Sarah & Justin’s journey to engagement hits notes usually reserved for rom-coms, so Sarah’s choice of a dress that evokes the energy of one of cinema’s greatest icons was only appropriate for their engagement session. After meeting on the dance floor in a college bar as undergrads (he at Milwaukee School of Engineering, she at Marquette University), they’ve been together ever since. Last year, Justin wanted to plan a proposal that was memorable and romantic, and truly surprised his future fiancé. He enlisted the help of her best friend, Penelope, to create an invitation to a fake gala. Since Penelope often invites Sarah to Chicago-area benefits and parties, Sarah didn’t question the invitation she received (a real paper invite in the mail). It was the perfect cover for Penelope to help her get ready and get her to Chicago Botanic Garden at a specific time, where Justin was waiting to propose. Sarah was fully surprised and wholly convinced that the gala was real— so much so that after she said yes, she asked Penelope if perhaps Justin would be able to join them for the party they were headed to.

Stylistically, Sarah and Justin are drawn to classic silhouettes and color stories, and they wanted a session in the city where they met and fell and love and call home: Milwaukee. We went to Lake Park, Cudahy Tower, Juneau Park, Northwestern Mutual Life Building, and finished at the bright, cheerful Starburst sculpture. Sarah wore matching pear-shaped white topaz and silver-topped gold earrings and necklace by Fred Leighton.