Overcast Chicago Engagement Session | Maria and Matt

I loved getting to meet up with Maria and Matt for their Chicago engagement session, and explore a city they’ve both known their whole lives. These two have been together since high school, 11 years strong, and decided it was finally time to make it official.

From High School to Happily Ever After

Of course, no proposal is ever without its hiccups. Matt had the date all planned out, but ended up waiting anxiously for the ring to arrive in time. He knew Maria wanted the moment captured, so he timed the proposal around their family holiday photos. My favorite detail? Matt spent every spare moment practicing the proposal with items around the house that matched Maria’s height, just to make sure he’d get it right. In true proposal fashion, though, Maria doesn’t remember much once he got down on one knee—but she said yes, and that’s the part that counts.

A City Session with Familiar Views

We kicked things off at the Lincoln Park Boardwalk, where Maria and Matt wore casual fall looks. While we didn’t luck out with the bold fall colors the boardwalk is known for- like in Alex and Brian’s session- the atmosphere was still perfect for cozy, quiet portraits.

Afterward, we headed to North Avenue Beach and walked along the lakefront. Even though we missed peak fall, we just narrowly avoided a rainstorm. In return, we were gifted with incredible Chicago skyline reflections over the water. They say Chicago weather is always changing, and they’re absolutely right.

Looking Ahead to Venuti’s Wedding Celebration

I’m so excited to reconnect with Maria and Matt at Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall for their wedding day celebration. Even more special? We’ll be visiting the very spot where Matt proposed to capture portraits that bring their love story full circle.

female and male cuddle at Lincoln Park engagement session
male and female laugh at Lincoln Park Boardwalk engagement session
male and female snuggle on bridget at Lincoln Boardwalk
male and female laugh at Lincoln Park Boardwalk engagement session
male and female walk along pond at Lincoln Park Boardwalk in Chicago
male kisses female on the cheek during engagement session at Lincoln Park Boardwalk
male spins female under honeycomb at Lincoln Park Boardwalk engagement session
male hugs female for their North Avenue Beach engagement session
male and female walk during their North Avenue Beach engagement session
male hugs female during their North Avenue Beach engagement session
male and female pose in front of the Chicago skyline
male and female sit on wall at North Avenue Beach
male lifts female during North Avenue Beach engagement session
female looks at camera dduring North Avenue Beach engagement session

I loved hanging out with Maria and Matt during their overcast Chicago engagement session. Planning a city engagement session in Chicago? Let’s create portraits in the neighborhoods and landmarks that mean the most to you. Check out some more Chicago engagement sessions below!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie

EngagementJennifer LourieChicago, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, Destination