When we originally booked this engagement session at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. we had no idea what it would look like in the winter.  Surprise!  Minnesota had the warmest winter in years.  So it looks like fall at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum this time around.  We had shot there before, but it was during completely different circumstances.  It was hot out that day.

Emilie and Rich are from Portland. They initially booked us over the phone.  This is when we met them for the first time.  As we’ve said in the past, it’s always interesting meeting couples for the first time at an engagement session.  We don’t really know them.  They don’t really know us.  We only know each other from the phone call.  There was basically did a year of that style of meeting during the pandemic, but we don’t like it.  We are big on meeting in person and getting to know each other.  But sometimes, it can’t be helped.

They were both really sweet and fun to work with.  I often feel like I’m always the biggest introvert in the room and I was super comfortable with both of them.  Despite it being a warm December, it was still a little chilly.  We drove them all over the property and chatted about their wedding planning as we hopped in and out of the car for warmth.

The two of them were in town for the holidays.  Much like our other out of town couples, they were doing a ton of wedding stuff during this trip.  We certainly talked about the tasting they were going to be doing after working with us.  Tastings are awesome.

They had originally tried to figure out if they had really wanted to do engagement photos.  It makes sense because they are far out of town.  However, we always recommend them.  Engagement sessions are like a fun practice run before your big day. Not just for cool pics (though that’s a bonus!), but to get comfy with us.  It’s all about capturing your unique vibe as a couple—jokes, glances, and all those giggles.  These pics freeze your pre-wedding excitement in time.  When we were done shooting and were walking back to the car, they each told us they were pretty nervous about the shoot.  Afterwards, they felt so much better about it.  It made them feel so much better about the photos on the wedding day.

We are very excited to be shooting their wedding at Saint Paul College Club next August.  If next August is anything like this last one, we know it’ll be the opposite of the weather at their engagement session!