St. Cloud Engagement Session
I just love engagement sessions, like how amazing is it that I get to photograph love and hang out with the coolest couples. Katie and Anthony were literally so much fun to hang out with. As we walked around the Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud Minnesota, Katie and Anthony were telling me all about their wedding day and their vision.
Learning about what they had planned for their day was so amazing. They talked about how they are having a small intimate ceremony with their closest loved ones. And I really loved that. In today’s world the pressure of having “the big white wedding” can just be to much, so when I hear that a couple is throwing that concept out the window and just making the day about them is so amazing to hear. I think often times people can think that they “have” to have the big wedding because that is what is normal, or that is what their family is pushing them to do. But getting married and having a wedding (in my opinion) should be about you and your partner. You are making vows to each other and promising to love each other forever. It makes me happy when couples main focus is that. And not showing off how extravagant they can make their day. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t have a big white wedding and be focused on yourselves and your vows. But I have been to lots of weddings where everything was about everyone else and not the couple and the love they share. It is just a nice breath of fresh air when I hear from couples that their main focus is their love.
Even as a 2022 bride myself and planning my wedding, I have caught myself losing sight of what’s important and trying to please everyone. And I know personally how hard it is to take a step back and slow myself down and realize that MY wedding is not about OTHER people. It has been really nice being able to relate to my couples on this level and talk about how hard it is to stay focused on the important stuff and not let our opinionated family members sway how we want and envision our wedding days. But Katie and Anthony are SO GOOD at remembering what is important but also finding balance within their day to honor their parents and other family members.
Okay enough of the serious talk (but do remember your wedding day is about you). Anyways, Katie and Anthony are also SO GOOD at picking locations for sessions. I have never been to the Munsinger Clemens Gardens (or really have even heard of it) But WOWZA this location is so gorgeous and fun to shoot at. With so many little pathways and nooks to go into you can definitely find a pretty background you love. I arrive roughly and hour early (may have misjudged my 2 hour drive from Fergus Falls a little) which then gave me so much time to wander and explore to find the best spots before Katie and Anthony arrived. The Munsinger Clemens Gardens are really a great place to wander and enjoy the nature. I loved looking at all the flowers and the river. I would 100% recommend exploring there if you are ever in St. Cloud!
