Katie and Zachary's Engagement Session in Downtown Saint Paul

It was kismet when Katie met Zach during her final PA rotation at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Their first date at Dangerous Man Brewery felt effortless—one of those rare moments when everything clicks. 

From that night on, they knew it was the start of something special. A year and a half later, Zach proposed on Katie’s birthday beneath the twinkling holiday lights of downtown Stillwater, making the season all the merrier. Their engagement session was beautifully captured on a summer day with the historic Landmark Center as the backdrop. The couple opted to treat the photo session like a date night, says Katie. “We got to our location early and enjoyed happy hour first. It was perfect.”

Give your photographer a good idea of what you like and don’t like so they can get a good feel for what you’re expecting out of your session. 

—Katie, bride

Amid golden light, Bellagala photographer, Angela H., captured the pair’s natural joy—a perfect reflection of two people deeply in love and excited for their future together. “I love photos that feel soft, romantic and genuine,” says Angela. “I often start with a cozy pose, then I’ll ask the groom to whisper something funny in her ear or snuggle close to her. Those moments always bring out real smiles and laughter.” According to the couple, their favorite images are the candid shots where they are giggling and having fun, the best recipe for memorable photos. “Just us laughing and enjoying each other’s presence while our photographer