Erin and Austen came to me with a vision of taking vibey engagement photos in a Minneapolis bar. After exploring a variety of options, they settled on a speakeasy called Volstead’s Emporium in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. The bar requested that we come prior to them being open, but were happy to allow us to utilize their space. 


When I tell you this place was absolutely perfect for Erin and Austen’s vibe, I MEAN it. Not only was there the most 1920s feeling bar space, there was a piano, a reading nook/mini library, a vintage telephone booth, and the cutest theater-style red curtains surrounding several dining tables. Not to mention the vintage wallpaper and ornately framed paintings and mirrors. With the ultra moody lighting I was able to get a variety of shots using both warm ambient light and direct flash. It was the perfect prohibition style playground and a photographer’s dream. 


Since we had come during off hours, we had free-range of the unique space and definitely made use of it all. The bartender who let us in was kind enough to provide us with some free mocktails to use as props during the session as well. Something fun that made this session totally on brand for Erin and Austen was the piano. Austen is a musician and spent some of the session playing gorgeous songs while Erin admired his talent. Planning a bar engagement session is always a bit of a risk due to the need to get permission and coordinate with business owners to use the space, but we really lucked out with this one-of-a-kind speakeasy as our stage and I cannot wait to capture their brewery wedding next spring!



 

A couple sits closely together on a vintage red velvet couch against dark wooden paneling in moody lighting.
People gather at a dimly lit bar with vintage wood paneling and decorative wallpaper in a moody atmosphere.
Two people in stylish dark attire conversing near a vintage wooden telephone booth with orange velvet chair nearby.
A couple shares a romantic moment by a vintage telephone booth in a room with patterned wallpaper and wood paneling.
A dark moody black and white photograph of a vintage telephone booth with silhouettes visible through frosted glass.
Jazz musicians perform in a dimly lit lounge with a piano and drum set while a vocalist holds a drink.
Hand holding a wine glass in dim lighting while wearing an elegant lace sleeve.
A dreamy nighttime photo with lens flares showing silhouettes in moody lighting with teal and white starbursts.
A couple enjoying drinks and laughing together at a dimly lit bar with vintage decor and framed photos on the wall.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a dark vintage bar with antique photos on teal wallpapered walls and mood lighting.
A romantic candlelit moment between a couple sharing wine in a vintage-style restaurant with ornate wallpaper and artwork.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moment at candlelit bar with two martini glasses and glowing candle on table.
Two people share an intimate moment at a table with wine glasses and vintage decor on the walls.
A romantic evening embrace in a dimly lit vintage bar with framed photographs on the wall.
Two people dancing together in a dimly lit vintage-style speakeasy with patterned wallpaper and moody lighting.
A blurry sepia-toned view of a vintage bar counter with silhouettes in soft focus.
A couple shares drinks at a vintage bar with ornate lighting fixtures and classic decor.
Engagement Photos Volstead's Emporium in Minneapolis
A romantic couple in formal attire share an intimate moment near an ornate lamp against vintage wallpaper decor.
Couple exploring books together in cozy vintage library setting with warm ambient lighting.
A couple shares an intimate moment at an elegant vintage bar with red velvet curtains and ornate wallpaper.
Two people toast with champagne coupes in a dimly lit vintage bar setting.
Two people enjoy drinks at a table in a dimly lit restaurant with ornate wallpaper and dark curtains.
Volstead's Emporium Engagement Photos
Reflection of couple smiling together in ornate gold mirror with dreamy soft focus lighting.
Dreamy engagement photos at Volstead's Emporium
Close-up shot of hands holding each other with a sparkling diamond ring in romantic warm lighting.
Elegant couple shares a moment at a piano in a dimly lit vintage setting.
Couple sharing a close intimate whispered moment in dark moody lighting at vintage bar.
A romantic scene of two people near an upright piano in a dimly lit room with a crescent moon backdrop.
Intimate moment between a couple at a piano with a decorative moon backdrop in moody lighting.