They say that when you live in Chicago, if you don’t like the weather- just wait a minute. After going over their favorite places in the city for their engagement session, Charlotte and Stephen decided on the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk (as it just so happened to be across the street from their house), and the lakeside North Avenue Beach. Funny enough, two nights prior I had a similar itinerary when hanging out with Maria and Matt! What I absolutely love about photographing in the city of Chicago, is just how different every location can look depending on not only the season you go there, but also the day.

Starting at the lake, Charlotte and Stephen were blessed with sunny skies peaking through the skyline for our trip to North Avenue Beach. Charlotte showed up in a stunning white dress from French Connection from Nordstrom, and their attire couldn’t have been more perfect. This was my first chance getting to hang out with these two, and I was so excited to get to spend some time with them both. I noticed right away why Charlotte was marrying Stephen- and it was for his energy. Charlotte shares, “his heart is so pure, he's full of energy, love to play- and knows how to make me laugh!” This was so so true our entire session, and there was a rare moment where the two of them were not giggling over something said, or something done. After sharing a glass of champagne, Charlotte and Stephen did a quick outfit change in the nearby bathroom, and we jumped into an Uber to beat the setting sun!

Lincoln Park holds an incredibly special place in not only Charlotte and Stephen’s heart, but their relationship. Not only do they live across the street from this place, but they spend most of their evenings going on walks around it! It was only fitting to end our engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk South Pond. Stephen at similar ideas for his proposal- at the North Pond! After spending a long time in 2020 staring at the North Pond restaurant, (appropriately named “North Pond”), dreaming about tasting the food, they decided one night right before their 5th anniversary to finally go. With Stephen secretively orchestrating a memorable evening, the two shared dinner before he popped the question before dessert. The proposal would not have been complete without their immediate families hiding on their rooftop to celebrate with them afterwards. 

With two incredible locations under our belts, we finally said goodnight. But, the story doesn’t end there! Before Charlotte and Stephen officially get married at the urban gem City View Loft in Chicago, we will be heading back to Lincoln Park for Stephen to see her for the first time on their wedding day for their first look. I for one, am very excited!

Photographing in Lincoln Park, and at the North Avenue beach are easily two of my favorite places in Chicago to get to shoot! Check out additional sessions below from these two incredible locations!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie