Chicago Engagement in Olive Park :
“My humans are getting married.”
Michelle and Doug had the most gorgeous afternoon with slobbery meatball kisses, Miss America puppy flirting, yellow monster door jumping, and first date location eating.
Coming full circle with this one! I actually met Michelle way back before I ever went full time in photography. We worked in the same office back in my corporate world days, and much to my surprise, years later, she contacted me explaining that she had followed my journey all these years. How amazing is that?!
When we first started talking about where they wanted to go, we made sure to pick places that we may not be able to get to on their wedding day. We also picked places that were important to them as a couple. They wanted that iconic Chicago skyline and Olive Park was the perfect spot for that, especially on a gorgeous sun-filled day. Their adorable dog Winston was a HUGE hit with the large group of pageant ladies that happened to be walking by too!
From there, we made our way to the west loop area and had way too much with Winston (follow him on instagram at @sir_winston_meatball ) at the Big Monster Toys yellow door. Honestly, if you are looking for a cute and easy backdrop for ANY occasion, this spot is the best! You can be goofy, silly, and as creative as you want, all in front of a big monster staring at you through an oversized yellow door. HA!
Finally, we ended up on the North side at the very restaurant where Michelle and Doug had their first date, The Bad Apple. I love when we can incorporate these big moment locations into a couples session. It’s where they began and makes that moment so much sweeter.
These two were so much fun and so easy going with every silly prompt and direction I gave. I had a blast and cannot wait for their wedding day at The Rookery! So honored to be a part of these big moments with you two!
Netherlands + Michigan = One unforgettable Chicago Engagement
Exploring all over Chicago during a pandemic IN WINTER was something I’d never thought I’d say I would do. But with these two, it was beyond worth every moment, and something I would do over and over again.
Lennart contacted me after planning one very elaborate trip where he would fly from the Netherlands to Chicago and meet his girlfriend Jemmilie to propose. He surprised her with a photoshoot, rooftop drinks looking over the city, and a scheduled dance lesson while in town. We had so much fun we ended up spending all afternoon together, ending with gorgeous night photos in the snow in Lincoln Park…all by ourselves.
When I tell you I never stopped smiling…well, take a look for yourself.
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.
