Fall in West Michigan has a way of making everything feel a little more golden. The maples turn bright orange and red, the prairie grasses go tall and warm, and the morning light does things that are honestly hard to describe. Now add your favorite person, your sweet pup, and a location that feels made for this kind of morning - and you have something I think about long after the session ends.
That's exactly what happened with Melissa and Rob at Grand Ravines North Park. And if you've been on the fence about whether to bring your dog to your engagement session, I hope their story settles it for you.
The Question I Hear All the Time
Couples ask me regularly whether it's a good idea to include their dog. Will it be chaotic? Will the photos turn out? What if the pup won't cooperate?
Here's my honest take: if your dog is part of your family, they belong in these photos. Pets don't age on our timeline. Capturing them during this specific season of your life - right here, right now, during your engagement - is something you will be so grateful for years from now.
With Melissa and Rob, their sweet pup Rhen wasn't an afterthought. Rhen was part of the story. And those photos, the ones where all three of them are squeezed in close and Melissa and Rob are kissing Rhen's head - those are the ones that say everything about who they are as a little family.
Rhen even gave us a wink in one shot. Completely unplanned. Had me cracking up. You simply cannot manufacture that.
How I Structure Sessions When a Dog Is Involved
Bringing your pup doesn't mean the whole session becomes a dog-wrangling situation. It just takes a little planning, and I walk my couples through all of it ahead of time.
Here's the approach that works really well:
Start with just the two of you. We spend the first part of the session getting comfortable, settling into the location, and finding your natural rhythm together. No pressure, no performance - just you two. Rob kept sneaking forehead kisses and Melissa kept laughing, and that's exactly the kind of energy we want to build into before we add anyone else.
Bring your dog in for 15 to 20 minutes while they're still fresh. Dogs are at their best when they're excited and haven't been waiting too long. That window is golden.
Have a helper with you. A friend or family member who can hold the leash, take your pup for a little walk, and get them back to the car when we're done makes everything so much easier. Melissa and Rob had this handled perfectly, and it kept the transition smooth.
Tips That Will Make Your Session So Much Better
These are the things I share with every couple who's bringing a dog along. They make a real difference.
Timing and Location
Book morning or golden hour. Morning light at Grand Ravines is soft and flattering, and the park is quieter. Fewer distractions for your pup means better focus and calmer energy overall.
Plan around peak fall color. In West Michigan, peak color usually lands mid-to-late October, but it shifts year to year. Book early and stay flexible with your date.
Grand Ravines North Park is one of my favorites for this. The tall grasses, wooded edges, and paved trails give so much variety without requiring a lot of walking - which is perfect when you have a dog along.
Prepping Your Pup
Tire them out a little first. A short walk before the session takes the edge off for energetic dogs and helps them settle in faster.
Bring treats and a squeaky toy. Treats keep them close, and a squeaky toy is my go-to for getting those ears up and eyes on camera.
Don't stress about a perfect pup. Rhen's wink was completely unplanned and ended up being one of my favorite shots from the entire session. When dogs do their own thing, magic happens.
Outfits and Styling
Consider an outfit change when you bring your dog in. Melissa wore a simple white tee and jeans for the first half - relaxed and comfortable. Then she switched into a flowy cream floral dress with a chunky knit cardigan for the pup portion. Two distinct looks, one session, and both felt completely intentional.
Coordinate your colors, don't match. Earthy neutrals like sage, cream, white, and denim look stunning against fall color without competing with it. Rob's sage green tee against those orange and red maples was perfect.
Make the leash part of the look. Choose something that coordinates with your outfits. Rhen's floral leash matched Melissa's dress, and it was such a sweet detail. Where it's safe and permitted, we can also remove the leash or edit it out.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. Fall mornings can be cool, and the grassy areas are often damp with dew.
Why This All Matters
Engagement sessions are one of the first times you're in front of a camera together as a couple. They're also a chance to capture a very specific chapter of your life - who you are right now, what your days look like, and who's been part of your story along the way.
For Melissa and Rob, that story includes Rhen. The sweet pup. The wink. The way all three of them fit together in a single frame and it just looks right.
Those are the photos that grow more meaningful with time. Not because they're perfectly posed, but because they're true.
If your dog is your family, this is your sign to bring them along.
Ready to Plan Your Fall Engagement Session?
If you're dreaming of a morning in the fall color with your favorite person and your pup by your side, I would love to make that happen. West Michigan is stunning this time of year, and I know exactly how to help you make the most of it.
Reach out here and let's start talking about your session. Whether you're bringing a dog, planning an outfit change, or just want to know where to go - I've got you.
The right season won't last forever. Let's capture it while it's here.
