When Sydney and Louis came to me with an idea for their engagement session, I couldn’t wait to bring it to life. Something you might not know about me is I love a beautiful car, so this session was so much fun to shoot! When a couple comes with a fun idea to bring to life, it is always fun to try my best to make their vision a reality… and to see what fun candid shots emerge throughout that process!

Sydney and Louis’ session in Wayzata was stunning. The lighting could not have been more perfect and the backdrops perfectly framed their effortless elegance. One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is seeing how much the feeling of the photographs can change with something as simple as an outfit or location. For the first part of the session, Sydney’s white dress paired beautifully with the lush greenery and neighborhood setting. Everything about this look felt effortless, romantic, and quintessentially summer. The lighter tones, natural surroundings, and soft movement of the dress gave these photo an almost editorial quality while still feeling relaxed and genuine.

Next, we shifted gears (get it?) and headed to the lake after a quick outfit change. Changing not just locations but outfits as well can truly give you the feeling of two completely different sessions. That was certainly the case for this session! With the lake behind them and perfect golden light, I couldn’t have dreamt up a more perfect backdrop.

While Sydney and Louis certainly know how to captivate the camera and pose, some of my favorite photographs came from simply letting them interact. They naturally laughed together, joked around, and didn’t shy away from silly moments throughout the night. That’s one of the reasons I love when couples bring pieces of themselves into their engagement photos. Whether it’s a beautiful car, a meaningful location, a favorite activity, or simply an outfit that feels completely like you, those details give us something to build from. They make your session feel less like showing up to have your picture taken and more like documenting a little piece of your life together. They also make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera, which always shines through!

Sydney and Louis’ Wayzata engagement session was the perfect example of how a little creativity, two distinct looks, and gorgeous summer light can create a gallery that feels varied while still telling one cohesive story. I loved getting to bring their vision to life, and I hope you love it too!