North Avenue Beach Engagement Session

Chicago, Illinois

When a couple drives four hours for their dream Chicago engagement photos, you know it’s going to be a good day!

Alexia and Nate made the trip to Chicago for an engagement session that checked all the boxes: the iconic Chicago skyline, views of Lake Michigan, gorgeous evening light, and all the moments to capture the joy they share. And let me tell you, these photos are everything I hoped they would be and more. I’m completely obsessed with this session!

One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing how connections come to life. Alexia actually found me through her mom, who is a photographer that I connected with years ago. It’s always such an honor when another photographer trusts me with their family’s memories. I couldn’t wait to meet Alexia and Nate in person. From the moment we started this session, it felt like we had known each other forever. We love that!

If you’ve ever looked at engagement photos and wondered how some couples seem so natural in front of the camera, I have a theory… Alexia and Nate are ballroom dancers.

Not only do they compete in ballroom dancing competitions, but all those hours spent dancing together have given them an incredible sense of connection and trust. They moved so naturally together throughout the entire session, making every pose feel effortless. Honestly, I felt a little spoiled behind the camera! Whether they were walking along the beach, dancing with the Chicago skyline behind them, or laughing together by the water, every moment felt genuine and full of energy. Needless to say, I have very high expectations for their first dance at the wedding!

Their story began a little over a year ago at a bonfire party. As Alexia tells it like this:

“A little over a year ago, I met Nate through a mutual friend at a bonfire party. He shook my hand to introduce himself while we stood next to each other playing corn hole…and didn’t interact with me for the rest of the night. I was a bit disappointed by the interaction and assumed he was either taken or didn’t like me. Obviously, neither of those assumptions turned out to be true.”

A few weeks later, she joined a dance club that met every week… And the two found themselves spending more time together. After weeks of mutual friends trying to convince them both to make a move, they found themselves stuck in what Alexia lovingly describes as the “awkward teenage stage” of their relationship. Eventually, Nate asked her out, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

A Dream Chicago Engagement Session

Lincoln Park and North Avenue Beach are two of my favorite locations for Chicago engagement photos because they offer the best of both worlds. You get incredible views of the city skyline while still having the natural beauty of Lake Michigan nearby.

For Alexia and Nate, it was exactly the setting they had envisioned. The beautiful water, city views, and their sweet personalities made this session feel so romantic yet full of fun.

As much as I loved spending the evening with these two in Chicago, I’m eager for what’s ahead! Next year, I’ll be photographing Alexia and Nate’s wedding at Four Mounds in Dubuque, Iowa. I couldn’t be more excited!

Alexia and Nate, thank you for trusting me with your engagement photos and for making the four-hour drive to Chicago. I had the best time exploring North Avenue Beach with you both, and I cannot wait to celebrate with you again at your wedding!

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.