A romantic couple embraces in a garden with blooming yellow daylilies and lush greenery in the background.
A series of architectural photos showing modern apartment buildings and high-rise structures against a bright blue sky.

Laura & Shaun's Engagement Session in Minneapolis


For this session we chose to document their love centered around where they do life everyday. Their home and neighborhood park could not have been a more perfect setting for them. Even I was pleasantly surprised at the results we were able to get surrounded by bustling city culture.



Couple dancing together playfully on a green lawn with modern architecture in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment together in a lush garden setting with blooming flowers and greenery.
A couple embraces while dancing outdoors near a landscaped garden path.
People relaxing on red lounge seating with city views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Modern rooftop pool area with city views and string lights creating an urban oasis atmosphere.
A couple shares an intimate moment by an indoor rooftop pool with city skyline views.
A corgi dog sits on grass while a couple stands in the background during a photo session.
A rooftop terrace with lounge chairs and city skyline views features string lights overhead.
A couple shares an intimate dance moment on a green lawn with flowering bushes and a building in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment dancing together in a garden setting during golden hour.
A romantic outdoor photoshoot under tree branches with natural lighting.
A city skyline stretches across the horizon with green grass in the foreground.
A couple relaxes on orange outdoor furniture on a rooftop lounge area.
A couple shares a romantic moment while dancing together in an outdoor garden setting at sunset.
A close-up shot of a couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors with soft bokeh lighting effects.
A couple embraces on a sunny day with vibrant greenery and trees creating a natural backdrop.
A couple relaxes on red cushioned seating with panoramic city views through glass windows.
Modern rooftop lounge area with red cushioned seating and glass walls overlooking a city skyline.
Couple sharing a romantic dance moment on a terrace with decorative planters and twinkling lights.
A rooftop terrace with string lights and orange lounge seating offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Minneapolis skyline panorama view showing modern buildings against a cloudy sky.
A couple dances and laughs together on a green lawn with buildings in the background.
Rooftop terrace with landscaping and string lights featuring downtown skyline views.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a modern rooftop terrace with glass railings.
A couple shares a romantic kiss in a garden setting with soft lighting and blooming flowers in the background.
A couple dances and laughs together in a garden with string lights and greenery in the background.
A couple laughs together while dancing in a garden with string lights in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment outdoors in a garden setting with string lights and greenery.
A panoramic view of a park path with trees and benches on a sunny day.
A rooftop pool deck with lounge chairs and string lights overlooking a city skyline.
A romantic couple embraces while dancing together on a grassy area near blooming gardens.
A contemporary urban rooftop garden with modern architecture and landscaping elements.
A modern rooftop garden space with string lights and contemporary landscaping features.
A couple shares a romantic moment dancing together in a garden setting on a sunny day.
Couple dancing together on an outdoor patio with string lights and greenery in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush garden setting surrounded by blooming flowers and greenery.
A couple relaxes on a concrete bench with modern high-rise apartment buildings in the background.
A romantic couple embraces in a lush garden setting with golden hour sunlight filtering through trees.
Engagement Photos Minnesota. couple shares romantic moments on a grassy hill while their corgi dog sits nearby watching.
Black and white photos of romantic moments captured in an elevator sequence.
A couple shares tender moments in a romantic outdoor engagement photo session.
A couple shares a romantic moment together in a lush garden setting with green foliage in the background.
Modern high-rise buildings tower against a bright blue sky with green landscaping in the foreground.
A couple shares a tender moment while dancing together in a beautiful outdoor garden setting.
A series of black and white photographs showing moments inside an elevator.
Modern outdoor lounge area with orange cushioned seating and string lights overlooking a city view.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a city rooftop terrace with white floral arrangements and urban buildings in background.
A couple sits together on a wooden bench against a backdrop of modern high-rise apartment buildings.

essence of love

It was such an honor to help them capture their love at their home. I know that they had a great time during their session and their wedding day was amazing as well.

A couple shares intimate moments in black and white wedding photos showing romance and celebration.
Romantic first look sequence in a bright industrial space with wooden floors.

 

Photographing The Machine Shop


Photographing weddings at The Machine Shop in Minneapolis is a dream for couples seeking a blend of timeless charm and modern elegance. This beautifully restored 1916 industrial space features soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and original steel beams that create a romantic, airy backdrop for every moment. Natural light pours through the large windows, casting a soft glow over polished concrete floors and adding warmth to every photograph. The versatile layout flows effortlessly from ceremony to reception, offering intimate corners for quiet, authentic moments and expansive spaces for joyful celebrations with family and friends. Nestled in the vibrant St. Anthony neighborhood, with the Mississippi River nearby, The Machine Shop provides a uniquely stunning canvas to capture your wedding story.

 

