It was more than a photoshoot. It felt like a real date night—their home, their proposal spot, and the bar they always return to.
These two are eloping, and instead of an overly posed experience, they wanted engagement photos that felt true to them. As a Minneapolis engagement photographer, that’s exactly the work I love most. So instead of heading to a single location for their engagement photo session, we built the evening around the routine and places that already mattered most. From starting at their home to enjoying a picnic at the park where they got engaged. And when it got dark we walked to their favorite dive bar.
In-Home Engagement Photos
We started where all the best evenings begin…at home. Vinyl was spinning, a charcuterie board was out, and their cat wandered in and out of the room. It was our first time meeting in person, so beginning here felt natural. It gave us a chance to ease in, shake off the workday, and settle any nerves. That’s what I love about in-home sessions–we ease into things and there’s no pressure to perform.
Romantic Picnic Photos at The Park He Proposed At
From there we headed to the park where they got engaged. There is something powerful about going back to the place where your story shifted. After chilling on the park bench, they spread out a picnic blanket and let the evening unfold as blue hour settled in.
They shared romantic chocolate-dipped strawberries, poured glasses of red wine, and leaned into reflective questions I had prompted them with. At one point they even photographed each other on film.
After Dark Couples Photos at the Dive Bar
The night eventually led us to the CC Club in Minneapolis. After we settled in with a round of drinks, I pulled out my flash for some late-night couples photos. The images landed somewhere between editorial and beautifully messy, which felt exactly right for the energy of the night.
As the night unfolded, we stepped outside for a quick smoke break before heading back in for another round at the bar. They surprised me by pulling out a Trouble board game and starting a match right there at the table. A little later, us girls slipped away to the graffiti dive bar bathroom for a round of makeup touchups. And captured on film? It’s iconic.
Candid Minneapolis Engagement Photos
Captured on digital and 35mm film.
Looking For A Minneapolis Engagement Photographer?
Well, thanks for scrolling all the way to the bottom! I’m Brianna Kirk, a hybrid film-and-digital engagement photographer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Do you also want a photo session that feels like your favorite date night that’s complete with city lights and your favorite dive bar? Check out more about what an engagement session looks like together. If you’re into documentary-style images, vintage aesthetics, or just want something a little different, I’d love to work with you.
