Why You Should Have Your Engagement Session With Your Wedding Photographer

My dad has always been a photo enthusiast. In my his eyes having five kids is as good as having 5 miniature models;  my siblings and I have grown up very uncamera shy because of it! For us any excuse to take photos was a good excuse! 

If you have taken a gander at my packages you have probably noticed I don't charge for my engagement sessions when you book your wedding with me. Your engagement session is not just another opportunity to take more photos (which I know your fiance just loves) it is a chance to build our relationship. Through this crazy business adventure I am still building and learning what makes the best experience for my MW couples! This is one golden nugget that I have learned and will standby for my couples.  Here are 3 reasons why you should shoot your engagement session with your wedding photographer.

1) It allows you to get a feel for how your photographer works. Your photographer will direct you to make you look good and have a good time. You will be able to see how they set up a pose or if they make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. It is better to know that and know how to feel comfortable with the love of your life in front of your photographers camera. Do they have key words?  Do they have favorite poses to stick you in? You will find this all out on your session!

2) It allows your photographer to know how you work as a couple.   Each couple has a different relationship; this is the time before the wedding that your photographer learns how you work together. Whether you are high volumes of pda or a little more pulled back, your photographer can then gauge what things you will be comfortable doing on the wedding day! (Like jumping in a near by pool after the ceremony or being thrown in the air by all the groomsmen) This will help put you in poses and do things that are more YOU!

3) There are no bad surprises when it comes to your wedding day photos. After the engagement session, you will then have been shot by your photographer. So instead of feeling like another stranger is shooting your wedding, you will feel like it is  friend excited to be capturing the day along side you! On top of that, your completed engagement session will be the same style as your wedding photos. So you will have a glimpse of what your wedding photos will look like! 

 I  believe it is important!! ♡ 

Lebanon Hills Park Engagement Photography | Katelyn & Ethan

Katelyn and Ethan meet through various lunches with mutual friends at Marantha Baptist University! It took some smooth moves but Ethan eventually asked for Katelyn's number.  After talking and getting to know each other Ethan came to realize that he was enjoying his time with Katelyn more and more. He chalks it up to witchcraft! 

 During their last Christmas break, Ethan was visiting Katelyn. Not only would they be celebrating Katelyn's Birthday (Dec. 31st) but also their 1 year anniversary! (Jan.1st) Between Christmas and new years Riverside Park in La crosse, WI annually hosts a large Christmas display. Due to Katelyn's strong love of Christmas lights, they decided they would go on her birthday! In the warm glow of twinkle lights, they walked around reminiscing over their favorite parts of the year. As midnight approached they made their way over to the light house display ( Katelyn loves lighthouses). The clock was just about to welcome a new year, when Ethan got down on one knee and asked Katelyn to marry him. Katelyn said "he timed it just right so he could tell people he had to wait until the next year for his answer!"  She of course said yes!

They are looking forward to a fall wedding this year! Until then please enjoy Katelyn and Ethan's sun soaked engagement session at Lebanon Hills Regional Park!!!

Vadnais Heights Commons Wedding Photography | Michelle & Jason | Minneapolis & St Paul Wedding Photographer

Last Saturday Michelle and Jason married at the Vadnais Heights Commons surround by all their loved ones; the day felt like the first real day of summer with warm sunny skies.
 Michelle and Jason did not meet by chance; they were thoughtfully paired by their best friends for a wedding. As they walked down the aisle to support their best friends they did not think that 2 years later they would be at their own wedding!! Michelle is one of the sweetest people I have had the joy to serve; knowing she was marrying Jason, she had the biggest smile on her face all day.
The first look took place at a nearby park that Michelle had had her heart set on. As Michelle walked up and tapped Jason on the shoulder, Jason yelled out “whose there?!” making Michelle giggle as he turned and was able to take in her beauty for the first time that day.
 The ceremony took place at Vadnais Heights Commons with large windows and vaulted ceilings generously bathing natural light throughout the space.  The greenery details throughout the decorations were the perfect touch, giving the room a splash of elegance.  A personal favorite moment of the day (had me even a littler teary-eyed; vows and toasts get me every time) came during the speeches. The maid of honor was scrolling through their memories together and how excited she was for her best friend.  She said she knew that Jason was proof that all good things come to those who wait. Cue Tears. 

It was clear to everyone in attendance that these two are made for each other. I wish them all the happiness marriage can bring. <3