Weddings
Alright, if you’re a #2018bride, #2019bride, or a Chicago #bridetobe — get ready for this Lincoln Park engagement session! Amy & Eamon prove that Chicago is photo ready any time of year!
Let’s be honest, our weather has been anything but predictable. One day it’s sunny and summer, the next is misty and cold. It makes it hard to plan for your engagement photos. Do you bring a jacket? Will a sundress be appropriate? Amy & Eamon are firm believers in the fashion mantra that classy NEVER goes out of style. Call it chic, call it elegant, call in plain good taste! Since we didn’t know whether it was going to be moody and gray or bursting with sunshine — tasteful neutrals were the obvious choice.
It was the romantic, soft pink of Amy’s first dress. It was the dapper navy blazer that Eamon wore. Every accessory was perfect for telling the story of this stylish couple in Lincoln Park. They’re hip Chicagoans who would look at home at a wine bar in Wicker Park, or strolling along the Riverwalk! The skyline was a great backdrop, and the chilly day was an excellent excuse for lots of cuddles!
Enjoy, friends! And congrats to Amy & Eamon on their engagement!
Want more Lincoln Park engagement sessions? Sure, you do!
Weddings
It’s story time, friends! Let’s get to know the absolutely adorable Catherine & Kristopher. Before we get to their Olive Park engagement session, we will take you back to the beginning. It all started at Raven’s Bar with a game of giant Jenga! After that, Catherine tells us, “the rest is history.”
When we asked about their favorite memory together, they immediately recalled getting engaged in Paris. Once we got over a bit of engagement envy (Paris, amiright?!), we let them continue. “We were at dinner and the food was incredible. It’s our happiest memory because it made it official that we were spending our lives together. We also had the most amazing dessert and champagne after.”
As it turns out, these two lovebirds visit Navy Pier every year for their anniversary. This made Olive Park a great option for their engagement photos. Olive Park is just off the pier, has a wonderful skyline view and great mix of park, city, and beach backgrounds! It’s a one-stop spot for engagement session bliss!
But enough about the background — let’s focus in on our stars: Catherine & Kristopher. We asked these two lovebirds what their favorite trait about their partner is. Kris love’s Catherine’s smile, and Catherine adores his eyes. Get ready for lots of romantic close-ups that show off both! And join us in congratulating Catherine & Kris!
Want more fabulous engagement sessions? Take a look!
Weddings
When you’re getting ready to move to Chicago, you tend to hear two things about the weather. The winter is terrible, and the summers are so amazing that it makes the winters worth it! We can’t really disagree with either sentiment (though winter certainly has its perks). Summer in Chicago is an absolute dream. In addition to being prime time for weddings, engagement session, and fun outdoor shoots — THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO! The city is alive with vibrant events, and we’d like to put in a good word for at least a few of them. On any given summer day in Chicago, you can stay in, go out, make friends or fly solo on any budget!
Take a look at some of these August highlights, and plan your next day off! Or hang onto this list for a cold December night, when you need to remember that another fabulous city summer is just around the corner!
THROW A PARTY FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS
Who doesn’t adore a sweet treat? Tis the season for fro-yo, ice cream, margaritas, and white wine. If it’s chilled, it’s a yes! There is no shortage of local shops in Chicago when it comes to quieting your sweet tooth. Everyone in the Windy City has a favorite parlor. What’s yours?
TAKE A WALK
Chicago is a pedestrian’s city, and summer is ideal for a sunlit stroll. Explore your neighborhood, pick a CTA stop to discover, or try one of these hot spots! It’s a good excuse to get a little exercise, and to remind yourself that fun can be found anywhere in this gorgeous city.
HAVE A BEACH DAY
From Promontory Point to Montrose Beach, find a little slice of sand to call your own. It’s easy to forget how close Lake Michigan is to us. Take advantage of the tranquility and relaxation a little trip to to the lake can provide. And oh the sunsets!
RETAIL THERAPY WITH YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day…these are just three excuses for HUGE sales! Whether or not you’re in planning mode, a trip to Michigan Avenue with you best pals can be very therapeutic. Window shop, find some inspiration, and treat yourself!
SEE MOVIES WITH ACTUAL STARS
Oh, how we adore Chicago’s Movies in the Park. The release of each year’s schedule is a highlight of the spring, and the addition of neighborhood screens means you don’t have to venture downtown. You can just take your blanket and cooler to the nearest park, and have an enchanted evening! With sunset happening so late, a dusk date with your favorite movie is perfectly paired with a walk about town!
Feeling the summer vibes? Take a look at our most recent sunset session!
Weddings
When it comes to engagement sessions, the number one question is always “What to wear?” We know it can be difficult enough to find the perfect outfit just for you, so the challenge is doubled for an engagement session. As hard as it might feel, and as much as you may just want to toss on your favorite fitted tee and call it done, I promise it’s worth going the extra step to coordinate and look like you’re having a wonderful, snazzy time!
Some general lessons that we have learned:
- Avoid being too matchy-matchy, but look like you’re in the same catalog
- Prioritize comfort and confidence. Wear something you know makes you feel fabulous!
- Think about the head-to-toe look, from the hair to the shoes
Should we change outfits?
Sure! Bringing options to your session is a great way to get different looks. We can coordinate the changes into our plan for the session, to make sure everything runs smoothly. And keep in mind that minor changes (scarves, layers, accessories) are great, too! Lana & Mike decided on a few different looks that reflected their personality. Do you have a favorite?
Can casual work?
Yes! Your engagement session doesn’t need to be a black-tie affair. You do want to look comfortable, relaxed, and at home in your surroundings. From the pop of pink in her dress to the close-up character in their choice of shoes, Amy & Jon look totally natural at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. For Mike & Phil, a walk around their neighborhood was the ideal session, and their outfits reflected how close they were to home.
Should there be a theme?
Sure! If it suits your personality (or the personality of your wedding), a theme can be a great way to get creative and show friends & family who you are! Erin & Alex are both artists, and their speakeasy-inspired session was an absolute blast! They even brought clown noses, which were the perfect touch to an already laughter-filled session!
Do multiple locations mean multiple outfits?
Not necessarily! One of the great things about Chicago is the endless amount of photo locations. Choosing different backdrops does not mean you have to keep changing outfits. Allison & Benjamin look smart and snazzy, whether they’re in front of architecture or the changing autumn leaves. The rich tones of Allison’s dress and the sleek color of Ben’s shirt and slacks go with everything!
Check out more engagement favorites in the Gold Grid Studios portfolio now!
Weddings
The holidays are a time for family and friends, an opportunity to surround yourself with the people you love. How fitting to be able to have an engagement session during this holiday time! We’re so happy that we were able to capture some time with Jordan & Joel. It was a joy to celebrate their engagement in downtown Chicago.
Jordan & Joel currently live in San Francisco, and will soon be celebrating their nuptials in both cities. They were back in Chicago for the holidays, and wanted to capture their story in the city they called home. A love of architecture and a want for holiday flair made downtown an excellent choice!
By meeting in the morning, we were able to enjoy the quiet of downtown before the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. We started at the Chicago River, enjoying the city backdrop and the timelessness of the bridges. We then headed further downtown to the Christkindlmarket Market, a Chicago holiday staple! The cool winter morning provided the perfect amount of romance, with lighting that allowed the holiday lights to shimmer. These two lovebirds were able to feel like it was just the two of them.
We’ll see these two again this summer as we capture both their San Francisco and Chicago celebrations. We can’t wait!
Take a look at more downtown Chicago moments!
