Spring Lake Park Wedding Photography | Grace & Ethan | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Ethan and Grace were just excited and it was written all over their faces. The rain didn't reign on their parade! Face cheeks hurting from all the smiling. Ethan told Grace he would be her hug dispenser and that any point in the day just come on over. My favorite part about watching this couple was how they constantly made each other laugh. We started our day at Historic Hastings for the first look. On Grace's favorite stairs Ethan laid his eyes on his bride for the first time and was completely lost for words. (Fun Fact: Grace found her dress in the Ukraine when she was visiting there. She just couldn't leave without it!) We partied there with the wedding party for a bit before making our way to Spring Lake Park for the Ceremony. Before the ceremony they surrounded themselves with their moms and dads and had them pray over them  for their marriage . With umbrellas out and eyes at the beginning of the aisle, Ethan and Grace became Mr and Mrs Callies!!!! Aaahhh During the reception there were yard games, rain, good food and fellowship. Towards the end of the speeches, as Grace said thank you she said her heart could not be more full. She then rushed up to me and said there was a surprise for Ethan! Everyone circled around the couple for a Polish Tradition and sang "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". The second surprise was even better; as the groomsman announced what was happening next he mentioned Grace texted him to surprise Ethan with the Hokey Pokey then he received another text this time from ETHAN several minutes later  also telling the groomsman he wanted to surprise GRACE with the Hokey Pokey. Clearly soul mates. The sequence of Grace's faces are literally the best and probably some of my favorite from the day! 

They ran through a line of loved ones and waving ribbons before driving off him Ethan's dads corvette.

PHOTOGRAPHER: 📷 Molly Sanchez | MW PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCATION: Spring Lakes Park
FLORIST: Krista Klugherz
DAY COORDINATOR: Sherri Carpenter
FOOD CATERERS: Monique Twomey &  Jean Klisiewicz
CAKE: Mary Vans

Lebanon Park Engagement Photography | Chelsey & Steve | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

They met in middle school at Falcon ridge. They always made it a point to sign each others year books. Having taken a lot of classes together they knew each other but then they differed apart of a couple of years. Steve noticed Chelsey's smile the most because she was always wearing it. They had seen each other a ways at a foot ball game and Chelsey had waved but Steve didn't go over to say hi and immediately regretted it after the fact. So when fate brought them to the same bar a while later Steve was not going to give up his chance to say hi this time! it was not too long after that that they were dating!! 

Then on a hill in redwing Steve wrapped his arms around Chelsey and they just cuddled there.  as he held her he knew this was the future he wanted. Chelsey then heard a snapping sound of a ring box closing as Steve placed the ring in her hand and as they hugged there he asked her to marry him! 
So that brings us to this shoot! We went to one of their favorite hiking spots at Lebanon Hills Park! It was a hot day and the sun was being my best friend! As we enjoyed each others company we also experienced some wild life: Geese, I GIANT turkey, and a deer. It was quiet the little adventure! The will be getting married this winter not two far from where we shot these! 

Enjoy their engagement session!

5 Tips for Choosing Engagement Photo Location

One of the most freuquently asked question I get from my brides is "where should we go for our engagament photos?" What a GREAT question! I know it can seem stressful trying to nail down all those details but here are a couple of tips to help you choose.

#1

Choose a location that is special to you! This is the most important one in my opinion. Yeah, we can make anywhere and still come out with some pretty awesome photos, but doing some where special to you just adds another layer to your photos. Looking back at them you can say "oh that's where we had out first date" or "we frequently go there to celebrate!" 

#2

Choose somewhere you're comfortable being you.  Who you are, what you normally wear, what you normally like to do. I know this sounds a little weird but if sitting by the fireplace in your backyard is a place you are most relaxed then choose that! Are you the most comfortable at home cooking dinner with your France DO THAT! You're thinking that's not that glamorous but those photos will turn out amazing because you are both comfortable. (And bonus your photographer gets a taste test ...you know just in case ...) 

#3

Choose a Location that is higher up if sunset photos are your favorites. I always try to book our session together around the time the sunsets. Those are be far some of my favorite photos I take. To get those having a location where the sun is setting around you but also having it in a deep valley we have to adjust where the sun is going to be. This is something I think about all the time.

#4

Make sure your Location is Photo friendly. There are some location where the location itself limits photography on their site or requires a permit with payment. Look into places that don't have restrictions or find out the restrictions ahead of time. I have found that majority of the time I call ahead they are really friendly and willing to work with us to get your beautiful photos. But when I haven't called ahead of time and we just show up, it can get a little hostel! Trust me it is not that fun to have to run away from people in this way. 

#5

If you want to bring your furbaby, check ahead of time that the location allows it or if they have any restrictions. Following the rules makes for a much happier session I promise!  I LOVE shooting with you with your pets. I believe they are a big part of your family ( I have two cats of my own that I love and sing to often.)  Just double checking they are allowed or looking for a location that doesn't have a pet restricting is key!