Emma & Tito - Couple's Session in Chicago

Emma & Tito are officially already married but they're having a celebration next January in the Caribbean and I can't wait to be there to photograph it. This session is from their "engagement session." All of my wedding packages come with an engagement session so that I can get to know my couples better before their big day and so they can see how I work. They get pretty pictures, I get to play. It's a win-win for everyone! 

Once again, someone was looking out for me and the weather was in my favor. It looked like rain most of the day until I headed their way! We started at their home where the golden hour light was just beginning. We then headed to Belmont Harbor to get some portraits at Lake Michigan with that gorgeous Chicago skyline at dusk. It had also rained a lot prior to this day so I got to play with reflections and puddles on the way to the lake! Check 'em out below. 

Chicago Engagement Session at Two Hearted Queen Coffee Shop

Liz & Tony are getting married in Chicago this summer! We spent a sunny morning at my favorite coffee shop, Two Hearted Queen, having coffee and photographing. When you book a wedding with me, an engagement session is always included in your package. This helps me get to know you both and helps you get comfortable with me. I'm going to be with you all day on your wedding day, so it helps to get to know one another and to establish trust. My engagement sessions are customized to you and what you like to do as a couple. Whether it be having coffee on a lazy morning at home, having a drink at your favorite pub, rock-climbing or strolling through this beautiful city. Although we will definitely take some nice portraits of you as a couple, I focus on details and take a lifestyle approach to documenting your engagement. I give direction, then let you cozy up and that's when the magic happens! The way you look at each other, the way you cuddle, the hand-holding, etc. It's the moments when you forget I'm there that are my favorite! 

If you're in Chicago, you must check out Two Hearted Queen in Lakeview. They're seriously the best! Thanks THQ for having us, and for the delicious coffee.

Liz and Tony, I can't wait for your summer wedding - it's going to be so lovely!

Chicago Snow Globe Engagement Session

You may remember LeaAnne & Raj from this summer when we took some photos in their Streeterville home. I'm back to let you know they're OFFICIALLY engaged and in the midst of planning their wedding! The two weekends prior to their engagement session, it snowed like crazy in Chicago. One of those weekends was a monster storm that shut down the city and I was out of town and sadly missed it all. However, I thought that since there was over a foot of snow on the ground we would for sure at least have a little blanket for LeaAnne & Raj so it didn't look so muddy out. Boy, was I wrong! The Friday before we were supposed to shoot, ALL of that snow was gone and I was heartbroken. ALL I had wanted for their session was snow. Fast forward to Saturday morning and me checking the weather the second my eyes opened. Miraculously there was a chance for some snow showers later that afternoon. I hoped and prayed all day and then 2pm came and the snow the hourly forecast predicted was nowhere to be found. An hour later, though, it started ever so quietly and by the time our session started at 4:30 we were COVERED in white, wet snow and it was magical. One of my most favorite sessions ever and L & R were fantastic.

My favorite

I have always loved sessions in winter, but my first "active snowfall" engagement session was unforgettable and I am so thankful that it worked out so perfectly. 

Much love, friends!

xoxo Courtney