Molly + Chris | Downtown Chicago Engagement
Downtown Chicago & Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond Engagement
I remember sitting down with Molly and Chris before last Christmas to discuss all their wedding plans. When the topic of an engagement session came up and Molly said, "Maybe we could hold it in Chicago where we live, " I almost fell out of my chair! Chicago is one of those cities that is so very near and dear to my heart. Having the opportunity to travel to the beautiful Windy City AND photograph an amazing couple at the same time!? I was in heaven! When we were finally able to discuss possible dates to hold the engagement, I amazingly had one weekend free in June in between all my other weddings so Molly and Chris invited me out!
We started out walking around downtown Chicago by the Lasalle Bridge which overlooks an amazing skyline view of the city. Even though the temperature was a blazing 95 degrees with an 80% humidity factor, Molly and Chris were so great and their wonderful attitudes made it a joy to work with them! I planned to bring at least 4 bottles of water with me (a couple for me and my assistant Scott and a couple for them), but after lugging a whole 24 pack of water out to Chicago I completely forgot to pack the extra water in my bag! All that nice water sat in the hotel room. I was silently kicking myself as we scouted locations before Molly and Chris arrived. When Molly and Chris met up with us, amazingly, they had packed just as much water as I had planned and so graciously shared their water with us! (Did I mention my couples rock and are so thoughtful!?)
After hanging out by the riverwalk, Molly and Chris visited the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond. I love that they wanted to feature different aspects of the city that they love! Both urban and a more natural setting. Molly told me that they used to live fairly close to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond and Lincoln Park Zoo so her and Chris had frequently spent summer afternoons exploring the area together!
Molly and Chris - I cannot thank you enough for inviting me out to Chicago and showing me around! You both were so wonderful and I can't wait for your wedding later this year - I know it's going to be amazing! Congratulations again!
Love Always,
Courtney
Molly looked beautiful in her navy shirt and white skirt paired next to Chris who looked dashing in his navy pants and button shirt!
As Molly and Chris walked over the Dearborn Street Bridge the light pouring in behind them and around the buildings was magical!
These two are seriously the best and SO sweet!
I feel like Frank Sinatra music should be playing as these two dance on the bridge! Such a classic, fun couple!
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond is such a beautiful little oasis tucked right near all the commotion of the bustling city of Chicago.
I absolutely love this shot of Molly and Chris!
One cool piece of trivia, while we were walking around the lily pond a very intimate wedding was actually going on!
As the sun set on this very hot day, the sky started to turn this amazing pinky-purple color and I decided I should get out my off-camera flash to create a dramatic, end-of-the-night portrait!
I prefer natural light most of the time, but when the right opportunity presents itself (usually as it gets dark) I like to stretch my creativity and play with light in a different way. Creating these types of images are always so romantic looking to me and have even more of a "wow" factor when paired with a dramatic background like the city skyline!
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
Locations: Lasalle Bridge, Dearborn Bridge, Chicago Riverwalk, and Downtown Chicago, IL
(Also a special shout out to my amazing assistant, Scott! Your help and patience are always a blessing to me!)
Meet Courtney
Welcome to the CCP Blog! I'm Courtney Carolyn a wedding photographer based just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I hope you grab a cup of coffee (or sweet tea) and enjoy viewing my latest work, reading up on resources for brides, and getting a little peek into my life! I'm so excited you stopped by! Read more . . .
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