Loved this engagement session and love this couple more!

Samantha and Nick met while working for a college athletic department in the north suburbs of Chicago… As they continued to get to know each other, they started dating on New Year’s Day and fell in love. What a beautiful start to the new year that led to their life together today!

On Samantha’s 25th birthday earlier this year, Nick and their then four month old puppy Bear completely surprised Samantha with a proposal. Their pup Bear was wearing a sign that said, “Mommy, will you marry daddy?”…  And she said yes! Oh, and of course you can imagine that I fell in love with this story and proposal with my love for dogs – it’s just so sweet! These two now call Kansas City their home and are planning their spring wedding day!

Mid-September, Samantha and Nick made a trip back to Illinois to visit for the weekend, spend time with family, visit their wedding venue, catch Samantha’s younger brother’s football game, and oh, meet me for their engagement photos! Talk about a whirlwind trip home… But these two balance it all so well with grace and joy!

I loved meeting them (and their moms and a few family members) in downtown Champaign for their session. We were thankful for an absolutely gorgeous September day… A low 70-something degree day, light breeze, and sunshine, sweet sunshine! These two are easy going and laid back and totally trusted me as we wandered around the downtown area for their photos. Yes, Bear was included in photos with every outfit… Because why not! And we even made a quick stop at The Blind Pig Brewery for a quick drink mid-session. I love how these photos are so unique to this couple!

My favorite part of the session was our final location – Meadowbrook Park – at sunset. The light and couple in love were unmatched. I mean, wait until you see these sunset photos ?

I am so wildly excited to photograph these two on their wedding day in the spring!!