Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Photos

Chicago, Illinois

Sometimes the best engagement sessions are the ones that take a little extra coordinating to finally make happen, and Grace and Nick’s session at The Art Institute of Chicago was so worth the wait!

These two currently live in Louisville, and between Grace being in law school, Nick’s busy work schedule, and wedding planning happening from another state, finding a date for engagement photos here in Illinois took a little teamwork. But the second Grace mentioned wanting their session at The Art Institute of Chicago, I was immediately excited because this location is such a dream for engagement photos.

Grace and Nick found me through Nick’s brother. He officiated Jennalyn and Evan’s wedding in 2024, so it already felt like such a sweet connection from the start. Getting to spend the evening in Chicago together made me even more excited for their wedding day later this month!

The Art Institute brings such a timeless, romantic feel to photos, but this session had a playful twist, too. One of Grace’s favorite movies is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, so of course, we had to track down Chagall’s “American Windows” during their session. Honestly, that may have been one of my favorite parts of the entire evening. It felt like the perfect little personal touch woven into their engagement photos!

We also got lucky because the gardens were open, which always feels like hitting the jackpot in Chicago. Between the greenery, the architecture, and the soft spring light, every little corner gave us something beautiful to work with.

But more than anything, I loved getting to see Grace and Nick together. They have such an easy, calm connection that makes photographing them feel effortless. So much laughter, so many sweet little moments, and the kind of connection that makes my job very easy.

And now, somehow, their wedding day is almost here already!

I cannot wait to photograph these two later this month at the new chapel at Pear Tree Estate! From the way these two laughed together and soaked up every moment of their engagement session… I already know their wedding day is going to be absolutely beautiful.

To see more engagement photos like these engagement photos at The Art Institute of Chicago, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.