Laid Back Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
Let’s be real, engagement photos should feel like a fun date night, not a stiff and awkward photoshoot. If you’re looking for a way to slow down, soak in the season, and have me there to capture it all, then this blog post is for you! In this blog post , you will read more about laid back engagement photos in Wisconsin.
Morgan and Grant’s session is the perfect example of how to make your engagement session feel like you! We started with a cozy backyard picnic at their place in Oak Creek under their willow tree and included their cats. We frolicked around at sunset into blue hour just having fun and running around acting like kids and wrapped up the night heading over to Elwood’s Bar in Milwaukee where they first met! Every part of their engagement session felt just like them!
If you’re dreaming up your own Wisconsin engagement photoshoot and want it to feel unique to you, I’ve got all the tips for you in this blog post. Keep scrolling to read more about laid back engagement photos in Wisconsin!
Laid Back Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
The key to making your engagement photos feel effortless instead of forced is creating an engagement session that actually feels like you! The key to making it feel low pressure and unique to you is making it more of a fun date night. Think picnic in a park, a cozy in home session, frolicking around your backyard, playing tennis or any sports, biking around your favorite park, checking out your favorite farmers market, or even hiking and exploring a new spot together.
Here’s the thing, when you plan a session that feels like you, the photos will naturally unfold that way too! It’s less about the perfect location and poses and more about letting things unfold as they are happening and creating something truly unique to your relationship. That is ultimately where the beauty of it all happens!
Milwaukee Engagement Photo Locations
One of the best way to make your Milwaukee Engagement Photshoot feel like you is to choose locations that actually mean something to your relationship. And honestly, you don’t even have to go far! Some of the most meaningful engagement sessions happen right at home. An at home engagement photo shoot can also take off so much pressure, especially if you’re an introvert or think you are awkward in front of the camera. Being at home you’re more in your comfort zone and that shows in your photos!
For Morgan and Grant’s engagement session, we started at their townhome in Oak Creek frolicking around their backyard and having a little picnic. The willow tree, the cozy picnic setup, and even their cats added such a personal vibe. To end their Milwaukee engagement session, we headed downtown Milwaukee to Elwood’s Liquor & Tap where they first met! Elwood’s gave us such a fun vibe with flash, shots, and late night photos outside of the bar. If you’re planning a session in downtown Milwaukee, bars like this can be the perfect add on.
Tips:
- Consider starting your session at home or a place you would actually visit together
- Flash photography later at night adds the perfect touch
- Make sure to get permission from the owner beforehand
- Don’t be afraid to bring props, outfits, or any personal touches
- Go for a weekday evening and when there’s no events going on for less crowds and more space
Why You Won’t Regret Taking Wisconsin Engagement Photos
Here’s the thing, engagement photos aren’t required, even though it’s a great way to get to know your photographer (aka me) and what poses or prompts you like doing! But, all of my couples tell me after that they are so happy they did them.
Also, there’s just something really special about hitting pause on the wedding planning stress and just focusing on each other! These photos are more than just for your save the dates, they capture this season of life perfectly.
Best Time of Year for Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has four seasons, so when it comes to the best time of year to take your engagement photos in Wisconsin, that really just depends on what vibe you’re going for! I would just avoid February as it can get VERY cold, but if you are wanting a winter session, just be open and keep an eye on weather!
SPRING:
Think cherry blossoms, blooming trees, crisp cool air, lush greenery, and dreamy soft light. If you love the idea of it being cooler out and spring blossoms, spring is a great option! Just keep in mind weather as it tends to rain a lot or winter tends to stick around longer. I do always have clear umbrellas and I’m pretty go with the flow- rain or shine or even rescheduling, I got you! Late April and early to mid May is usually the perfect time for peek spring.
SUMMER:
Summer is the best season for running around barefoot on the beach, frolicking in fields, jumping in the water, or doing any other summer activities. Golden Hour is also a vibe in the summer! Just be prepared for all the bugs, especially if you choose a location like Cave Point in Door County.
FALL:
Usually fall is the most popular time for Wisconsin Engagement Photos, and for a good reason! The fall foliage is unreal, the weather is comfortable, and cozy outfits are the vibe. Late September to early October is usually the best time, but keep in mind Wisconsin weather can be so unpredictable. Photographers usually book out way in advance for fall sessions, so make sure to reach out sooner than later to book your Wisconsin fall engagement session! You can reach out to me through this link.
