There’s always a hush to the first days of spring in Chicago. Even in the heart of the city, where the world rushes by in every direction, there are small pockets of quiet moments where you can hear the softest laugh or notice the way sunlight slips between two hands. Jackie and Danny found that hush at The Art Institute of Chicago for their engagement session, and I was lucky enough to capture it for them on film.

I want to share their story with you, not because it was perfectly staged or styled, but because it felt real. Sometimes, when two people show up just as they are, love has all the space it needs to be seen.

Playful Engagement Session at The Art Institute of Chicago

We started early, before the museum doors had fully welcomed the day. The city was just waking, the air still crisp, and the gardens surrounding the Art Institute nearly empty. The architecture—marble columns, grand staircases, the worn steps—felt like a gentle nod to the gravity of their commitment. And yet, Jackie and Danny brought an ease, a kind of bright warmth and playfulness that softened every edge.

Jackie wore her heart openly, her laughter echoing off the stone. Danny’s gentle steadiness was the perfect anchor for her spark, and together, their energy felt honest and light. I watched as they shared inside jokes, hands brushing, faces close. You could almost watch the nerves slip away as they forgot about the camera altogether and settled into the comfort of each other.

That’s what I love most about film—how it slows everything down, how it invites you to notice: the grain, the color, the subtle blur of motion. You begin to see the way a hand naturally fits in the crook of an arm, or how sunlight dances through hair on the museum steps. Jackie and Danny’s images aren’t just photos—they’re small keepsakes of who they are together, right now, in this season of their lives.

Honoring the In-Between

If I’m honest, the best moments often happen during transitions and pauses. As we strolled through the gardens, Danny’s hand gently caught in Jackie’s hair, capturing a sweet moment that led to a dynamic, candid shot. Later, sitting on the steps, she instinctively leaned back against him for a moment. These are the photographs that live with me long after the session is over—the ones that aren’t posed or prompted, but entirely theirs.

I believe that the best photographs don’t require grand gestures or elaborate backdrops. Beauty lives in the way you look at each other when you think no one is paying attention. Jackie and Danny reminded me of this, over and over again. Their story is full of these little pauses, these moments of natural connection.

For you, if you’re searching for something that feels honest, I promise, you don’t have to perform for the camera. All you need is each other and a willingness to let your guard down. The rest will come on its own.

Sessions that Capture Your Chemistry

Working with Jackie and Danny was effortless, not because they followed directions perfectly, but because they simply let themselves be seen. There’s vulnerability in that, and it’s a privilege every time someone trusts me enough to show up, unfiltered.

I want you to know: being photographed doesn’t have to feel stiff or staged. It can be as easy as a walk through your favorite part of the city, or a morning spent wandering museum halls. We’ll talk, we’ll pause, we’ll laugh at the awkward bits. And somewhere in between, we’ll find the images that feel like you.

My Favorite Engagement Photo Locations Near Chicago

If you’re dreaming of your own engagement session and wondering where to begin, here are a few of my favorite spots to let your story unfold:

• The Art Institute of Chicago: Classic, romantic, and full of light—inside and out. The gardens, the steps, the quiet corners all invite you to slow down and just be together.
• Lincoln Park Conservancy: Lush, green, and full of life, no matter the season. There’s something soothing about being surrounded by plants, and the filtered light is always dreamy on film.
• North Avenue Beach at Sunrise: The lake, the city skyline, and the softest early morning glow. It’s perfect for those who feel most at home by the water.
• The Garfield Park Conservatory: A hidden gem with tropical greenery and winding pathways. It’s cozy, intimate, and just a little bit wild.
• Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary: Wild grasses, city views, and Lake Michigan stretching out into forever. Perfect for those who love the feeling of wind and water.
• The Wrigley Building & Riverwalk: Classic Chicago architecture, the shimmer of the river, and city lights just starting to glow.
• Your Favorite Neighborhood Cafe or Bookstore: Sometimes, the most meaningful setting is where you already feel at ease. Bring your favorite records, share a pastry, or just settle in with coffee and conversation.

Find that Special Place that Feels Like You

Every couple is different, and the right location is simply the place where you feel most yourselves. Sometimes that’s a museum. Sometimes it’s a wind-swept beach, a city sidewalk, or your favorite coffee shop.

The magic happens not because of where you are, but because of who you are in that space—with each other. Whether you’re wrapped in a scarf on a breezy pier or leaning into laughter over coffee, the best images come from connection, not perfection. So choose a spot that feels like home to your story, and let the rest unfold naturally.

 

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