Jeff + Elizabeth’s Engagement Photos in Chicago
“Our busy season’s photography shooting schedule has lightened up ( for us just a teeny-tiny bit ) and we are excited to take a break from being photographers to come back to blogging a few photos from our engagement session in Chicago with Jeff + Elizabeth. Upon arriving for the session, Elizabeth was glowing and looked absolutely stunning. ( Part because she had just left the Macy’s MAC Cosmetics make-up counter at Woodfield Mall – and she was looking fabulous – but also part because she was glowing with excitement for the session. ) Despite the gloomy weather forecast, Elizabeth was staying positive and eager to keep her excitement going strong for her and Jeff’s day out with us in Chicago.
Like many of our shoots this Summer season, the sky was a little gray, the weather a little wet, and the forecast less than desirable… but after postponing their session date already once when our rescheduled second day rolled around, J+E decided to proceed, and if we had to, we planned on heading indoors. Upon our entrance into the City, ahead of us we found some amazing stormy cloud formations! So we decided to head straight towards the shoreline of Lake Michigan to capture the gloomy sky as it was approaching the skyline behind Jeff and Elizabeth. Inspired by the moody, dark clouds, we captured J+E in our unique dramatic styled photographic style. Thanks J+E in letting us get creative with our creative lighting techniques. Not only cloudy but also windy, the breezy wind gusts created some beautiful movement within Elizabeth’s hair and the images. We loved it.
Although it did rain, we took a little break waiting for the drops to stop and we made the most of the overcast day in incorporating the amazing storm clouds hovering over the lake into the photos and we searched for a few dry shooting spots close by the shore. We captured a few candid + romantic photos of the couple cuddling up in nature, while in the green grass, and also near a vibrant flower bed which had some amazing shades of purple and yellow flowers. After shooting in the park setting, we next ventured downtown for a more urban location style. We had a great time not only photographing, but also talking to Jeff + Elizabeth about their jobs, their relationship, and how these two first met. Elizabeth was telling us about Jeff’s proposal ( which was a highly detailed and throughly thought out event. ) The proposal took place around the Christmas holiday when Elizabeth was away visiting her parents back home in Dublin Ohio:
“When Jeff dropped me off at the airport for the Christmas holiday he handed me a card and told me not to open it until Christmas Day. The next afternoon on Christmas I opened the card which said I would be receiving three Christmas gifts today; one of Christmas Past, one of Christmas Present, and one of Christmas Future. The Gift of Christmas Past was a scrapbook containing pictures of the past year and a half Jeff and I had spent together. The Gift of Christmas Present was a football jersey Jeff had purchased for me. Inside this box was another note that said my Gift of Christmas Future would be arriving today and should be on the front doorstep. Myself, along with all my family rushed to the front door. Upon opening the door, Jeff stepped on the porch wearing a tag that read “Gift of Christmas Future”. Jeff then proceeded to get down on one knee and propose in front of my family! We later found out that Jeff had flew in on Christmas Eve, rented a car, and spent the night in a hotel down the street so he could be at my family’s house in time for the proposal!”
We are looking forward to meeting both Jeff and Elizabeth’s families many whom will be traveling into town from the Ohio area. Jeff + Elizabeth we had a ton of fun with you two. Thank you in treating us to dinner and we hope you, family and friends enjoy seeing your engagement photos on our blog. Looking forward to celebrating the big day with you two very soon. Enjoy the rest of your planning.”
♥ Elizabeth’s make-up provided by MAC Cosmetics at Macy’s in Schaumburg at the Woodfield Mall.
Jeff + Elizabeth are exchanging vows this October at St. James Cathedral Church, the oldest Episcopal congregation in Chicago. The church is located on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Huron Street. The couple’s reception, dinner and dancing will follow The Allerton Hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. As a surprise to Elizabeth, Jeff secretly contacted us a few days after the session shoot to order a secret gift, a 12″ x 18″ print which he framed and gave to Elizabeth on her birthday.