Naperville Riverwalk Engagement Session: Jessica + Justin

Endearing—that is the one word that comes to mind when I think of Jessica and Justin. From the moment I met them, their warm spirits made me feel comfortable and at ease. They truly are a perfect match for one another and they compliment each other so very well. Justin’s calm and quiet nature is matched by Jessica’s bubbly and energetic personality. These two can very easily get lost in their own little words when they’re together, and it is very heartwarming to witness. I am truly honored to be able to document their wedding day next summer. I know it will be a very special day for all in attendance. 

“I love Jessica’s smile! When she is really smiling you can tell how happy she is and I love when I’m able to put a smile on her face.” ~Justin

“Justin has always been so selfless throughout our time together and this is what made me fall in love with him. He always goes out of his way to make things great in our relationship!” ~Jessica

“Justin always treat me like a queen and he loves me for who I am. Justin doesn’t care about the makeup, what I’m wearing, the hair, or the fact that I’m an AKA. He loves me for the person I am flaws and all.” ~Jessica

“Jessica is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I know and she cares about me and loves me just the way that I am. She always makes me laugh, she is someone that I can talk to about anything and we never have to try to enjoy each other’s company, we just do. She is my best friend.” ~Justin

“I love Justin for always going out of his way to make sure that I’m happy and that I’m safe. He has always been so supportive for all of the decisions that I make and we can talk about anything and everything!” ~Jessica

“Jessica is very kindhearted. She always goes the extra mile to make sure that people feel included and cared for.” ~ Justin

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Naperville Engagement Session by Chicago Wedding Photographer Nicee Martin.

---

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Chicago Theatre Engagement Session: Patrice + Qiante

Patrice and Qiante are simply adorable together and their affection for one another is so warm and heartfelt. Their love has carried them for nearly 10 years, many miles away and back home again. Through thick and thin, they have withstood the test of time and have built a foundation to get through the years ahead. I cannot wait to document their winter wedding this December at Stan Mansion here in Chicago! Cheers!

"I feel most loved by Patrice everyday!!! She makes it her purpose to tell me or show just how much she loves me every single day" ~Qiante

"I’m still in love with Qiante because he’s always doing things that remind me why I love him so much. He always just wants to see me happy and he’s my biggest supporter. He’s always pushing me to stay focused with studying for school and shows me tough love when I know I’m slacking. He really does make me a better person and I’m a lucky girl to have him in my life." ~Patrice

"The first thing I noticed about Qiante was this chocolate skin and white teeth. He has a really nice smile!" ~Patrice

"I realized Patrice was someone special the day she dropped everything and moved to Virginia to be with me. It made me realize just how much she really loved me and wanted this relationship to work." ~Qiante

"One thing about Qiante that I learned early on in our relationship is that when one door closes, he always seems to find another way around it. When things don’t go according to his original plan, instead of giving up, he always finds another way. He is very resilient."~Patrice

"I fell in love with Patrice because she stood by me, even through long distances when most people would’ve just moved on." ~Qiante

"Patrice brings the best out of me, she believes in me, and every moment I’m away from her she’s on mind." ~Qiante

"I knew that we were more than friends the day he to the Navy. I remember the last time I saw him before he left for bootcamp. I cried the ugly cry and I didn’t even care, I just didn’t want him to leave. I remember us standing outside in the cold. He held me in his arms and told me he would call soon. I don’t know why it was so hard for me to say goodbye to him as if he was never coming back! That’s when I knew I had caught some serious feelings for him." ~Patrice

"The one thing that stands out the most about the moment I proposed to Patrice is that SHE SAID YES!!! THAT’S IT AND THAT’S ALL!!!" ~Qiante

---

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Navy Pier Engagement Session: Courtney + John

Courtney & John met on MySpace in the Spring of 2006. They hit if off from the very beginning. John knew Courtney was the one very early on, in fact, John actually proposed to her back when they were 18 years old! But of course they had to wait to graduate, get jobs and become stable adults before they could marry.

