The Ford House Engagement Session

There’s something magical about a Ford House engagement session. When Rebecca and Jeff reached out about photographing their engagement photos, I couldn’t wait to meet them at this iconic Grosse Pointe location. They chose this location because of it’s grandeur, but also because they were getting married at Wellers Carriage House which is also a Ford family property.

Getting Started at The Ford House

The Ford House sits right on the shores of Lake St. Clair not far from Detroit, and it’s one of those places that feels both grand and intimate at the same time. Built back in the 1920s for Edsel and Eleanor Ford, the estate has this timeless elegance that photographs beautifully.

Rebecca looked adorable in a sweet little dress covered in blue flowers. Jeff kept things classic in a polo and khakis. Their style was perfectly relaxed, yet polished.

 

Exploring the Grounds

We started our Ford House engagement session near the main house. One of my favorite things about this venue is how many different backdrops you can find without walking very far. We wandered around the back and sides of the house finding all the little nooks and crannies the architecture has to offer. With the well manicured landscaping and the ivy covered walls, the main house offers endless options.

The estate features over six acres of meticulously maintained gardens and grounds. Every corner offers something different. Stone pathways, mature trees, and carefully designed spaces create endless photo opportunities.

The Pond

One of the highlights of Rebecca and Jeff’s session was when we made our way to the pond. This serene spot sits right next to the main house and offers gorgeous reflections on calm days. Take the land bridge over across the pond and get some photos with the lake in the background.

I positioned Rebecca and Jeff across the pond from where I was. The water created this natural separation that added depth to their portraits. They looks so in love standing there with the trees in the background.

 

Secret Garden Vibes in the Rose Garden

Next up was the rose garden for this Ford House engagement session. Now, I’ll be honest, most of the roses weren’t in bloom during our visit. But here’s the thing, it didn’t matter one bit.

The garden still had this enchanted, secret garden feel. The structured beds and pathways created beautiful leading lines. The stonework and greenery provided plenty of visual interest. Rebecca and Jeff were naturals in front of the camera, and their connection shone through regardless of whether flowers were blooming.

The Ford estate is known for its award-winning gardens, and you can see why even in the off-season. There’s an attention to detail in the landscape design that photographs wonderfully year-round.

 

Open Fields and Classic Architecture

We wrapped up the session in two perfect spots. First, we headed to one of the open fields on the property. There’s something about an open meadow that just feels romantic and free. The natural light was gorgeous, and Rebecca and Jeff could move around and be themselves.

For our final shots, we circled back to the front of the main house. The facade of the Ford House is absolutely stunning. It’s go that classic estate look without feeling stuffy or unapproachable.

The limestone exterior and architectural details provide a sophisticated backdrop. These final images from their Ford House engagement session captured both the elegance of the location and the genuine joy between Rebecca and Jeff.

Why Choose a Ford House Engagement Session?

If you’re considering the Ford House for your engagement photos, here’s what you should know. The property offers incredible variety in a relatively compact space. You can get formal architectural shots, romantic garden images, and natural outdoor portraits all in one location.

The estate is well-maintained and welcoming. The staff helped guide us to the best spots and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Plus, the historical significance adds something special to your photos. You’re creating memories in a place that has its own story to tell.

Tips for Your Own Session

Timing matters at the Ford House. Different seasons bring different looks. Spring and summer offer blooming flowers and lush greenery. Fall brings gorgeous foliage colors. Even winter can be beautiful and romantic with the right light and a cozy wardrobe.

Don’t stress too much about what’s in bloom or the “perfect” conditions. Rebecca and Jeff’s engagement session proves that connection matters more than anything else. When you’re comfortable with each other and your photographer, the location becomes the backdrop to your story, not the other way around.

When planning your engagement session, you will need to plan a decent amount of time ahead. A permit is required for your session where you will choose a date and time for your session. You can get the most up to date information on the Ford House Website. The advantage of going with a location like this for your photo session is that you mostly have the whole place to yourself and it’s not overloaded with photographers everywhere. We crossed paths with one other couple during this session. You are also guided and driven around by a member the staff here which is convenient and since they know the grounds pretty well, they can show you some good spots.

What I Love About the Ford House

Rebecca and Jeff’s Ford House engagement session reminded me why I love photography couples at this Grosse Pointe gem. The combination of history, beauty, and versatility makes it an ideal choice for engagement photos.

Whether you’re exploring the gardens, walking by the pond, or standing in front of the stunning main house, the Ford estate provides a romantic setting that feels both special and authentic. It’s a place where you can be yourselves while creating images you’ll treasure forever.

If you’re planning your own Ford House engagement session, embrace the experience. Walk the groudns. Enjoy each other’s company. Let the beauty of the estate work its magic. The photos will take care of themselves.