Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Engagement Session in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
In mid-July, I had the opportunity to meet Heather and Andrew for their engagement session at the one-of-a-kind Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan—just about 25 minutes from downtown Detroit!
As we planned for their engagement photos, I was already eager to experience the property for myself. But upon arriving, I was blown away by the variety of transportive locations available throughout the estate. From the historic main residence and its English-inspired architecture to the shoreline along Lake St. Clair, formal gardens, and picturesque meadows in between, the property offers endless opportunities for an elevated engagement session.
If you’re like me and are always searching for locations that feel as though you’ve been transported to a beautiful European estate without ever leaving the Midwest, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House will feel like home.
Heather & Andrew:
While I had been looking forward to experiencing the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House for the first time, getting to finally meet Heather and Andrew was the best part of this evening. Having the chance to slow down, create at our own pace, and chat all about wedding planning is why engagement sessions are my favorite. It was also such a joy creating at a location that fit Heather and Andrew’s vision, and will blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of their wedding day.
The next time we get to create together, it will be on their wedding day–– which will unfold at the stunning Addison Oaks at Buhl Estate in Leonard, Michigan. I am already counting down the days! Shout-out to the wonderful Isabella King Events who connected us early in their wedding planning!
What to Expect When Planning an Engagement Session at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
If the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House fits your vision, planning a session here is an easy and well-curated experience.
First, you get in touch with the staff through their website. A photography coordination specialist will reach out via email to plan a date, send over the property details, and book a session time. Once you’ve selected a date for your photoshoot, you’ll sign an agreement and pay the applicable permit fee. Permit pricing varies depending on the length of your session, but I will be here to help guide you through the booking process!
As a part of our photography experience, a Ford House staff member guided us through the property, transported us between locations via golf cart, and introduced the various areas available for photos. Our wonderful guide, Christine, even shared about the history of the estate throughout our session.
Having a staff member show us through the grounds, rather than wandering freely, is an experience unique to the Ford House. It helped us make the most of our two-hour window! The process is a well-oiled machine, and the property was so flexible when we needed to reschedule our first session due to severe weather.
The Best Locations for Your Portraits at The Ford House
The Historic Ford House Itself
According to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, the historic residence was designed by architect Albert Kahn and inspired by the Cotswold-style cottages of England. As someone who has spent time creating in the Cotswolds, I was thrilled to learn this! The mansion’s stone craftsmanship, intricate details, and charming façade naturally provide a striking backdrop for photos.
One of my favorite parts of photographing an engagement session at the Ford House is that the architecture offers something different from nearly every angle. The front, back, and sides of the estate each have their own character. For Heather and Andrew’s engagement session, we utilized all three.
The Formal and Rose Gardens
Just around the bend from the historic mansion, the formal and rose gardens offer an entirely different setting for your engagement photos at the Ford House. Our session took place just before golden hour, and walking toward the gardens felt especially magical as the evening light illuminated the tops of the flowers.
From the sidewalk, you can catch a glimpse of the gardens below before making your way down a charming staircase into the circle of roses. After taking portraits among the roses, you can continue up another beautiful staircase toward the reflection pool and formal gardens.
The Shoreline at Lake St. Clair
A manicured shoreline was not on my radar when planning this session, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn we would have access to the lakefront! We saved this spot for last, and it was the perfect ending to our evening. Boats sailed by in the distance as the sun turned Lake St. Clair a soft blue. This created a beautiful contrast to the architecture and gardens we had explored earlier.
The Picturesque Walkways In-Between
The landscape throughout Ford House’s property was intentionally designed to feel expansive. According to the Ford House’s history of the estate grounds, landscape architect Jens Jensen combined woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and native plants to create a property that feels less like a rigid garden and more like an experience as you move through different styles of nature. Some of my favorite images from Heather and Andrew’s session were created as we walked from one location to the next.
You can follow Edsel & Eleanor Ford House on Instagram for a closer look at the property and their events throughout the year!
What to Wear During Your Engagement Session at the Ford House
I encourage couples to bring two distinct looks for their engagement session: one elevated and formal, followed by something slightly more relaxed. Heather and Andrew have impeccable taste, and their outfits complemented the atmosphere of the Ford House effortlessly. Heather wore a romantic lace dress from Show Me Your Mumu followed by a floral sundress from House of CB.
Against the neutral landscape and architecture of the Ford House, fashion becomes an opportunity to bring personality into your images. Interesting silhouettes, texture, movement, and soft color all translate beautifully in photographs.
Styling guidance is included with every engagement session with Kassidy Ilayne Studios because I understand just how daunting it can be to choose the perfect look. I also have a Pinterest board for couples looking for a little extra inspiration!
Planning Your Engagement Session in Michigan?
Whether you’re planning a Ford House Engagement Session in Michigan or searching for a similar location that fits your vision, I would love to join you in your planning journey. Engagement sessions are an opportunity to slow down and celebrate this season before your big day arrives. I photograph engagement sessions all throughout Michigan (+ the Midwest,) and would love to help you create an experience that feels intentional, elevated, and completely your own.
Inquire with Kassidy Here!
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