Michael + Emily’s Modern Chicago Engagement Photography
For some couples, the beauty of a Chicago modern engagement photography session is definitely in the details. In the case of Michael + Emily, this was no exception, and their couture fashion-styled photo shoot was nothing short of detail-oriented. From the gritty landscape underneath the Chicago L to the iron train tracks stacked on urban graffiti, M + E’s engagement session contrasted the couple’s high-fashion wardrobe with less-traveled areas of their hometown. At night, the flirty twosome mirrored the vibrant city skyline in a polished, contemporary photographic style. (Thanks for gathering together some amazing fashions for the shoot, Michael and Emily.) From our first meeting last fall, we were eager to work with these two. We enjoyed their awesome personalities, chemistry for each other, enthusiasm for our photography, and unique wedding day plans. After our engagement session ended, Michael and Emily treated us to a bite to eat (thanks, guys!), where we enjoyed getting to know them better, and talked about their relaxing recent vacation. With so many great photos and the memories of our time around town with our new friends, naturally we just couldn’t wait to share the results of this romantic couple’s shoot as well as the proposal story that made it all possible in the first place. Emily provided these details describing the night Michael proposed:
On the 4th of every month, Michael and I try to do something fun because our anniversary is April 4th. On August 4th, 2011, we made reservations at Dinotto, an amazing Old Town Italian restaurant, and then went to see Sebastian Maniscalco at Zanies Comedy Club right around the corner. When we got back to our place, I was pretty tired and laid down on the couch to watch TV. Michael got up to “go check something outside”, but after 15 minutes he hadn’t returned and I yelled down the hall to see what he was doing. When he didn’t answer, I got worried and walked outside to our back deck. Waiting for me was Michael and the words, “Will you marry me?” spelled out in tea light candles. As soon as I saw this, I began to cry and Michael got down on one knee to propose. Of course, I answered, “Yes!” without hesitation. After making hundreds of phone calls, we realized we had forgotten to blow out all the candles. By the time we remembered, a few had burned holes through our new deck. Now every time we go out there, we’re reminded of that amazing night!
M + E’s modern engagement photography adventure around Chicago included stops near the couple’s Wicker Park home, south of the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park walkway, and nearby Trump Tower. Emily’s coral dress and aquamarine jewelry, both gifts from her parents, lent a more personal feel to the photos showcasing mural graffiti and sophisticated city architecture. True to their tradition, the couple will marry on August 4th, exactly one year after their late summer proposal. Michael + Emily, we had such a great time capturing your engagement portraits and chatting over margaritas at dinner. We can’t wait to all meet again on the wedding day. A huge thanks to M + E for choosing us as your modern engagement photographer and for letting us help you tell your love story.
♥ Get Emily’s looks! Coral Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA anouck square-neck dress is a nod to the couple’s coral-colored wedding. When Emily was little, her mother loved to buy her pretty girly dresses, and mom saw this one she knew Emily had to have it. Blue jewelry in the ‘Chicago mural’ shots: aquamarine flower earrings and necklace were a gift from Emily’s father, who loves to buy her jewelry any chance he gets.
Emily’s Hair + Makeup provided by: Magen (hair) and Moe (makeup) from The Circle Salon, located on Division in Chicago’s Bucktown Wicker Park neighborhood.