Stylized Picnic and Tender Couples Photos

Jeremy and I met back in college, and we recently reconnected during a summer couples photo session at Como Park in St. Paul. I reached out in hopes of collaborating with Jeremy and his spouse, Ian, for a stylized picnic date and couples portraits all on film. I used a few rolls of color and black and white film stocks as well as a few Polaroid frames.

The couple enjoyed a curated picnic of charcuterie, sparkling lemonade, and bite-sized desserts. They snuggled on picnic blankets, sharing laughs and stories as they flipped through the pages of Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens by Ryan Pfluger.

As the sun began to set, we took a brief walk by the lake, capturing candid moments of their love. Jeremy and Ian share a tender, lighthearted kind of love. I’m forever grateful they allowed me to photograph them that summer evening.

Reasons to Have Your Couples Photos at Como Park

Como Regional Park is a sprawling park surrounding the lake, featuring a conservatory, zoo, a lakeside pavilion, docks for fishing and non-motorized boats, swan boats and more! The park itself and the walking path are free to enjoy and snap some candid couples photos.

For $30 an hour, you can rent Swan Boats to pedal across the lake for a fun and romantic afternoon on the water. Want to dial up the adventure? Try going out after dark and enjoying the Swan Boats all lit up! The rental options also include kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and bikes. Prefer to stay on dry land? Check out the mini golf course and play a few holes together for an interactive date activity.

The Zoo and Conservatory have a higher price tag and more regulations attached, but it’s worth the splurge for weddings and special events!

With all the variety of activities, Como Park is a great place to plan a date night. You could even hire me for summer couples photos at Como Park while you enjoy some quality time together.