Natalie + Mario | Belle Isle Engagement Session
Natalie and Mario’s engagement session started downtown Detroit and ended at Belle Isle, giving us two completely different settings without ever feeling disconnected.
We spent the first part of the evening around Woodward, using the streets, architecture, and movement of downtown for a more editorial feel. Natalie’s navy dress and white heels worked so well against the city, especially in the black-and-white frames, and we kept the portraits simple and unfussy.
Downtown gave us exactly what I wanted for the first half of their session: clean lines, people moving through the background, and photographs that felt a little more spontaneous than posed.
From there, we headed to Belle Isle as the light softened. The change in setting gave the second half of the gallery a completely different feel, with more greenery, open space, and warm film tones.
Belle Isle was the perfect way to finish the evening. We photographed around the gardens and let things slow down a little, which gave us some of my favorite frames from the session.
I’ll be photographing Natalie and Mario’s wedding next spring, so this was also such a good chance to spend time together before the wedding day.
Emily Fox is a Michigan-based and Midwest wedding photographer specializing in emotional, editorial-inspired imagery captured on digital and 35mm film. She photographs wedding days with intention, artistry, and a deep appreciation for legacy and connection. Emily is based in Michigan, serves the Midwest, and is available for worldwide celebrations. If you’re dreaming of elegant, meaningful wedding photos that feel timeless, you can inquire here to begin planning your wedding photography experience.
