This was one of the most fun engagement sessions I’ve had, hands-down. First and foremost, Danielle and Duston are great friends of mine so I knew fun was in store. Not only did we venture into a new city (for me), we also explored a few new places.

Danielle and Duston are two incredibly loving and calm people in this universe. They met a few years ago and will be having their wedding ceremony in Alaska. We will not be traveling with them for that, however, we are so happy to be capturing their engagement and their reception when they arrive back home. They have so many adventures and so much fun together with their pup, Barley. Barley is an English Setter who hunts with Duston and spends so much time with both mom and dad on adventures far and wide. Barley is the light of their life and if you look at these pictures, you will understand why.

We started the session at the VFW Park in Sauk City. Danielle & Duston currently live in Middleton, near Madison, and cannot wait to relocate to the Sauk City area with all of its beauty. We started the session with Barley getting to know the trail and playing with mom and dad. He was so energized and full of kisses for his favorite photographer. We spent time playing in the snow and exploring the water shortly thereafter. One of Danielle and Duston‘s close friends picked up Barley so we could continue the session and he could go have fun with one of his favorite furry friends.

engagement photo with dog sitting on stairs, walking down snowy path

We then spent time by the Wisconsin River and it was the most beautiful and serene moment. Danielle and Duston both grabbed one of their favorite beers from capital brewing and we had so much fun hanging out by the river. Once we felt complete at the park, we made our way to the brewery. We ventured to one of Danielle & Duston’s favorite spots, Vintage Brewing in Sauk City.

The session continued to be filled with adventure when we arrived, as an employee let us know that they were unexpectedly closing for the day as an emergency had come up. They were so sweet to let us know and to let us continue to take photos on their patio which was running. The patio overlooks the river with picnic tables and lights overhanging that were so picturesque. It seemed like the best place to be in the summer but it was an even more amazing space to be in on a sunny, winter day.

Danielle and Duston shared so many kisses, so much love, and a couple beers. We intended on eating at Vintage Brewing but since they had closed, we had to quickly come up with a second option. The second option that we decided on was called Dorf Haus. It is quite honestly the most German place I’ve ever been in my life. Dorf Haus had a German band complete with an accordion banjo and tuba. We walked into a German style home that was dimly lit and full of all of your German fair. It was so much fun to adventure to this new restaurant with such good friends. We played a quick game of darts while we waited for our table and then we all enjoyed schnitzel of one form or another. Once we finished eating and getting German music played around us, we shared lots of hugs lots of love and headed home.

There is so much that I love about what I do, and this is it wrapped up into one evening. I’m so thankful to be on this journey with Danielle and Duston and I cannot wait for their big day.