Chicago Riverwalk Engagement :

Sometimes, a cold afternoon in the city the best time to take photos. It’s just us.

The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the coolest city attractions in the loop area and always a first suggestion when couples ask where they should go for their photos. I usually meet closer to the East end of the walkway, but this time, I suggested meeting Rachel and Connor right outside the Merchandise Mart building.

They jumped out of the car followed by the adorable Dakota (Kota), lint rolled off all the hair from the ride over, and we started photos immediately. (Like I said, it was a cold day.)

We picked an afternoon start time for the best light and what worked well with everyone’s weekly schedules and it only seemed to work in our favor. The sun was out and bright and thank goodness because it was the only thing keeping us slightly warm. After a few pictures of the three of them together, Kota was picked up by Rachel’s mom and we made our way up and over the bridge.

The last few photos we took were some of my favorite from the day, as you will soon find out. That sun was unbelievable, and shining through the tall city buildings creating some of the best back sun flare light I’ve seen. The warm blanket wrapped around these two added in a major cuteness factor as well.

Loved this afternoon celebrating Rachel and Connor in the city!

Bari + Colin : Chicago West Loop Engagement.

Meeting these two for ice cream in the west loop was only the beginning of their fun-filled engagement session. Add in the cutest and fluffiest dog named Maki wearing a “My humans are getting married!” bandana and you can’t help BUT smile looking through these photos.

From an ice cream cone start, to a walk around the neighborhood, to a stop at the Big Monster Toys yellow door, through one of my favorite hidden city parks with no one around, over and under famous city bridges, and ending with an iconic Chicago building in our background, this day was jam packed full of awesome!

Loved every second of this engagement session, especially the adorable Maki.