Emma Mullins Photography

As we head toward the tail end of winter, I can’t let the season go by without sharing Fionna and Brendan’s Lincoln Park Conservatory engagement session. I met up with these two one afternoon in January, and it was immediately clear how smitten they are with each other. That’s always a sign that a session is going to be a ton of fun, and – SPOILER ALERT – it absolutely was!!

Lincoln Park Conservatory Engagement

One of the most popular options for winter wedding and engagement photos in Chicago is Lincoln Park Conservatory. And, for good reason: it’s colorful, tropical, and gets amazing light! We took our time exploring each of the unique rooms and the holiday show – ending in the Fern Room (my fave!). Fionna and Brendan’s outfit perfectly complimented the surrounding greenery, and their smiles made my job easy, of course 🙂

Before heading to our next location, we stepped outside where their pup Maizey was waiting for us! I was so excited to meet this sweet girl, and could have stayed outside with them for hours (even though yes, it was cold!!). Finally, it was time to warm up with some beers at Goose Island.

Goose Island Brewpub Engagement

Not only is the Salt Shed Pub one of Fionna and Brendan’s favorite spots for local beers, they’ve also been to shows together at The Salt Shed! Music has been a big part of their relationship from the beginning, and I loved tying that into their session in this way.

Fionna’s words:

“On our first date we bonded over our shared love of music and discovered many concerts we both attended throughout Chicago before we ever met. Since then we’ve shared wonderful music and travel adventures near and far – from seeing Stevie Wonder at Red Rocks just 4 months after we met to Bob Dylan in Berlin this past month.”

How cool is that?! We made sure to get some photos outside the pub with live music paraphernalia, and the giant goose tap handle (rumor has it this was originally from Comiskey Park!). Of course, we ended our session with a couple of pints, and these two continued their date night into the evening.

Fionna and Brendan: I had so much fun with you two (and Maizey) in January! Can’t wait for you to make it official later this year!!

Neha and John are getting married in just a few weeks, and today I’m excited to share their summer Lincoln Park engagement session! Dan met up with these two outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a nod to their spring engagement earlier last year. After a lovely evening stroll in the conservatory gardens, they headed south to the Nature Boardwalk. As you’d expect for mid-summer, the wildflowers were in full bloom! If there’s one thing I love for engagement sessions, it’s a pop of color – and what better place for that than Lincoln Park in the summertime?

As the sun began to set, they made their way to the lakefront for some romantic photos with our skyline. They even crossed paths with the occasional runner or cyclist… a given for any Chicago summer engagement session! My favorite photos are some of the creative ones, including that romantic silhouette at sunset 🙂 Thanks for capturing these moments so beautifully, Dan!

Neha and John: Thank you again for having us last summer! I can’t wait to be part of your wedding day next month!!

Looking for more summer Lincoln Park Engagement inspiration? Check out some other favorite sessions on the Blog!

Kenia & Bobby | Claire & Mark | Minal & Drew | Libby & Avi | Sara & Brian

This summer was indeed a whirlwind, but one of my favorite moments to capture was Tristan’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool proposal! With Chicago weather on our side, an unsuspecting fiancée-to-be, and one of the most romantic proposal locations in the city, I knew it was going to be the best day. I am always so thrilled and honored to be part of these moments. This was no exception!

I arrived at the Lily Pool before Tristan and Jess to guard our chosen spot, which happened to be popular on a Saturday! Luckily, by the time they took a stroll around the pond it was clear… just like we’d planned it! He asked, she said yes – and you know the rest! I was lucky enough to take these two around the park for some engagement photos before they headed to their next destination. The Lincoln Park Conservatory gardens were in full bloom, and a gorgeous backdrop for these two! Smiles like this make me so grateful to do what I do 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Jess and Tristan!! I absolutely loved being part of your engagement and wish you nothing but happiness in your future. Thank you again for having me this summer!

Looking for more Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool proposal inspiration? Check out the post below!

Aviva & Ben Surprise Proposal