There’s something magical about the places that hold our childhood memories. The places that make us smile when we think back on them, like that one beach where you spent every summer—where laughter echoed through the waves and every grain of sand felt like a new adventure. That’s exactly what Union Pier, Michigan, was for this sweet family. Mom grew up visiting this beach, and when she’s back in town, she always makes it a point to come here. Why not make new memories here too, right? So, we snuck in a sunset session at this nostalgic spot to capture their time together.

Location - Union Pier

Union Pier is the kind of beach town you can’t help but fall in love with. It's quiet, charming, and gives off those "I’ll never leave" vibes. The kind of place where everything feels just a little slower and the sunsets are absolutely stunning. It’s this perfect, peaceful slice of Michigan that you can enjoy without the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots like New Buffalo. (No shade, New Buffalo! I love you, too.) We spent the evening on this beach, laughing in the sand as the sun dipped low, creating the perfect golden light for family photos. You can see why it's Mom’s happy place—it’s just one of those locations that holds so much beauty, nostalgia, and calmness.

Family Walking Through the Woods of Berrien Street Beach

Details I’m Loving:

One of the most heartwarming things about this session was seeing how this family made their beach photos extra special. As a nod to the past, Mom and Dad dressed up just enough to make the session feel a little more formal but still relaxed. The boys? Well, they were just adorable and full of energy! You’d never guess that they’d just hopped off a plane from a faraway adventure and were still a bit jetlagged. But thanks to a late nap (here’s a pro tip for other parents—naps are magic), the kids had a second wind and were ready to run, play, and have a blast on the beach. And let me tell you—those moments of them running down the beach, the wind in their hair, their little feet sinking into the sand… It was absolute gold.

Family Walking Through Nature at Berrien Street Beach

Child Standing on Driftwood at the Beach of Lake Michigan

Family Walking Together on the Beach in Union Pier

Union Pier will forever be a part of their family’s story, and I’m so glad I could be there to capture a piece of that magic. Every family has a “happy place,” and this one was especially meaningful to this sweet family. I’m already looking forward to seeing how they’ll keep adding chapters to their own story. Whether it’s at Union Pier or another amazing spot, I hope we continue creating beautiful memories together.