tropical engagement. { frost on flower }

On Sunday I had a quick engagement session at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul.  There aren't too many indoor places to go for photos in the winter months around here.  My list of free destinations is small and those that cost are small, too, but this couple suggested the conservatory.

It's a fun tropical looking location but is usually very busy on the weekends which makes the entire session rather challenging.  The conservatory requires the purchase of a $25 photography permit and enforces that strictly.  The permit is only good for 30 minutes so it's always a face paced session full of strategy because of the sheer volume of people inside.  Certain shots work with other visitors in the background but most do not.  So a lot of very quick thought has to be placed about where to spend time, what is worth waiting for, framing shots creatively, and trying not to bump into anyone or fall into a fountain.

I threw in a few outdoor shots of the conservatory in case they're making an album.





The conservatory is full of benches.







The Sunken Garden has wonderful light but is always packed full of people.  I photographed a small wedding in this garden a couple of years ago.  It was great to have the chance to photograph anywhere inside without people all around.

We're not supposed to bring props to the conservatory but they managed to sneak this pillow around with us.



These shots, looking down a path, are the most challenging and take a lot of waiting.. but we manage to squeeze in a few.











I can't wait to photograph their beach themed wedding later this year!

adorable engagement session. { frost on flower }

I met this lovely couple on a tiny beach on Lake Harriet on Sunday morning.  I'm photographing their wedding next month and we were trying to squeeze in a great engagement session beforehand, so they can use the photos as decor at the wedding.

The bride to be told me she wanted a beach and a grassy area as their locations.. they were going for something really timeless.  I suggested we meet first at Lake Harriet at this little beach and then walk over to the Peace Garden and use that location as well as the adjacent Rose Garden and open grassy area, if needed.



They were basically open to anything so I started off with their feet comfy and covered in sand.  :)



I wanted to make a point to start out with casual and comfortable shots and ease our way into the more posed and smiley shots.







I'm so glad that we were there early enough to use the beach before it was covered with beach goers trying to take advantage of the last days of summer break.





Olive and I actually visited this beach to swim and play in the sand the following day and it was completely crawling with teenagers!











These shots were a lot of fun.  :)





Tracy and Sam were both so great at taking my direction.





We took a stroll over the Peace Garden and stopped at the large accessible porta-potty so they could change.  I'm glad it was a large one!  And I'm glad they were willing to use it as a changing space.. sometimes there aren't great options and the weather was too warm for layering so they actually had to change their clothes.





























I really enjoy all of these in both color and black and white.. so I'm sharing both.  :)













I was ready to wrap things up when Tracy thought hard for any ideas to use up a few more minutes.



She suggested laying down on this bench, which I thought was a great idea.





She also suggested peeking around this tree so I could add their initials and wedding date.  Cute idea!

Can't wait to photograph the wedding soon!