CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: Chicago Engagements

  • Chicago Proposal Photographer | Bennett Park, Streeterville

    Chicago Proposal Photographer | Bennett Park, Streeterville

    Some sessions I walk into with pages of details. Others, I walk into with a location, a time, and one job: don’t miss the moment. As a Chicago proposal photographer, Chris and Danielle’s surprise at Bennett Park in the Streeterville was the second kind and honestly? Those are some of my favorites.

    Bennett Park sits tucked into one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods, surrounded by high-rises and lush green space that feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. And on this particular evening, it was the backdrop for one of the most genuine reactions I’ve ever photographed.

    A man and a woman celebrate outdoors, with the man opening a champagne bottle, causing the cork to pop and champagne to spray. The woman is joyfully embracing the moment. Chicago proposal photographer
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    The Moment Everything Changed

    I was in position before Danielle arrived. Therefore When she walked across that lawn and realized what was happening, there was no hesitation, no performance just pure, unfiltered joy. The kind of reaction you can’t script and you definitely can’t pose. That’s exactly why I do what I do.

    As a Chicago documentary photographer, I’m not there to direct your love story. I’m there to follow it. And Chris and Danielle’s story told itself beautifully.

    A woman in a black dress walks along a stone path in a lush garden filled with greenery and flower petals.
    A man in a black suit approaches a woman wearing a black dress in a grassy area surrounded by tall buildings. Chicago proposal photographer
    A black and white image of a couple embracing each other in a park, with the woman wearing a dress and the man in a suit. Chicago proposal photographer

    Champagne, Tears, and a Really Good Pop

    After the yes because of course it was a HELL YES! out came the champagne. If you’ve never photographed a champagne pop in golden hour light with a laughing, screaming, overjoyed newly-engaged couple, I highly recommend it. The spray, the laughter, the way Danielle threw her head back. That image says everything words can’t.

    The setup was simple and stunning: a champagne bucket, lush pink florals, and two people dressed in all black looking like they stepped out of a fashion editorial. The Streeterville skyline did the rest.

    Chicago Proposal Photographer at Its Best

    If you’re planning a surprise proposal in Chicago. Whether it’s at Bennett Park, Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, or anywhere else in the city having a photographer there to capture it is one of the best decisions you can make. Your partner will only say yes for the first time once. These are the images you’ll have forever.

    I work with proposal planners, parents, and partners who are coordinating the whole thing from behind the scenes. No detail is too small, and yes, I can keep a secret.

    A man proposing to a woman in a park, with her hands covering her face in surprise and joy, surrounded by greenery and floral decorations.
    A woman joyfully embraces a man's head with a garden backdrop, surrounded by floral arrangements.
    A joyful couple laughing and dancing together in a garden setting, surrounded by floral arrangements on pedestals.
    A woman smiling broadly while playfully clasping her hands together, surrounded by a garden and floral arrangement.
    Two joyful individuals posing outdoors, with one woman in a black dress and the other man in a black suit, waving and smiling amidst greenery and floral arrangements.
    A smiling woman in a black dress holds up her hand, displaying a ring, with a bouquet of flowers on a table in the background.
    A happy couple sharing a joyful moment outdoors, with the woman holding a bouquet of flowers. They are smiling at each other, surrounded by greenery and floral arrangements in the background.
    A joyful couple embraces outdoors, showcasing an engagement ring on the woman's hand, while smiling at each other. Chicago proposal photographer
    A black and white image of a couple embracing, with the woman smiling as she rests her head on the man's shoulder. They are in a lush outdoor setting. Chicago proposal photographer
    A couple in formal attire; a man holding a woman who is smiling joyfully against a backdrop of tall city buildings and green grass. Chicago proposal photographer
    Black and white image of two hands holding champagne glasses, showcasing a diamond engagement ring on one hand. Chicago proposal photographer
    Chicago proposal photographer
    A man and a woman celebrating outdoors, with the man spraying champagne and the woman joyfully raising her hands. They are surrounded by flower arrangements and a bucket of champagne in a green park setting. Chicago proposal photographer

    Ready to plan your Chicago proposal session? lets book it! and let’s make it happen.As your Chicago proposal photographer, I’ll handle the hiding, the timing, and the tears, you just handle the ring. if you’re already thinking about the wedding day — I’d love to be your Chicago Wedding Photographer too.

  • Engagement session Art Institute: Brooke + Bob in Chicago

    Engagement session Art Institute: Brooke + Bob in Chicago

    A Frozen Morning: Engagement Session Art Institute

    There are some couples who are just completely doing their own thing. Brooke and Bob are exactly that. I met them last fall. I was so excited when they chose me to document this season. For their engagement session Art Institute of Chicago provided a stunning backdrop. We chose the serene South Garden. We met in the early morning. While we froze a little, the results were worth the chill.

    The beautiful South Garden trees during an engagement session Art Institute.
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    Documentary Love in the South Garden

    I am a sucker for love stories. I love when they feel natural. Even with the freezing temperatures, I’m grateful for the sunshine. It was fun to see how they interact. This raw connection is what I look for. I love capturing this in every intimate downtown Chicago wedding.

    During this  engagement session the gardens offered a quiet sanctuary. It is a nice break from the hustle of Michigan Avenue. Using a documentary lens allowed me to capture their love. We avoided stiff or traditional posing. Instead, we focused on how they held each other to stay warm. We caught the genuine laughter that happens when you are freezing together. You can learn more about visiting these beautiful gardens here.

    Intimate moment during a documentary engagement session Art Institute.

    Capturing Your Engagement Session Art Institute Style

    The South Garden is a hidden gem. The architecture and trees provide a timeless vibe. This works perfectly for an engagement photographer. I look for clean lines and organic moments.

    I can’t wait to see these two walk down the aisle. Therefore, If you are planning an engagement session Art Institute, remember one thing. The best photos come from being yourself. You might have to huddle for warmth, but it makes for a great story. Every couple is unique. I love finding the little nuances that make your relationship yours.

    Intimate moment during a documentary engagement session Art Institute.
    Black and white documentary photography of an engagement session Art Institute.
    Sun-filled morning laughter at an engagement session Art Institute.
    engagement portraits at the art museum
    Black and white documentary photography of an engagement session Art Institute.
    from below angle for an engagement photography session in chicago
    Close-up details from Brooke and Bob's engagement session Art Institute
    Genuine connection temple kissing at a Chicago engagement session Art Institute.
    kisses between couple