“This engagement session was filled with tons of fun little, extras. One of those “extras” was a bit of unfortunate rain – but with some improvisation and the drops letting up later as the day went on, the shoot proceeded along. And Marlena inadvertently decided to make it a playful concept incorporating a few rainy day elements. When they showed up for this session, Marlena + Adam mentioned the night before the shoot they added in an extra day of shopping for the session, and one of the extras they brought along were some fun rain boots and an umbrella.

 

Other little extra props we had for this Chicago modern lifestyle inspired engagement photography shoot were picnicking props, plus a few other items the couple unknowingly surprised us with. Marlena had, ever since we first met, mentioned she loves prop inspired engagement sessions, so we had in advance planned for a touch of vintage picnic inspired engagement photography session and decided on an Illinois country side photo setting. The four of us talked, how we not only love the urban city ( and they are going urban for the wedding day ) but the beautiful IL country, also offers a romantic, peaceful and natural beauty. After first discussing the couple’s lives together and weekend getaways often to Michigan wineries, vineyards, and the beach, we generated some location ideas for a vintage picnic engagement session. With Adam and Marlena’s busy work schedules unfortunately our first plans to travel to Michigan was decided not possible, but a session nearby our studio would be a perfect alternative for them. Turns out it was a nice getaway for not only the pictures, but also a break from their busy work schedules. On M+A’s session, we went to a few shooting locations, a park, a vintage downtown setting, and a grassy meadow with tall grasses and gravel road. ( One of Ryan and my favorite secret country spots, we will plan on going back to this beautiful country meadow again. ) The rolling hills, the 100 year old + fallen tree and the overall simple beauty of nature, served as the perfect location for Adam + Marlena’s picnicking moments of the photo session. And not to mention, A+M’s playful interaction and love for each other shined in the photos.

 

Marlena + Adam we can’t thank you enough in bringing along, so many creative props for your session. We appreciate you hiring us as both your wedding & Chicago engagement photographers and your passion, creativity and enthusiasm in planning for the shoot was not unnoticed, thank you so much. We had a great time out on the session and enjoyed working with you! We know after seeing these photos, you’ll both be much more comfortable in front of the camera come the big wedding day. We are looking forward to your August wedding date!!! See you again in… only a few weeks.”

 

 

 

♥ Adam + Marlena are planning in contrast to this modern and slightly vintage styled engagement session in the country, instead an urban and contemporary mod styled wedding day in Chicago. We recently learned and are overly excited in hearing of Marlena’s selection of one of the Top 10 trendiest hotels in the US for their day. That hotel is the downtown Chicago wedding venue of theWit Hotel. A+M have already had a civil marriage, but August will officially mark their exchange of wedding vows at St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish. Marlena mentioned a number of her family members have for over a decade been married at this particular church.

“Meet Gary + Michelle, they are our newest friends whom we LOVED working with for their portraits. Gary + Michelle contacted us after discovering our photo blog and they mentioned how they were especially drawn into our fashion-foward engagement photography style. We will be shooting Gary and Michelle’s Naperville wedding later this year, in the warmer Summer weather. However for their Winter time engagement session, it was brrrr a little cold outside. G+M decided on a suburban shoot with locations nearby their Naperville home.

 

You might be wondering, why did we take Gary + Michele into a laundry mat for this engagement session? Well after getting to know these two a little better we learned Gary and Michelle’s first meeting was in their college dorm’s laundromat. They were smiling and giggling while telling us about the story… and we eventually discussed how it would make for a great concept within the photos. So in knowing that these college sweethearts had a unique story and had plans for an indoor shooting location to warm up a bit for their session, we chose a stop inside a nearby laundry mat. It was fun re-inacting their first meeting, Michelle was studying for her Geology class when Gary first approached her. With some persistence, Michelle decided to let Gary take her out on a date, and the rest is history. We loved hearing their fun and unique story!

 

Gary and Michelle thank you in spending the day with us, we had a blast working together and enjoyed talking more over our Tapas dinner in Naperville after the shoot. Looking forward to seeing you again at the wedding + celebrating with your Naperville and Wheaton family and friends. Enjoy the photos.”

 

 

 

Gary + Michelle have set an August wedding date with their ceremony taking place at Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church in Naperville and reception at DiNolfo’s.