detroit michigan detroit institute of arts and belle isle engagement session . anna + will {i will} . kari dawson photography
Detroit Michigan Detroit Institute of Arts and Belle Isle Engagement Session provided by Kari Dawson.
Their story…
Anna and Will met at the ripe old at of, wait for it… TWELVE. At age fourteen they became boyfriend and girlfriend. Some might giggle at that but I can truly relate. I was fifteen when I met and began dating my now husband. These two fall into the category of middle school/high school/college sweethearts. They share an apartment in the Detroit and are planning their dream wedding in the city they love. They have chosen one of Detroit’s most beautiful historic churches: Saints Peter and Paul. And they are planning a classic reception at the Colony Club next August.
Their engagement…
Their engagement story is a darling romantic one. Anna described it like this ‘The proposal was perfect. It was the night before Christmas Eve, and it was just the two of us in our little downtown apartment exchanging Christmas gifts. Will turned on The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – my all-time favorite Christmas song and handed me my last gift. We were sitting under our little, perfect Christmas tree with a roaring yule log on TV (thanks, Netflix!). The gift was the size of a large boot box and I could tell he spent so much time wrapping it. I unwrapped the gift to find a small card inside the large box. The card read: You have one more gift. 1. Stand up. 2. Close your eyes. And when I opened my eyes, he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring. The rest was an exciting blur – there was lots of crying & hugging. I squeaked out a “yes!” He had a bottle of champagne chilling on our balcony, and we spent the rest of the night sitting outside (gotta love Michigan weather), sipping champagne, talking about our future & reminiscing about our past. After 11 years together, it was the perfect moment shared between just the two of us.’
You can see the magic in their engagement photos and I’m sure you’ll notice they are just as deeply in love today. And they are a joyful and playful couple full of fun and laughter. Anna and Will, I can’t wait for your big day this coming August. I have already thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you both and look forward to continuing to connect in the coming months. Enjoy!
View more recent Engagement Sessions, click here!
View more recent Weddings, click here!
You’ll feel calm on one of the most overwhelming days of your life. You’ll forget the camera was there. And later, you’ll hold photographs of moments you didn’t know were happening.
That’s because of who’s in the room. Kari has been photographing weddings since 2012. She’s the calm presence, the one your mom will find herself talking to. Karli is the one making your bridesmaids laugh and keeping the day on time.
We don’t divide and conquer. We’re in the same moment, Kari wide and Karli close, catching each other’s eye across the room when we see something worth keeping.
A mother and daughter. Both five feet even. Among your people.
meet KARI + KARLI
share a cherished story from your time together. Could be how you met, a travel story, a date night, or anything else that comes to mind.
contact us directly kari@karidawson.com
when it comes to photography style, what drew you into our work?
photography investment
wedding date + location
how did you hear about us?
email address + phone number
who is getting married?
tell us if you're hoping for full or multi day coverage, what is the most important part of your day, and what you're hoping for in your photos?
While you're waiting...
Thank you!
we'll be in touch soon!
Stories, wisdom, and a little bit of life. Twice a month, directly to you.
letters from kari