Real Couples // Evening Garden Engagement Session in Shelby Township, Michigan: Genevieve + Maurice

Maurice grew up in the metro Detroit area and received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Public Relations from Central Michigan University. He is the Assistant Manager of Guest Relations at the Detroit Zoo. Maurice actively builds awareness for the Uniquely United Organization, a non-profit organization focused on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities through events, programs, and fundraising.

Genevieve grew up in Northern Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University. She is a Wellness Program Coordinator for RedBrick Health with a passion for health and fitness. Genevieve is also a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Maurice and I met while attending Central Michigan University. After passing each other a few times on campus, exchanging smiles each time, we decided it was time we spoke. Maurice asked me to be his date for Sweetest Day, and five years later, on that same day, he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Breakfast in bed and a trip to the movies was just the beginning of our day. Maurice surprised me with a photo shoot at our local park. As we walked onto a wooden bridge overlooking the creek, I was shocked to see both of our parents approaching us. Seeing as how my parents don't live in the area, I knew something big was about to happen. Caught on camera was my guy on one knee, and myself emotionally overjoyed with the fact that I'll be spending the rest of my life with my best friend. We then celebrated with a family dinner and headed home. To my surprise, there was even more to come. I walked in to find hundreds of photos of us surrounded by string lights, candles, and a bottle of wine. Am I not the luckiest girl in the world?!

The engagement ring is a custom design by Maurice. The ring is a cushion cut diamond, surrounded by a princess cut halo, with a thin diamond band.

For our first engagement setting, we were going for a summery, garden like feel—sun dresses and light colors in the garden of Mae Stecker Park. We chose this location because of the scenery and intimate feel. Mae Stecker Park has a flower garden that is completely secluded, and also a beautiful pond. This location was perfect for our more romantic photos. Our second setting was a fall look with denim and neutral fall tones, in front of the stone staircase at Stoney Creek. Stoney Creek has a stone wall and staircase that we felt was perfect for our fun fall photos. This is where we popped champagne bottles and had more of a relaxing shoot.

We're looking forward to our family. Family is very important to both of us, and we can not wait to start one of our own once we're married.

Holly has a great energy that comes through in her photos. The natural way about her albums is what attracted us to her. She shoots a variety of photos, from staged, candid, formal, fun, etc. We were looking for more candid photos and were confident that she could do the job. Holly is very fun, and she allows the couple to feel comfortable. She is personable, passionate, and flexible with her time. Holly has been a joy to work with.

Words by Genevieve, as told by Amber Marlow. Photos by Holly Green.

Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement kiss on garden path
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement genevieve and maurice smiling at one another, pond in background
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement laughing candid among flowerbeds 
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement portrait shot in flowers
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement laughing candid of genevieve and maurice walking holding hands
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement couple walking hand in hand down stone path
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace under willow tree at edge of lake
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace by lake under willow branches
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace shot through willow leaves
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement genevieve behind maurice, sun overhead adding lens flare
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement genevieve behind maurice, smiling at each other
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement couple on bench, genevieve's legs resting over maurice's thigh
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace on bench, laughing
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement kiss on bench
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement genevieve's hand on maurice's cheek, focus on engagement ring
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement couple in garden holding hands
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement kiss in grass by garden path
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement kiss as maurice dips genevieve under iron arch
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace, stoney creek
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement couple holding hands and smiling under gazebo
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement arms around each other, maurice sitting on gazebo ledge
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement embrace smiling, maurice sitting on gazebo ledge and genevieve standing
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement maurice kissing genevieve's temple as sun peeks through trees
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement smiling candid
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement laughing in front of iron gate
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement holding hands on stone steps
Shelby Township Michigan Garden Engagement laughing candid on stone steps

Holly green

HOLLY GREEN

Hello! I'm Holly Kattlegreen, the artist formally known as Holly Green. I'm recently married and we merged our names to create a new family name (his last name was Kattleman). Boy do we get some funny looks when we tell that story! Now we refer to my maiden name and his 'Sirname.' I am a narrative wedding photographer based out of Detroit, Michigan. Being a narrative photographer means that my goal is to create images that tell the story of your day exactly how it felt in the moment. I don't believe in faking moments or feelings, but I do believe that as a photographer sometimes you have to create the ideal environment for these moments to happen.