“WOW… what a SMOKIN’ HOT COUPLE! Not to mention, the natural love, affection and chemistry Brad + Lauren had for each other during the shoot was astounding + inspiring. B+L photographed like true professional models on their engagement photo session. Wouldn’t you agree?

 

We had an amazing time shooting Brad + Lauren’s Chicago style high-fashion engagement photography session in a contrasting country, small town and nature park setting. ( We loved heading out to the country to shoot — a much needed break for us, after numerous consecutive urban city engagement shoots. ) We loved everything about this photo shoot –- the weather, fun locations, Brad’s smokin’ turbo Mini Cooper, plus the vibrant + trendy clothing style B+L brought… it all came together quite nicely.

 

Brad + Lauren’s relationship started out as high school sweethearts. Brad decided to propose and soon after their wedding planning had begun. And with wedding planning, there comes finding a wedding photographer. We were so happy Brad and Lauren found us on FACEBOOK through mutual friends. When we met B+L for the first time, they came to us with one mission in mind — to create some bad-ass engagement & wedding photos that uniquely represents exactly who they are. Needless to say we gladly accepted this proposal and had a blast getting creative with them. Thanks for letting us put our creativity to the test with the smoking car for this one. B+L you both looked amazing and we can’t wait for your wedding in less than a month. ( Hope we’re lucky to catch some bombs bursting in the air during your Fourth of July weekend wedding! ) Enjoy the photos and thanks again!!”

 

 

 

Brad + Lauren’s Summer July Chicagoland wedding ceremony is planned at America’s Historic Roundhouse (formally known as Walter Payton’s Roundhouse) in Aurora, Illinois. Their outdoor ceremony is set to take place underneath the venue’s outdoor, courtyard gazebo. Following the ceremony is their reception proceeding indoors also at The Roundhouse in their Grand Ballroom. We are looking forward to a fun wedding day celebration with Brad, Lauren, family, friends and bridal party. A number of guests may be familiar faces to Miller + Miller, Brad and Lauren are from our hometown of Oswego, Illinois, so we’re looking forward to seeing a few friends at the celebration as well.

 

“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!!”