James Currie Photography

I always tell couples I work with that engagement photos become incredibly much more meaningful and special when we photograph them in a setting important or unique to them. Some couple’s share a unique hobby or activity and others wish to return to the places they fell in love. Devon and her family grew up with a lake home in northern Michigan, it’s became an important retreat from busy Chicago city life for her and Dave. It’s so fun to see their romance and sense of adventure captured in this session. We risked it all in a nearby river and later took a plunge off the dock at sunset. What could be more fun than a Summer engagement session that ends with a splash in the lake?

When the told me they would be showing up to their engagement session on bikes, I knew Eleanor and Michael’s session was going to be special. I love to photograph couples in places that are special to them, doing activities that are an important part of their life; that’s what puts the life into lifestyle photography. Eleanor and Michael are from completely different parts of their county, but after meeting in Nursing school, these two call Chicago home and are ready to build a great life together serving others in their professions. He loves that she’s smart and sarcastic and she loves that he’s fun and easy-going. They are awesome people, and we had a wonderful evening on the museum campus capturing the essence of their love and relationship. Check out a couple of my favorites from their session.

He followed her to Chicago to work while she worked on her Masters degree, She’s staying in Chicago to work while he begins his. Maddy and Ian are so devoted to each other, it feels like they’ve been together for a lifetime, supporting each other every step of the way. I watched their love and playfulness unfold as the sun rose over the beach for our morning session. As the sun continued to brighten, we quickly moved to the flowering trees surrounding the Osaka Garden near their University of Chicago home. Check out some of my favorites from their engagement session.

After getting to know each other through a group of friends, Dan thought he would play it cool by asking Alyssa to join him one afternoon while he ran some errands. Errands quickly turned into drinks at the rooftop bar above the Lincoln Hotel and their first date ended in a kiss. Their relationship progressed quickly over several months and Dan found himself on one knee at the Lincoln Park bridge asking for Alyssa to spend the rest of her life with him. For their engagement session, we returned to these special locations and found them in perfect Spring bloom, a fitting metaphor for their blossoming relationship. I can’t wait to photograph their Summer wedding in the city. For now, check out some of my favorites from their engagement session.