Alyssa and Derek are getting married this August at Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills. But before their wedding, it was time for engagement photos.
We thought about a few spots around Metro Detroit, but nothing felt quite right. Alyssa wasn’t sure at first—until she remembered the place where it all began: Michigan State University.
There’s something special about a place you know well, a place full of memories, that makes it the perfect backdrop. For Alyssa and Derek, MSU is that place.
Here’s a little from Alyssa on how they met: Derek and I met at MSU through mutual friends. I actually went to high school with two of his best friends (now his groomsmen). They invited my roommate and me to an event at their fraternity and introduced me to Derek there. I joke that I knew his best friends before I knew him!
He took me on our first official date to Olga’s, I didn’t like the food, but I pretended to so we could laugh about it now. We dated for the last two and a half years at MSU. After graduating, I stayed in the area for an accelerated nursing program, so we spent an extra year there.
We often walked our dog Stella on campus, and Derek proposed in a small garden off Service Road. We’re big MSU fans, so it was really special to take our engagement photos where our story started. I’m grateful you made the drive for us.
One thing I love about Derek, well, two things. First, his dedication. Medical school is tough, and he studied hard through undergrad, the MCAT, and now med school at MSU. He works every day but always makes time for family. Second—he loves dogs! I kind of surprised him with Stella (I couldn’t reach him that day), and he wasn’t mad at all. He loves her as much as I do.
Of course, we had to include Stella in some photos.
Their Michigan State University engagement session wasn’t just about pictures—it was about going back to the place where their story began.
