An outdoor engagement photo shoot is a great way to celebrate the beginning of your journey. Our Chicago couple, Justin and Eliana were excited to tie the knot. To celebrate their engagement and the beginning of their beautiful journey together, they met our photographer to take amazing photos of their love. For the outdoor session, the two decided to use the brilliant Lincoln Park backdrop as their photo location and were sure of what they wanted to see in their photos. They met our engagement photographer on the day of the photo shoot. Our photographer spent some time talking to them about their ideas and what they wanted to see in the photos after the shoot. The couple also told our photographer that their wedding planning was coming along well. They had also started booking their wedding vendors. They also told our photographer that they were hosting a two-venue wedding, and had booked their ceremony and reception venues. Other aspects of their wedding, such as the wedding dress vendor along with the details for the celebration were in the works. Our photographer could not help but notice how happy these two were with each other. Their sense of closeness and the deep love they shared seep out of the engagement photos. 

Chicago, lovingly dubbed the "Windy City," is a vibrant and iconic city located in the heart of the United States. With a rich history, diverse culture, and a bustling economy, Chicago stands as one of the most prominent and influential cities in the nation. Founded in 1833, Chicago has a fascinating history that reflects the growth and transformation of America itself. The city played a pivotal role in the westward expansion during the 19th century, thanks to its strategic location along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. It quickly became a major transportation hub, connecting the eastern and western parts of the country. This geographical advantage led to its nickname, the "Railroad Capital of the World." Chicago's history is also marked by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed a significant portion of the city. However, this catastrophe served as an opportunity for rebirth and innovation. Architects like Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham contributed to the city's skyline, creating iconic skyscrapers that would forever change the urban landscape. Speaking of architecture, Chicago is renowned for its stunning skyline, a testament to the city's architectural prowess. The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was once the tallest building in the world and remains a symbol of Chicago's architectural achievements. Other notable buildings include the John Hancock Center, the Aqua Tower, and the Trump International Hotel and Tower.

Chicago's cultural scene is equally impressive. The city is a melting pot of cultures, making it a hub for art, music, and cuisine. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, housing an extensive collection of renowned artworks, including Grant Wood's "American Gothic'' and Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte." Music has deep roots in Chicago, particularly in the form of blues and jazz. The city was home to legendary blues musicians like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, and it played a pivotal role in the development of jazz with artists like Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. Chicago's thriving live music scene continues to draw talent from around the world. When it comes to cuisine, Chicago is famous for its culinary contributions, most notably the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog. These dishes have become iconic symbols of the city's unique food culture. Additionally, Chicago boasts a diverse dining scene, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood eateries serving international cuisines. Sports are also a significant part of Chicago's identity. The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), and Chicago White Sox (MLB). The passionate fan base and historic stadiums, like Wrigley Field and Soldier Field, make attending games an unforgettable experience. Chicago's economy is as dynamic as its culture. The city is a global financial and business hub, with a strong presence in industries such as finance, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Recently, the city adopted its slogan, “second to none,” and to be honest, one look at the city, and you know it is true. In this city, Eliana and Justin met, fell in love, and were planning to tie the knot in!

Out of the many engagement photo locations in the city, our couple decided on one of the prettiest spots. The couple had decided to use Lincoln Park Zoo as their engagement photo session location. The lush greenery and the multitudes of things to do attracted the couple to the spot. Our engagement photographer met the two before the day started, and was happy with the photo location. Lincoln Park, which sits along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, is a serene amalgamation of natural beauty and urban charm. One of its most captivating features is the mesmerizing sight of stacked rocks, an art form known as cairn stacking, which has become a symbol of tranquility and balance within the bustling city. As you stroll along the park's picturesque shoreline, you'll encounter these carefully balanced rock formations, each stack a testament to the patience and creativity of visitors. These ephemeral sculptures seem to defy gravity, providing a sense of wonder and harmony amidst the urban landscape. Lincoln Park's beauty extends beyond the stacked rocks. The park itself covers over a thousand acres, offering a diverse array of landscapes. You can explore lush gardens, fragrant flower beds, and serene lagoons, all against the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a hidden gem within the park, is a tranquil sanctuary featuring water lilies, native plants, and meandering pathways. 

For nature enthusiasts, the park boasts a remarkable zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is one of the oldest in the United States and offers the chance to observe a variety of animals in carefully designed habitats. The North Pond Nature Sanctuary is another hidden gem, a peaceful haven for birdwatching and a respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Lincoln Park's beauty is not confined to its natural elements; it's a celebration of art, culture, and the harmony between man and nature. Whether you're captivated by the stacked rocks, exploring the gardens, or appreciating the wildlife, Lincoln Park offers a serene and captivating escape in the heart of Chicago, inviting you to unwind and connect with the natural world amidst the urban sprawl. Eliana and Justin were dressed for a day of strolls in the park and had a great time with each other. Our photographer took lovely photos of the couple. For the day, these two had decided to have two different outfits. The first set of engagement outfits was contrasting, Eliana was dressed in a wonderful ruffled dress, black, with pretty floral prints. To make her beautiful outfit lovelier, she added heels. Justin had a white jacket and navy blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans. With dark shoes, the outfit was complete. These two looked like two lovebirds looking for a new adventure in the park. Our engagement photographer was happy to see their outfits. Considering the lush green backdrop, these outfits made Eliana and Justin stand out. Before starting the photo session, the beautiful couple told our photographer that they wanted to explore the gardens, and then make their way to the iconic Honeycomb structure. 

