Meredith and Okoye’s Lincoln Park Fall Engagement Session
I first met Meredith and Okoye at her friend Catherine’s wedding years ago. I remember snapping this picture during the cocktail hour and telling them that I wanted to shoot their wedding one day!! Because, COME ON, HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE TWO?!
I first met Meredith and Okoye at her friend Catherine’s wedding years ago. I remember snapping this picture during the cocktail hour and telling them that I wanted to shoot their wedding one day!! Because, COME ON, HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE TWO?!
Fast-forward a year later and we needed to find two beautiful people to model for a styled shoot we were putting together in honor of Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. Meredith and Okoye generously came and modeled for us and our dream team of vendors for this gorgeous Royal Tea Party styled shoot at Room 1520. And we all officially fell in love with Meredith and Okoye that day, these two are just the kindest most generous people and so truly in love with one another. I remember when Meredith came out in the beautiful tea-length dress that Concetta of Cettina Bridal and Okoye became emotional seeing her as a bride. He told me later that he was glad that the “look” of this styled shoot was so different from their personal style and that it didn’t spoil the idea of what Meredith would look like on their real wedding day. SWOON . . .
Fast-forward another couple of years and Okoye FINALLY popped the question to Meredith in July and I squealed with excitement when I saw the news on social media. I was even happier when Meredith reached out and they asked if we would photograph their wedding on New Year’s Eve next year, what a truly bright spot for me in this otherwise difficult year!
I met Meredith and Okoye at the Lincoln Park Nature Conservatory for their engagement photos at the end of October. It was a perfect fall day, and we had so much fun together exploring the boardwalk and taking these beautiful pictures. I truly can’t wait to be there when these two exchange their vows and become husband and wife, it will have been SO worth the wait!!
Congratulations, Meredith and Okoye, I am so honored to be a part of your love story and can’t wait to celebrate your wedding next New Year’s Eve!!
To see all of Meredith and Okoye’s gorgeous engagement photos, click here
What to Wear for your Fall and Holiday Family Sessions
It’s our favorite time of year, and our schedules are VERY full as we prepare to photograph your sweet families! Unsure what to wear for your session?? We got you with these tips for pulling together the perfect outfits for your whole family!
It’s our favorite time of the year again, and our schedules are VERY full as we prepare to photograph your families this fall!! Here are some of our best tips to help you pull together the perfect outfits for your fall and holiday photo sessions!
Neutrals are CLASSIC for a reason. This year's trending colors are; camel, military green, and navy blue. Pick one or two shades to use throughout your family and then pick a pop of color you like. Imagine your photos hanging in your home, what colors would you like to see? If you did mustard yellow last year maybe try something different this year! Lay everything out to see how it all looks together. You are more than welcome to send us a photo of it all. We are happy to give suggestions or even help find something online that might be a great fit for your family.
Due to COVID, stores have limited amounts of fall and winter clothing options. This means we suggest shopping your closet first! Don't assume your children need brand new, head-to-toe, 'holiday best" outfits. Simply look for rich, seasonal, and cozy textures, and use them as the foundation for each outfit. Often children aren’t comfortable wearing brand new clothes and shoes at their sessions. We want everyone as comfortable and happy as possible! Keep it relaxed and don't feel the need for extra formal outfits. You can look festive and seasonal with pops of color or the right accessories. Scarves, hats, mittens, and other accessories can help make you look polished.
If you are signed up for our Holiday Mini session with the Red VW Bus or Walnut Woods, we suggest that you only use red as an accent pop of color. The bus and our pretty red couch will be the majority of the color used and we want your gorgeous family to stand out! Cream, camel, and greens would be all great colors to use as a base.
Our yearly suggestions for successful family photos:
Have everyone try everything on BEFORE the day of the session to make sure it fits well. Check the sleeves, see if they can walk in the new shoes, and grab a belt for new pants that might be a little big.
Steer away from any logos or graphic shirts.
Make sure to dress in layers to help little ones stay warm! No one is happy when they are cold! Bring a blanket to cover small ones in for in between sessions.
Eat before a session so no one is Hangry.
Use the bathroom before the session. All locations this year will not have access to a restroom.
When you arrive do a quick check everyone's face for milk mustaches and crumbs (check noses too!)
Bring a brush for a quick hair check before the session if you have a long drive.
Arrive at least ten minutes early so you can check everyone's outfits and let them see where we are shooting.
Let them know it will be a fun activity. Come ready to sing a song or tell a funny joke to help us get some fun smiles.
We can’t wait to see your families this fall!!