Exterior view of a brick building with blue trim and hydrangea bushes lining the sidewalk.
Elegant white roses and baby's breath flowers arranged in a soft, romantic bouquet with warm lighting.
Hands using a roller to apply white paint on a wall during home renovation.
A person in a black and blue patterned top is shown in a series of four connected photos.
People gathered in a modern industrial-style space with exposed brick walls and natural lighting.
A person in a white lace robe holds a coffee mug while getting ready in an elegant room.
Two people sitting on a couch having an animated conversation while holding beverages.
A person with long dark hair and a white top smiles warmly while sitting indoors.
Empty wine glasses lined up on rustic wooden table with white linens and stone wall background in warm lighting.
White floral arrangements in ceramic vases displayed in a row against a dark background.
Group meeting in a bright loft-style office space with brick walls and modern furnishings.
Group of people gathered at an airport terminal lounge area with luggage and seating areas.
Wedding dress with intricate lace details being arranged on a black clothing rack.
Casual business gathering in an open concept office with plants and contemporary furniture.
Elegant white roses in a vase arranged on a modern office table.
Professional meeting taking place in a stylish office space with natural lighting.
Hands adorned with delicate lace sleeves and jewelry shown in a close-up wedding preparation shot.
Women in floral and white attire preparing for a special event in a bright room.
Close-up detail of a white wedding dress bodice with intricate button detailing.
White gift bags arranged on a table at a business or social event.
Wedding reception setup with champagne glasses and a decorative bottle on display.
Multiple rows of empty wine glasses and champagne flutes arranged on white tablecloths at an elegant event setting.
Woman with long brown wavy hair smiles while sitting at desk in modern brick office space.
A joyful moment captured during wedding preparations with soft natural lighting.
Handwritten wedding notes and keepsakes displayed on a rustic wooden surface.
Elegant white wedding dress lace details photographed against a textured background.
Casual wedding day snacks and refreshments arranged on a dark coffee table.
Elegant wedding reception table setting with appetizers and dishes arranged on white plates.
Wedding couple shares intimate moments in a rustic brick-walled venue with warm lighting.
A candid moment captured in an elegant brick-walled wedding venue.
A delicate white lace wedding dress hangs on display in a bright room.
Wedding party members helping with final dress preparations in a bright room.
Final wedding dress preparations being made with styling adjustments in a bright room.
Someone adjusting a white wedding dress during preparation.
Bridesmaids in black dresses assisting with wedding preparations.
People prepare for a special event in a sunlit room with white curtains and brick walls.
Bride in white lace dress and groom in dark suit embrace during first look wedding moment.
Close-up of bridal preparations showing delicate lace dress details.
Wedding preparations showing attendants helping with final touches.
Elegant white lace wedding dress details shown in natural light against brick wall backdrop.
Wedding venue interior features exposed brick walls and bright windows with guests mingling.
Wedding party members sharing laughs during pre-ceremony moments.
Person adjusting bowtie while wearing formal black tuxedo in preparation for event.
Groom adjusts his bowtie while wearing a classic black tuxedo in an elegant indoor setting.
A person in a black suit adjusts their tie while standing in front of sheer white curtains.
A person in formal attire touches their collar while standing in a bright room with exposed brick walls.
Emotional first look moment between newlyweds in a bright indoor venue with brick walls.
Person in tuxedo smiling and adjusting collar in industrial-style venue.
Person in formal attire standing in venue with orange walls and wooden floors.
An elegant room features exposed brick walls, large windows, and flowing white curtains.
Hands delicately handling wedding dress details during preparation.
A bride in a flowing white gown with long train stands in a bright industrial-style room with wooden floors.
A couple shares a special moment in a bright industrial-style room with brick walls.
A couple interacts playfully in a sunlit venue with exposed brick walls and white curtains.
Couple shares emotional first look moment in bright sunlit room with white curtains.
Romantic wedding couple shares intimate dance moves in an elegant indoor space.
A tender moment shared between a couple in formal wedding attire.
First look moment between couple in an industrial-style venue with brick walls.
Romantic first look moment between couple in an industrial-style venue with brick walls.
A bright industrial loft space with exposed brick walls and natural window lighting.
Couple shares their first look moment in a bright industrial space with white brick columns.
Couple sharing an emotional first look in a sunlit industrial venue.
Couple walking together through a bright modern hallway during their wedding.
A white bridal bouquet of roses is held against an elegant white wedding dress.
Bride in white dress holds elegant bouquet of white roses against wooden floor backdrop.
Couple sharing intimate moment during wedding celebration in bright indoor venue.
Romantic wedding moment captured in bright natural light with white floral bouquet.
Intimate wedding moment captured in a bright sunlit corridor.
Tender embrace between newlyweds in front of white drapes and natural lighting.
Joyful wedding couple shares intimate moment while holding white rose bouquet.
Close-up of hands holding wedding ring box during ceremony proposal moment.
Groom in classic black tuxedo stands in elegant wedding venue setting.
Groom in black tuxedo smiles while standing between white columns in an industrial venue.
Detail shot of couple's hands during intimate wedding moment.
First look wedding photos captured in an industrial venue with red accent walls and natural light.
Romantic wedding portrait with couple sharing an intimate moment against white drapes.
Romantic first look sequence in a bright industrial space with wooden floors.
Couple shares romantic first look moment in front of industrial brick wall.
A romantic first look moment unfolds in a bright industrial wedding venue.
Couple photographed on a modern white staircase in an industrial-style wedding venue.
Black arch-shaped seating chart display on wooden easel shows wedding guest assignments.
White floral arrangements with baby's breath decorating wedding venue seating area.
Historic Machine Shop building exterior with blue-grey doors and cream brick facade.
Modern wedding venue setup with white chairs and elegant draped ceiling decor.
Wedding venue detail showing industrial decor and table settings.
Wedding dress being arranged for photos in a bright white room.

 

As you can imagine, we often hear from couples asking about having Nicole Hollenkamp Portrait Studio photograph their wedding at The Machine Shop in Minneapolis. This beautifully restored 1916 industrial space, with its soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and original steel beams, has been the setting for many couples’ special days—across all seasons, from bright summer celebrations to cozy winter weddings.


A question we hear often is whether we charge a travel fee to shoot at The Machine Shop. Since it is located over an hour drive travel fees are $100.


Nicole brings over 13 years of wedding photography experience and a 5-star reputation across the web, capturing authentic, joyful, and timeless moments that tell your wedding story beautifully.


 

Affordable photographers The Grands at Mulligans Sartell MN.