Since our photographer met the couple before the sun was going down, they decided to start with the greenery and gardens. For the outdoor photo session, our photographer picked the best spots in the park. From the stacked rocks, which are pretty iconic, to the green lawns, the entire place was their playground for the day. Our photographer helped these two lovebirds pose for photos. Being complete naturals, Eliana and Justin had a few of their ideas and worked with those ideas for their outdoor engagement photos. The greenery around them was just right for the photo session! The fall season’s colors made these two jut out of the frames. The makeup for the day for Eliana was soft yet glam! Starting with the pond in the backdrop, our couple picked a comfortable spot and struck some poses. Sitting on the rocks, these two utilized the seasonal colors of the park. Then our photographer also took some mesmerizing photos of the two as they walked across the park. Our Chicago photographer took the moment to take the surroundings into consideration and then helped them pose for photos in the best places. After the pond, our photographer used the greenery from the trees and shrubs to create an amazing backdrop for photos. It looked like the couple were the only ones in the park. After that, our photographer took the two to the stacked rocks, and helped them use the backdrop and the beautiful daylight to make their photos look stunning. 

Once the two were done with the gardens, they decided to take the time to pose in front of the honeycomb structure. But before that, Eliana wanted to switch her outfit. The second set of outfits for the engagement photo session was a lovely green dress. The dress had a big belt, which made her look stylish. To match her outfit, she also had a pair of beige heels. Once done, she was back with us to take another round of photos. This time our photographer knew exactly what to do. Since the sun was beginning to descend, the light was just right to capture the enchanting beauty of the park with the Honeycomb structure in mind. Nestled within the verdant confines of the Lincoln Park Zoo on Chicago's north side lies a hidden gem, the "Peoples Gas Education Pavilion" affectionately known as the "Honeycomb." This architectural marvel, unveiled in 2010, is an enchanting fusion of design and nature, inspired by the graceful curvature of a tortoise shell. The Honeycomb's location, nestled on the East Side of the tranquil South Pond, is strategic, with iconic landmarks like the bridge over the pond and the zoo's South Gate nearby. Yet, what sets this pavilion apart is its seamless integration with the zoo's surroundings. It harmoniously blends with the boardwalks and pathways, feeling like a natural extension of the serene environment. Designed by the renowned Studio Gang architectural firm, under the visionary guidance of Jeanne Gang, the Honeycomb is not merely a structure; it's a living work of art that breathes new life into Chicago's skyline. Crafted from prefabricated glue-laminated timber ribs and translucent fiberglass pods, its design evokes a sense of timelessness, as though it has graced the city for generations. The pavilion's ethereal charm lies in its play with light. The fiberglass pods, interlinked like a honeycomb, dapple the interior with ambient, diffused light throughout the day, creating a captivating interplay of shadows and hues. This luminous sanctuary invites visitors to gather, interact, and bask in its inviting aura. It serves as a picturesque backdrop for cherished photographs, preserving memories against a backdrop of architectural wonder. Intriguingly, the Honeycomb's design pays homage to the resilient tortoise, a symbol of endurance and timelessness. Its structural frame, an intricate web of timber and fiberglass, captures the essence of nature's artistry. A visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo would be incomplete without a pause at the Honeycomb. It's not just an architectural masterpiece; it's a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human ingenuity, a place where visitors can connect with the beauty of both the built and natural worlds. This hidden treasure, with its delicate interplay of light and structure, is a stirring reminder of the power of design to elevate the spirit and enhance the urban landscape. 

Once they all reached the spot, our photographer helped the two pose under the beautiful structure. The light made the shadows dance, which made these two look stunning. With the backdrop of the city skyscrapers in the background, our photographer took lovely photos of the two. This urban couple’s fun-loving side came out to play when they stepped out of the structure to pose on the concrete ground with greenery and the urban scene in the background. To make their romantic outdoor photo session even better, our photographer helped the couple pose for some amazing portraits too! Our photographer had them use the outside area of the Honeycomb structure to make the most of their session. Our photographer took portraits of the couple. And then, our photographer helped the couple take romantic photos of the two. This time, our photographer helped Justin to peek out of the honeycomb to kiss his bride-to-be. And then, before the session came to a close, our photographer helped the two to take more photos, they had one last outfit to pull off. This time around, they decided to put on casual outfits. 

For the last bit of the photo session, Eliana and Justin were dressed in comfortable denims and fall-worthy knitwear and jackets. Justin had a denim shirt and a white pullover, with a navy pair of jeans with dark shoes! Eliana decided to keep her makeup for the day the same and decided to change her outfit. She had a black scoop-necked top, a light blue pair of denim pants, and a beige crop jacket. To make their fall-inspired session even better, they had a soft red blanket! Our photographer helped the two pose on a rustic-looking bench in the park. Our photographer directed the photo poses on the bench by asking them to focus on the distance, with the red blanket on top. This made the two look beautiful and serene. Using the blanket as a photo prop, the two even used it on the grass. To end the day, our photographer helped the two look at the cityscape and pose for photos! Our photographer bid the two goodbyes and knew that they’d have an amazing wedding celebration.