There’s something magical about the glow of golden hour. The sun stretches across the sky in a warm embrace, wrapping everything in soft, dream-like light. For Paige and Charlie, this magical moment was the perfect backdrop for a playful and intimate couples photoshoot at Asylum Lake Preserve in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

If you’ve never been to Asylum Lake, imagine tall grass fields, a hidden lake, and a blend of tall trees that offer a beautiful background. It’s the kind of place that invites you to take a deep breath, slow down, and just be. And when you throw in a couple as adorable and fun as Paige and Charlie, it turns into a photographer’s dream.

From the very start, Paige and Charlie were the picture of easy-going love. There was no need to coach them on how to look cute—every moment felt natural, fun, and full of laughter. The goal of the shoot? To capture them, exactly as they are—spontaneous, adventurous, and totally in love with each other. The prompts I used weren’t your typical stiff, pose-in-front-of-a-tree kind of thing. Instead, we played with the golden sunlight, gave them fun little tasks to encourage genuine interaction, and let the magic of the moment unfold.

The best part of the shoot? It wasn’t about posing. It was about creating moments where they could just be with each other, free from distraction. I asked them to share a kiss, and suddenly, they were lost in the moment—not worrying about the camera, just lost in their own little world. Those are the moments I live for.

For anyone looking for a stunning, peaceful location to capture their love story, Asylum Lake Preserve in Kalamazoo is the place to be. But more importantly, if you want to have an experience that’s full of fun, spontaneity, and moments that feel like you, be sure to find a photographer who knows how to bring out the best in you.

And as for Paige and Charlie? Well, they’ve got a ton of photos to look back on—and, of course, the sweetest memories from a day spent in the warm embrace of the golden sun.