Engagement Shoot at Northwestern University: Capturing Elise and Eli’s Love Story in Evanston, Chicago
Elise and Eli, Northwestern graduates, reached out to me to document their engagement at their alma mater in the heart of Chicago’s Evanston neighborhood. The Northwestern campus, nestled in this charming suburb, offers a delightful mix of timeless stone architecture, lush greenery, and close proximity to Lake Michigan, making it an ideal location for engagement photos. As we explored the campus and our pre-planned shooting locations, we stumbled upon quaint sidewalks and vibrant fall foliage that added a romantic and picturesque backdrop to their photos.
Locations & The Shoot Throughout the Day
Our engagement session began at Shakespeare’s Garden, a serene and timeless location that perfectly reflects the beauty and academic atmosphere of Northwestern University. Taking place in late October, this time of year allowed us to capture the rich fall colors while still having the lush greenery that Northwestern is known for, especially throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden’s charm, combined with the crisp air of autumn, made it an ideal spot to begin the shoot.
We then made our way to Seabury Hall, where we were greeted by even more stunning stone architecture. The warm fall sunlight illuminated the hall, creating a soft and romantic glow that perfectly complemented the rustic, almost medieval vibe of the surroundings. Walking around this area of Evanston, we were treated to the breathtaking sight of red, orange, and yellow fall trees, which beautifully showcased the vibrant colors of the season. This picturesque scenery truly captured the essence of a Northwestern engagement session, blending romance with the timeless beauty of the campus.
Throughout the day, I also shot film, which has become a recent passion of mine and something I now offer for weddings and all types of sessions. There’s something truly special about the way film captures a moment—it adds a timeless, dreamy quality that digital sometimes can’t quite replicate. The soft tones, rich texture, and subtle imperfections give each image a unique character that I’ve completely fallen in love with.
The film photos from this day turned out beautifully and truly encapsulate the magic of the season and the love these two share. There’s an undeniable warmth and romantic softness in those frames that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. I’m so excited to include them here and to continue offering film as an option for couples who are drawn to that timeless, artistic feel in their images.
Logistics for a Session in Chicago
Chicago is one of my favorite cities and capturing love stories in this vibrant city and its surrounding areas is always a pleasure. While I am not based in Chicago I jump at any chance to travel to Chicago for engagement sessions, weddings, or other photo sessions. Having visited and worked in the Chicago area many times, I’ve learned the ins and outs of how to ensure every session goes smoothly, whether it’s in Evanston, the bustling Loop and downtown area, or the eclectic neighborhoods like Wicker Park or Logan Square.
Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, but October is often an ideal time for photos. The soft, golden lighting and the colorful foliage that spreads throughout the city create the perfect atmosphere for an engagement shoot. Plus, it’s the start of sweater weather, adding a cozy and intimate touch to the photos.
One crucial aspect I always plan for, especially in Chicago, is parking. The Evanston and Northwestern campus areas offer ample free street parking, and it’s usually easy to find a spot just a block or two away from your shooting location. While free parking is available in many neighborhoods, downtown Chicago may require reserving a spot in a garage or parking lot to save time and hassle.
