Downtown Chicago Engagement Photos

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

A Chicago Weekend with S & C – Dream Clients & Big City Magic

As a destination wedding photographer based in Seattle, I still can’t believe I got to fly out for this unforgettable Chicago engagement session with S & C. In December I made a post on Facebook in a destination vendors group not sure if anything would come from it, and I am so lucky they saw my post! These two brought the vibes all weekend long and made my job way too easy. They gave me creative freedom to take them anywhere, and something about going to a new city is so inspiring. I can’t wait to go back to Chicago, the architecture is truly a dream and the city was amazing in more ways than one.

The night I flew in, we met up for drinks and a deep dish pizza with some of their close friends living in the city. Naturally we had to take some photos to start the weekend, even after a few espresso martinis haha. This was a great, low-pressure way to meet up and get to know one another – seeing as we we’re complete strangers leading up to this!

On day two, we started at the Art Institute of Chicago, soaking in the classic architecture and artful atmosphere—an iconic backdrop for any Chicago couples session. I even got to see Monet paintings for the first time, which made my heart soar. From there, we wandered through the serene beauty of Lurie Garden, then made our way to The Bean (because you have to when you’re shooting in Millennium Park, right?).

The afternoon light was perfect when we hit North Shore Beach, giving us those dreamy skyline views that make this city so magical. As a Chicago engagement photographer, this spot never gets old. The session wrapped with some spontaneous flash photos along the Riverwalk and under the glowing marquee of the Chicago Theater—total cinematic vibes.

And let’s talk about the sparkle—S is a custom ring designer based in Colorado, creating one-of-a-kind pieces with Bulow Jewelers. She brought allll the bling to this session, and her eye for detail (plus incredible style) elevated every single photo.

S & C are the kind of people I dream of working with—laid-back, creative, full of love, and always up for a little adventure. I’m still pinching myself that I get to join them next year as their Portugal wedding photographer. While we came into this weekend as strangers, we left as friends and I am over the moon excited for their wedding. From Chicago city streets to European coastlines—this love story is just getting started.

Having a destination wedding or engagement session? I’d love to work with you and make your dreams a reality!

this is my story

I’m the kind of person who finds magic in the little things. Growing up in Washington, I was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where every trail, mountain, and misty shoreline sparked a sense of wonder and adventure. It’s where I learned to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels—a perspective that shapes everything I do as a wedding photographer.

I’ve always valued that photos are a testimony to the life we’ve lived in our time on earth and I’ll never downplay how important that is. My love of photography grew from a love of connection—the kind of connection that pulls two people together, intertwining their lives and stories in ways that feel both ordinary and extraordinary.

Your memories are so important to me - it's at the core of why i do what i do.

An ode to the beautuy of the Pacific North West -

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

Hi, I'm Lauren - PNW mother, lover, and photographer

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For lovers of love & sentimentality