Nick & Janet’s Urban Rustic Engagement Session

Today we're featuring the engagement photo session of Nick and his beautiful bride-to-be, Janet. Taken around Loring Park--the historic, 35-acre park that graces downtown Minneapolis--these photos serve up a beautiful blend of  rustic charm and urban energy. From the rugged, exposed textures of brick, wood, and iron, to the vibrant pops of red on the bench, garden flowers, and Janet's sweater...well, I have to admit: I love every single snapshot! As working professionals who love both the city and the outdoors, Janet and Nick did a great job at capturing their personalities on camera--thanks to the photographic talents of Jodi Ann Photography. Read below as Nick talks about their engagement photos and Save the Date Magnet. Engagement Photo Session Details Wedding Date: June 9, 2012Photographer: Jodi Ann PhotographySave the Date: MagnetStreet WeddingsWedding Colors: Black, White, and Tiffany BlueWedding Style: Classic--with an urban, rustic twist    Save the Date Magnet - "Field of Love"   About Their Engagement Session: Some of your photos have an urban/industrial look, while others look rustic and country. Where did your photos take place? Was it one location, or multiple locations?We wanted a balance of urban and ‘outdoorsy’ type photos. They were taken at Loring Park in Minneapolis. We had seen the alley in another engagement shoot and we loved the rustic feel that it gave the photos. Luckily Loring Park was right across the street from the alley so it was easy walking from one location to the other! Why did you choose that location? Any particular memories or meaning? The two locations really represent us well. I’m definitely an outdoors person and that’s typically when I’m most comfortable. Janet is definitely more urban than I am, but I think we’re both comfortable in each setting when we’re together. What was it like working with Jodi, your photographer? Jodi has a very bubbly personality, which I think made the entire experience very easy and enjoyable. I think after only a few minutes she was able to get a feel for which poses we preferred. I think she also helped us relax by giving very detailed instructions on potential poses and backdrops. Prior to the engagement shoot we did take some time to meet Jodi and look through different engagement sessions that she had previously done. I think this helped to get the wheels turning in our heads on what we wanted within the session. What sort of style and mood/tone were you wanting your photos to convey? Ha, I think we knew going in that we wouldn’t do well with any "serious" photos (and this was confirmed  after reviewing the very few serious photos that we did take!). I think we wanted the photos to show the emotions that Janet and I feel when we're together. I think the laughing photos particularly show this well. What  was your moment during the photo shoot? Oddly enough, just sitting on the bench. The park was very scenic and since Janet and I love taking walks around the park near our home in Maple Grove, I think it really felt like home to us (and we think it made for a great picture).     Alright, Nick: let's talk wardrobe. You're looking rather dapper in your lilac button-up and half-zip sweater. Did you pick out your own outfits, or did Janet help you out? (be honest!) Ha, I definitely chose the light lilac button up and first set of jeans. However, I was overruled on the second outfit. I wanted something even more casual, but I was told it wasn’t formal enough! And even though I’m not married yet, I definitely know that if you end up winning half your battles, you are doing pretty good… Haha, good point. So what was your favorite part of the day? We actually did a couple photos of Janet running into my arms and me lifting her up (i.e. almost Dirty Dancing style). Although the photos didn’t make the cut for the save the date, we had a blast taking them and they bring a smile to our faces every time we take a look at them. Any advice for other guys prepping for their engagement photo shoot? Relax and enjoy the experience. In reviewing some of the photos I felt like I didn’t relax enough.     About Their Save the Dates: You chose Field of Love for your Save the Date (great choice, by the way!). What did you like about this design? We knew we wanted something well-balanced (relevant details vs. photos). We knew we also wanted to incorporate our wedding colors. We looked at a number of different options and when we incorporated this design with the colors, we knew it was the one. How did you decide which engagement photos to use on your Save the Date Magnet? We definitely used something I like to call the "veto process". We took a pass through all the photos and we narrowed them down to about 20 photos that we both really liked. From there we knew had to select one that was a portrait and one that was a landscape, and we also agreed that it would be nice to have one photo that was candid (e.g., walking towards the camera). After we added the photos to the design, we were really happy with the way it turned out.  How did you feel when you opened your Save the Dates and saw them for the first time? They definitely exceeded our expectations. When you’re looking at them online, you’re still not positive of what they’ll look like in person. Will they be large enough? Will the font be big enough? It was a big relief once we opened up the package and saw them! Have family or friends commented on your Save the Dates? We've received tons of feedback and all of it positive. I believe I’ve heard the phrase “Super Cute!” on numerous occasions… Last but not least: What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day? Spending the day with our closest family and friends.     Thank you, Nick, for opening up and giving us a "guy's take" on engagement photos and save the dates. Congratulations to you and Janet on your upcoming wedding! Are you a groom-to-be that got engagement photos or save the dates? We'd love to hear about your experience, too!