012117-03 It was a chilly, foggy January afternoon when I met up with Grant and Carrie for their engagement session at Ruabiyat in Decorah.  Grant is a wine distributor so it was only fitting that we began our session in the best way ever, as they enjoyed a glass of wine the the beautiful restaurant, owned by a friend of Grant's.  

012117-06 012117-09 Behind Rubaiyat, the alleys had beautiful brick and a stunning navy doorway, so we stopped for a few portraits before heading to our next location.  Lovely!

012117-19 012117-27 Our next stop was the Luther barn.  Grant, like myself, graduated from Luther College, so the Decorah area and Luther hold memories for him.  I always enjoy the opportunity to go back to my old stomping grounds and the Decorah area is gorgeous.  The fog added a soft, beautiful tone to their portraits.

012117-34 012117-45 It was fun getting to know them both better during the session.  Carrie works in banking and Grant is a wine distributor in the Des Moines area. 

012117-48 012117-52 Thanks to a recent thaw, Dunning's Spring was flowing with full force.  The waterfall and mist made for a dreamy backdrop.  I love how their plaid shirts pop against the background.

012117-57 012117-63 Our final stop was at Phelp's Park.  The overlook was a bit tricky to navigate due to a thin coating of water on top of the packed, icy snow.  But we managed to make it to the overlook without incident thankfully.  I'm so glad because I love how the portraits there turned out.  Simply beautiful!

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Thank you so much to Grant and Carrie for braving the chilly, foggy day and slippery terrain for your engagement session!  It was a pleasure working with you both and I cannot wait for your gorgeous wedding this July!