Documentary-Style Engagement Photos in St. Paul

You know that feeling when you pack for sweater weather, dreaming of crisp air and cozy vibes, only to step outside and get smacked by summer’s last hurrah? That was Brittany on the day of her engagement session. She flew in from Texas with the cutest warm fall outfits, ready for a chilly 50-degree day. But Minnesota had other plans—hot and humid. We made it work because Brittany and Jeff brought so much joy and personality that the weather didn’t even matter. Their love story starts where all the best ones do—college. They met in Wisconsin and built their lives around a shared appreciation for the Midwest. Now that they’re planning their wedding, they want to embrace a fun, creative, and modern vibe, which made them the perfect fit for some classic documentary-style engagement photos. Spoiler: these two nailed it.

Capturing Their Personalities in St. Paul

Brittany and Jeff’s love for the Midwest made St. Paul the perfect setting for their engagement session. Since they were visiting family and friends in Minnesota, it was the ideal chance to showcase their love story in a place that means a lot to them.

We walked around Irvine Park, with the historic fountain and tree-lined paths. It gave us a chance to capture those softer, more intimate moments. Okay, okay. Besides the part where Jeff insisted we snap a shot of him and Brittany in their running glasses at Irvine Park, which sums up his playful vibe. It was quirky, fun, and 100% them. Then, we switched it up and headed to the Capitol Building. The architecture always makes for bold, elegant photos. Finally, we wrapped things up at Nina’s Coffee, a cozy, charming spot that was a nod to their love of coffee shop dates. It was the perfect place to capture them in their element—relaxed, happy, and fully themselves.

A documentary-style approach was perfect for capturing their authentic connection without forcing anything. The session wasn’t without its challenges—it was a hot day, but these two didn’t miss a beat. With a few outfit changes to match the vibes of each location, we kept things fresh, fun, and true to who they were.

Why I Love Documentary-Style Engagement Photos

Documentary-style photography is real, raw, and ultimately you. There’s no awkward posing or trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what your engagement photos should look like. It’s about capturing your story exactly as it is—messy, beautiful, and full of personality. And let’s be honest—things don’t always go perfectly during a session. Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate, or plans shift at the last minute, but that’s life! Embracing those imperfections turns what could be a “problem” into something memorable.

If you’re considering a documentary-style engagement session, here’s your sign to go for it. Celebrate who you are as a couple and capture moments you’ll want to reflect on. To see more like this, check out Skylar and Wilson’s downtown engagement photos at Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis.

Ready to tell your story? I’d love to help you create something that feels special. Click here to inquire about your engagement session or wedding photography!