Lake of the Clouds Overlook Fall Proposal

We absolutely loved witnessing Drew’s proposal to Erin this fall at the Lake of the Clouds Overlook in the Porcupine Mountains! We say it every time, but we would totally photograph proposals every day if we could.

Planning to Propose at Lake of the Clouds Overlook

Drew reached out to us in early August for help planning his proposal to his girlfriend Erin. They had been together about a year and a half, and he knew Erin was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He already had the ring – now he just needed the perfect way to ask her to be his wife.

Fall is both Erin and Drew’s favorite season, and they were planning to take a trip up to the Upper Peninsula and enjoy the autumn leaves. Neither had ever been to Lake of the Clouds Overlook, and it was a must-do on their trip!

Drew was planning to drive up with Erin on Friday. Their busy work schedules prevented them from coming up earlier in the week when they could avoid the tourism crowds. Although Rob and I recommend early morning for popular areas like Lake of the Clouds, we’re always willing to do whatever we can to help plan the best proposal.

Rob and I had friends up visiting earlier in the week who wanted to visit the Porcupine Mountains, so we went on Monday expecting a quiet day. Instead, the parking lot was full and there were people everywhere up and down the overlook. I remember saying to Rob, “This doesn’t bode well for Friday if it’s this busy on a Monday!”

Thankfully, on Friday Erin and Drew hit a perfect quiet pocket of time when we had the overlook mostly to ourselves.

Proposal at Lake of the Clouds Overlook

We always ask for a picture of the couple ahead of time so we can easily identify them. (One of my biggest worries is watching a couple I think is going to get engaged and missing the couple we are there to photograph!) Drew had never been to the Porcupine Mountains before, so I emailed him a Google Earth link. Additionally, I send more pictures and a recommendation of the best path to take as they approached the overlook. (This also helps us know which trail to keep an eye on, since there are a few different paths you can take to the main overlook.)

Drew had told Erin they had a dinner reservation in town. In order to fill the time, he suggested they visit Lake of the Clouds Overlook before dinner.

Erin and Drew meandered their way up the rocky incline, taking in the panoramic view at Lake of the Clouds. Drew headed right for the area we had directed him to stand. Erin took her time, taking pictures of the fall foliage and stopping for a few selfies on the way.

After a big hug, Drew turned to Erin and said, “You’re going to need to change something.”

“Okay, what?”

“Your last name.”

She said yes!!

As Erin was admiring her new bling, Drew looked up at us with the biggest grin. Sometimes Rob and I wait until it feels right to introduce ourselves, but this time Drew pointed us out to Erin. See her laugh?

The wave of reactions right after the proposal are always my favorite. The initial surprise wears off and the excitement grows!

Engagement Session at Lake of the Clouds

In addition to helping to plan the proposal and capturing the moment, our proposal package includes a short engagement session immediately after, guaranteeing at least two same-day images to share on social media. This gives couples the opportunity to get some great portraits (and pictures of her ring). 😉 We want couples to totally be able to fully soak in these precious moments together without fumbling with their phones!

I have to admit, Drew and Erin’s engagement session was a little longer than 20 minutes – but I just couldn’t help myself! Continue your scroll to see why!

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a 60,000-acre park containing lakes, waterfalls, forests, and lots of wildlife. Lake of the Clouds is an easily accessible overlook, but you really should spend at least a day here to really enjoy it! There’s also lots of hiking trails, back country campsites, and a ski lift for fall color tours and winter recreation.

The overlook at Lake of the Clouds is super scenic as expected. Additionally, the boardwalk continues southwest along the ridgeline to take in the expansive views.

From Drew:

“Sometimes we have family or friends or moments that save us from ourselves. Erin truly saved me. I had recently been in a motorcycle accident and she helped me recoup in every way possible. She would bring me food, watch movies with me, and I would consistently apologize for not being able to take her out on dates and to do fun stuff at the time. She never once hesitated, and always would come see me with a huge smile and a large amount of love.

Fast forward a couple of months, and one of the most important women in my life suddenly passed. My grandmother was no longer with us, and she was one of the women I had in my life who was there through everything. The thick, the thin, the good, and the ugly – she would be there to help with whatever it was. The last time I ever spoke to my sweet grandmother she said to me, “You have to take care of yourself Drew-boy,” and shortly after, “I have to think about what to get Erin for Christmas; she’s a good girl.” That sentence broke me into pieces, but assured my love for Erin in so many ways; it was almost like I was getting a deeper meaning of approval. The days go by and you never get over loss; however, it gets easier. Erin reminds me every day she’s with me and how lucky she was to have met my grandmother in the little time she had.

My family had embraced Erin from the beginning and through all that 2021 threw at me. She kept me happy, and in a place of solitude. She has the definition of a smile that can light up a room. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”

From Erin:

“When Drew and I met about a year and a half ago we knew from the beginning we would be something special. I can honestly say only a few months in we both knew we would be spending forever together.”

During their engagement session, Erin said she immediately felt connected with Drew. In fact, they hadn’t even had their first official date yet when Drew had his accident, but the wave of emotion she experienced on hearing the news cemented in her mind how important Drew was to her already.

“Love you mostest, love you always.”

Drew had told Erin there was another surprise for the weekend. When they arrived at their AirBnB, all of their families were there to celebrate with them! We love when couples can share the excitement with their families, too!

In conclusion:

Erin and Drew – congratulations!!! Every vacation is memorable, but we know this one will always stand out for you two. Rob and I were so happy to be a part of this special moment with you. We wish you all the best as you take this next step together!