WINTER:
Snowy sessions can feel so dreamy, but only if you are down for the cold and can be pretty open and last minute. The best winter sessions obviously happens when it snows, but in Wisconsin that dreamy snowy vibe only lasts that day. Be prepared to be pretty open in the evening if you want a snowy session. If you’re just wanting that winter vibe and don’t care too much if it snows or not, December and January is usually the best time!
Just keep in mind, we will want to shoot at a location like Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, Kohler Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Milwaukee Art Museum or the third ward, or even Cave Point in Door County. These are usually the prettiest winter locations in my opinion and they have parking lots pretty close by so you can go warm up. Plus, I always have hand warmers!!
Pro Tip for Planning Your Wisconsin Engagement Photos
Choose the season that matches both of your personalities! If you hate the heat, July and August probably isn’t it! If you hate the cold, a winter session probably isn’t in the books for you unless it’s indoors. Want to run around barefoot in the sand and jump in the water? Summer is the perfect time. Are you wanting a more cozy vibe? Maybe choose fall! If you want vibrant blossoming flowers, spring is the time! If you want a lavender field session, July and early August in Wisconsin is best! Not sure what you want or need some guidance? I got you! Let’s chat and create the Wisconsin engagement photoshoot of your dreams! Inquire with me here.
How to Plan Laid Back Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
The biggest secret to laid back engagement photos is to not overthink it! Seriously, the more pressure you tend to put on yourself to look perfect, not be awkward, or do what everyone else is doing, the less your engagement session will actually feel like you. Instead of focusing on all of that and the Pinterest board, here’s how to plan a session that’s low key and memorable:
Pick a place that feels like home (even if it’s not literally home)
Choose a location that makes you feel relaxed! Whether that’s your backyard, your favorite bar, a park you frequent, your favorite hike, or even your first date location.
Time it right
Soft and dreamy light is going to happen at golden hour. If I’m your photographer, we will start about 1.5 hours before the sunsets for that dreamy, creamy, golden lighting. Want flash photos and something more moody like blue hour? YES PLEASE. How about both? Let’s mix it up! A little golden hour with some blue hour and dusk flash photos.
Bring things that make it feel like you
Blankets, pizza, picnic basket, pets, matching t shirts, beer, champagne, wine, bikes, skateboards, guitar, books, video games, etc! The little things that you love in real life is what will make your photos truly feel like you.
Wear what you feel good in
There’s no need to overdo it with your outfits. Stick to clothes that look good with the environment, but you cam also feel confident and move comfortably in. I recommend wearing neutrals, earth tones, soft textures, layers, or a flowy dress. I also love black and whites, but do not match your partner. If you’re thinking about hiring me for your Wisconsin engagement shoot, I have all the goodies- engagement session planning guide, how to prepare, outfit tips, and a full style/ outfit guide.
Wisconsin Engagement Photo Locations | Laid Back Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
-Lakeshore State Park – Milwaukee
-Atwater Park- Shorewood/Milwaukee
-Retzer Nature Center- Waukesha
-Devils Lake State Park- Baraboo
-Magnolia Bluff Park- Evansville
-Madison Capitol
-Kohler Andrae State Park- Sheboygan
-Cave Point County Park- Door County
-The Paine Art Center and Gardens
-High Cliff State Park- Sherwood
-Rocky Arbor State Park- Wisconsin Dells
Keep in mind, most locations you will need a photography permit.
More Wisconsin Engagement Photoshoot blogs to inspire you:
Devil’s Lake State Park Engagement Photos
Engagement Photoshoot Checklist Guide
Wisconsin Wedding Photographer
When it comes to capturing Wisconsin wedding and engagement photos that actually feel like you, that’s what I do best. It’s my job to document your love the way it feels. No awkward or stiff posing, no forced moments, just the honest in the moment stuff that makes your relationship unique.
I’m based out of Racine and Milwaukee, but always down to travel wherever you are! Whether you are dreaming of a local Milwaukee engagement shoot or planning a destination elopement, I got you! If you’re looking for a photographer that captures tour photos as they feel and for it to feel more like a memory than a photoshoot, I got you! You can check out more of my work here.
