“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!!”

 

Sarah + Ryan Miller:

“The months of October + November have been incredibly busy for Miller + Miller! Actually, the busiest we’ve been all year. While balancing a hefty schedule of photographing weddings, commercial photo shoots, engagement photo sessions and Fall family portraits, plus juggling the varying weather forecasts – needless to say our blog has suffered. Therefore, we’re a little behind in blog entries.

 

For this photo session, simply put… Sergio and Kristen are a super cool couple! Very easy going and obviously madly-in-love with each other, they put their trust in us to create some unique engagement photos and memories. For S+K’s engagement photo session, we choose to go out West exploring a few of our favorite spots within the Starved Rock area. We had an incredible Saturday afternoon with some brisk chilly wind, but a crystal-clear, crisp blue Illinois sky. The outcome, dramatic and amazing engagement pictures! The colorful sunset paired with an incredible couple, makes for some vibrant engagement photos. We love these photos!

 

Sergio + Kristen… we had a wonderful time getting to know you during your engagement session. We can’t wait for your 2010 October wedding at Timbercreek Hotel and Lodge. We hope you enjoy your engagement photos – choosing 10 favorite images for your engagement guest book will be a challenge. There are too many options!”