They say that the over time, wedding photographers attract clients whose style matches their own, in both personality of the couple and wedding day style.  Natalia & Todd are a perfect example of that.  Our early Sunday morning engagement shoot was not the ideal time for any of us (early! Sunday! hot & humid! early!) but they were so much fun to tag along after as we roamed the city, starting in their neighborhood of Lincoln Park, on the train to downtown, and roaming the streets around the Art Institute and State Street.  Somehow they managed to look fantastic the entire time, despite the early (!), the heat & humidity (!), and all that walking.  (Special props go to Natalia for rocking it all out in fabulous shoes. She’s assured me her wedding day shoes are no less fabulous. Can’t wait!)

Hey Todd, YOU GO BOY.

This post probably should start out with a warning similar to the one I emailed this couple when I sent them the link to their online gallery: There are a TON of photos.  But this was an engagement shoot extravaganza (!) so it deserves nothing less than total visual gluttony.

Moving on.

Marni & Matt – how I love thee! Let me count the (many) ways…The fun, the gorgeous, the passion and the smoking-hot-ness. I was in photographer’s heaven!

When I arrived at their home, Marni (a personal chef) had a little food prep to do in anticipation of hosting a feast for Mother’s Day so we captured a few around the house and with their little love, Gizmo.

Matt & Marni love to go to the Farmer’s Market so we decided to try out a new one, The Chicago French Market, where we sampled cheese, bread, beer & more.

Looking this hot is tiring work, so we re-fueled at Al’s Beef, a Chicago classic.

Matt & Marni wanted to have their wedding at a rustic farm but with all that rustic-ness, comes the authentic smell of cow dung. Less than ideal for a swanky soire, but tolerable (and fun!) for an afternoon of picture taking.

You two…Gorgeous.

I’m a sucker for a simple yet passionate image. This was the last frame of the day from our engagement shoot extravaganza. So very much more to come.

Although originally from Pennsylvania, these college sweethearts now call Chicago home, so what better place to document their engagement than downtown Chicago?  There is something so comfortable about photographing couples who have been together for years and Hannah & Matt embody all of that intimacy.  It’s knowing and being known that can only come with time.  I look forward to documenting these two surrounded by their dearest family and friends on their wedding day this August.

To me, this last image just oozes contentment.

It’s an engagement shoot extravaganza this week as I head out for Marni & Matt’s but here’s a peek of what’s to come from Hannah & Matt.  Their laughter makes my heart smile.