Nicollet Island Engagement Session Minneapolis

Nicollet Island is a first-class choice for photo sessions in the Twin Cities. Adjacent to Boom Island, with a view of the city buildings and St. Anthony Falls (on the Mississippi River). It’s also the place that an in-love couple chose to have their engagement pictures taken: Molly and Dominic.

For me it was my very first time capturing couples’ portraits in the USA. I was also happy to discover all the neighborhoods.

A fiancé showing nervousness and an unexpected proposal during their engagement session on Nicollet Island.

Molly and I got in contact on the internet. We exchanged ideas about location options, how to dress, and what to bring to their photo session. A few days later, we met in person near Nicollet Island, in front of Flutter Bridal Co. Dominic (Dom) looked a bit nervous. While Molly was picking her first outfit among the several clothes she brought in her car, I started to chat with Dom. At one point, when Molly was turning her back to us, he quickly showed me he was carrying a box in his pocket with a smile in his eyes.

I immediately understood his plan, but could not talk openly due to the presence of his fiancée. I was also quite skeptical about his precise plan. I didn’t know how, where, or when he would propose.

I tried to make him understand I would give him a signal, but I think he didn’t understand me. Well, it didn’t take long before he got down on one knee and opened the box with a diamond ring!

Indeed, it was less than 5 minutes after we started the photo session when he made his proposal on the St. Merriam Bridge.

Molly was at the same time surprised and uncertain about how she should react (especially knowing that I was a few feet away taking pictures). Indeed, Dom had already asked her. So he was actually not taking any risk! Of course she smiled and they hugged, and I took pictures.

First Part Under the Hennepin Avenue Bridge

Despite Molly holding her ceremony in California, she was looking for best professional wedding photographer in the Twin Cities to have portraits taken. I told her that the best locations are places where they would be at ease, and to look for quiet places. Also, the underside of the bridge seemed like a good place to showcase their relationship. That’s the reason photographers love large recreational parks such as Boom Island or Harriet Island for engagement sessions. Quiet locations are also what photographers recommend for maternity sessions.

Near the bridge stands The Pavilion, which is a nice wedding venue (working with Mintahoe Catering). But there was actually a wedding going on, so we didn’t use this place.

Second Part on Main Street with Laughter

The St. Anthony Main Theater and its old electric bulbs are one emblematic location of Minneapolis, MN. Actually, all of SE Main St can be used for photos. Indeed, it features a lot of old red brick buildings. Actually, all the constructions from the industrial period are very photogenic. And that’s why little towns such as Stillwater are so loved by photographers. The street also offered a lot of old architecture that we could use as backdrops for images. Let’s think about the Aster Cafe or Jefe. The south side of the street is composed mainly of parks such as Father Hennepin Bluff Park, which offers views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.

Third Part at the Emblematic Stone Arch Bridge

We quickly stopped at one of the most popular tourist locations in Minneapolis (and probably Minnesota), the Stone Arch Bridge. Of course it was crowded with couples and photographers, but with patience, we managed to capture some great pics. Let’s say that the Stone Arch Bridge is as popular as Minnehaha Falls during the summer!

Fourth Part at The Guthrie

The Guthrie Theater, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, offered a very unusual location for engagement photos. I had fun setting up flashes and taking Molly and Dom’s pics inside the building. They were hoping to use the view of the Stone Arch Bridge, but it is actually too far away for good photographs.

Fifth Location and Last Pictures at the Warehouse District

We ended our photo session at the Warehouse District, taking advantage of a little coffee shop. That can be a great idea when it’s cold outside. We discussed with the owner who was pretty relaxed and accepted my camera with pleasure.

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Other Locations for Engagement Sessions

Minneapolis is full of great locations to showcase your relationship. The first thing to consider, before running to Minnehaha Falls or Harriet Park, is whether or not you will be at ease with random people around, or if you prefer a quiet place. In the second option, your home or even your condo can be a great option (condos usually feature white walls that are great). This is an option that maternity photographers recommend to their clients.

In a more general way, neighborhoods feature little parks that are tranquil.

If you love nature and are ready to drive north, I would suggest Taylor Falls Park. Indeed, the Taylor Falls feature some rock formations and pine trees that I really love!

Stillwater, MN can also be a great choice for engagement photos. Indeed, Stillwater is a historic industrial town located across from Wisconsin and the St. Croix River. It has a lot of little streets with red brick walls.

Of course, if you have the motivation, you can still drive to Colorado and enjoy the sublime landscape for just the two of you. In such an option, you should also consider hosting your ceremony in Colorado instead of Minnesota!

Don’t get me wrong, I love the North Star State, but it’s true that other states have breathtaking landscapes!