Over the past ten years, they’ve grown from being teenagers traveling by bus between Oak Lawn & Wicker Park just to be together, to now being two established successful adults building a future together. I am so honored to have been asked to document their journey to the altar and I cannot wait for their summer wedding at Noah’s in Naperville, IL.

The first thing I remember thinking about her was, “She is beautiful.” I remember looking at her and looking in her eyes and thinking that she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. ~John

I first realized that John was more special to me than a typical friend when I realized that I couldn’t go a day without being around him. With a friend you can go without seeing them for a while but, with John I craved his presence everyday and always wanted to be with him. ~Courtney

Every day I watch Courtney get up and face the world, and no matter what it is she is dealing with she always manages to reach her goals, whether it is school, work, dealing with difficult clients, etc… She always pushes through and that just inspires me. ~John

Courtney is really great at reminding me how far I have come, how much I have accomplished, and how proud of me she is.  She is always telling me what she admires about me, but she is also constantly encouraging me to continue and keep my eyes on goal, reminding me that I still have so much more to achieve.  She probably believes in me more than I believe in myself. ~John

John is everything that I want and need, and everything that I sometimes don’t know that I need, in a man. After ten years, I still look at him and smile and know that there will never be another man on this earth better for me than him. Even through all of my flaws and when I have been at my worst, he has managed to still love me unconditionally without limits and without wavering. He is my biggest supporter and he has not once given up on me or us. I’m so thankful for him. ~Courtney

I fell in love with Courtney because she is this amazingly beautiful person that is filled to the brim with all of the kindness and compassion I felt I was lacking.  She just appeared to be this wonderful woman that loved me so much when I felt I didn’t deserve it, when I thought it wasn’t possible. ~John

I feel the most loved by John when we are together, snuggled up. We don’t have to be doing anything and he doesn’t have to do anything special for me. When he holds me close I know that there is no other place I’d rather be than in his arms and I can honestly feel how much he loves and cares for me in those moments. ~Courtney

I’m still in love with Courtney because she centers and grounds me every day.  She is my respite, in our stressful life.  Whenever I’m lost and weary she can right my compass, and remind me of everything I am grateful for. ~John

I have never met any man in my life much like John. His strength, determination, and the way he stays true to his values and beliefs are significant. His love and respect for his family and the way he goes above and beyond to help others is the sweetest character trait. Also, the way he carries himself as a strong and confident man made me love him even more. His humor didn’t hurt either. ~Courtney

---

Click Here to view the full gallery of images from this session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Chicago Engagement Session: RaSheila + Ryan

RaSheila & Ryan met back in 2010 through mutual friends while in school at the University of Missouri. As RaSheila tells it, Ryan stalked her for a few weeks, before they were finally able to connect for a blind date. Through school, relocating for jobs and even being long-distance for a few years, they’ve been inseparable for the past 7 years. RaSheila & Ryan have finally settled down in one place—together. They are finally home. So as it came time to capture their engagement photos, I thought to myself: what better way to commemorate this exciting time in their lives then by photographing them together in their new home?! Luckily, they were up for the adventure!

I wanted to photograph them in their natural environment so that I could create images that depicted their true authentic personalities. This journey took us all around their house, from a relaxing conversation in the living room, to a nerf war in the family room, to a pillow fight in the bedroom… if you know either of these two, then you’d know that their true personalities were captured indeed. And what a time we had!!! This is their story….

I feel most loved by Ryan when we’re doing absolutely nothing, riding in the car, laying in bed, walking our dogs… Sometimes during those moments I can feel him looking at me and he'll just say “I love you”. Ahhhhhh it gets me every time!! ~RaSheila

Everything about her face is beautiful, there’s just beauty at every angle. ~Ryan

I fell in love with Ryan because he knew all of my flaws & weaknesses and still loved me. I noticed that when I was with him, I was a better me and I didn’t want to ever live without the feeling I had when we were together. ~RaSheila

