This Summer Garden E-Session is a Romantic Getaway in Grand Rapids: The Engagement of Heather and Andrew

A good friend of both Heather and Andrew introduced the soon-to-be couple in college in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. While they clicked instantly, Heather and Andrew started their relationship as friends then began dating about six months later. They even discovered they grew up only thirty minutes away from each other! On Christmas Eve in 2023, Andrew surprised Heather with a walk around a small local town to view Christmas lights—one of Heather's favorite things about the holidays. When they got down by the river, Andrew dropped to one knee and proposed. "It was very magical and the best Christmas gift, by far!" Heather raves.
 

Andrew picked out Heather's engagement ring all by himself—aside from some help from inspiration photos she shared with him. He chose an emerald cut diamond with a simple yet stunning gold band. Andrew absolutely nailed the type of ring Heather was looking for. "He did a fantastic job!" she raves. "I love the elegant simplicity of my ring, and how the diamond sparkles!"
 

As soon as she met Jessie Silva at a bridal show that she attended with her maid of honor, Heather knew she wanted Jessie to photograph her wedding day! Heather shares, "Her charismatic personality mixed with her timeless shots made her the perfect photographer. We are very excited to work with her. She is beyond fantastic!" Jessie also suggested Kellog Manor House as their engagement session location once she knew they wanted a summery garden look for their shoot. We love that it was pet-friendly so they could include their dog, Murphy, in their photos, too!
 

When they got engaged, Andrew and Heather knew they wanted to have a winter wedding. They both love the winter months and got engaged on Christmas Eve, so it just made sense. Since then, they have made decisions as they go, trying to get everything planned to make their day a success. So far, it's been a fun process, and Heather and Andrew are very excited to celebrate with all their friends and family!
 

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