One of the things I love most about living and working in Maple Grove, Minnesota, is the abundance of beautiful parks and natural spaces that make for stunning photo locations! Fish Lake Park, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it a gorgeous spot with its serene lake and lush trails, but it’s one of my favorite lakes. It quickly became one of my favorite parks in the Twin Cities area, and I was thrilled when Abbey and Hunter chose it for their engagement session this summer.
When Abbey and Hunter reached out to me about their engagement photos, I was excited to learn that they had recently moved to Maple Grove to buy a house. The timing and location couldn’t have been better! They wanted to capture this special moment in their lives in a place that resonated with their new home, and Fish Lake Park was the perfect choice.
Fish Lake Park offers such a variety of beautiful backdrops, from its tranquil lake to the winding trails surrounded by greenery. It’s a spot where you can feel completely immersed in nature, and it’s one of the reasons I love shooting here. Whether you’re walking along the shoreline, taking a quiet moment by the water, or exploring the wooded paths, the park offers endless possibilities for capturing unique and meaningful moments.
We started Abbey and Hunter’s session on a high note—with their two beautiful golden retrievers. There’s something so special about including pets in engagement photos; they bring an extra layer of joy and personality to the images. Abbey and Hunter’s dogs were full of energy and excitement, and it was clear how much these two adore them.
We spent some time capturing the four of them together, letting the dogs play and interact naturally. The dogs added a fun, playful vibe to the start of the session, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
After spending some time with the dogs, we ventured further into the park to explore the trails and get closer to the lake. The weather was absolutely perfect that day—warm but not too hot, with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable. As we walked along the trails, Abbey, Hunter, and I chatted about their summer plans and the excitement of moving into their new home.
One of the things I loved about this session was how relaxed and natural it felt. Abbey and Hunter were so easygoing and open to trying different ideas, which made the whole experience a lot of fun. Whether they were walking hand-in-hand along the path, sharing a laugh by the water’s edge, or simply enjoying each other’s company, every moment felt genuine.
As the session progressed, Abbey changed into a gorgeous white, two-piece dress with lace details for the second half of the shoot.
But the real magic happened as the sun began to set. There’s something truly special about the golden hour at Fish Lake Park—the way the light dances on the water and filters through the trees creates a warm, romantic glow that’s perfect for engagement photos. Abbey and Hunter embraced the moment, and we captured some of my favorite images of the day as they ran into the lake together!
Watching them splash around in the water, spinning and laughing as the sun dipped below the horizon, was an absolute joy. They even ended up in a playful water fight, which made for some unforgettable, candid shots. This spontaneous, carefree energy is exactly what I love about engagement sessions that end with a jump into the lake. It’s a reminder to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the moment—exactly what an engagement session should be.
For me, there’s nothing quite like being near the water. Whether it’s the calm of a lake, the sound of waves, or the feel of cool water on a warm day, it’s a place that brings me peace and joy. That’s why I’m always thrilled when couples want to incorporate a lake or water element into their engagement photos. It adds a layer of connection to nature and creates a unique, memorable experience.
Abbey and Hunter’s session at Fish Lake Park perfectly captured why I love water-inspired sessions. The way they embraced the lake, the fun they had together, and the beautiful setting all came together to create a gallery of images that truly tells their story. It’s sessions like this that remind me why I’m so passionate about what I do.
Abbey and Hunter’s engagement session at Fish Lake Park was everything I could have hoped for and more. The combination of a beautiful location, perfect weather, and a couple who was willing to dive (literally!) into the experience made for a truly unforgettable day. Fish Lake Park will always be one of my favorite spots in the Twin Cities area, and I’m so grateful to have been able to capture these special memories for Abbey and Hunter in a place that holds so much meaning for all of us.
If you’re considering a river, ocean, or lake engagement session, or if you’re looking for a beautiful park setting in the Twin Cities area, I highly recommend Fish Lake Park. It’s a place that offers endless possibilities for creating stunning, meaningful photos, and I would love to help you capture your love story there!
Ready to book your own engagement session? Let’s make some magic happen together at Fish Lake Park or another beautiful location that holds a special place in your heart. Reach out today with my contact form on my website to chat more!