Minnesota Arboretum Engagement Photography | Kate & Chris | Chaska Engagement Photographer

Kate & Chris Engagement Session at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum!

Kate and Chris started out as roommates in high school. Chris was the roommate of her boyfriend at the time. They also disliked each other and fought all the time. That was 20 years ago, and they all stayed friends. When covid was about to hit Kate moved back in with the group to be closer to family during lock down. She started hanging out more and more with Chris. He made the first move and gave her a kiss. Dating during covid looks a little different for everyone, but these two bonded over movies. Chris had Kate watch ALL his favorite 80's movies and in return Kate made Chris watch all her favorite rom coms.

They decided together to get married and Chris would call Kate his fiancé all the time! But Kate insisted the title would only work with a ring on her finger! She sent him many options but in the end he decided on one and they pickup it up together! From then on they were officially engaged in Chris's mind since she got the ring.

We enjoyed a beautiful Minnesota evening exploring the many gardens at University of Minnesota’s Arboretum in Chaska. We were blessed with a lovely sunset and did not have to deal with that many crowds! It really felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Kate & Chris were gracious enough to laugh at all my stupid jokes and all the extra stops for photos. They will be tying the knot in Spring of 2022 and I can’t wait for their wedding day!

Please enjoy their engagement session below!

Favorite Minnesota Wedding Venues 2017 | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Aria - Venue Style: Urban | Address: 105 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401

I have wanted to shoot at the Aria for a LONG TIME and this year I finally was able too! The main space is high ceilings with chandeliers and a neon sign shines over your dance floor that says "The World Is Yours" in various colors. In the entry hall more chandeliers hanging everywhere and a giant American flag across the wall would make any patriotic heart flutter. There are unique touches all around the venue to give a variety of photos that you wouldn't find anywhere else. The space is big and can hold a large amount of guests but the chandelier lighting gives it a more intimate/ romantic vibe. (Can you tell I love chandeliers?!)

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:   http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/aria-wedding-photography-minneapolis-wedding-photographer-mw-photography

Minnesota History Center - Venue Style: Urban with a touch of adventure and history | Address: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

I have gone to the Minnesota History Center growing up and it was a dream to shoot there this year! Not only was the couple AMAZING but the venue was fun especially shooting a main hub in St. Paul. The outdoor space for the ceremony has the backdrop of both the St Paul City Skyline and on the right glows the Cathedral which had this St Paul Girl excitedly shooting the entire time. The inside has a front table that is underneath the hanging giant wooden airplane. And the dance floor in the upper space has the backdrop of the State Capital. I loved everything about this venue. This venue is a dream space for any true St Paul blooded girl for her wedding day!

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:     http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minnesota-history-center-wedding-photography-holly-steve-minneapolis-wedding-photographer

Creekside Barn -Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address:  8555 Rushseba Trail, Rush City, MN 55069

After a bit of a drive from the cities, you start to make your way up a winding driveway with a creek on your right. Sun shining through the trees you will finally make your way to an open field with a large barn made of white pine. The venue is newer, has chandeliers and newer amenities. I loved the space and the feel of an updated barn for weddings. The owners enjoy showing off all the beautiful areas to do photos and to have the ceremony. It has several space options for outside ceremonies as well. Favorite part of the place are the rolling hills on the back side of the property. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/creekside-farm-amanda-scotty-second-shooted-wedding

Camrose Hill Flower Farm  - Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address: 14587 30th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Another barn venue that even offers flowers they grew on site! They have a barn option for the ceremony but also two other options outside spaces for an elegant woodsy ceremony. For the reception they have a tent and second barn for dinner and dancing with a twig chandelier that looks amazing running down the center of the top of the main tent . The property has a adorable cottage for the bride to get ready in! I have two cons for this venue that should be considered. 1) only place that has air conditioning is on site is the cottage. Not so great when it is so hot outside. 2) The barn is located in a residential area. They have noise regulations that music has to be done by 10pm. If you are a party group this may put a little damper on things.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/camrose-hill-wedding-photography

Minneapolis Event Center  - Venue Style: urban | Address: 212 2nd St SE Suite 212, Minneapolis, MN 55414

This space felt intimate but also spacious at the same time. They have a fenced patio for the ceremony and on the inside a large room with the dance floor on the side. It has updates to feel modern. This building has 3 separate spaces for weddings so your wedding might not be the only one going on that day.
Loved the wedding on the patio; it gave it almost a garden feel! And those beams in the reception space?! I am there.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minneapolis-event-center-wedding-photography

Pinstripes - Venue Style: Festive Relaxed  | Address: 3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435

If you LOVE games and want your guests to have an awesome cocktail hour this venue is for YOU. The entire upstairs space has a bowling alley, outdoor fire pit, boccie ball area. The only thing missing was a trampoline room! Located on the other side of the second floor is a ball room space with large windows as the backdrop during the ceremony. This same room turns  over for the reception. During the turn over time all the guests have plenty to enjoy! It felt private but still was easily located in a busy area in Edina. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/hailey-jared-pinstripes-second-shooter

 McNamara Alumni Center -Venue Style: Industral /artistic  | Address: 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Show your school spirit! The McNamara is located at the University of Minnesota and was by far one of most architecturally unique places I have shot a wedding. Filled to the brim with high ceilings and interesting wall structures and space,  This venue is a beauty and has the space to hold a larger group of guests. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/mcnara-alumni-center-rachel-alex-second-shooter-wedding

McNara Alumni Center Wedding Photography | Rachel & Alex

This wedding was a Grace V. Wedding. The heavens opened and the rains came down hard, but that did not drown the excitement Alex and Rachel had for their wedding day! They meet durning college at the university of Minnesota while living in the same building and mutual friends. So having their wedding at the same college they meet at was the perfect fit for them! Both the ceremony and the reception took place at the McNara Alumini Center, which was acticuarlly GORGEOUS! 

This has been a very busy time for these two! Within the last two months Alex graduated with his doctorit from the u of m, married his best friend, and accepted a position at Mayo Clinic, and moving to rochester! His dad joked that they were doing more in two months than a normal person does in 2 years!  

One of my favorite parts of the day took place at the reception. When Rachel and Alex first meet and started talking, a friend of Rachel's declared they were going to get married right then  and there . Rachel not a believer at that time agreed that if by some miracle it did happen the friend would get a gift for being right. Years later Rachel and Alex has a gift for this friend for being right!  

There was a slight opening when the rain stopped and we quickly rushed these two outside for 20 minutes without rain, which turned into some of my favorite photos! Please enjoy!