My partner and I met Jesse and Katelyn at the local brewery a few years ago. We instantly became close friends and bonded over our love of video games, cocktails and adult cartoons. Navigating small-town living as outsiders can be challenging, and we consider ourselves so lucky to have their friendship. I had plenty of ideas for their Southern Minnesota engagement session, and their photos turned out even better than I hoped.

The Botanist

About a year ago, my partner and I stumbled upon a little cocktail bar in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. It’s about an hour from where we lived in Fairmont, which isn’t that far when you live around there. The Botanist is housed in a converted bank and is run by a brilliant mixologist, Adam. Jesse and Katelyn, along with my partner and I, have spent many nights at The Botanist, trying whatever’s new on their rotating menu. We knew we had to make The Botanist one of the stops of their engagement shoot. Adam graciously allowed us to come an hour before they opened, and even made speciality cocktails for the shoot. These photos are easily my favorites from our day together.

Cedar Creek Park

Jesse and Katelyn love spending time outdoors together, and it was important for them to have greenery in their photos. We chose Cedar Creek park in Fairmont, which also doubles as a disc golf course. The park offers a variety of options, with open space, trees, and even some prairie grass for different backdrops and a slightly different feel.

Budd Lake

I’ve been dying to do a beach shoot ever since we moved to Minnesota (hello, lakes galore!). I may or may not have begged Jesse and Katelyn to try one, and they were gracious enough to try it with me. Fairmont is best known for its five connecting lakes, and we chose Budd Lake, which has the best beach hands down.

If you’re looking to book a personalized engagement session in Southern Minnesota, look no further!

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