Urban Engagement

Being the city-dwellers that we are, we have opted to have our engagement photos taking in the heart of the concrete. Over the last several weeks, I have been scouting the pavement looking for the perfect urban photo shoot locations. I have found that the simplest things that we see everyday, can be transformed into an amazing portrait of our life in the city.

Here are a few suggested locations for your Chicago Engagement Photo Shoot:

Lurie Garden in Millennium Park: I know, I know, it's Millennium Park. But is a retreat set behind the Pritzker Pavilion that will give you lush greens, modern landscaping, and still get that amazing skyline.

CTA Stops: Pick one, there are hundreds of train stations. Choose one that is unique to you. These are great for that "I don't care if I miss my train, because I am in love" shot!

The Loop: Just walk around, there are thousands of buildings with amazing lobbies, landscaping, and planter boxes. Choose to shoot on a Saturday or Sunday, when the streets of the CBD are not pack with feisty office workers. They can be nasty!

Lightology: This is a light fixture store located in River North, they have an amazing Rooftop Terrace Showroom that is accessible to anyone. I do suggest you call ahead and give the staff a heads up, but they are perfectly fine with this notion. This location makes for unbelievable skyline shots and still gives you an intimate setting.

Doorways and Stairs: This city is filled with intricate doorways and staircases that make for very unique photo opts. Walk around a few weeks before your schedules shoot and snap a few pictures you like. Even the simplest brick wall covered in ivy can make for the best urban backdrop.

Your Favorite Restaurant: Call your favorite restaurant and ask them if you can set up a mini-photos shoot in their lobby, at a table, or on their patio. Schedule your shoot when the restaurant is least likely to be crowded, and they may even open their doors early for you and your sweetie.

I have found that trying to pick a location for our engagement photos, is a lot harder than I imagined. There are entirely too many options. In the end, pick a place that you and your fiancé feel the most like yourselves. This will guarantee that your feelings for one another will be expressed as naturally as possible in your engagement photos.