engagement

Suzanne + Pedro | Engagement Session at Olive Park by Anthony Nguyen

Such a gorgeous and fun-loving couple! Suzanne + Pedro wanted an engagement session here in Chicago to reflect what she described as "Latin Romanticism." The weather had been a little touch-and-go during the week leading up to the session, but fortunately the rain predicted for the day didn't happen.

Even though Suzanne + Pedro had a previous engagement session with another photographer down in Miami, they wanted a session here in Chicago to commemorate the significance of the City in their lives. I believe all couples should consider an engagement or couples session with their wedding photographer before the wedding. It's a less stressful photographic experience for all involved. Plus they get to experience any of my quirks!

Both graduates of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, Suzanne + Pedro met at a Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) dance. Keeping this in mind, we discussed telling their love story in three parts with images reflecting three different moments in their romance. The story would unfold at Olive Park by the Lake, Northwestern University School of Law, Union Station, and Buckingham Fountain.


The Meeting

Suzanne mentioned first meeting Pedro at a LLSA event/dance - so I was not surprised that when I asked them to embrace they naturally began to dance!

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After graduation, Pedro moved back to Florida for a year, which set up the next chapter in their love story.


The Departure

I love Union Station - it offers such a dramatic setting for engagement or wedding photography.

Outside you have the symmetry of the columns...

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...and inside you have a large open space and the wooden benches that give off that classic transportation hub vibe!

Suzanne + Pedro were so enthusiastic about acting out the moments of their love story - they naturally fell into what Suzanne referred to as the "telenovela" personas.

While the adage is absence makes the heart grow fonder, nothing fans the flames of passion more than anticipation of a lover's return.


The Passion

Olive Park has such great views of the Chicago skyline! Plenty of open spaces and benches to lounge. The park was pretty quiet and we were basically the only ones in the observation area.

We wrapped up the session at Buckingham Fountain. I love the Fountain at night because the Fountain's lights and the lit up city make for a stunning backdrop to any image. A gorgeous end to a fun filled day!

Thank you Suzanne + Pedro for allowing me to tell your love story! I'm looking forward to your wedding day!

Michelle + Kevin | Surprise Proposal at Chicago Botanic Garden by Anthony Nguyen

What a fantastic and lovely couple! On a gorgeous sunny day Kevin surprised Michelle and proposed to her at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

He planned the surprise proposal (along with coordination by his sister who flew into town for the occasion) under the ruse of a family photo session .

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The Japanese Garden was selected as the spot for popping the question and Kevin invited some of their friends to hide nearby for the post-proposal celebration. We took our time heading to the spot - my fault really - as there are so many areas of the Garden perfect for photographs!

When we arrived near the Japanese Garden, I mentioned to Michelle and Kevin that they should rest and proceeded to scope out the area. I had arranged with Kevin to have "camera technical difficulties" as the catchphrase for him to know when everything was in order for capturing the moment. We proceeded to take some photos and then my camera developed its "difficulties." Kevin turned to Michelle, my camera moved back up, and as you can see, Michelle's expression was priceless.

Michelle said yes!

Thank you Michelle and Kevin for allowing me to share in the moment! Congratulations!