Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago

Oh, where do I even begin with Elizabeth and Joe’s engagement session? I just have to say, this is one of my favorite sessions ever! We spent a perfect evening running around some of Chicago’s most iconic spots, and I truly feel like we captured magic. From the lush, green views at the Lincoln Park Boardwalk to the stunning city skyline at North Avenue Beach, this session was nothing short of a dream.


Elizabeth and Joe are such an amazing couple, and I had the best time getting to know them. We started our adventure at the Lincoln Park Honeycomb Pavilion, where the light was absolutely dreamy. As we moved through the park, every spot seemed more beautiful than the last. And that Chicago skyline—wow! It provided the perfect backdrop as we made our way to North Avenue Beach to end the session with some playful shots in the sand.


A little backstory on these two: Elizabeth and Joe met in college while working at their university’s help desk in Santa Clara, California. Joe, who is an Officer in the Army, popped the question just before a nine-month deployment. Their proposal story is so sweet—they were on a wine-tasting trip in the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Now, they’re planning a beautiful October wedding at the Meyer Paramount Ballroom in Aurora, with a theme that’s as relaxed and charming as they are—“Sunday’s Best” meets “Easy like Sunday morning.” And to top it all off, Joe’s mom, who is a federal judge, will be officiating their ceremony! I mean, could it get any better?


I’m so thrilled to share a sneak peek of some of my absolute favorite images from their session. There are about 100+ more that didn’t fit into this post, so Elizabeth and Joe, get excited for your full gallery! Scroll down and enjoy the gorgeousness of this session—I know I couldn’t get enough of it!

Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
A close up of Elizabeth's engagement ring in front of the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe walking up the steps in the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe embracing under the Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe kissing in the wildflowers on the Lincoln Park Boardwalk in Chicago at sunset
Elizabeth and Joe kissing in the wildflowers on the Lincoln Park Boardwalk in Chicago at sunset
Close up of Elizabeth's engagement ring in delicate white flowers
Elizabeth and Joe kissing in the wildflowers on the Lincoln Park Boardwalk in Chicago at sunset
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, kissing each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, dancing with each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, dancing with each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, kissing each other
Close up of Elizabeth's engagement ring as Elizabeth and Joe hug each other under the Lincoln Park Honeycomb Pavillion
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, kissing each other
Close up of Elizabeth's engagement ring in the Lincoln Park Honeycomb Pavillion in Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at each other
Close-up of Elizabeth and Joe laughing together, with the soft evening light highlighting their smiles.
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at the camera
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, dancing with each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at each other
Elizabeth and Joe standing under the Honeycomb Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Chicago, smiling at the camera
Elizabeth and Joe holding hands with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe smiling with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe kissing with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe sharing a dip kiss with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe dancing with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe dancing with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe holding hands with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe holding hands with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe holding hands with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe sharing a dip kiss with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe doing a lift with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe holding hands with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe smiling with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Elizabeth and Joe kissing with the Chicago skyline in the background at North Avenue Beach during sunset
Close-up of Elizabeth's engagement ring on a wooden lifeguard stand, showing off the intricate details of the ring
Elizabeth and Joe walking hand-in-hand along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background
close up of Elizabeth's engagement ring in the sand on North Avenue Beach in Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe walkin hand-in-hand along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background
Elizabeth and Joe walking hand-in-hand along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background
Elizabeth and Joe walking hand-in-hand along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background
Elizabeth and Joe jogging hand-in-hand along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background
close up of Elizabeth on North Avenue beach in Chicago
Close up of Joe on North Avenue beach in Chicago
Elizabeth and Joe kissing along North Avenue Beach, with gentle waves and a soft sunset in the background

Elizabeth & Joe, thank you both so much for choosing me to be your engagement and wedding photographer. It was truly an honor to spend this time with you, capturing these special moments. I had such a great time hanging out with you, and I absolutely love the images we created together. Your love and connection shine through in every shot. I’m so excited for your wedding day and can’t wait to be there to capture all the magic as you start this next chapter together! I can't wait to share your full gallery in the coming weeks—stay tuned!