Claire & David’s calm, storytelling engagement portraits in Minneapolis
Claire and David have such an intentional and sweet partnership. They both are kind, thoughtful people who have built an egalitarian partnership on a foundation of deep respect and care for one another. Their affection for one another is palpable! Claire and David got engaged while unwinding with an evening cup of tea together, and the grounded, calm energy they emanate as a couple is such a delight to be around.
Planning Claire + David’s engagement photography
Claire and David are getting married this spring, and they loved the idea of having a fall engagement session about six months before their wedding. Amidst the busyness of planning a wedding, Claire and David saw their engagement session as a wonderful opportunity to pause, be present to, and savor this special season of life as an engaged couple. They also don’t have a ton of pictures with just the two of them together, so they were excited to have intentional and storytelling couple portraits. Claire and David live in NE Minneapolis and they love taking long walks together. Knowing they may not live here forever and wanting to honor how important this sense of place has been in their lives, they had the sweet idea of taking their engagement portraits while strolling along their favorite walking route!
We started the session walking along Saint Anthony Main. It was a glorious fall day with bright, warm sunshine that illuminated the red and orange leaves. We strolled our way toward Boom Island and Nicollet Island, pausing along the way in lovely nature-filled spots. Claire and David’s portraits hold such an array of emotions authentic to their relationship: some feel tender and romantic, some are playful and silly, some carry a deep sense of peace, and all of them reveal the depth of chemistry and care between Claire and David.
Claire and David opted to wear two distinct looks during their session, which is something I recommend for couples wondering what to wear for their engagement session. They started in a relaxed but classy everyday outfit followed by a fancier date night outfit. Their whole session felt very autumnal, happy, and serene.
Claire + David’s engagement portraits in Minneapolis
While wandering through Nicollet Island, we found a tucked away garden full of luscious greenery and light. I love how bright and connected Claire and David look here.
This is such an iconic Minneapolis engagement portrait – filled with nature, historic architecture, and the wide Mississippi river.
This candid portrait feels so happy and carefree.
During our walk, we paused under a beautiful, big bridge and I love how the clean architectural lines frame Claire and David. It has serious album cover energy to me.
We found a gorgeous sumac plant growing along a fence line, which felt very romantic and autumnal.
Claire and David wrapped up their session walking through a few more favorite spots along the river. This portrait feels like such a tender time portal into this special season of their lives as an engaged couple living in Minneapolis.
