What to do in Northeast Minneapolis on the Day of Your Boudoir Session
The day of your boudoir session is all about self-love and self-celebration. I have intentionally built my sessions so that everything happens in one day, allowing you to move through the experience relaxed and feeling your best. Your boudoir session day starts with professional hair and makeup and an opportunity to get settled in the studio. Then we’ll move into your empowering photoshoot with unlimited outfit changes and as many breaks as you’d like. You’ll leave feeling proud and amazing. While I edit your photos, you’ll go on an afternoon adventure, and then return to the studio later that day to see your portraits. It’s an incredible, unique experience to have everything happen in one day, and the afternoon break is an aspect of the day I really love. Take yourself out to lunch, meet a friend for drinks, hop into a local yoga class, get a massage, wander a bookstore, or take a walk in a park. Do something you love, this is your day!
I’ve had a lot of clients lately ask me for suggestions about what to do during their afternoon break. There are so many lovely options for your afternoon adventure right in the NE Minneapolis neighborhood. Many times, a high priority for my clients is lunch (being photographed creates an appetite). Within walking distance of my studio is the Sheridan Room - it’s directly across the street and boasts a cozy atmosphere for fun, diner-style food (they even have some amazing meatless sandwiches). A ten-minute walk down 13th, you’ll find SIP Coffeebar which is more cafe-style, with baked goods and fresh breakfast and lunch dishes (including gluten free options). Eat My Words Bookstore is a block from the studio and a dreamy, laidback compliment to a cafe lunch and afternoon espresso.
If you’re up for a quick drive, a few other favorite lunch options in Northeast Minneapolisare Gorkha Palace (incredible dumplings and Indian/Himalayan dishes), Brassa (an iconic Minneapolis spot for comfort food from the Southern US and South America - if you like meat, their rotisserie options are amazing - and very gluten-free friendly), and the Herbivorous Butcher (meat-free meat and cheese-free cheeses - really fun sandwiches that would be great for a picnic). Aster Cafe on St. Anthony Main is also a beautiful place for lunch. They have an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or flatbread pizza.
Lunch at Aster Cafe pairs well with walking across the Stone Arch Bridge and admiring the city architecture, wandering the cobblestone road of St. Anthony Main, or exploring Boom Island Park.
Let’s talk dessert! Sleepy-V’s was by far the most mentioned spot when I reached out to my Instagram community for their favorite things to do in NE Minneapolis. It’s also within walking distance of my studio; this gem of a place specializes in mini donuts and has a hidden patio great for donut-eating and hanging out.
Glam Doll Donuts is also nearby and an iconic Minneapolis spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. Within walking distance of Glam Doll Donuts, you’ll find the shops i like you, selling handmade gifts from Minnesota, and Tandem Vintage, selling colorful vintage clothing (tucked inside Find Furnish).
After you’ve had your afternoon adventure doing something you love, you'll come back to the studio to see your final portraits! You’ll bask in this magical moment and have plenty of time to look at each picture before choosing your favorites and placing your order
To keep the celebrations going after your photo reveal, have dinner or a cocktail at Erte and the Peacock Lounge (on the first floor of my building) ortake a yoga class at Nordeast Yoga (in the suite just down the hall from my studio) grab a microbrew at Dangerous Man, catch a movie at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, or savor dinner at one of my favorite places in NE Minneapolis: Young Joni (make a reservation, seating often fills up).
Whatever you choose to do in NE Minneapolis on your session day, I hope you take this time for yourself with offerings of self-love and self-celebration. I promise I’ll work to naturally, elegantly capture your personality and your body so that you can see yourself as the beautiful, strong, amazing person you are.
If you’re ready to learn more about my boudoir sessions, download my info and pricing guide or send me an email at hello@illuinateboudoir.com.