Milwaukee engagement photographers always get excited shooting around the Historic Third Ward and Lakeshore State Park. This part of Milwaukee gives couples a mix of city character and natural scenery. The Historic Third Ward is a nationally listed historic district with ten square blocks filled with historic buildings, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It sits close to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, making it a popular area to explore.
Lakeshore State Park adds a peaceful lakefront setting to the area. The park sits in downtown Milwaukee along Lake Michigan and is known for its views of the Milwaukee skyline and the lake. It also has paved trails, a small beach, lagoons, and shoreline areas. The trails connect with other Milwaukee lakefront paths, including the Hank Aaron State Trail. These features give couples plenty of natural scenery to enjoy during an engagement photography session.
We also love that Lakeshore State Park brings a relaxed outdoor feel so close to downtown. The park is open year-round from early morning through the evening, which gives couples flexibility when planning their session. Professional photographers taking paid photos at the park are required to obtain a commercial license. The park also asks photographers to remain on trails or mowed grass and stay out of the prairies. These guidelines help protect the natural areas while allowing the park to remain a popular place for engagement photography.
A Sweet Story That Started With Friends
Lucas and Emily have a fun story that started through mutual friends. Emily was attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, while Lucas was working toward his nursing degree at Concordia University-Wisconsin. Their story has an especially sweet connection to Concordia because Emily now attends the university for graduate school in occupational therapy. After dating for just over a year and a half, they became engaged on October 5, 2024, in downtown Milwaukee near the art museum. They already had a connection to the area, which makes this stage of their story even more meaningful.
The couple shares many interests and enjoys staying active together. Golf, pickleball, and beach volleyball are some of their favorite summer activities. They also love game nights, time with family and friends, live music, new cities, and beach vacations. Their personalities are different in a way that works well together. Emily describes herself as organized and prepared, while Lucas is more relaxed and easygoing. They see these differences as a way they balance each other. Their shared Christian faith is also an important part of their relationship. We love how their story reflects friendship, shared values, adventure, and a positive outlook on life.
Engagement photography is such a meaningful part of the wedding journey. It gives couples a chance to slow down and celebrate this special season before the big day arrives. We love creating Milwaukee engagement photos that feel connected to each couple’s story and personality. Lucas and Emily are especially excited to have their photos taken as their wedding plans begin to pick up. We are excited for them as they move closer to their celebration and create more memories together. You can also find more inspiration and helpful wedding ideas on our blog.
Our Milwaukee photography team is here to help couples feel comfortable and confident throughout the photography process. We offer photography packages and prices designed for different wedding needs, along with guidance for couples planning their engagement and wedding photography. If you are looking for a Milwaukee engagement photographer or a wedding photographer, we would love to hear from you. Our team serves Milwaukee and provides photography services throughout the entire state of Wisconsin.
We are so excited to celebrate Lucas and Emily as they continue toward their wedding day. Their story is full of shared interests, meaningful values, and the kind of differences that bring two people together. We hope their photos preserve this exciting season for years to come. A kind word or review from our couples also means so much to our team. If you are planning your own engagement or wedding, contact us to learn more about our photography services and how we can help tell your story.
Original Weddings is a team of Milwaukee wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Milwaukee photography and videography services. This session was edited in our Airy editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy, and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Engagement Photos | Milwaukee Engagement Photographer


















Milwaukee Wedding Photographers at Lakeshore State Park
Original Weddings is a trusted team of Milwaukee wedding photographers who love documenting celebrations throughout the city and surrounding areas. Our local experience helps us understand how to photograph couples in a way that feels natural and personal. We enjoy working with couples who want images that reflect their connection rather than feeling overly posed. From engagement photography to full wedding coverage, our team brings a calm approach and careful attention to the moments that matter. We also photograph celebrations in nearby communities such as Wauwatosa, West Allis, Shorewood, and Brookfield. Our Milwaukee team is happy to travel when couples choose a location that has special meaning to them.
At Third Ward & Lakeshore State Park, our Milwaukee engagement photographer team enjoys creating images that feel connected to the couple and their story. We bring experience with different lighting conditions, changing backgrounds, and natural interactions, allowing us to adjust our approach to each session. Our photographers focus on genuine expressions, movement, and the small moments that make a session feel personal. Whether couples are planning engagement photography or getting ready for their wedding day, Original Weddings works to make the experience relaxed and enjoyable. We also provide photography services throughout Wisconsin, so couples outside Milwaukee can work with our team when they are planning celebrations in other parts of the state.
Milwaukee Wedding Videographers at Lakeshore State Park
Original Weddings brings experienced Milwaukee wedding videographers to celebrations throughout the city and nearby communities. Our team captures real connections, natural emotions, and meaningful moments through thoughtful wedding films. We also travel to Wauwatosa, West Allis, Shorewood, and Brookfield, along with locations throughout Wisconsin. Each film is created to reflect the couple’s personality and story.
For couples planning a session at Third Ward & Lakeshore State Park, our Milwaukee wedding videographers bring a relaxed and creative approach. We focus on movement, genuine interactions, and the little moments that make each celebration special. Original Weddings also offers engagement videography for couples who want to remember this exciting chapter. Whether your celebration is in Milwaukee or another Wisconsin city, our team is ready to capture it beautifully.
Is the Historic Third Ward good for wedding photography?
Yes. The Historic Third Ward is a great choice for wedding photography. Its historic architecture, city streets, and waterfront surroundings create a mix of urban and classic backdrops. It also offers plenty of variety for couples who want wedding photos that feel connected to Milwaukee.
Can weddings and engagement sessions include both locations?
The Historic Third Ward and Lakeshore State Park are close to each other, making it possible to include both areas in a photography plan. Couples should consider travel time and any applicable park rules.
Do you need a permit for wedding photography at Lakeshore State Park?
Yes. Professional photographers taking paid photos at Lakeshore State Park need a commercial photography license. Couples should check the current Wisconsin State Park requirements before their session.


