When my cousin, Val texted me asking to take engagement photos for her and her fiance, I was so excited. I got to make a special trip home to Illinois to see them and spend the afternoon in downtown Chicago. This day was particularly hectic because one of our other many cousin’s was having hr bridal shower that day. We had lunch at Cabra in Chicago, took advantage of the rooftop pool views before heading to the suburbs for the bridal shower. We stayed there for an hour or two, then we went back downtown to meet Theron and their dog, Baxter at our next location. We found a busy beach spot near Hyde Park but it was perfect for some champagne pop photos and lake views.

Even though it was a long day, it was the best thing to get to know Theron for a few hours and reconnect with my cousin Val. We hadn’t spent this much time together since I was in high school or college! These two are an amazing couple with such ambitious and successful lives already. I am so excited for their wedding next year and to support them from afar as they continue to grow together. Documenting their love and the beginning of this next step for them was so rewarding for me to witness.