I am always on the go, not enjoying the "now" and always trying to prepare for whats next. Ryan enjoys every moment of life for what it is. What’s even more special is when he shows me what I missed/would miss if I didn’t slow down, have patience and enjoy. ~RaSheila

I just love when he holds my hand and how much bigger than mine they are. I feel like my hand was made to perfectly fit inside of his…
We were destined to be together. ~RaSheila

Not to long ago I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. I didn’t take it well as most days I was alone since we were in a long distance relationship at the time. Well, I entered into an intensive treatment plan in the Chicago area. Ryan drove all the way from Columbia, MO to Chicago to attend every treatment with me and to hold my hand through it all. To me that was the more sincere form of romance. It put things into perspective-- that it wasn’t about flowers, nice dinners, or fancy trips, but about someone giving up their time to sit in a hospital room and constantly remind you of how strong and beautiful you are. ~RaSheila

He would give his last to help someone else. He’s the last one to complain and the first one to help someone else. ~RaSheila

The thing that stands out most about the moment I proposed to RaSheila, is standing there and knowing that this was the final step in closing out the long distance portion of our relationship. ~Ryan

When am I most attracted to RaSheila?! All of the time! Especially when waking up next to her every day. I look at her a LOT throughout the day just to make sure it’s real. ~Ryan

She truly cares for so many people & has such an attention to detail with everything that she does, big or small, it’s incredible to watch that everyday, knowing that many people only see the exterior. ~Ryan

I’ve always gotten the “Oh man, you’re the one that can finally put up with everything that makes RaSheila, RaSheila!!", but truth be told, my perspective, it’s kind of the same on my end… ~Ryan

---

Click Here to view the full gallery of images from this session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Naperville Engagement Session: Sheena + Nicholas

"Southside girl meets Suburban boy". It’s the story of my life. For those who don’t know my personal story, I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and my husband, Lance, was born and raised in Wheaton, IL. We met in college and the rest was history. Sheena & Nicholas share a very similar story to mine. Turns out, Sheena even went to the same exact high school as me AND Nicholas grew up in the same suburban area as Lance!

The similarities that Sheena & Nicholas share with Lance and I are striking, and those similarities only make me love them more! Most notable is their great sense of humor and the solid friendship that they have. After being together for over 10 year, their chemistry & connection is strong. They enjoy each others company and they have SO many inside jokes that only the two of them understand. It was such a delight to spend the day with these two laughing and photographing! I can’t wait for their BIG DAY this November at the gorgeous Pazzo’s 311 here in Chicago.

To have a life fulfilled with all of the world’s joys, I need her by my side. She makes me most happy. ~Nicholas

Poise and calmness under pressure.  Difficult situations arise all the time, life happens, Sheena has a great sense of poise and calm that eases the tension of difficult situations. ~Nicholas

Family is the most important thing to my future husband.  He wants us to be happy.  We don’t need a lot but he will make sure that what we have is the best. - Sheena

He is just silly.  He makes me laugh all day long.  He makes fun of me all day. ~ Sheena

---

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

St. James Farm Engagement Session: Emily + Mike

Emily + Mike both grew up in Wheaton, IL and met through mutual high school friends about three years ago. What I love most about this couple's story is the way in which Mike has fully embraced Emily's 6-year-old daughter, Ava, as his own. It is very reminiscent of me and my stepdad. Being with them during their engagement session made me think back to the memories that I have from when my stepdad first came into my life. I thought back on how he taught me how to ride a bike, that time he surprised my brother and I with a puppy, how he would always pick me up off the floor when I'd fall out of the bed in the middle of the night, and how he always surprised me with candy and a teddy bear on Valentine's Day.

Mike is the same way with Ava. He is protective of her, playful with her and sets a great example for her of how a man should treat a woman in how he loves and cherishes Emily. When he proposed to Emily this past August at St. James Farm, he even gave Ava a mini-ring too, so that she would be included in this journey that they are on to becoming a family. Mike recalls the moment he proposed to Emily & Ava:

I remember the entire world disappearing. I'm typically a very in-tune person with all of my surroundings, the people, weather, nature, etc. But for that moment, it all vanished. I was only focused on Emily and Ava. Both of their reactions, body language and excitement.

