Two location engagement session.
View the engagement session that takes place starting in a bar and ending out in the warm sunshine.
I would be a liar if I said I didn’t audibly gasp and do a happy dance when I first received Helenka’s inquiry email. The exact inspo photos she sent me, had been saved on my Pinterest for MONTHS. Helenka wanted to start her and TJ’s engagement session in a moody bar scene and I could not have said “yes” any faster.
The fun, however, did not stop there. Her vision also involved fun outdoorsy photos in the warm sunlight. And warm it was. The transition from the cool bar to the 90 degree weather, had us all sweating, especially poor TJ who was decked in an all black outfit.
When we arrived at the Hard Water Lounge in Crosby, Minnesota, late Saturday morning, we were greeted and let in by the owner Mike who was so kind to allow us to use his space for this incredible vision! I had to pinch myself, it felt like a dream. Everything I’d ever hoped and dreamed for from an engagement session like this, was coming to life right in front of me. From the outfits that Helenka had carefully picked out, (and frankly could not have executed more perfectly,) the black leather couches in the corner, and the stunning setup, every detail was dreamy.
Helenka and TJ were naturals in front of the camera. Their chemistry was unmatched, they were up for any idea I had, and it was a heck of a good time. We shared laughs between me making Helenka hop on the counters, Mike capturing some BTS on his phone, and me expressing how in awe I was of Helenka’s ring.
I always strongly encourage my couples to choose a setting that matches their personalities and these two could not have done a better job with that. I always offer the option of two locations to my couples and the locations they chose were unique, personal, and reflected who they are as a couple perfectly.
After sipping on some drinks, both for the photos and because why not, we packed up and made our way to the local Recreational Area for part 2 of this engagement session. It was now approaching noon and the sun climbed herself way up in the sky. We were all sweating within minutes and immediately encouraged TJ to take off the jacket he’d been wearing in the bar.
Helenka and TJ danced, twirled, shared smiles and kisses, and chased each other along the shoreline. Prompting him to chase after her as they reach for each other and she smiles back at him makes for the best and cutest photos, in my opinion. Movement, real laughter and smiles, with the cuteness of it all, is just unbeatable.
As I had them laying the grass, a man wandered down to where we were. “There’s a lady up there, looking for you guys,” he informed us. I smiled in excitement. Helenka and TJ share a beautiful dog and they’d asked to include her in their photos. Of course I said yes! Including your pets in your session is one of my favorite things in the world. As a dog owner myself, there is nothing sweeter than having your favorite animal join you in all of the important things in your life. Not only do they add such a fun aspect to your photos, but your pet is a part of you and I will never decline bringing your pet to your session.
After snapping some of the most beautiful photos with the lovely couple and their puppy, we moved on to the champagne pop. For some reason, I strongly encouraged Helenka to shake the bottle. “You gotta shake it good,” I told her. And shake it good she did. The champagne sprayed EVERYWHERE, and I’m not kidding. Not only all over TJ and Helenka but it somehow made its way all over to me, covering all of us. After our initial shock, we all stood there giggling for several minutes.
This session was nothing short of a good time. Filled with so much love and laughter, a vision board that is unmatched, and the cutest couple, my cup was soul full. I am truly fueled by the couples who are so endlessly wonderful like TJ and Helenka. Nothing feeds my soul like capturing the love of two people who are so clearly meant for each other. I am constantly reminded why I started this profession in the first place. I truly believe that the wedding space is exactly where I belong. Capturing couples, engagements, and weddings is a passion of mine and the clients that I do it for are my inspiration every day.
Take a look at some more photos from their engagement!!
