Some people leave a lasting impression—Jess is one of them. I met her years ago when she worked for the city of Farmington Hills, coordinating weddings at a venue I often photographed. Her bright smile and positive energy lit up every room.
Fast forward a few years, and Jess reached out to ask if I’d photograph her engagement and wedding. Of course, I remembered her immediately.
Jess and Jaymz met just after Thanksgiving in 2014 through mutual friends. They lived in different cities—Jaymz in Warren and Jess in South Lyon—so it took a few months for their first date. At first, things were casual. But soon, their weekend visits turned into nightly calls and real connection. Jaymz clicked with Jess’s friends right away, and even her dad said, “I love this guy” after meeting him.
Jaymz proposed in a way that was perfectly him. He always joked he’d pop the question “next year.” On New Year’s Eve, after dinner at Fleming’s, they watched the ball drop at home. Right after midnight—technically the new year—he got down on one knee. Jess laughed, cried, and held out her hand. A few days earlier, he had asked her dad and stepmom for their blessing.
When we met at Maybury State Park for their engagement photos, I finally saw them together—and they were exactly as I imagined: kind, easygoing, and completely at ease with each other. The park gave us space to slow down, breathe, and capture honest moments surrounded by nature.
Their wedding next May will be at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, a historic Detroit venue filled with antique cars. It’s a unique space that perfectly fits their style.
For now, I’m excited to share a few of my favorite moments from their Maybury State Park engagement photos—a session filled with laughter, connection, and a love story years in the making.
