Sonya & Mike {engaged!}

Last Sunday we met up with Sonya & Mike in Minnehaha Park for their engagement photos. We've photographed there in the winter before and it was super icy so we've usually played it safe and stayed up above the falls. Well this time we took the risk and went down into the cavern where the falls are located.

This one was taken up above the falls before we braved the climb down.

Then we headed down the stairs to reach the falls themselves. I didn't think it would be that hard to get down there because when we saw several people, including young kids, down there. Well Gene'o went down two flights of stairs on his butt (but didn't get hurt) so yes it was a bit dangerous but it was so totally worth it.

Mike & Sonya had their first date in this location. To commemorate, they brought a bottle of wine! G and I even had some and I must say it did help warm us up a little :)

We spent a little time around the creek getting some fun shots.




After we were done with the "safe" location we started the hike to get behind the falls.I think Mike even coined one area during the climb as "the hot bed of death". So don't try this at home kids (unless you want some amazing photos!). Once we were there it was so beautiful! The shades of blue, green, & aqua were stunning. We used a video light on this one and the blue is natural, hardly photoshopped at all!





It was getting late in the afternoon and we were losing light, so after we climbed our way out of the gorge we hurried over to this little corner in south Minneapolis near the Riverview Theater that I've always wanted to photograph at. I'm so glad we made it there, even just for 15 minutes, and I'm so glad Sonya brought her cute hat with!



It is my dream to have a photography studio in this red building! It's been vacant for quite some time and the "for sale" sign taunts me everytime I drive by it!



And finally our group shot! The one on the left is the outtake that Gene'o took while setting up the self timer and I'm trying to warm my fingers :)

What a fun session we had! We are so, so fortunate to be able to work with such great people. Can't wait for their July wedding near Brainerd. I can already tell it is going to be a blast!