Bridget & Vince will be getting married in the suburbs, so they chose to do a downtown Chicago engagement session. We met up near the Conservatory in Lincoln Park, then walked south toward Cafe Brauer and the South Pond. We took the boardwalk out to the wood archway that has become one of Chicago’s most popular photo locations.

After an outfit change, we headed into the Loop for a different look. We started near the LaSalle Street bridge over the Chicago River, which always makes for a great background. Finally, we stopped in the median on LaSalle Street and made my favorite frame of the night.

Looking forward to seeing Bridget & Vince in less than a month for their wedding!

2 Comments » Posted by travis on Apr 30th 2013 / Engagements

Jenn & Toby took time out during a week back in Chicago for Thanksgiving for their engagement session in the city. Surprisingly, some of the trees still had some leaves (and color!)

Our walking tour started near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and the river. We made our way down the river walk to LaSalle Street for a few photos of with the iconic bridges over the Chicago River.

After that, we went down LaSalle Street with the old Chicago Board of Trade Building in the background and then to the steps of the Art Institute of Chicago. Finally, we finished near Millennium Park and a spot that I’ve had my eye on for a long time – the bridge over Monroe Street connecting the park to the Modern Wing of the Art Institute.

Can’t wait to see you both next June!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Nov 21st 2012 / Engagements

I met up with Amanda & Nick at their home in Lincoln Square (my favorite Chicago neighborhood!) for an engagement shoot. We got rained out a week earlier, so I was glad the rain held off long enough for us to get in a walk around the area.

We started at Winnemac Park, and a few of the trees still had some fall color. From there, we headed down to Giddings Plaza on Lincoln Ave. Amanda & Nick braved some traffic to get the iconic Lincoln Square archway in the background. We finished up in the alley behind their apartment. See you both next summer!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Oct 28th 2012 / Engagements

Marjorie & Brian started their engagement session at a few of the local parks near their home in New Berlin, Wisc. We found some great cattails, a gazebo and even found a swing set.

After the parks we headed out to the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee and climbed some giant boulders. We finished as the sun went down, and caught some pretty color in the sky. Afterward, they took me to an awesome burger/peanut bar for dinner in downtown Milwaukee, called Bombers. I’m looking forward to going back, and to their wedding next year!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Jul 2nd 2012 / Engagements

I met Melissa & Andrew at Schu’s Grill & Bar in downtown St. Joseph, Mich. for their engagement session. We talked over drinks, hoping for the sun to retreat and cool off. We managed to resist the urge to jump into Lake Michigan on our walk along the beach.

After the beach, and a hike up the dunes we finished shooting out on the pier. Melissa & Andrew will be getting married on the same beach on the same weekend next year, so it was a great chance to see the location before the wedding. Already looking forward to it!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Jun 29th 2012 / Engagements

Avani & Puneet started their Chicago engagement session with a walk around the Lincoln Park area. We went out to North Avenue Beach for a bit, which is my personal favorite view of the skyline.

We made a quick stop at UIC (where they met) for a few more photos and an outfit change. From there we headed into the loop. Avani & Puneet braved some traffic on South Lasalle to get a shot in front of the The Chicago Board of Trade Building. Then we walked up to the river where we wrapped up the shoot on the Lasalle Bridge.

I’ll be documenting Avani & Puneet’s entire wedding week in early July!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Jun 28th 2012 / Engagements

I met up with Natasha & Danny for their downtown Chicago engagement session. We started off at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, which was where they got engaged! After a short walk around the park, we headed across Lake Shore Drive to the harbor.

From there we went back into the Loop and down to the Chicago Riverwalk along Wacker Drive. It was a perfect place to catch the golden light at sunset.

Then we walked down State Street to the iconic Chicago Theatre area for a few night pictures and we even found a nice little alley as we wrapped up the shooting.

I’m looking forward to seeing Natasha & Danny again for their downtown Chicago wedding in July!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Jun 11th 2012 / Engagements

I travelled to Sheboygan, Wisconsin for Celina & Eddie’s engagement session. Eddie’s family owns a cabin on Lake Michigan, near Kohler-Andrae State Park. What a beautiful location!

We started the shoot with a walk through the woods. After a few photos on the deck and an outfit change, we headed for the beach. We walked along Lake Michigan for a bit, then found the Dunes Cordwalk Trail.

I had a great time hanging out with Celina & Eddie, and am looking forward to their wedding in September!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Jun 6th 2012 / Engagements

I travelled to Champaign, Illinois a few weeks ago for Kinzie & Donnie’s engagement session. I was greeted by a tasty bowl of quinoa, tea and two friendly cats. After chatting for a bit and scouting their ceremony venue, we kicked off the shoot at their apartment.

From there, we headed onto the University of Illinois campus and found some awesome light inside the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. Then we went to Meadowbrook Park, which happens to be where Kinzie asked Donnie to marry her. We finished our shoot with a stop at the video rental store where the couple met.

After a great shoot and an epic Sunday family dinner, I’m really looking forward to Kinzie & Donnie’s wedding next May!

1 Comment » Posted by travis on Oct 18th 2011 / Engagements

I’ve shot a few multiple state wedding days, but this was my first two-state engagement session. We started at Gina’s family farm in northwestern Wisconsin. Then for a totally different look we headed to the twin cities to shoot at Sook’s family’s liquor store in downtown Minneapolis. I always encourage couples to choose meaningful locations, so I loved their choices!

No Comments » Posted by travis on Sep 26th 2011 / Engagements