This winter engagement session in Detroit is one I’ll never forget—because it features two people I love deeply: my brother Mike and his incredible fiancée, Deanna.
If you’re not here for my sentimental side, you might want to skip this one. But if you’re in the mood for a real, joyful love story wrapped in a cozy Detroit winter, keep reading.
A while back, Mike called me. That alone was enough to get my attention—he’s more of a “send-a-text-and-done” kind of communicator. But this time was different. His voice was full of something I hadn’t heard before: excitement, happiness, certainty. He said, “Michele, you have to meet Deanna. I’m going to marry this girl.”
And when I did meet her, I knew exactly what he meant.
From the start, Deanna felt like family. My boys adore her—they scramble to sit next to her every time she visits. She’s warm, intelligent, and quick-witted in a way that matches Mike perfectly. That’s saying something, considering he’s usually three jokes ahead of everyone else. But Deanna? She keeps up, and she laughs at the right moments—not out of politeness, but because she truly gets him.
She wins. He wins. And together, they’re creating something beautiful.
As a photographer—and as his sister—I had the joy of capturing not one, but two engagement sessions with them. Because I could. One of those shoots ended with a relaxed dinner at Detroit Beer Co., making it even more memorable. But today, I’m sharing my favorite of the two: their winter engagement session in Detroit.
It was cold, yes. But the love between these two radiated so much warmth that you almost forget about the chill in the air. Every smile, every look, every interaction—it all came so naturally. These are the moments I live to capture: real connection, real laughter, real love.
There’s something so personal about photographing the people you care about most. This session reminded me why I do what I do. And why love stories—especially the ones that hit close to home—are so worth documenting.
Mike and Deanna, I love you both. I’m beyond proud of you, and I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding in just a few short weeks.
—Michele
So, since we wanted to do some summer portraits, we headed to the city around dinner time-and photographed the two of them more. Can’t go wrong with a session I get to bring my husband Brian + end up at dinner.
Enjoy!
