Why Choose the MSU Gardens for Your Michigan Engagement Session

by Caitlin Maloney Photography

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels romantic, elevated, and effortlessly timeless, the Michigan State University Gardens in East Lansing might be the perfect setting for you. As a Michigan wedding and engagement photographer specializing in classic, sophisticated, and artistic imagery, I’m always drawn to locations that combine natural beauty with refined design—and the MSU Gardens deliver exactly that.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Michigan

Tucked away in East Lansing, the MSU Gardens are one of Michigan’s most stunning outdoor spaces. Every corner of the gardens feels intentional—lush blooms, sculpted hedges, ivy-covered walls, and romantic archways that transport you far beyond the Midwest.

It’s the kind of location that feels European in spirit yet effortlessly Michigan at heart. Whether you’re envisioning a golden-hour session surrounded by flowers, a summer evening stroll through manicured paths, or rich fall tones against the gardens’ architecture, the MSU Gardens are endlessly photogenic.

Why I Love Photographing at the MSU Gardens

I’ve photographed engagement sessions across Michigan, but the MSU Gardens remain a favorite for couples who want their photos to feel both natural and refined. The variety of textures and backdrops—cobblestone paths, vibrant florals, reflective ponds—make it ideal for creating classic yet elevated photos without needing to travel far.

For my couples, I aim to create imagery that feels effortless and emotional, blending fine art composition with candid moments. The gardens provide a cinematic setting for that balance—soft light filtering through the trees, a gentle breeze through the flowers, and space for you to truly connect and be yourselves.

My Tips for a Flawless Engagement Session

1. Dress intentionally. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style while complementing the natural tones of the gardens—think neutrals, soft pastels, or elevated fabrics like linen or silk.

2. Plan around the light. The gardens truly shine at sunset, and that warm glow gives your images a fine art, editorial look. I recommend shooting in the late afternoon and evening.

3. Add variety. Bring a second outfit to change into for both a casual and more formal style.

4. Relax and enjoy it. I’ll guide you through natural, effortless posing so you can simply be in the moment together.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re planning your Michigan engagement session and love the idea of a setting that’s lush, romantic, and classically beautiful, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Get in touch via the Contact link.

If you had asked me in college/photo school if I planned on being a wedding photographer, I would have laughed. “Too stressful! I don’t like the industry- why spend that much on one day? I want to be a photojournalist! I want to travel!” is probably what I would have said in response.

Upon graduation, I visited my career counselor at school. She asked, “Well what do you want to do?”. I said frankly and honestly, “I have no idea.” She said, “Well how about weddings? With weddings, you photograph everything: landscape, people, moments, food, portraits, night, day, indoor, outdoor, groups, individuals, details, different lighting….basically everything! Shoot weddings while you figure out what you want to do, and you will hone your skills and be able to shoot anything and everything when you’re done” This was probably the best career advice I’ve ever received in my life.

That was 2009. Today, 11 years later, I am still photographing weddings. And I love it. It was nothing I expected it to be as a clueless new grad in 2009. It’s an industry that I’m proud to work in- run by nearly all small businesses, artists and institutes of culture. It’s a happy job- everyone is happy on their wedding day! I smile while shooting and I smile while editing. I have traveled all over photographing weddings- from the church where Jackie and John F. Kennedy were married in Newport to DC, Philly, Boston, NYC, Detroit, and more.

But the biggest reason I love this job is the significance- the moments I capture will be cherished and passed down. That’s a huge responsibility, one that I take seriously, and one that I am happy to take on. My photos will be loved and make other people smile and laugh and cry.

When I received this email from Hannah last week after delivering the engagement photos from her and Martin’s engagement session on Martin’s grandma’s property, I teared up immediately. Because this is why I do what I do.

“If you recall, we chose to take our pictures at “the Farm,” which was Martin’s grandma’s house and now serves as a central meeting place for the Brown family. Her and her husband bought the house back in the 1950s. The house was actually the second to be built in Jackson County back in the 1800s.

Before our pictures, we visited his grandma in the hospital downtown. We were so excited to tell her that her home would be the back drop of our photos. She was so incredibly sweet, with her response being “I need to buy a dress,” even while stuck in hospital bed at the age of 92.

Unfortunately, they shortly discovered she had suffered an ischemic stroke from which she would never completely recover. By the time we visited her the next Thursday, she had been moved to a hospice home and started to decline.

I wanted to let you know it meant the absolute world to me, Martin, his family, and his grandma to be able to show her our “sneak peek” photos. She had trouble speaking in her condition, but her face lit up seeing us so happy in a place very familiar to her. She was in awe of how beautiful of a backdrop you created with the place she called home for over 50 years.

Martin’s grandma passed away surrounded by her sons on Wednesday, October 28th. Although this means she won’t be there when we get married in June, we feel at peace knowing she was able to celebrate little things with us, like our engagement photos.

So in short, thank you again! The pictures are absolutely wonderful. We’re even more excited for next June!

Take care,

Hannah”

Here is the sneak peek that Hannah and Martin shared with his Grandma, taken on the property of her home…