Engagement Session: Maggie & Emily

Maggie & Em. Where to begin? I am so honored to be photographing the wedding of these two stellar women, next month. Let's just say the world is a better place with this power couple. We took these engagement photos on a chilly, Spring day around Montrose Harbor. Take a look and try not to fall in love. 

Hayley & Michael Engagement

When my cousin asked if I could take he and his fiancee's engagement photos, I was beyond excited. It is such a joy to do what I love with friends and family. We decided to do the shoot at our Grandparent's farm. Michael knew the perfect spot, between the corn fields, next to the creek. We got there right as the sun was setting, creating a magical backdrop for our session. Check out this sun soaked photo shoot with Michael, Hayley and their dog Gracie.

My engagement!!!

I took 4 photos the day I got engaged. The photos on their own may seem insignificant- a picture of Brian, a photo of a bridge, another of a creek.  But when I go through these photos I see the story of my engagement. A day so special, I couldn’t help but share.

It was Christmas day, 2016. We were making our way to Brian’s parent’s house in Elgin, talking about what a photogenic town Elgin was and how we wanted to take more pictures there.  When we got off the highway, into said town, I noticed we were not on our typical route. 

"Weren't we supposed to turn there?" I asked.

"I want to show you something," he casually replied.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the Tyler Creek forest preserve. Brian said this was a place he used to come visit when he was living in Elgin- that there was a bridge in the woods he wanted me to see. I assumed the purpose of this detour was to take pictures, so I grabbed my camera and hopped out of the car. Brian took my hand and we walked toward the bridge. 

As I was walking and looking at the snow covered ground I got the feeling I was going to come back to this place someday. That I would have the opportunity to see these woods again in their full green glory. 

When we reached our destination, I saw the bridge with a creek flowing underneath. I knew exactly the photograph I wanted to create. I was dreaming of one of those shots where the landscape is completely still, but the water looks blurry from its movement.  

Apparently, I was really into creating this photograph, because I completely lost track of where Brian was or what he was doing. Then I heard him say, “hey baby,” only to turn around and see him on one knee, in the snow. He was holding his grandmother’s engagement ring and said the words every person dreams of hearing, “will you marry me?” 

It was a complete surprise. I wish I could say I immediately screamed yes and we embraced for all the world to see, but I’m pretty sure the way it happened was a little different. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. We had talked about getting married, but I had no idea he was going to ask me on that day, let alone that winter. Eventually, I got around to muttering the word, yes- and there we were. In one of the most life changing moments of our lives. 

Bulls Game Surprise Engagement

Last night, Jake & Michael made history as the first same sex couple to get engaged at the United Center and the 2nd same sex couple to get engaged at an NBA game. Jake planned the entire evening for his now fiance Michael, a huge Chicago Bulls fan. Normally, proposals are not allowed at these games; however, Jake caught the attention of the Bulls administrators with a compelling telling of he and Michael's love story, so they made an exception.

Friends and family of the couple were at the game, hidden in the stands, as well as a photographer hired to capture the evening.

During the 3rd time out of the 2nd quarter, the moment we were all waiting for arrived.  Benny the Bull pulled an unsuspecting Michael to center court where Jake popped the question. Check out the photos below to see how the night unfolded!

Bachelorette Party

One of the many things I love about photography is the places it takes you. Two weeks ago, I found myself shooting a bachelorette party on a rooftop in Chicago. The bride to be is my dear friend Molly. Check out this unique bachelorette party!

Mikey & Molly Engagement Session

This engagement session was a special one as Mikey and Molly have been friends of mine for a long time. The love this couple shares is so full of joy, it was an honor to capture. Check out the engagement session shot in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. 

A Surprise Engagement in Lincoln Square

A few weeks ago, I received an intriguing text message from my friend Katie in San Diego, “would you wanna do an hour long photoshoot for my friend this weekend? I’ll call you in 10 minutes.”  As those 10 minutes passed I thought of all the things this photoshoot might be. Who was this friend? Did they live in Chicago or San Diego? Did they want me to go to San Diego for the shoot? What will I be shooting?

Come to find out Katie did not know much about the shoot, just that it was in Chicago. She told me it was her friend Gretchen who needed a photographer and how to get in touch with her.

After speaking with Gretchen, I learned the photoshoot was for her friend Josh. He was proposing to his girlfriend that weekend and wanted a photographs of the event. I was beyond thrilled to learn this. Shooting a surprise engagement had been on my photographer’s bucket list for a while, and now I was finally getting the chance to do it! Needless to say, I contacted Josh right away. 

After corresponding and going over the plan details I knew a few things- 1) Josh is good people, 2) This is the strangest way I have ever acquired a photography job and I loved it 3) I was so pumped for this shoot!

Cut to Saturday, 1/2 hour before the shoot. I am at the park where the proposal is set to happen. Just my luck, there is a classical guitarist performing in the park! I start speaking with him and learn his name is Brian. He was more than thrilled to hear about Josh’s plan to propose to his girlfriend in the same park we found ourselves. His enthusiasm left him with a desire to contribute, he offered to play romantic music for the proposal.

As I waited for Josh and his soon to be finance (Lindsey) to arrive, I chatted with a few more patrons in the park. They were beyond excited to soon witness such a precious, once in a lifetime moment. The park was soon filled with an energy of excitement, it was the perfect setting for a proposal. Take a look at Josh & Lindsey’s story.