This gorgeous May afternoon could not have been more perfect for Maria and Ben’s engagement session. It seems like whenever I’m shooting in the city, it’s a cloudy and windy, but not today! Maria and Ben are saying “I do!” this July on the University of Notre Dame’s campus but they call Chicago their home. They haven’t lived here too long but one of their favorite things to do in the city is to talk long walks together after work. Their engagement session was no exception; we got our steps in today. 😉

After picking Maria and Ben up from their apartment, our first stop was Lincoln Park. Our original plans of shooting in the conservatory were squashed when they said we needed a permit. No worries, outside we went! The sun was beating down but we found this cute spot by the zoo with all the colors of spring in the background.

I told Ben to run up to Maria and hug her but he added the spin. Nice job! 😊😉

Nothing like a walk in the park with that beautiful cityscape behind you. 😊

A short walk south, we found this quiet part of the park where we could take more intimate portraits. 🙂

Snuggle time on the blanket. 🥹

Just before heading back to the car, I saw this adorable flower garden near the road. We were lucky to find a spot that wasn’t in full sun. I hid behind some flowers and let the squishy happen naturally. 😍

LOVE! 💕

An outfit and location change later, we were at the Art Institute on the Mile. I loved Maria and Ben’s looks; so elegant! 🙂

So fun! 😊

The Mile never gets old. 😍

Maria and Bed danced at the entrance of the museum while I laid on the ground, getting weird looks from people walking by. 🤣

Just off to the left was this adorable corner where Maria and Ben could enjoy each others’ company.

So good! 🤩

Their ring shot turned into 3 because I couldn’t choose. Maria brought a bouquet of flowers as a prop so I used the flowers 3 different ways. 💍

This shot took a lot of patience and steadiness from both myself and Maria and Ben. In order to blur the traffic but not Maria and Ben, required me to lay down on the step and hold the camera extremely still. Meanwhile, Maria and Ben have to hold their pose for probably 90 seconds. Sounds easy but it’s not. And lastly, we had to wait for the right moment when the cars would fill the whole frame as they drove by. It took a few tries but I’m so happy with how it turned out. Thanks Maria and Ben for being so patient. ❤️

A long walk up the Mile and down the Riverwalk to get to these cozy steps. These two were troopers. 😊

Then Maria and Ben took a stroll down by the water. 💧

So cute when Maria spun Ben. 😍🤣

We walked up the stairs to the bridge where Maria couldn’t stop giggling when I told her to let Ben smell the flowers. 🤣

So precious! 😍

Love, love, love the colors of the city! ❤️

One last walk together on Wacker Ave. 🙂

WOW! 🤩

We walked all the way back to Millennium Park for our last shot of the day. The sun was quickly falling behind the buildings so we had to hurry and find a good spot to catch those last few sun flares of the day. The only place that had any sun left was at the edge of the Millennium Park Arena which was roped off. I may have laid under the ropes to get this shot but it was totally worth the possible reprimand. 😍

The perfect way to end such a perfect session! 😊🥰

To Maria and Ben – Thank you for a fun-filled session in the city! The weather was perfect and it was so nice getting to know you better. I’m thrilled to be apart of this journey with you! Grace and I will see you in just 5 short weeks! All my love – S

To see their full session, click here.

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Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC