeting sparked a relationship that would eventually lead them to forever!

As a full-time wedding photographer, Hailie regularly participates in style shoots, so when she arrived for what she believed was another content session, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Unbeknownst to her, Austin had secretly worked with their now wedding photographer, to turn the shoot into the perfect proposal. "I had absolutely no idea he was involved in planning it and thought it was just another normal shoot," Hailie confesses. "Instead, it turned into a surprise proposal. They pulled it off perfectly because I genuinely had no clue!"

The proposal was made even more meaningful by the ring Austin carefully selected with Hailie's father, who has managed a Kay Jewelers store for more than 20 years. While Hailie had dropped a few subtle hints, she left the final decision to the two of them. Featuring an oval marquise-inspired diamond in a yellow gold bezel setting with delicate accent diamonds along the band, the ring perfectly reflects her style. "I love that it feels both flashy and classy at the same time," Hailie says. "It's unique but still timeless, which feels very 'me.'"

Choosing both their photographer and engagement session location came naturally. Having worked alongside Phern on numerous weddings as a second shooter, Hailie already knew and admired her talent, making it an easy decision to have her capture both their engagement session and wedding day. For the session itself, the couple selected a historic theater in the greater Grand Rapids area to complement the vintage aesthetic of their upcoming wedding. The location also carried personal significance for Hailie, who used to walk past the theater nearly every day while nannying after college. What was once part of her everyday routine became the perfect backdrop for celebrating one of life's biggest milestones!

With a Gatsby-inspired wedding already in the works, Hailie and Austin wanted their engagement photos to hint at the style guests can expect on their wedding day. Their theater portraits embraced vintage glamour, complete with dramatic styling and feather accents that nodded to the elegance of the Roaring Twenties. They later changed into timeless, everyday outfits for the outdoor portion of the session, creating a beautiful balance between editorial sophistication and authentic romance.

As a wedding photographer, Hailie has spent years watching couples celebrate their big day, giving her plenty of inspiration before she even got engaged. Together, she and Austin have always envisioned a wedding that feels like an unforgettable experience rather than just an event. "We've always known we wanted it to feel like a big celebration where people genuinely have fun and remember it for years afterward," Hailie shares. "We're aiming for something a little more unique and interactive than average. We both love being a little performative, so I think we're excited to put on a bit of a show and create an experience for everyone." Fortunately, planning has been just as enjoyable as they hoped. Thanks to Hailie's experience in the wedding industry and the trusted vendor relationships she's built over the years, the process has been smooth, allowing the couple to focus on creating a celebration that is every bit as timeless, personal and unforgettable as their engagement session!

 

 

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