I met Tori during our first year at UND when life was all about late-night study sessions. Fast-forward, and now she’s engaged (!!) and reached out to me to photograph her St. Paul engagement photos and wedding later this year. It was such a special, full-circle moment.

Tori had a clear vision for their engagement photos—something classy, elegant, and timeless, with beautiful architecture to match. After throwing around a few ideas, we landed on the Minnesota State Capitol. It was the perfect choice—grand, historic, and absolutely stunning, even with Minnesota winter showing up uninvited.

Minnesota State Capitol Engagement Photos in St. Paul

When Tori told me she wanted something timeless and elegant, I knew the Minnesota State Capitol was the spot. This place is iconic—marble staircases, towering columns, and all the gloriousness that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.

Of course, because it’s Minnesota, winter decided to show up hard right when we started. Snowflakes were coming down, which felt magical but also freezing, so thankfully, we could head inside. The Capitol’s interior always blows me away. The warm glow of the lights and the intricate architecture set the perfect stage for Tori and Aaron’s session. It’s classic, timeless, and a little dramatic (in the best way).

Aviation Love Story & Destination Wedding in Portland, Maine

Tori and Aaron are basically the definition of a power couple. Both are deep in the aviation world, which is so cool. Tori is an air traffic controller (aka, a badass), and Aaron is a pilot. I love it when couples have this built-in connection in their careers. It’s not just about loving each other—it’s about understanding the hustle, the weird schedules, the adrenaline of being responsible for something so huge. It’s a unique bond that most people will never fully get.

This August, these two are tying the knot in Portland, Maine. A destination wedding? Say less. Maine has a dreamy coastal charm, and I already know it will be incredible. There’s something different about destination weddings. They’re intimate and intentional, turning your wedding into a whole adventure instead of just a one-day event. I’m so excited to be there for it, camera in hand.

Check out these fall lake engagement photos on Lake Vermilion!

“Thank you so much!!!!! These are all so amazing and beautiful! We absolutely can’t wait for you to do our photography at the wedding.”