McLain State Park Proposal in October – Devon + Rachael

It was so fun to witness Devon’s proposal to Rachael this fall at McLain State Park! We say it EVERY TIME: we would photograph proposals every day if we could!

Planning Devon’s McLain State Park Proposal

Devon reached out to us in September for help with planning his proposal. He wanted to propose to Rachael, his girlfriend of seven years, during their trip to the Upper Peninsula. They were planning the “Ultimate UP Roadtrip,” exploring many of the places Rachael had heard about but never visited, enjoying the fall colors all the way. Rachael and Devon drafted a route across the northern portion of the U.P. and swinging back along the south side.

Devon said he started planning a way to make the trip “extra special” back in July – planning when, where, and how to ask Rachael to marry him. When we had our Zoom call to discuss his plans, he showed me his computer monitor with the map pulled up with pins coating the coasts of the UP. They explored Munising and Ontonagon, then made their way up to Houghton to explore Devon’s old “stomping grounds” from his Michigan Tech days.

Proposal by the Birches in McLain State Park

Devon had a busy schedule planned while they were visiting the Keweenaw, so we planned his proposal for first thing Tuesday morning. This way they had the rest of the next couple of days to explore, including a planned visit to Copper Harbor and taking a seaplane color tour. They got up and were in the car by 7:30 a.m., even foregoing coffee on the way. (When I heard he skipped coffee that morning I was like 😱 how are you even functioning?! Adrenaline, I would surmise 😉 )

Devon told Rachael he really wanted to get out to McLain State Park to see all the updates. (They’ve done a lot of updating in the last five years, including a new stretch of boardwalk and creating a set of additional campsites.)

She said yes!

McLain Park Engagement Pictures

Rachael’s ring is a pear diamond in a halo setting of white gold from Miner’s North Jewelers.

Our proposal package includes a short engagement session afterward, guaranteeing at least two same-day images to share on social media. This gives couples the chance to get some great portraits (and pictures of her ring), without touching their phones. We want couples to totally soak in and enjoy the adrenaline rush of “just engaged.”

How They Met

Rachael and Devon met through a program set up for college freshmen from small towns to connect. Devon hails from Northport, Michigan. Rachael grew up in a small town north of the Adirondacks, along the St. Lawrence Seaway. While they didn’t attend the same college, they connected through their experiences and their friendship grew over the years.

Rachael shares, “The first time I met Devon’s family and visited his hometown, a photo of us actually made the front page of the local paper (all for wearing short sleeves on a March day!) I always thought it was kinda funny like “Oh, look there is a new couple in town.”

Years later and Rachael has become more and more of a “local” in Devon’s tiny little hometown. Devon fondly describes how Rachael has gained many friends and learned “how to drive in the wacky/tourist-clogged roads that spread across the peninsula.” It’s no surprise that Rachael’s exuberant, bubbly personality has gained her a lot of friends – she’s always laughing! In fact, Devon was surprised no one in town spilled the beans ahead of time, admitting to telling “practically everyone.” Rachael knew he would propose eventually, but he caught her completely off guard by proposing at McLain!

Devon continued, “The feat of learning to drive around Northport is only surpassed by her love and respect for me and my family. Rachael has been my rock, helping me endure one of the roughest years in my life following the passing of my dad in early February. We began planning this trip to end the year on a happier note. This was meant to be different from the previous year’s trip where we headed straight to Houghton and never ventured far from there.”

Rachael says, “One thing I love about Devon is that he’s never short of ideas. He’s always coming up with new project ideas or theories. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they could be better – but his creativity and goofiness have me smiling and laughing every day.”

Devon and Rachael celebrated afterward by going for coffee, then heading north and exploring High Rock Bay – even finding a nice agate!

In closing –

Rachael and Devon – 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!

PLANNING YOUR OWN PROPOSAL IN THE UPPER PENINSULA? GRAB YOUR FREE GUIDE IN THE FREEBIES TAB AT THE TOP (OR CLICK HERE).