Unlike my typical engagement shoots in the midwest as a Minnesota wedding photographer, this was a special one that took place out west. This whimsical, adventurous engagement shoot in Montana was the epitome of why I love to do what I do. Danielle and Christian chose a location close to where they fell in love, at Under Canvas near Yellowstone National Park. After taking a leap of faith and moving across the country post-college, their friendship as co-workers at the beautiful glamping resort soon turned into something much more. It was an absolute joy for me to get to experience their favorite local West Yellowstone locations and capture their romance in motion.

Documentary Style Montana Engagement

Fast forward- after planning an intimate and dreamy proposal at Glacier National Park, Christian reached out to me to start helping plan an engagement session that truly documented their love. Engagement sessions are some of my very favorites and I always love assisting with planning. One-of-a-kind couples deserve one-of-a-kind engagement photos. To help make this happen, I provide couples with a curated idea mood board, an outfit planning guide, and location assistance after booking with me. These two started their session with snuggles near a popular fly-fishing river, made their way in front of the stunning blue Rocky Mountains, and finished the photos in their favorite cowboy boots running wild with their favorite horses at their ranch. The photos were so reflective of the special love they share.

Engaged couple running down Montana rode
Engaged couple snuggles next to river
Montana couple shares passionate kiss
Fiance holds his soon to be bride in a lift around horses

Candid Engagement Images in West Yellowstone

There is so much that goes into making an engagement shoot unique. A few of these being intentionality to detail, outfits that are cohesive and inspire confidence, locations that motivate creativity, and incorporating the couple’s very own interests and quirks. As a documentary-style photographer, one of my favorite parts of my job is finding these things out about the couples I get to serve. I believe getting to know the distinctive things that make you who you are helps me to intentionally and thoughtfully capture your love. If this sounds like something you need in your engagement photographer, reach out and let’s get to know each other!

HI, I'M MICHAELA!

making art of your everyday

I’m a Minnesota photographer drawn to the kind of moments you feel before you fully see them. I chase good light, quiet gestures, and the small details that make a day feel beautifully ordinary and monumental at the same time. My work leans film-forward and instinctive, shaped by texture, movement, and whatever honesty the moment gives me.

When I’m not shooting, you’ll usually find me lingering over a matcha latte, thumbing through a stack of dog-eared books, or wandering somewhere with my camera just in case the light does something interesting.