Michaela and Will's downtown engagement session was an absolute dream—a beautiful blend of their love story, the vibrant cityscape of Minneapolis, and the anticipation of their upcoming wedding at Villa La Joya in Mexico next March.
As high school sweethearts, Michaela and Will have a connection that’s palpable, and it was such a joy to capture that in photos. When Michaela sent over her Pinterest board filled with dreamy downtown shots, brimming with captivating architecture and playful, intimate moments, I knew we were in for something special. The vision she had curated was the perfect blueprint for a session that would feel both romantic and authentic.
We kicked things off at Char Bar, a speakeasy in the North Loop. The staff there was incredibly accommodating—huge shoutout to Jon and his team for making us feel so welcome! Michaela and Will cozied up with Espresso martinis, and we began the session with a series of editorial and romantic shots. The ambiance of the speakeasy provided the perfect backdrop to ease into the evening, with its moody lighting and sophisticated vibes setting the tone for what was to come.
From there, we embarked on a mini-tour of Minneapolis, stopping at some of my favorite architectural gems along the way. Each location added its own unique charm to their session, from the urban elegance of downtown buildings to the historic beauty of the Mill City Ruins. It was here, amidst the remnants of the city’s industrial past, that Michaela and Will shared a raspberry white chocolate ice cream cone—an adorable, sweet moment that perfectly encapsulated the fun and playfulness of their relationship.
Throughout the session, it felt like we were more than just photographer and clients—it was as if we were old friends, reunited to celebrate this exciting time in their lives. The laughter was endless, their hands constantly seeking each other’s touch, and the way they looked at each other was nothing short of pure love.
