Giant's Ridge: 'Couples Retreat'

This past weekend, my boyfriend, Pete, and I 

headed up to the good ol' Minnesota Northwoods

to enjoy a weekend getaway with our good friends Cullen and Kelsey. 

We joked that it was our very own couples retreat... 

minus the therapy... 

We spent the weekend at Giants Ridge,

(located in Biwabik, MN)

supposedly one of Minnesota's best ski and golf resorts

We made our own bonfire, went canoeing,

the boys enjoyed a round of golf and 

Kels and I enjoyed the spa!

The area was so serene 

and the perfect relaxing getaway.

Not to mention, we were pretty much the only people staying at the place, 

(besides the wedding on Saturday night)

It was hard to pick which photos NOT to post!

Special thanks to Cullen and Kelsey for being

my little guinea pigs and letting me take pictures!

(Cullen, you were a trooper!)

Friday night, as we constructed our bonfire, 

the sunset, and the lighting it created was amazing!

It also gave me the chance to play with one of the effects

in Photoshop Elements called "Sunshine", which both the first 

and third photos exemplify. 

I just love how the sun bounces off of Kelsey's hair 

and the way the two of them seem to glow.

Pete and I
special thanks to my guest photographer, Kelsey for this shot

Attempting to play with fire

bonfire and sunsets, the epitome of summer.  

the beautitful sunset over the driving range, and the view from our bonfire

Canoeing on Saturday morning
(taken with the point and shoot, didn't want to risk my DSLR if we capsized!)

Canoeing Saturday morning

The view from the restaurant we ate at Saturday night

The other side of the view from the restaurant Saturday night 

my boy, Pete, enjoying dinner and the paparazzi

The weekend was blissful and much needed.

and most importantly let me practice photography, on PEOPLE!

Now back to reality...