Chicago Engagement Session at Two Hearted Queen Coffee Shop

Liz & Tony are getting married in Chicago this summer! We spent a sunny morning at my favorite coffee shop, Two Hearted Queen, having coffee and photographing. When you book a wedding with me, an engagement session is always included in your package. This helps me get to know you both and helps you get comfortable with me. I'm going to be with you all day on your wedding day, so it helps to get to know one another and to establish trust. My engagement sessions are customized to you and what you like to do as a couple. Whether it be having coffee on a lazy morning at home, having a drink at your favorite pub, rock-climbing or strolling through this beautiful city. Although we will definitely take some nice portraits of you as a couple, I focus on details and take a lifestyle approach to documenting your engagement. I give direction, then let you cozy up and that's when the magic happens! The way you look at each other, the way you cuddle, the hand-holding, etc. It's the moments when you forget I'm there that are my favorite! 

If you're in Chicago, you must check out Two Hearted Queen in Lakeview. They're seriously the best! Thanks THQ for having us, and for the delicious coffee.

Liz and Tony, I can't wait for your summer wedding - it's going to be so lovely!

Chicago Snow Globe Engagement Session

You may remember LeaAnne & Raj from this summer when we took some photos in their Streeterville home. I'm back to let you know they're OFFICIALLY engaged and in the midst of planning their wedding! The two weekends prior to their engagement session, it snowed like crazy in Chicago. One of those weekends was a monster storm that shut down the city and I was out of town and sadly missed it all. However, I thought that since there was over a foot of snow on the ground we would for sure at least have a little blanket for LeaAnne & Raj so it didn't look so muddy out. Boy, was I wrong! The Friday before we were supposed to shoot, ALL of that snow was gone and I was heartbroken. ALL I had wanted for their session was snow. Fast forward to Saturday morning and me checking the weather the second my eyes opened. Miraculously there was a chance for some snow showers later that afternoon. I hoped and prayed all day and then 2pm came and the snow the hourly forecast predicted was nowhere to be found. An hour later, though, it started ever so quietly and by the time our session started at 4:30 we were COVERED in white, wet snow and it was magical. One of my most favorite sessions ever and L & R were fantastic.

My favorite

I have always loved sessions in winter, but my first "active snowfall" engagement session was unforgettable and I am so thankful that it worked out so perfectly. 

Much love, friends!

xoxo Courtney

Beautiful Milwaukee Wedding with Angelic Angles Photography

When I was still living in Madison, I photographed weddings with one of my favorite photographer friends very frequently for years after graduating from photo school. You would often find us together (some have been known to call us the Dream Team!)  many a weekend every season of the year but since moving to Chicago, I rarely get to see her anymore. So when I got to meet up and second-shoot for Jennifer, of Angelic Angles Photography, this past fall in Milwaukee, I knew it was going to be a great day. The couple was SO nice and not to mention gorgeous. As was the beautiful location we took wedding party photos at. I mean, you know I love beautiful things and this place was truly gorgeous. So much character and charm - wait until you see it below. The second we arrived, I knew I was going to have to share its beauty. 

But first, I photographed the groom and his guys at the Potawatomi Casino while Jennifer was downstairs with the girls where they got ready for the big day. You know I love the details! So much time goes into picking out all of these important pieces of the day and I have so much fun documenting them. 

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We photographed the couple portraits & wedding party at the Villa Terrace on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee and my jaw dropped upon arrival. I'm not kidding! I must get back here soon.

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A few of my favorite reception details. The whole day was just beautiful!

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Check out Jennifer's work - she's FANTASTIC! Based out of Madison, WI. Have a look here.