Matt contacted me because he saw how stressed and disappointed his fiance, Sarah was. They are planning their wedding in the midst of the pandemic and going forward with their original wedding date. With the restrictions, changes and constant question of should we reschedule? Heck yeah that's stressful!!! Matt surprised Sarah with this engagement session in hopes of making her smile and giving them more photos to hang up around the house. I mean, COME ON!!! Bravo Matt! Bravo! 

What I love about meeting couples, is seeing their affection, the glow in their smile, the twinkle in their eye. The wonderful safety they feel in each other's presence. Katie and Danny have all of this and more. It was magical to be around them and be a part of their world for a little bit. If you can feel it in their photograph, imagine how much more you would feel it in their presence :) 

--- And so we carry on down this road, hand in hand toward the next step in our adventure ; life together as husband and wife.  --- 

At a recent bridal show, a couple wanted to see both the engagement session and wedding of the same couple. I haven't been asked that before but thought it was an interesting question. So here I am sharing the engagement session and wedding of Emily and Brad. I shot this engagement and wedding when I wasn't great at sharing my work (i.e. this hasn't been blogged before). We took their engagement photos when they were home for winter break. We did the session in downtown Long Grove because I think it's just one of the cutest downtown areas. There is so much character thanks to the old buildings, the bridge, and the near by park. 

While thinking through the social isolation in today's world, an image from this engagement session came to my mind. I shot this session a few years back. It's this first image of the two of them in the middle of a country road with the fog and mist around them. That's kind of how it feels today. But what I love most about this image is the realization that all that matters is who is by your side.  Hand in Hand we will make it through. 

This was an extra special session! Bobby works out at the same gym as I do. I have heard about Shannon for quite some time but never met her. Bobby---you are a lucky man! Shannon is delightful personality and her style is impeccable. She reminded me of a blonde version of Ali McGraw from Love Story! It's an oldie but one of my favorite movies. Something about walking around with the two of them made me think of that movie. Thank you for choosing me to capture this magical time in your lives. Your love was wonderful to be around. Congratulations again!!

OHHH these two!!! Where do I even begin? Katie was referred to me by a wonderful fellow Ksbphoto Bride. During our conversation, we realized we know several of the same people including more past Ksbphoto brides :) I just love it when you meet with a client and you instantly feel like you are talking to a friend. That's what it was like when I met Katie and Josh. They got a beautiful, warm fall day for their engagement session. We started at the historic Elgin Fire Barn and finished in downtown Elgin around Arabica Cafe. Thank you for the delicious latte and cyclones. You two are so kind and funny.

Amanda and Dustin got one of the last warm days of Fall. This lovely couple have had a busy year; her brothers wedding and becoming pup parents to the adorable Abby. Of course Abby was a part of the session and a big hit of star of the session as well. It was wonderful getting to capture how cutely Amanda and Dustin interacted with each other...how much they laughed, cuddled, and smiled at each other. I am excited to share insight into their adorable relationship and our fun time wondering around the Dundee area. 

This couple hooked in the first few lines of their wedding inquiry. Sweet Keith proposed to Lauren's daughter, Keagan, when he also proposed to Lauren. OMG!!!!!! Talk about an epic proposal with so much sentiment behind it! Keith loves and adores both ladies in his life. Lauren and Keagan love Keith just as much. Naturally Keagan was included in their engagement session. At times Keagan was the star of the show showing off model poses and giggling alot. This family's laughter and enjoyment of each other's company was a true joy to capture. I also love that they asked to have most of their session take place at a ball field. Igrew up spending my summers at the ballpark so I have a fond love for baseball. Now let's get to showing off this sweet family. 

This was one magical session!!! Amanda and Tristan wanted to have their pup in the photo and wanted to do them in their backyard. They told me it was some big trees and lots of shade...little did I know just how amazing their backyard and property was! ​They have a bridge with an adorable creek running their yard. They also have a broken down barn with pond and lovely tree lined trail they walk their dog on. Needless to say, I wanted to move after photographing on the property. HA! 

Amanda and Tristan met a few years back but it wasn't until a little dating app that sparks flew. It's easy to see why they are such a lovely match for each other. These two are adorable together!!! 

Thank you for having Adam and I out for your engagement session. I absolutely loved every part of capturing your love story. I'm excited for your September Wedding at the Homestead.