When Betsy contacted me about booking her engagement session, my first emotion was jealousy – she and her fiancé are getting married in Hawaii, the lucky ducks! But once I contained my green monster, my brain got down to business, specifically the subject of location. We chatted about engagement session locations that might be a good fit with their story as a couple, like where they met, where they got engaged, and what activities they enjoy together. It turns out that Betsy and Jason aren’t big fans of the great outdoors when cold and snow are involved. With that in mind, we looked for a location that would keep us warm and toasty with some outdoor opportunities nearby if we were feeling up to braving the elements.
I’d like to say the answer came to me in a flash, that I have an encyclopedic knowledge of all the engagement session locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and that there exists no question my gigantic brain can’t answer – but none of these would be true. I am, however, smart enough to put stock in the saying that no one of us is smarter than all of us. I asked my photographer friends for suggestions, and they led me to the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Of course I’ve photographed weddings there, but I wasn’t aware of how open the facility is to other types of photography sessions.
The Landmark was extremely accommodating. Professional photographers are welcome to use the premises as long as they check in at the front desk, be respectful of the facility, and not hinder others’ enjoyment of the building. I was even invited to call ahead and find which days would have the least amount of scheduled activities.
Throughout the engagement session, Betsy and Jason could not have been sweeter or better sports. I dragged them all over that building and asked them to do all kinds of crazy things like lay on the floor, stand over me, and fake-movie-kiss. When we were done with the inside shots, the weather actually cooperated enough for us to move the session outdoors to Rice Park. Again, Betsy and Jason were game for anything I asked, and before I knew it, two hours had passed!
Even though I’m not still harboring jealousy of their Hawaii wedding, I am hoping that they’ll show some of the outdoor images at the reception. There’s nothing like looking at rosy cheeks and snow to make you appreciate grass skirts and drinks in coconuts.
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