One day Mike helped me put Ava to bed and we were just snuggled up with her. Everything about that moment felt so right and I knew he was the one. I had never introduced Ava to anyone else like that before. I love the way he treats Ava and I. I know that Mike is the type of man that I hope my daughter dates one day. Respectful, funny, hard working, passionate…I could go on and on! ~Emily

I would without a doubt have her mental strength. Its actually one of those things that amazes me every time I think deeply about it. I replay memories in my mind of times when I haven't been sure about things and have been given confidence from her. She's strong and I wish I had the ability like her to be 100% with decisions I've made and the ones that are yet to come. ~Mike

Emily, Mike and Ava are so excited to "officially" become a family next July at Fishermen's Inn and I am honored to be along for the journey.

---

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Ohio Street Beach Engagement Session: Briana + Chris

Briana + Chris' story began in 2013 when they met in Race & Ethics class on the first class of the semester. Briana, a Chicago native, was new to Huntsville, Alabama and struck up a conversation with Chris after class inquiring about what recreational actives were available in the area. The rest was history, Chris has been offering advice, loving, protecting and caring for Briana ever since, and vice versa. 

These two have already gone through some very difficult situations together--I'm talking "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part" situations. But through all of the obstacles that they've faced, their love for one another has prevailed, and their bond, strengthened. Briana, recalls one such moment when she writes:

During one of Chris’ hospital stays. He was hooked up to a respirator, highly sedated and strapped to the bed. At this time his only communication was with pen and paper. On a piece of paper he wrote, “Are you sure this is what you want.” What surprised me in that moment is his wanting to ensure my happiness even if it cost him his own. He wasn't thinking that he could possibly die, but he was thinking of me. It was in that moment that I assured him that I was in it for the long haul.    

I mean, seriously, how could you not love these two?! After hearing about how the two of them have overcome so many obstacles together I knew that I had to make this engagement session something special. Not only was this a celebration of their engagement and their love, but it was a celebration of their lives--and that is the greatest gift of all. 

So we began the engagement session at Jane Addams Memorial Park, which is next to the Ohio Street Beach. 

We then took a short walk over to Milton Lee Olive Park which overlooks the beach.

The view from this pier is one of the best views of the Chicago Skyline--perfect for engagement photos!

"Briana has the ability to see the positive in every situation… she is everything I need, want and more…" ~Chris

"Chris is always who he says he is. He is honest and loving despite his hard exterior. I always feel safe with him and know that he will always look out for my best interest and make sure that I am happy." ~ Briana

2016 has been such a big year for Briana & Chris. Not only did they get engaged this past May, but they both graduated with their Masters in Social Work from Alabama A&M University this past spring! So of course we had to incorporate that milestone into their engagement session!! 

Navy Pier's ferris wheel, Centennial Wheel, provided thee perfect backdrop for the these photos as we wrapped up their engagement session. 

Briana & Chris, you both are already an inspiration to so many people in your lives. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!!  I'm honored to be able to document another great milestone in your life come next July--your wedding day!!! xoxo

---

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Adler Planetarium Engagement Photos: Heleen + Aly

Heleen and Aly are a well-traveled, international and adventurous couple. With Heleen being Dutch and Aly, Pakistani, there is never a dull moment with these two. They love to explore new places and activities together. Aly enjoys scuba diving and together they have swam among whale sharks and even climbed "Child of Krakatao", an active volcano in Indonesia. Even their engagement was so perfectly planned to fit their international taste.

While on a sabbatical in Indonesia earlier this year, Aly proposed on a beautiful beach in Lombok during sunset. He had the entire proposal planned so perfectly. Remembering Heleen's love for puzzles, he had jewelry made in Egypt with hieroglyphics engraved on it which spelled out 'would you like to marry me' in Dutch. Heleen had spent the day fasting with Aly and when they were breaking their fast on the beach, he gave her the jewelry and a key and had her decipher the message. It was an engagement that was true to their love and appreciation for different cultures. So naturally, they wanted to be sure that their engagement portraits celebrated both of their rich heritages. Therefore, we started the engagement session at the iconic Kinzie Street Bridge in traditional Pakistani attire.

