We met Amanda and Kendal just over two and a half years ago at a wedding that I photographed when I was 35(!!) weeks pregnant. Austin and I were the photographer and videographer at Chloe and Jordan’s wedding, where Amanda was one of Chloe’s bridesmaids.

Amanda and Kendal are getting married in Colorado in 2025, and we can’t wait to travel to be a part of their wedding day! Amanda was living in Michigan for school, and so as we were trying to decide what to do for their engagement session, they knew they wanted to choose an epic destination that would still be within driving distance from Michigan. Chicago was the perfect choice.

We planned a few spots in the city that had the most iconic views, and scheduled a sunrise session to avoid having to navigate large crowds. The first spot that we chose to photograph was the North Ave Beach Pier, famous for the view of Lake Michigan as well as the city skyline. This was a win-win for Amanda, because she loves Lake Michigan, so being able to have portraits with both a unique city backdrop and the lake that was special to her was really great.

We spent some time at the pier, then headed to downtown Chicago to the Wrigley Building. Austin and I had scouted this area intensely the day before to try and figure out where the best spots for lighting and low crowds would be. It was amazing that at 7 in the morning, there was not a soul in downtown Chicago. It really felt like we were the only ones there, which always makes an engagement session better.

Amanda and Kendal chose to stay at a hotel right across from the Wrigley Building, which was so convenient because when we came from the pier, they were able to run into their hotel to change, and drop off the car with the valet. After they changed, we were able to walk right across the street to the Chicago Riverwalk and start part two of their engagement session!

We photographed at a few places along the riverwalk which was great because it added a lot of variety to their gallery. Plus, the flowers were in bloom outside the Wrigley Building, and they just so happened to be Amanda and Kendal’s wedding colors!

Amanda and Kendal’s Chicago engagement session was absolutely perfect, and we can’t wait to go back. Austin and I have been talking nonstop since this session about Chicago. It is one of our favorite places we have traveled, and was such a perfect destination for engagement photos.

Would you like information on planning a destination engagement session with our team? Contact us now and mention destination engagement photos in your inquiry.