Some engagement sessions feel special because of the location, the light, or the joy of celebrating such an exciting season with a couple. And then some feel special because the people in front of my camera are family.
This was one of those.
Sam is Jordan’s cousin, but in our house, she is simply Auntie Sam. A few years ago, she lived with us for about a year during a season of transition, and I will always be grateful for that time. It brought us closer in such a sweet, everyday kind of way. My kids absolutely adore her, and to this day, she is one of those people who walks into our house and instantly feels like home. So getting to photograph her engagement session with Bryan was personal in the very best way.
I remember the season before Bryan. I remember the conversations, the hoping, the praying, and the wondering what God had ahead for her. Then one day, Sam’s coworker Travis mentioned that she should meet his brother. That brother was Bryan.
Sam was a little hesitant at first, but she agreed to go on a date. And I still remember how she came home afterward. There was something different in her voice. She liked him. Really liked him. It did not take long for her to realize that Bryan was different.
Their connection grew quickly and naturally. They started spending more time together, and before long, it was clear that this was not just another date or another almost. This was something steady, joyful, and real. The kind of relationship that makes the people who love you breathe a little sigh of relief because they can see how loved and cared for you are. That is what I see when I look at Sam and Bryan together.
For their engagement session, we started at St. James Farm Preserve in Warrenville with their dogs, and I need everyone to know that these may actually be the most well-behaved dogs in the history of everything. They were calm, sweet, adorable, and completely understood the assignment. Since their dogs are such a special part of their life together, it felt perfect to include them in the beginning of the session.
After St. James Farm Preserve, we headed over to Cantigny Park in Wheaton for the rest of their engagement photos. Cantigny is one of my favorite locations for engagement sessions because it has so much variety — beautiful gardens, stone paths, romantic little corners, and so many places that feel timeless without feeling too formal. It was the perfect place to photograph this season for Sam and Bryan. And honestly, these two made it easy.
Sam has always been beautiful, but seeing her this happy with Bryan made these photos even sweeter. Bryan is kind, steady, and so easy to welcome into the family. While I was editing their images, Charlie was watching over my shoulder and said, “Awww, Uncle Bryan!” which feels like the most official seal of approval.
Sam and Bryan, I am just so happy for you. Truly. I am grateful I got to photograph this season, grateful my family gets to love you both, and grateful you have found this kind of joy together. I hope these images always bring you right back to this season — engaged, happy, and surrounded by so much love. Now grab a blanket and snuggle up, your sneak peek is live!
Sam and Bryan, thank you for letting me capture such a sweet and exciting season for you. I love you both so much, and I cannot wait for you to see the rest of your full gallery soon!
Thanks for reading,
