On a beautiful day in August, I met up with Jenna and Joey for their sunny Chicago engagement photography session. I loved photographing these two! Our photo session was filled with laughter, sunshine, and of course, love.

A Meeting by Chance Ends in Love

Joey and Jenna met in New York City. Jenna had plans to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit a friend, but was unable to travel due to severe weather in AK. Since Jenna had never been to the East Coast before, she spontaneously booked a flight to New York City instead. She met up with a NYC friend and decided to go out for drinks. They ended up at a bar called ‘Stone Street Tavern’. A group of guys approached them and bought some drinks. Joey approached Jenna and they began talking for hours, connecting instantly. That very night, he booked a flight to Chicago so he could see her again. Not two weeks later, he was in Chicago so they could spend more time together.

That very first weekend in NYC was pure bliss. Jenna couldn’t believe how instantly she felt connected to a stranger. There was nothing awkward or forced. They both felt like it was so easy to be together. But they both weren’t sure how it would be when they reunited in Chicago after two weeks apart. After all, despite their instant connection, they were essentially strangers.  

But they re-connected right off the bat. In fact, Joey felt comfortable enough with her that he spent that Easter Sunday with her whole extended family and felt very at home. Family is very important to Joey, and it very reassuring to see how Jenna’s family valued tradition and being together. Joey was very sad to leave after the visit. Before they knew it, they were both falling in love. For a year and a half, they made a long-distance relationship work. Then, Joey moved to Chicago so they could be together.

A Sweet Chicago Engagement

Joey told Jenna that they were going to his coworkers’ fundraiser near North Ave Beach in Chicago. They got to the beach early and decided to walk along the water. While on their walk, Joey got down on one knee with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the background. After the proposal, Jenna noticed her sisters hiding under an umbrella taking pictures! Then, they walked to a nearby restaurant where all their friends and family were waiting to celebrate. Jenna said it was a perfect day!

North Ave Beach Chicago Engagement Photos

When asked what they love about one another, Jenna shared that loves his heart, his loyalty, and how much family means to Joey. Joey loves how Jenna is so genuine and how she treats everyone with respect, dignity and kindness.

This lovely couple loves to travel! They’ve adventured together along the coast of California, to Hawaii and even to Croatia and Slovenia. After their wedding, they’re considering an Italian honeymoon.

It was so easy to photograph the genuine love and connection that Joey and Jenna share during their Chicago engagement. It makes my job as an engagement photographer easy when love is this pure and joyful. When it came to be time to capture their Chicago engagement session, we made sure to take photos at the beautiful North Ave Beach where they got engaged. The summer sun glittered off the water, so the Chicago skyline was a wonderful backdrop for these photos. We also took pictures at the iconic Wrigley Building, taking advantage of the gorgeous architecture.

Jenna and Joey, thank you for asking me to be your Chicago engagement photographer! I can’t wait to photograph your wedding day where you and your families can celebrate your love!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•