Damian + Sarah | Secret Garden Proposal on Mackinac Island

A surprise proposal on Mackinac Island is hard to beat, especially when you find yourself tucked away in the Secret Garden on a warm summer evening. Damian popped the question on the wooden bridge, surrounded by flowers and stillness, when Sarah said “yes.”

Afterward, we took our time wandering the lakeshore near the Somewhere in Time trees before heading back toward town for iconic photos on Main Street, with horses passing in the background. We wrapped things up with a quick dance along the always-gorgeous walkway at Hotel Iroquois.

One of the things I truly love about Mackinac Island is how easily you can experience such a variety of locations within a short walk. It’s the perfect place to move from a proposal to engagement photos before dinner, without ever feeling rushed or over-planned.

If you’re thinking about proposing in Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula and want photos that feel candid, honest, and true to the moment, I’d love to help with location ideas and subtle coordination—so you can stay focused on what matters most.