Why I Don't Book Anything on my Families Big Life Events Through Out the Year | Personal | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Priorities and Boundaries in My Wedding Photography Business

If you ever inquired on September 10th for your wedding you will find that I am not available for your wedding day.
”Why is that, Molly?” I am so glad you asked; that is my daughter’s birthday!!

I am SO thankful to be able to serve my couples on the days that are so important to them and their love history. But at the end of the day when I am tired and exhausted I am going to cuddle up with my hubby in our bed.

My life goal is to put my family first. When my little Mae grows up I pray she will look back and know that my work was never put before her. I pray the same for Marcus; does he feel second to the work I am doing? Sacrificing my relationships that mean so much to me on the alter of keeping up with the hustle is simply not a sacrifice I am willing to make.

There is a statement I have read over and over from The Naked Marriage Podcast that I think sums it up perfectly.

“No mount of success outside the home can compensate for the lack of success inside the home”

Chills right?! My measure of success is the success inside my own home. I am not perfect at this but I hope that keeping my priority my family, my goals will align. I look forward to my end goals: a happy marriage, a happy family that glorifies God. I am really praying that the steps I take now lead me there.

I don’t think I could ever say it enough, my family is one of the best gifts I have ever received. I work hard everyday to make sure they feel they are loved and cherished. So days that I might not be available? My baby girl’s birthday, my hubby’s birthday, and my wedding anniversary. <3 Oh and Christmas, because honestly I love Christmas with my family too much to give that time to someone else.

Warmly,
Molly

How To Choose Your Engagement Session Location | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer | MW Photography

Choosing a location for your engagement Session!

How to choose your engagement session photography location is one of the questions I get asked the most. I totally get it! You want your engagement photography to look AMAZING! I want to help, but instead of giving you 20 locations that you know nothing about here are a couple of things I want YOU to consider that will help you narrow down your search for the perfect engagement session location that is authentically you! Engagement Photography can be SO MUCH MORE than just standing and smiling directly at the camera. It can be a date night that shows who you are as a couple and how you like to have fun! This is possible and here are a couple of things to consider to help bring your engagement photos to life!

Choose an aesthetic you love. City, woodsy, forest, waterfalls, small town, favorite ice cream place. If you are not outdoorsy choose a favorite location in your city. If you are an introvert choose a simple, intimate session in your home. If you love the Minnesota State Fair go grab some cotton candy and cheese curds! Choose something that is you. It will make you more comfortable and enjoy your session that much more just being true to yourself!

The question to ask yourself: What is my style?

Choose a location that means something to you. First place you kissed. place you first met. Place where he popped the question. I tell this to all my brides! How much more meaningful will your photos be shooting at a location you already have in the history of your relationship! It is a beautiful reminder of the love that already bloomed there. It can be your favorite walking trail, your favorite restaurant, or just your back yard around the fire pit. This is something where you can dig deep and remember your favorite moments in your relationship together and relive by having your engagement photos taken there.

The question to ask yourself: Is there already an existing place that is special to my relationship?

Choose an activity you love. Choosing to do activity that you both love will narrow down locations in a big way. Do you love canoeing and want to have that in your photos? Awesome! Choose somewhere that has water. Love having your dog unleashed with you on your evening walks? Choose an outdoor off leach dog park! Do you love sampling local beers in your area, choose your favorite brewery to cuddle up together and try some new flavors with your photographer!

The question to ask yourself: What do I (we) love to do as a couple?

Choose a location based off your passion. Check and write a list of things are are really passionate about and how you can incorporate those things in your engagement session. Are you passionate about art? Look into the local art museum. Are you passionate about music and dancing?

The question to ask yourself: What am I most passionate about and how are ways I can incorporate that into my photos?

Choose a new adventure. This is where you can choose an adventure you have always wanted to do in the back of your mind. It is taking the idea of a date night and really making it your own.

The question to ask yourself: What is something I wanted to do with my fiancé for a long time that might be a fun date night for our engagement session.

Choose your dream location. Has travel always been on your heart or one of your favorite things. Don’t let the limits of your small town or city hold you back. Travel to you dream engagement session location will reflect something uniquely you and just another chance to love on your fiancé and have your photographer tag along to capture your unique dream!

The question to ask yourself: Do I want to have a dream vacation with the love of my life and have gorgeous photos of our trip?!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Alyssa & Derek | Minneapolis Engagement Photographer

Alyssa and Derek’s Engagement Session in Downtown Minneapolis!

I meet up with these two adorable people to capture their engagement photos in and around the Stone Arch Bridge which is iconic to the Minneapolis area! The Lord provided a stunning sunset with those nice warm breeze for our evening walking around St. Anthony Main.

Here is some great things I learned about Alyssa and Derek: They meet swing dancing with a mutual friend at Famous Dave’s. Alyssa’s friend didn’t want to go alone so she coaxed her to come with her. And that is where it all started. They hit it off despite Derek dropping her that night.

Now they have a pooch names Daisy the Pug, together who knows she is a queen rocking in her new stroller. Now she is strolling the good life. Keep scrolling through their photos Daisy is in there!

This is a little of their engagement story they shared with me. Alyssa had always wanted to do a carriage ride. Derek decided that it would be the perfect activity for his proposal. As for when, he knew that Alyssa loves Christmas time of year so he decided to do it in the winter of 2021. They had dinner at Nicolette island Inn beforehand. Although it was very cold they both bundled up and enjoyed a carriage ride around saint Anthony Main and across the Stone Arch Bridge. Derek popped the question and enjoyed a joyous yes from Alyssa.

For our engagement session we enjoyed the same route as we talked about them watching Stranger things (they are currently wrapping up season 3) and whether or not the new Dumbledore movie was good or not.

Please enjoy their engagement photos and celebrating Alyssa and Derek as they get married later this year!