rainy engagement photos . audra + james {i will} . kari dawson photography

While I played in the mud, clearing flower beds, Audra and James were getting ready for their Engagement Session in Detroit. We had such a gorgeous morning and early afternoon that I didn’t even check the weather before I headed to Detroit. What I expected to be a beautiful sunny session turned into rainy engagement photos. But the result might just be more charming than pretty sunshine. It’s no secret that I love when my couples choose the locations for their sessions. So we didn’t let the rain change our plans, we just modified a little bit. I met James and Audra at Rose’s Fine Dining. Oh my goodness, this diner is the most charming place I have ever had the privilege of sitting in. We sat near the window and drank coffee just so we could hang out a bit before we started shooting. All of the cups and saucers are different. The wood tables must be hand crafted. I loved the diner’s long counter and bar stools complete with glass cake stands full of fresh donuts. Audra and James were able to relax as if they were sharing coffee with a friend at one of their favorite spots. I am so glad we did it that way because their portraits from the diner are so stinkn’ cute! And I’m definetely going back to Rose’s!

Audra had an umbrella to keep her dry as we moved onto the Detroit Institute of Arts. The juxtaposition of Audra’s Banana Republic green dress against the white marble and the gold door is so pretty. These two have serious style and they’re a great example of what to wear for your session. We creatively used the museum as a gorgeous backdrop while keeping them dry. And they were such naturals! The arches kept them out of the rain and the canopy that the flowering trees created was perfect. We eventually headed to the Casino on Belle Isle where we met a kind security officer who just seemed like he wanted to watch and make friends. Audra and I had a nice laugh after he left and ended the awkward encounter. I got to meet their cute pomchi (Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix) named Tinkerbell. I’ll be honest, if I ever adopt another female dog I would love to name her Tink or Tulip. Or maybe Lucy since our cute girl kitty is actually a bratty male kitty who is now named Louie. If you follow me on Instagram you have seen his cute face.

When we met, Audra described my images as being nostalgic but it is really the pair of them that are nostalgic. They love Frank Sinatra. James proposed at a restaurant in New York City. Their story is one that was on again, off again until things finally lined up for them. Even the diner they chose for their session can be described as nostalgic. These two just have history and depth and a warmness about them. I love, love the result of their engagement session and I can’t wait to shoot their December wedding at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. Since we had rainy engagement photos, I think we’ll have a gorgeous December day! Get over to Rose’s and check out the charm yourself and eat a donut; I hear they really good!

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To view more 2016 Engagement Sessions, CLICK HERE!