After a quick wardrobe change, we hoped in an uber and headed to Adler Planetarium for the second half of their engagement session.

We arrived just in time to witness a gorgeous sunset. I was in awe of the warm golden haze that we captured...

...and these two were in a world of their own.

We literally shot until the sunset. Just look at that view!! It so true, that no matter how far you travel, there's no place like Chicago…. Oooops! I mean, there's no place like home :)

---

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages for years to come! xoxo

---

Chicago Engagement Photos: Trista + Danny

When they first met, there was an immediate connection between them. Trista was mesmerized by Danny's blue eyes and Danny was enamored by Trista's persona and humor. Their connection was instantaneous and electrifying. They were so intrigued be one another that they spend the entire night outside sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk talking and laughing until the wee hours of the morning and the rest was history. Their love and support for one another is what every girl wishes to someday have. 

"He loves us unconditionally and everyday he wakes up and makes it the best day with his optimism. When I get home from a rough days work, he gives me a big hug and takes the weight of the world off my shoulders…" ~Trista

"I was sick and had spent time in the hospital for a scary couple of days. While there I reflected on all the different grandiose proposals I had dreamt up and threw it all away... I realized I didn’t want to wait another day, another minute to propose to the love of my life, so on the day we were celebrating Christmas I completely surprised her with the proposal and it was just a beautiful organic moment in time that I'll never forget." ~Danny

"Trista is so supportive. I feel like I could quit my job and sell peanuts at Wrigley and she’d be so happy I’m following my dreams. That kind of verbal support is empowering and satisfying." ~Danny

Trista & Danny are extremely driven, hard working and adventurous. They are also the proud parents to a beautiful boy named Connor. They are set to marry this September at Black Hawk on the River in Boise, Idaho.

Chicago River Walk Engagement Session: Anne + Jeff

Anne and Jeff are a very fun, loving and adventurous couple. They initially met through mutual friends at bar trivia and after seeing each other around a few times, they finally hit it off one night at Will’s Northwoods Inn on St Patrick’s Day 3 years ago. Anne recalls, “Jeff was wearing a 'Happy St. Patrick Swayze Day' t-shirt and I was wearing a Chi-rish shirt. I was obsessed with his and we decided it would be a great idea to switch shirts for the night. It was after the shirt switch that he asked me on our first date.”

These two are always on the go and up for a fun adventure. Not only do they have an immense love for the great city of Chicago, but they also love traveling to different places around the world and just exploring with each other. Their greatest adventure together being their trip to Europe where they visited Paris, Barcelona & Madrid. I know they will have many more exciting adventures together in the years to come.

I am most attracted to Jeff when he looks at me from across the table or at a bar. There is something in his eyes that glimmers and the connection we have in the moment is wonderful! ~Anne

At night, right as we have both hopped in bed, we will jokingly annoy each other. I feel like I’m laughing every night before bed...and for literally no reason other than Jeff saying something funny or trying to tickle me. ~Anne

When she’s at home and it’s just us, she will talk to our plants as if they are pets when she’s watering or trimming them. It sounds weird but it makes me laugh. ~Jeff

---

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

Wilmette Sheridan Shores Engagement: Amanda + Nick

There’s no greater feeling than walking away from a photo session feeling 100% reassured that photography was what you were created to do in life. That’s how I felt the night I wrapped up Amanda & Nick's engagement session. The chemistry between the two of them was so electrifying and they were so free and natural in front of the camera–seriously every photographers dream! We began their engagement at the Bahá'í House of Worship then took a stroll across the street to the beach just in time to catch a beautiful sunset. So excited for their wedding next summer at the Sheridan Shores Yacht Club!

Photographed for Melissa Marie Photography