How to Make the Most of a Rainy Summer Engagement Session in Ann Arbor
You’ve spent weeks planning your summer engagement photos — the outfits, the locations, the vision. And then the forecast calls for rain. Don’t stress — a little summer rain can actually transform your session into something romantic and cinematic. A rainy day in Ann Arbor can actually make for some incredible engagement photos with the moody light and intimate vibes. Here are some photographer-tested tips (and a few Ann Arbor–specific ideas) to make the most of it:
Here’s how to make it work beautifully.
🌧 1. Lean Into the Mood
Rain doesn’t have to mean compromise. Overcast light is flattering, the colors of Ann Arbor become richer, and the atmosphere feels instantly more romantic. Imagine strolling through downtown or the U-M Law Quad with soft raindrops falling — it’s timeless, elegant, and real.
☂️ 2. Bring Elevated Rain Essentials
A few thoughtful details keep you comfortable and your look intact:
Clear or neutral-toned umbrellas — they photograph cleanly and keep your skin tones natural.
Waterproof makeup — you definitely don’t want your makeup running.
Towels + hair touch-up essentials — a simple way to stay photo-ready between spots.
🏛 3. Choose Locations with Built-In Cover
Ann Arbor has no shortage of elegant spots that offer shelter and character:
Nickels Arcade — airy light and vintage architecture.
The Law Quad cloisters — those stone archways feel straight out of Europe.
The Clements Library - the architecture is stunning and the arches provide cover from the rain.
Downtown Ann Arbor streets — especially in the evening, the street lights provide a completely different vibe.
💕 4. Keep It Effortless and Intimate
Rain has a way of slowing everything down. Take your time. Hold hands, walk close, laugh when the wind catches your umbrella — those unplanned, genuine moments always photograph best. The rain gives permission to be natural, connected, and present.
🌦 5. Have a Flexible Plan
If it’s a passing summer storm (which it often is), we can easily wait it out or shift the start time. Michigan skies change by the hour, and post-rain light is often the most beautiful of the day.
✨ Final Thoughts
A rainy summer engagement session isn’t about adjusting expectations — it’s about creating a different kind of beauty. The atmosphere becomes cinematic, the light softens, and the connection between you becomes the focus.
So if the skies turn gray, embrace it. Ann Arbor in the rain is romantic, refined, and unforgettable — the perfect setting for a love story that feels timeless.
