Kaela + Tom's Romantic Summer Engagement Session in the Upper Peninsula
Chocolate and peanut butter. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Yoopers and pasties (if you know, you know).
Some things just go together, like Kaela and Tom.
The Upper Peninsula holds special meaning for Kaela and Tom. Kaela’s parents live in the UP, and Kaela and Tom recently bought a second home in Houghton, MI. When we were brainstorming ideas for their engagement session, they knew they wanted something unique to them and adventurous. Traveling up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seemed like a no-brainer. We were blessed with a gloriously sunny day, giving us allll the summer vibes.
This engagement session had EVERYTHING – sandy beaches, a mountaintop, and two waterfalls. For those of you that love traveling (if you’re not lucky enough to call this area home), you MUST add the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan to your bucket list. We started the adventure in the afternoon at Bete Gris Beach. If you didn’t know better, you might have thought we were exploring a tropical paradise rather than a northwoods beach on Lake Superior! The lupines were in full bloom , which demanded an epic ring photo (picture below, with Kaela’s stunning ring she designed with Alyssa & Anna Jewelry) and some frolicking.
Next on our adventure itinerary was Brockway Mountain in Copper Harbor. Not only does it have one of the absolute best views around, but Kaela and Tom went there early in their relationship (they have the photos to prove it!). The drive to this beautiful overlook is absolutely worth it. We took a quick lunch break on the mountain, devouring salads and sandwiches from the Keweenaw Co-op, which came highly recommended from the love birds.
The cutest waterfall, Jacob’s Falls, was one of Kaela’s requested spots. It is quite literally on the side of the road and required no hiking to enjoy this beautiful little cascade (featured below in the middle photo). According to Kaela, there’s a must-stop shop right next to Jacob’s Falls called The Jampot. It features baked goods, preserves, coffee, and other delights made by local monks! We didn’t get to stop this time around, but you KNOW this travel-lover added it to her list for her next visit.
I had researched some photo-worthy spots around the Keweenaw Peninsula (there were soooo many), and came across Eagle River Falls (shown above in the left photo). There wasn’t a ton of information about it, but the photos I came across were stunning, and Google Maps showed that it was close to the road. When we got there, we discovered it was quite the scramble to get down to the falls…and Tom was in a suit, with Kaela in a gown. I told them there was no pressure to hike down, the decision was completely theirs if they’d like to take photos there or not. Kaela took off her heels, gathered up her dress, and said, “Let’s do it!” Talk about an adventurous spirit.
In the normal course of life, Kaela and Tom may not have crossed paths. However, the Universe had other plans and brought these two together in a magical way. Kaela was out of town with a friend, opened up her Tinder app (Tinder couples for the win–Andy and I are a Tinder match!), and happened to swipe right on Tom, who happened to be in the area. They matched right away, started chatting, and decided to grab a drink (with Kaela's friend in tow). As a joke, Kaela asked him if he had any food – Kaela is a big fan of snacks, and their supply had run out. Low and behold, Tom showed up with a duffel bag full of snacks, and Kaela was immediately smitten. To this day, Tom still showers Kaela with love via food and meal prepping.
Kaela will happily report that she also asked Tom at what point in their relationship he knew she was crazy, and his response was, "Oh, right from the beginning." Personally, I think Kaela is pretty freaking cool and not at all insane (she's a dear friend AND a #klembride 😏), but hey, when you find someone who's crazy matches your crazy, you keep them!
After their engagement session, I asked Kaela what the session experience was like for her. She gushed, “Everything was so easy and FUN. We had the best time, it was an adventure! I love that we added some playful photos to catch our personality, and that we got to put our love on display. There was never a time I didn’t feel confident or in love. I feel like I want to do this every year just because it was so amazing. I am SO SO excited for my wedding day.”
Kaela and Tom are putting together a magnificent tented wedding on the water in their beloved second home, the Upper Peninsula. Kaela has an artistic eye and a glam gypsy soul, and Tom is always willing to share what’s important to him, so I KNOW this is going to be an epic wedding and party. These two are in total alignment, which means that their wedding day is going to be easy, emotional, and everything they’ve been dreaming of. We can’t wait to be a part of their incredibly special day in Michigan.
Until next time,
Kate – owner + lead photographer of KLEM Studios
