Lindsey and Jordan’s engagement photos at Kellogg Mall Park

Lindsey and Jordan drove 2 hours from northern Minnesota to the Twin Cities for their photo session. After Raspberry Island and the Harriet Island Park, it’s now on Kellogg Boulevard that we continue the second part of their pictures.

We climbed the bridge and walked up Wabasha Street to the adjacent park, in front of the City Hall. They were pretty relaxed, and it was a pleasure to continue their photo session.

Scenic view of the Mississippi River

When Lindsey was looking for her professional wedding photographer to cover her ceremony in the Twin Cities and her engagement session, she told me she doesn’t like static posed pictures. I reassured her, guaranteeing that cheesy poses are the ones I try to avoid. I much prefer dynamic moments. For that I ask my couples to walk, to share some story or to play games. And that’s what we were doing in the streets.

What attracts me to this park is the breathtaking overlooking view of the Mississippi River and the east shore of Saint Paul. That’s why we used the midway close to the bluff to take pictures of these two lovers having fun, and it turned out to work pretty great! Besides, I deeply love the cherry blossoms flying in the wind around those two.

A convenient complementary location in St Paul for your sessions

Despite its view, this park is not the most beautiful park in the area. It has some significant advantages:

• it offers plenty of trees and flowers among the dull aspect of the skyscraper buildings
• it offers a fountain and an arch for celebration
• it’s adjacent to Robert St N and Wabasha St S, both being nice bridges which we might use for another photo location
• it’s very conveniently located (close to Saint Paul’s downtown, and 5 minutes from Raspberry Island, the Boat Club, the Union Depot).
• It will suit Minnesotan couples getting married in the dozens of nearby wedding venues. For instance, at the Science Museum, the George Latimer Central Library, the Saint Paul Athletic Club, the Landmark Center, the Xcel Energy Center, the University Club of Saint Paul, lots of University campus buildings, the Union Depot, the Lowertown event center and several other reception event centers!
• it doesn’t require any photography permit.
• it features a station for bicycle rentals if you move by bicycle.

A Touch of Nature

I recommend natural environments to reveal your true relationship, such as the Minnesota State Park Taylors Falls, located in Taylors Falls, MN. It offers a wild mountain, pine trees, and gorgeous landscapes. Unfortunately, this location is one hour drive north, and thus requires an extra effort from my clients. Only very motivated people choose that location.

If, like 95% of Minnesotans, you are not ready to drive that long for your pictures (or on your wedding day, which is pretty understandable), you might consider a closer park, like this one. It offers enough trees, flowers and nature to capture gorgeous couples’ pictures. I would recommend using it as a complementary location. In fact, it’s an oasis in the gray stone buildings of the city!

Bridal Party Pics and Possibilities to Celebrate an Outdoor Union in Minnesota

If you are planning to celebrate your engagement in a restaurant in St Paul (such as the Happy Gnome or the Lowertown event center), MN, or the Twin Cities metro area, then this park might fulfill your needs for a small ceremony. It is good enough for your bridal party pictures. Also, the park, with its fountain and arch, can also host an intimate wedding!

Some “friends” around

If you have already strolled near the Ramsey County Courthouse, you may have noticed some “uncommon” residents using the park. An explanation could be the proximity of the shelter. What’s more, this park is close to the Landmark Center, and it has been recently renovated. Indeed, the city builds some enforcement to make sure it stays on the highland level and doesn’t fall into the riverfront. That said, I have never been annoyed.

A Famous Balcony Park With Historic Resources

Today, the park is known for its creative community. For instance, it hosted the St Paul Winter Carnival. Indeed, the recreation department equipped all boulevards with recreation facilities to allow artists performing arts in the city! That represents some major redevelopment opportunities after the renovation of the park recreation areas (such as the stormwater runoff system), and benefits the entire St Paul riverfront corporation.

Last Part of the Photo Session on Cedar Street

The first part of their engagement session in St Paul, MN, was at Harriet Island. For the last one, they avoided the Minnehaha falls park, the Stone Arch Bridge, the Como Conservatory, and the other overrated parks. Instead, they decided on a totally alternative option, a rooftop! We crossed the street and climbed an 80-foot-high building to access a rooftop in Saint Paul, which offers amazing photos.

A Variety of Rooftops in the City

If artists love rooftops so much, it’s because they embody an ancient human dream: being the bird at the top of the world. I have scouted all the parking rooftops in town to choose the best ones. Some even offer amenities such as luxurious car rentals, which can be used for pictures.

To conclude, I believe that it is a sweet little park with a scenic overview very close to the center of Saint Paul. Thus, couples planning photo sessions in Saint Paul’s downtown should take it into consideration!

I can’t wait to capture Lindsey and Jordan’s wedding in the fall with whom I have developed a friendly relationship. To host their wedding reception they chose the Loft at Studio J, in Stillwater.