Laughs, Roses, and Golden Light: Minneapolis Family Photos at Lake Harriet Rose Garden

There’s nothing quite like photographing a family who shows up ready to laugh, cuddle, and just be themselves in front of the camera. The Hillman family of four brought exactly that energy to their golden hour session at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden in Minneapolis. With two sweet daughters—one a teen and one a tween—this session was full of laughter, playful moments, and the kind of natural connection that makes family photography so meaningful.

As a Minneapolis family photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening. The light was warm and golden, the gardens were in full bloom, and the Hillmans came as themselves with the kind of love and joy I always hope to capture in my family photography sessions!

A Perfect Minneapolis Family Session Setting

The Lake Harriet Rose Garden is one of my favorite spots for family photography in Minneapolis (and not because it’s exactly 0.6 miles from my home. 🙂 It offers endless beauty with its colorful flowers, two beautiful fountains, sidewalks, gravel paths, and pockets of greenery that are stunning in the summer and early fall. On this particular evening, the hydrangea tree was showing off its full blooms, and the rows of pink roses looked almost magical in the golden light. It created the perfect backdrop for a family who loves to laugh, cuddle, and make memories together.

The Hillmans spread out a blanket near the rose bushes, and we captured some cozy, cuddly photos as the rays of sun filtered through the trees to the west. It felt relaxed and intimate—just a family enjoying time together in the middle of a gorgeous garden. These snapshots on the blanket near the roses were my favorites of the whole evening. There’s something timeless about a family sitting together on a blanket, laughing, looking at each other and just being themselves. Those images capture not just how they look right now, but who they are—warm, connected, and fun-loving.

Dancing, Running, and Garden Adventures

Once the cozy photos were done, it was time to let the girls move. Teens and tweens can sometimes feel a little self-conscious in front of the camera, but these sisters embraced the fun. They twirled, danced, and chased each other through the gardens. The movement brought so much energy to the session. I absolutely LOVE unposed moments during a photoshoot! Their hair flying, big smiles, sisters being silly together—are what make family photography so real and so beautiful!

Re-Creating Old Family Photos

One of the most fun and special parts of this session was when the girls decided they really wanted to re-create a few old photos they have hanging on their walls at home. Years ago, they had taken pictures of the girls running around while their parents sat on a blanket, and another photo of them running under the “magic blanket,” and one of the girls telling secrets while the parents snuck up from behind. I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever that they wanted to recreate these photos that they have seen on their walls for 5+ years.

We set it up again—same blanket, same silliness—and it was amazing to watch the girls, now five years older, bring those memories to life again. There was so much laughter as they remembered the originals (“Oh, remember when we did this??), and it was such a beautiful reminder of how family photography is not just about creating new images, but also about honoring the memories that families already treasure.

I love that they will now have updated versions of those same moments to hang on their walls. It’s a visual story of their family growing and changing, while still staying so connected to the love and laughter they’ve always shared. But wait- ONE new one. The parents got to experience running under the magic blanket this time around. 🙂

Why I Loved This Session

Every family session is unique, but what stood out to me about the Hillmans was the mix of tenderness and playfulness. They were never afraid to cuddle up close, but they also weren’t afraid to be silly. The girls danced, laughed, and let their personalities shine, while their parents were relaxed and let it roll out naturally.

Golden hour at Lake Harriet Rose Garden gave us the most dreamy light, and the hydrangeas and roses provided the perfect, almost ethereal backdrop. I left the session with a full heart and a camera full of images that truly reflect who the Hillman family is at this stage of life.

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY AT LAKE HARRIET ROSE GARDEN

If you’re considering family photos in Minneapolis, the Lake Harriet Rose Garden is a location I always recommend. Here’s why:

• Beautiful seasonal flowers – From roses to hydrangeas to perennials, there’s always color and variety.
• Golden hour glow – The way the light filters through the trees in the evening is nothing short of magical.
• Spacious and versatile – There’s room for kids to run, twirl, and explore, which makes for genuine, candid images.
• Classic Minneapolis backdrop – It’s iconic without feeling overly formal, the perfect mix of elegance and fun.

For families like the Hillmans who value both posed and playful images, this location offers the best of both worlds.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Hillman family session at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden was everything I love about being a family photographer in Minneapolis. It was filled with laughter, cuddles, movement, and memories that will last long after the flowers fade. From sitting together by the rose bushes to re-creating old family favorites, every moment felt authentic and full of love.

Family photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing the essence of who you are right now. The Hillmans reminded me that the best sessions happen when families relax, lean into the fun, and let their connection shine.

If you’re dreaming of your own golden hour family session, I’d love to help you create images that feel just as authentic, joyful, and timeless. Let’s make some memories together. To view my Family Photography information click HERE! I hope to meet you soon.