Vikki and Derek: A Downtown Romantic Engagement Session

A little city-slick, a little dapper, and a whole lot of fun. Yep, that pretty much sums up Vikki and Derek, a long-distance couple reuniting here in Chicago for their engagement session. She lives in Cincinnati and he lives in New York. They both grew up in Chi-town and will be having a winter wedding here in March.

Vikki’s maid of honor, who is also her wedding planner, found me online through a Google search. I instantly clicked with Vikki and Derek. She’s super sweet, smiled during the entire shoot, and pays attention to the details. He is laid back, funny, and loves attention just as much as Vikki––check out Derek’s quirky mustache socks and Vikki’s rocking bandage dress!

We shot at the stately Chicago Cultural Center on a Saturday, which amazingly happened to be nearly empty despite wedding season! Lucky for us, because I think we got some great captures of Vikki and Derek’s spirit and big personalities in this grand landmark building.

This stylish pair also happens to be down-to-earth, and the natural beauty of the South Garden at the Art Institute was an obvious choice for a romantic, laid-back setting. She looked sweet in a fluttery blouse and he added just the right touch of urban edge with his G-Star RAW denim jacket. Downtown romantic, see?

I’m excited to see Vikki and Derek again––the next time, they will be husband and wife!

xo, Melissa