Excelsior Engagement Photographer | Katie & Sean | Excelsior Engagement Photography

Katie & Sean Celebrate their Engagement at Excelsior Pier!

Katie and Sean meet online. After talking back and forth, they decided to finally meet in person. It was an impressive feat as Sean was not from the Twin cities! Katie was visiting family in his area and they took the opportunity to get together. Their first date was at a brewery. They both commented on how quickly the date seemed to go. Before they knew it hours and hours had passed. I love when your are just with the right person, time doesn’t seem to matter. Katie was pleased and taken aback on how respectful Sean was to her needs that first day when she had to take care of some family stuff. Things obviously went exceedingly well and it wasn’t too long before Sean made the move to Minneapolis to plan a future with Katie.
When it was decided to take the next step to marriage, Sean had it all planned out. They were going to go to Katie’s favorite spot by a willow tree and propose. Katie' didn’t know if he was going to propose, but Katie’s best friend made her go out and get their nails done “Just in Case”. I think we all need a friend like that in our lives. Sean really wanted to go on a walk before their dinner reservation. All afternoon Katie had been sending GIFS on how tired she was. After a little bit of loving encouragement on Sean’s part, Katie finally put on mismatched socks and her Birks for their walk and enjoyed the outdoor air. They walk was anything but leisurely stroll as Katie noted Sean was BOOKING IT. As they finally reached their spot, Sean proposed to Katie and she said yes! A family member were their in the bushes to capture to happy occasion! After dinner a second surprise happened, there was a planned engagement party with all their friends and family.

For our time together at the engagement session, we meet at the Port of Excelsior! It has been an unseasonably warm winter here in Minnesota, but the chill off the water still went straight to the bones. Katie and Sean had the best attitudes! It made our session so fun to just laugh and talk about their upcoming wedding! They really want their wedding day to be a reflection of their faith and glorify God in their action.
Please enjoy Katie and Sean’s Excelsior Engagement Photography Session below!

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Bavaria Downs | Jessica & John | Chaska Wedding Photography

Wedding Celebration at Baviaria Downs with Jessica & John!

On a beautiful summer's day in Chaska, Minnesota, Jessica and John tied the knot at the stunning Bavaria Downs. Their wedding day was filled with romance and love, and their love story was the center of attention throughout the day.

From the moment they arrived at Bavaria Downs, it was clear that Jessica and John were meant to be together. They radiated happiness and excitement, and it was impossible not to feel the love between them. Their smiles were contagious, and they set the tone for a romantic and unforgettable wedding day.

The ceremony was held at a scenic overlook of Bavaria Downs with a calming pond and woods in the backdrop. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their loved ones, and the atmosphere was filled with love and emotion. As they sealed their marriage with a kiss, their guests cheered and congratulated the newlyweds.

The natural beauty of Bavaria Downs provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate photos. They shared tender moments with each other, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.

The reception was held in the elegant ballroom at Bavaria Downs, which was decorated with soft lighting, romantic florals, and delicate details. Jessica and John shared their first dance as husband and wife, and it was a beautiful moment that will be remembered forever. They laughed, smiled, and shared intimate moments together, surrounded by their loved ones.

The day was filled with love, romance, and unforgettable moments. Jessica and John's love for each other was evident in every aspect of their wedding day, and it was a true joy to capture the beauty of their day. Please enjoy a small preview of their wedding day!

This was a Gina Zeidler Wedding which I was able to shoot along side to help bless her couples. The photos you see here are all shot and edited by me.

How to Prepare For My Minnesota Winter Engagement | Minnesota Engagement Photographer

Tips to Keep Warm for Your Minnesota Winter Engagement Photography Session!

Minnesota in winter is Magical. I am not the first person to think so! I LOVE snow and the whole season is one of my all-time favorites. If you are from the Midwest/ Minnesota, you KNOW it can be SO COLD.

I have some tips for you to make your Minnesota Winter Engagement Session more enjoyable overall!

1) Bring Hand and Feet Warmers - This is the biggest blessing I try to remember ever winter engagement session or wedding. They are so cheap there is no reason not to have an extra one or two packed in your purse for your photos.

2) Dress in Layers - I feel like the biggest advantage Minnesotans have against the harsher winters is knowing how to dress so you are comfortable. This should not be left behind when you are planning your engagement session in the winter months. Many couples have two outfits for their engagement photos. Use a cute winter aesthetic to add in a nice winter hat and gloves to make the time together more enjoyable.

3) Bring on that Coffee - Any hot drinks will feel like a godsend when you are bracing for those cold days. Don’t be afraid to bring a thermos of your favorite hot beverage to warm your soul between photos.

4) Plan a small warming break if possible - Depending on if you are at a local park or in the city, try taking a small break in a local coffee shop or jump in your car to warm your fingers up. There is nothing wrong with taking a small warmup break so you can feel your face again.

5) Bring a cozy blanket to cuddle up in - I love this there is something to cute about cuddling up with your fiance for your photos! This could be just an extra prop to be able to add to the variety of your photos while still keeping you warm!

Bonus!: Really lean into your engagement session being in winter by choose a really fun winter activity like Ice Skating, Skiing, Snow Shoeing, or enjoying a small bonfire together! They photos will be SOOO worth it!