Right before Thanksgiving, I met up with Ari and Adam in downtown Kankakee on a rainy, dreary day for photos. And you know what? We put that rainy day to shame! We had a blast!
When Kyle and I moved to Kankakee County five years ago, I remember meeting Ari in those early days of calling this place home. She’s someone I admire for her heart and her creative passions as well as for her love for her community. Whenever we run into each other or have a moment to catch up, it’s like we never missed a beat. I’m thankful to call her my friend and oh so honored to have been able to photograph her and her hubby!
A few months back, we started planning a sweet anniversary session for Ari and her husband Adam. And gosh, I just love their love story! These two met at band camp (nerd alert – they know it, and we all absolutely ADORE their quirky personalities!) and started dating in 2009. After high school, they both attended Western Illinois University and studied music business together. After college, they moved to the Chicago suburbs to pursue their careers, got married, bought a house, and landed back in Kankakee County where they grew up. Now, they have the cutest little boy and pup that joined their family, too!
On the day of their session, we were faced with a less than ideal day weather-wise, but hey, sometimes you have to roll with it… And that’s exactly what we did! We met up in downtown Kankakee near The Majestic to start their session and stopped at a couple of other favorite spots in the area, too. These two were up for anything, so trusting of me and my process, and really just fun to photograph. I had so much fun evoking movement and moments of fun and tenderness throughout their session. It was the best time!
I truly loved planning and photographing this anniversary session for Ari and Adam. I loved giving them a reason to pause and focus on each other for a little bit of time. I loved helping them take a moment to treasure where everything started in their life together – with just the two of them. I loved documenting their love and joy for one another in this season despite all the hills and valleys. Everything about this photoshoot was sweet, and I’m forever thankful for these two! This job is my joy and will always be so much more than just taking photographs.
Enjoy some favorites of this hottie couple, Ari and Adam!
P.S. – Wanna see more love stories and sessions like this? Click 
