“After a few weeks of several downtown Chicago engagement shoots, we were happy to switch things up and head out West of Chicago to LaSalle County for an Jonathan + Tamara’s Starved Rock engagement photo session. Plus, we love the small town feel of Ottawa and Illinois River Valley area. Although Jon + Tamara’s October 2, 2010 wedding day was already taken by another couple, J+T booked us for their creative engagement session and are planning on using the photos for their Save the Dates.

 

For Jon + Tamara’s engagement photo session, they decided upon a Spring “nature” focus, so we started their day early and hiked into “The Rock’s” canyons. A beautiful day, awesome for an outdoor photo session, we saw so much wildlife, deers, birds, an owl and even a quick glimpse of a bald eagle. On the ride out to the park, Jon was actually hopeful to have a bald eagle appear in the woods behind them for a photo! Unfortunately we weren’t so lucky, but seeing one was awesome enough. We had mentioned we could always Photoshop one in there if he’d like. LOL

 

As always, we have a great time getting to know our couples. Jon + Tamara work together at a nearby Insurance agency and met while working at the office. Tamara grew up in the Chicago area, while Jon as one of eight kids has lived in New York, Michigan, and currently now resides in Wheaton. It was fun learning both J+T drive the latest rivalry in 2010 muscle cars. On the day of the shoot when they arrived at our house in Jon’s shy of 1 month old, 2010 black Camaro, my jaw dropped!! I wanted to hop into it vs. our Xterra to travel out to Starved Rock. Tamara was quick to show me in her phone, her equally as awesome cherry red, Challenger. Seriously we were jealous!! : )

 

While hiking, Tamara was telling us of her eight years in the National Guard and her position as a drill sergeant. ( So don’t let Tamara’s petite stature fool you. She’s little, but one tough girl! ) The hiking reminded of her basic training and some seriously, strenuous hiking days. Tamara was telling us of her experiences while attending the US Army’s combat training center of Fort Jackson … which was especially interesting to us, because In fact as I write this very blog post – Fort Jackson just so happens to be the same location Ryan’s brother Brandon is currently training! Small world.

 

Jon + Tamara, we hope you had a great first time at Starved Rock State Park and enjoyed the photo session!! Please put us on your Save-the-Date mailing list, so we can see how you incorporate the images!!”

 

“For last week’s two Chicago engagement photography sessions, we had some unexpected 70 degree, seriously awesome April weather! However, it was not only warm, but also two extremely gusty “windy city” Chicago days.

 

Brittany + Bobby are a fun loving, easy going couple who are very much in love. Ryan and I had a great time venturing around the City and seeing them interact with each other in the photos. We enjoyed visiting a few new photo locations just outside of the Chicago Loop for their shoot. During every engagement session, we seem to have a memorable moment … we will never forget stumbling across another couple near the Lake Michigan shoreline during their shoot. ; ) LOL

 

When discussing their shoot, I proposed the idea of incorporating some balloons into a few pictures. Brittany fell in love with the idea, so she gladly ordered and brought some balloons along – we had sooooo many balloons that we were a little nervous they all wouldn’t fit into our XTerra. The wind was definitely a little tricky to work with, but determined, we captured some romantic shots with the balloons in a quiet, secluded section of Chicago’s Museum Park. In addition, we mixed in some other soft photo styles then incorporated historic architecture, Lake Michigan and finally closed the day with everyone’s favorites, some after dark glowing Chicago evening skyline photos. Brittany looked stunning in her black dress and hot, yellow heels.

 

After the session, we grabbed a bite to eat and got to know each other a little more discovering Brittany and Bobby have been dating for over ten years – almost longer than Ryan and my relationship. With their upcoming destination wedding at Lake Lawn Resort on Lake Delavan in Wisconsin approaching, they were excited to talk about their wedding plans. We LOVE shooting destination weddings, whether they are only a state away or a destination wedding around the world. Brittany and Bobby… Ryan and I are thrilled to be heading up with you for your lakeside wedding. We can’t wait to meet your family and friends, 22 member bridal party, and enjoy your wedding weekend this Summer. Enjoy the photos and hope we created some lasting memories for the two of you… ”