Our goals for this sesh were relaxed, natural, and just sooooo over the top cute. We did it! 
Katie and Dylan met while in college in Winona, so that's where we headed for their engagement sesh. (Did you know that Kia goes to college in Winona?!)

We started out by some brick buildings in downtown Winona that Dylan used to live near.  No, Katie didn't plan to match her shirt to the brick wall, but it looks pretty damn cool, eh?

For engagement photos, we love it if we can direct couples into a pose and they just snuggle and smooch and hug and chat their way into and out of it. It allows for a lot of variety and a lot less stiffness. Movement allows for some fun and playfulness and moments we couldn't possibly pose you into. 

We wandered around from block to block looking for spots to stop. For real, sometimes we can make something out of nothing. After that, we headed for a tourist spot near the lake. 

We drove up to the bluffs and parked the car to walk out to the scenic area. Along the path there was a wildflower field. Worth a stop.

The. Bluffs. Did. Not. Disappoint.

We celebrated their engagement with a little champagne back in the wildflower field.

I absolutely love spending part of an engagement session in water. Especially right as the sunsets and golden hour is at it's peak. I meannnnn, how romantic are these?!

Congratulations, Katie and Dylan!!! <3

When one of your childhood friends asks you to photograph their wedding, it's always an honor. There are so many lovely wedding vendors in Minnesota, I'm always so proud when someone chooses us. It means a lot to be there for one of the most exciting days of peoples lives. And also, I'm sorta just a hopeless romantic and I secretly (now not so secretly) cry at every wedding.

It's been an interesting year for weddings. Covid certainly has changed how we do things. These two had to make some major adjustments and had a total of 12 people at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Richmond. Nevertheless, it was an absolutely lovely day!
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I mean, come onnnnn! This first look is too sweet. We love a little booty grab, too haha!

I really love when love is visual. These are real smiles, real adoration. I feel like we can learn a little bit about love from each couple we photograph. These two made their day sweet and special and will get to host their friends for a party this fall. 

Some of their friends and family did a drive by congratulations parade. It was so sweet, Kia and I both cried a little. It was bittersweet. 

Their families planned a sweet little surprise garage dinner reception. Full decorated with all the cute details, and even if it was a much simpler reception than what they originally planned, it was still beautiful.

I am convinced that pine trees make the best backdrops. 

Congratulations, Shaunte' and Steve! Cheers to many more years!