Katharine and Ames’ magical, snowy engagement session outside

Katharine and Ames have a relationship full of connection, community, and nature. I met them both a year ago when they asked me to take their engagement portraits while beginning their wedding planning process. During our planning chat about their photoshoot, Katharine and Ames shared how they wanted their engagement portraits to capture an authentic slice of their relationship– creating a mosaic of moments to reflect the multitudes they hold as a couple. They wanted some portraits that felt intimate, capturing their big hearts and intentional depth, some that felt romantic and tender, some easygoing and everyday, and some playful and light, documenting their goofy sides. They also love to spend time in nature and wanted that shared passion to shine through in their portraits, so even though it was winter in Minnesota they excitedly opted for an outdoor photoshoot (and as a fellow nature lover, I loved it too!).  

The day of their engagement session was a true winter wonderland. Katharine and Ames chose to have their pictures taken at Katharine’s parent’s house– a location they love with gorgeous woods, winding paths, and a warm sense of familiarity and rootedness. There happened to be a huge snowfall the night before their engagement session, so when we met the morning of the photoshoot, the sunshine was sparkling on the newly fallen snow creating such a magical backdrop.

The engagement portraits

We started the photoshoot on the back deck. With big icicles framing Katharine and Ames’ faces as they gaze happily at each other, these portraits hold such a powerful sense of place and connection. 

Next we ventured onto the big winding driveway, which was covered in fresh snow. Surrounded by snow-capped trees and illuminated the soft morning light, Katharine and Ames look grounded, joyful, and calm. One of my favorite series of portraits captures Ames throwing their head back with laughter as they hold hands with Katharine. Katharine soon started laughing too, and I love how sweetly this series of images shows their loving attunement, sense of humor, and playfulness with each other. 

While walking under a canopy of trees framing a snow-covered path on the property, Ames asked to pause. They said, “Can we take a picture here? Because I love how Katharine looks in the sun.” We, of course, paused for a photograph, and it was such a tender moment to witness and document. 

To wrap up the session, Katharine and Ames trudged through knee deep snow to get to the tree line where more morning sun glistened in casting lovely shadows. Naturally, Katharine and Ames were unfazed by this winter trek. Looking at their big smiles and warm embraces, you can feel the authentic ease, affection, and happiness they both exuded on this sunshiney winter day.