As part of their wedding package, Elise & Joshua were offered an engagement/couples session. Although a family member had already taken some lovely engagement pictures, I explained that the benefit of a session is twofold: you get good images, and we get to work together ahead of your wedding day! This allows us to get to know each other–not only personally, but how we all work together with a camera in the mix. I get to learn what posing & prompting you and your partner like best. I get to understand your dynamic and your comfort levels. Then, when we hit your wedding day portraits, we’re all already familiar! We are both already familiar with each other. There is built trust as a result of working together before.

For their session, Elise & Joshua chose to head to Downtown Chicago to hit two locations. Jeni’s Ice Cream (their favorite ice cream shop!) and North Avenue Beach. Jeni’s has been the spot of many dates before (and more to come, I’m sure). They were able to get comfortable in front of the camera while enjoying their favorite treat.

Next, we trekked to North Avenue Beach.

Josh + Elise both love Chicago. They wanted to capture the Chicago skyline in some of their images. There’s few better places than the pier at North Avenue Beach! The John Hancock building and Navy Pier are impressively highlighted from this location. You can even spot The Drake in some of the skyline shots. Not to be outdone, the water levels of Lake Michigan were high, leading to some water spray & reflection play.

Elise & Joshua–Thank you for bringing your honest selves to your session and having fun with me! I am SO excited to capture your wedding at Oak Hill Farm next spring!