A Chic, Joy-Filled Family Engagement Session at the Art Institute of Chicago
Some sessions tug at the heart from the start, and Sam and Mike’s engagement session at the Art Institute of Chicago was no exception. From the moment they stepped onto the museum steps with their daughter in tow, I sensed this was going to be a beautiful blend of chic style, genuine connection, and playful personality—my favorite combination! Sam and Mike struck that rare balance so effortlessly: refined and editorial one minute, laughing and showing off their silly side the next. They set the tone for the session, and I followed suit, photographing their most authentic selves. If you’re considering doing your engagement photos with kids, this post is for you!
But first, their outfits deserve a moment.
Sam wore a light blue collared dress that felt timeless yet modern, structured but soft. Mike chose a neutral, smart-casual look that complemented her perfectly without overpowering the palette (he made sure his two lovely ladies shone). Together, they looked polished and cohesive, a look that photographs so beautifully on both film and digital.
And then there was their daughter—the sweetest cherry on top. She wore a blue-and-white ruffle dress with the tiniest white ballet-style shoes. Seeing her eyes sparkle with laughter when her dad dipped her back, and her precious cheeks squish as her parents kissed her, were the kind of real-life details that turn a session into priceless memories.
When Chic Style Meets Playful Energy at ARTIC
What I loved most about this trio is that they fully embraced who they are. Their personalities came across loud and clear in their photos in such a beautiful way.
Yes, they looked editorial and welcomed creative compositions—clean lines, dramatic architecture, and thoughtful framing against the museum’s iconic backdrop. But at the same time, they laughed easily, teased each other, and embraced their quirks, giving me so much to work with as their photographer.
That combination—the ability to be both editorial and authentic—is everything.
We captured images that feel straight out of a magazine—sleek poses along the grand staircase, romantic close-ups with soft film tones, dramatic wide shots framed by the museum’s stately columns. And then, just as easily, we pivoted to giggles, nose kisses, and their daughter proudly “walking,” her little hands tightly gripping Mom’s and Dad’s for support.
Those transitions are often the most photogenic. When a couple is willing to trust the process—moving from playful candids to more experimental, editorial moments—you end up with a gallery that feels layered and dynamic. It doesn’t feel stiff. And it doesn’t feel overly posed. It feels like you.
Your Story Doesn’t Have to Fit a Mold: Engagement Photos with Kids
One of the quiet themes of this session is something I believe deeply: every couple, every family has a different story to tell.
Some couples come to their engagement session with toddlers in tow. Some are lovingly blending families. And some represent beautiful multicultural backgrounds. Still others bring their beloved furbabies who have been there since day one. Some are planning large weddings; others are opting for something intimate and unconventional.
There isn’t one right way to “do” an engagement session.
You don’t have to pretend this chapter of life looks different than it does. If you already have a little one, that’s part of your love story. If your journey has twists, layers, or unexpected turns, that’s part of what makes it meaningful.
Sam and Mike’s daughter is woven into their story right now. Including her felt natural. It wasn’t about breaking some imaginary rule—it was about honoring and celebrating their real life. And that authenticity shines through every frame.
So I’ll gently ask you the same question I ask my couples: what does this chapter look like for you? And what does the next one hold?
Let your session reflect that.
Why the Art Institute of Chicago Is Perfect for Engagement Photos with Kids
The Art Institute of Chicago is such a versatile location, especially for couples who want a mix of classic architecture and creative flexibility.
If you’re bringing tiny tots, bonus kiddos, or furry friends, we can begin outdoors. The museum’s steps, surrounding gardens, and open lawn areas offer stunning backdrops with plenty of room for movement. The light is beautiful, the energy feels lively, and kids can breathe and explore without feeling confined.
Then, if you have a trusted friend or family member who can step in for a bit, we can transition inside for something entirely different.
The museum’s interior spaces allow for more intimate, editorial, and experimental imagery. Clean walls, sculptural details, art exhibits, and controlled light create an atmosphere that feels elevated and, well, artistic. It’s the perfect setting for romantic portraits that focus solely on your connection—hands intertwined, foreheads touching, quiet smiles that say it all.
For engagement photos with kids, this two-part structure gives you the best of both worlds: family-centered memories and refined couple portraits.
Film + Digital: A Gallery That Feels Complete
I photograph sessions using a blend of film and digital photography, and Sam and Mike’s gallery is a perfect example of why I love this approach.
Film adds a soft, nostalgic feel with creamy, romantic tones, especially next to the pale blue of Sam’s dress and the museum’s neutral architecture. Digital is great for capturing spontaneous moments, like quick reactions to laughter, movement, and those fleeting toddler expressions that change in an instant.
The result is a collection of images that feels varied but cohesive.
They have priceless photos with their baby girl—images they’ll treasure long after she’s outgrown those tiny ballet shoes. And they’ll also have romantic portraits that celebrate their engagement and the anticipation of their upcoming wedding.
More than just photos for a save-the-date, these images are perfect for heirloom albums. They belong in frames lining the hallway of their home. For display at their wedding. And for reminding them, years from now, of exactly what this season felt like.
Celebrating This Chapter—and the Next
At its heart, this session wasn’t about fitting into a traditional engagement-session box but a celebration of who Sam and Mike are right now: partners, parents, and soon-to-be newlyweds. It’s proof that you can do your engagement photos with kids…and get plenty of romantic shots, too!
Your story might look different.
Maybe you’re newly engaged and traveling the world together. Maybe you’re planning a backyard celebration. Maybe you already have children. Maybe you’re blending families. Maybe you just want something that feels stylish and true to you. No matter where your journey has taken you or where you’re going next, your story is worth capturing. Your engagement session can be chic. It can be playful. It can be editorial. It can include your kids. It can include your dog. It can break the mold entirely.
If this chapter is about love that has grown and deepened in unexpected ways, let’s celebrate it. And if the next chapter is a wedding, a new home, another baby, or a new adventure, let’s create images that honor that step.
Sam and Mike’s session at the Art Institute of Chicago shows that when you embrace your real story, your photos become lasting reminders of who you are together.
Let your engagement session show your true self, because the best photos capture not just how you look, but what life was like in that moment.
Ready to Create Art from Real Life?
chic, editorial museum engagement photos at the art institute of Chicago (ARTIC)
