Kirstie and Jared are both graduates of Butler University, so it’s only fitting that we included their French bulldogs (the Butler mascot) in their engagement session on Butler’s campus.We thought rain might force us to reschedule, but miraculously the skies cleared just in time and we got beautiful evening light. After Butler, we headed downtown to Monument Circle for some urban energy.

Navy Pier is a Chicago classic, and for Jackie & Jeff, it’s a classic for their relationship as well. It’s the site of their first date, and the spot where they got engaged, so it was only natural that it should also be the site of their engagement photos. We had a lovely spring morning to catch all sorts of angles at this iconic Chicago experience, and I’m so happy with the images we got.

Engagement sessions are such a great opportunity for everybody involved, and that’s why I include them in many of my wedding photography collections. There’s the most obvious benefit: really great photos of the two of you. For many couples, their engagement session is the first time they’ve been photographed professionally together.

I’m all about getting super glam for an engagement session. It’s a huge deal to get engaged, and there’s no better time to embrace the most formal aspects of your wardrobe for a session. Lucky for me, Sara & Vivek were totally game for formal wear for their Chicago engagement photos. Sara is from India, and Vivek grew up in an Indian family in Dubai. They met in the U.S. as adults, and got engaged in Chicago, a city that they called home for several years. It was such fun to do this engagement session with them in this city that is so significant to them as a couple.

I once read that a great default question to ask couples you may meet in social situations is how they met. Clare and Chris are a couple who will always have a wonderful story to share. Once upon a time, Clare was a somewhat recent college grad, back in her hometown to see her family and catch up on some appointments. She went to her childhood dentist for checkup and found that she’d been assigned a new practitioner, who she found distractingly handsome and agreeable. She went home, found him on Facebook, messaged him, and… well, it worked out really well. 😉

If I weren’t intentional about what I wear, it would be all black, all the time. And it was that, for a very long time. I know I’m not alone in this. Black is (almost) universally flattering, it’s hard to mess up, and it can be adapted for almost any occasion. But when I’m off the clock, and for my photographic subjects, I adore light-colored clothing…

As far as I’m concerned, one of the most charming times to experience New York City is around Christmastime. It’s cozy and jolly from the subway platform to the Top of the Rock. Dropping a couple as kindhearted and handsome as Andrew and Scotty into this scene really can only sweeten the deal for both parties. I had so much fun with these two, capturing holiday spirit and smiles in the West Village— notably, Abingdon Square and a Village classic, the annual Romp Family Christmas Tree pop-up shop at Jane St. and 8th Avenue.