Ohhh, what a gorgeous engagement session in Menomonie, y’all! Way up in there (a bit of a hike from Fort!), I photograph their breathtaking engagement session at the Devil’s Punchbowl & at Red Cedar Trail.

But first: their story! Dustin meets Katie at UW Stout during a Badminton class. He says at first, she in’t easy to get to know, but once he truly does, he never once questioned if she is The One. She is. They officially start dating during their sophomore year.

Katie loves his easy-going way with people–that he can pretty much talk to anyone. She also loves his passion for his interests–drawing, fishing, music… Dustin loves that Katie is so detailed & organized, that she is so caring of others, and that she loves his family (and the feeling is mutual!)

One of Katie’s favorite memories with him is in the middle of February, walking to the Devil’s Punchbowl from campus. Mistakenly thinking it’s closer than it is, they make it back 6 miles later! Some of Dustin’s favorite memories with Katie are the days that they’d walk and walk, talking about any and everything, losing track of time & distance.

When Dustin finally has the ring, and is ready to pop the question to his one-and-only, he feels like it’s burning a hole in his pocket. He is just SO excited and nervous to ask her to be his wife!

His sister is ready to photograph her reaction, and the whole family is together waiting for the moment! (I can see why Dustin is a little nervous!)

Katie feels that he’s acting so strange, and is ready to head back to the barbecue because of it. When the moment comes, he jokes that he anxiously word-vomits his question! But despite that, he got his yes, and the whole family is there to celebrate!

Now that brings us to their engagement session. The soon-to-be-Bakers choose the city where it all began for them–Menomonie! The Devil’s Punchbowl, honestly, just so gorgeous and cool! (I almost had vertigo being there for a moment, it is just such an interesting spot!)

Then, we head over to Red Cedar Trail. First, we have to bring out their ADORABLE furry baby, Stout! (Named after the college they met at).

After snapping some cute photos of the goodest boy ever, we head up to the bridge that Dustin carved his & Katie’s names on years ago. “Every time I come out here, I get my key and carve it in a little more,” he says, smiling at Katie, while digging his key into it.

I just love how in love these two are. They have the kind of relationship we crave–honest love, fun, and so true. Just love both of you, and this amazing engagement session in Menomonie!

Congratulations, you two! You are both loved so much by so many. An absolutely breathtaking wedding awaits you next year in at the vineyard…you two deserve it oh so much! (And we are SO excited to celebrate with y’all too!)

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Madeline Rome | LOCATION 1: Devil’s Punchbowl | LOCATION 2: Red Cedar Trail