A Surprise North Ave Beach Proposal!

A North Ave Beach Proposal

Don called a couple months ago wanting to talk about winter proposal photography. He wanted it to be special for Laura. We talked a bit, threw out some ideas for locations, and talked about possible scenarios.

He hung up the phone, thought about it, and formulated his plan. It would be a North Ave beach proposal! Fingers crossed for good weather towards the end of winter-

We spoke a few more times solidifying the plan as the date got closer and closer.

He recruited his parents and her friends to help make sure this moment was perfect.

As a Chicago proposal photographer…I LOVED photographing all of Laura’s expressions as she was shocked, overwhelmed, full of joy, and full of love. Scroll down to view all 26 photos!

You can read about his experience in his own words: Don’s Five Star Google Review

“Kenny was fantastic! I wanted my proposal to be a surprise and he helped me plan it out and even helped come up with an alibi. Not only were the pictures fantastic, his communication and expertise made the day perfect. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND KENNY TO EVERYONE!! I couldn’t imagine having anyone else capture the moment, thanks Kenny!!”

If you were looking to learn more about my proposal photography services – be sure to send me a message!

north ave beach proposal chicago ring on hand looking at skyline

There’s a lot of detail that went into the alibi, but needless to say, Laura was shocked when she realized the moment was happening! Bonus: the best part of having a North Ave Beach proposal is having our epic Chicago skyline as your background!

north ave beach proposal on bended knee, woman surprised, skyline in background

She stepped back, hands clasped in front of face in disbelief – and then this smile. This smile..this is why I was hired and they have this moment captured…forever

north ave beach proposal chicago on bended knee, woman surprised, skyline in background

north ave beach proposal chicago on bended knee, woman about to kiss

kiss during north ave beach proposal chicago on bended knee

woman surprised during chicago north ave beach proposal

None of these next couple photos are scripted…it was their genuine expressions of love and joy

newly engaged couple standing, foreheads touching at North Ave beach

newly engaged couple kiss and lifting her off her feet after their North Ave beach proposal

Definitely wanted to get a creative ring photo to commemorate the moment!

newly engaged couple kissing holding out hand with her ring on it during their North Ave beach proposal

The newly engaged couple!

Don surprised Laura by having their parents show up – Her mom (who flew in from out of town) was SOOOOO happy for her daughter!

hugging parents surprise daughter at proposal

Her mom sneaking in a little kiss during the photoshoot =)

Before departing, we took a few more North Ave beach proposal photos! This picture almost looks like a cover to their romantic comedy movie!

engagement picture, couple walking at North Ave Beach with skyline in background

Real smiles, real moments…all the feels. As much as I am hired to capture the actual proposal – I love capturing these real expressions-

couple laughing during north ave beach proposal

couple dipping during engagement photo at North ave beach

As our photo time began to dwindle down…her parents departed and I noticed a shift for Laura…a little more relaxed as she soaked the moment in-

couple with foreheads touching

We walked over to a spot where they could sit down to get this phot0-

One last ring photo before I said my last congratulations and departed-

walking showing off ring on her hand during north ave beach proposal

Real talk…this proposal happened on the last day of Feb. It was not terribly cold…but it also was not warm. Chicago weather can be fickle like that. One good thing about colder weather…there are less people around. It was like they had the pier and beach to themselves for their proposal! Don was hoping for a little privacy for their proposal – and they definitely got it! Prime location with a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline AND minimal people around.

The moment took care of everything else.

The Post Proposal Surprise Celebration

I rushed over to Tapster where Don had gathered their closest friends to celebrate! They have a private room in the back…perfect for their occasion. I wanted to make sure I was able to capture her expression as she walked in and saw everyone-

Loved this moment shared between Don and his sister-

Shout out to all their friends who came out to celebrate!

Congrats again Laura + Don! Thank you for having me there to capture your North Ave beach proposal!

Tags: chicago proposal, North ave beach, north ave beach proposal

Indoor Winter Love with Chicago Luxury Proposals

Indoor Winter Chicago Luxury Proposals

To say it has been cold in Chicago is an understatement. Despite the frigid temperatures, Emeka surprised the love of his life with a gorgeous rose heart wreath from Chicago Luxury Proposals! As part of their services, they have an indoor location overlooking the river. You get all the winter Chicago vibes from the comfort of a heated room. Shout out to Vanessa and Miguel for an amazing set up for these two!

Hundreds of red roses and candles set the perfect ambiance-

To learn more about our services, be sure to check out our Chicago proposal photographer page!

chicago luxury proposals indoor winter rose heart wreath

We love capturing the moment when Kaitlyn first lays eyes on the proposal set up – look at her smile! Photographer’s insight: We got a little creative and shot through the wreath to frame the couple!

indoor winter chicago proposals couple walking into room

Even though this is a ‘winter Chicago proposal’ – they were able to pause, remove their coats and enjoy this moment – away from the crowds and the cold!

rose wreath chicago luxury proposals woman smiling holding hands

He could take his time share his words of love and commitment to Kaitlyn. They had nothing but time in their private room.

flower wreath chicago proposal couple holding hands

On Bended Knee with Chicago Luxury Proposals

As he got on one knee…he made sure to take his time, so we could capture plenty of photos of their moment with their gorgeous Chicago Luxury Proposals heart wreath!

indoor winter heart wreath chicago proposals guy on bended knee chicago luxury proposals indoor winter rose heart wreath

Kaitlyn had all the smiles and giggles afterwards-

indoor chicago luxury proposals during winter laughing holding hands

An indoor winter proposal location with a picture perfect view of the Chicago river-

chicago luxury proposals indoor winter rose heart wreath

The emotions began to hit and a few tears trickled down her cheeks-

flower wreath chicago proposal couple hugging crying

And just to clarify, she did say “YES!”

rose wreath chicago luxury proposals close up of ring on finger

This photo would not be possible outside with the winter Chicago temperatures that day-

indoor chicago luxury proposals during winter by window overlooking riverwalk

Love this photo of her smile and their embrace-

chicago luxury proposals during winter indoors, couple hugging afterwards flower wreath chicago proposal couple walking in holding hands

That smile on his face is both joy and relief! =)

winter chicago luxury proposals couple together smiling indoor chicago luxury proposals during winter by window overlooking riverwalk

Congrats again Emeka + Kaitlyn on your engagement! Hope these photos of your indoor winter setup from Chicago luxury proposals help commemorate your moment forever

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A Holiday Proposal at Symphony Center // C&E

Chicago Winter Proposal Ideas – Chicago Symphony Center

Winter proposals in Chicago can be complicated. The wind, the snow, and the cold! Erik had the plan…he surprised Claire after a show at the Chicago Symphony Center!

Shout out to Jenise from the Chicago Symphony Center for helping coordinate all the details and allowing Erik and Claire to have their special moment on stage!

Planning to propose in Chicago? Visit our proposal photography page! or let us know if you were needing a Chicago wedding photographer!

couple on stage holiday chicago winter proposal idea at Symphony Center

Erik did the heavy lifting with his planning. He already knew the location and the alibi. After reviewing their proposal…we though to share some helpful Chicago winter proposal ideas incorporated into their night.

1. Find a Suitable Location for an indoor Chicago proposal

Erik reached out to the Chicago Symphony Center about proposing after the show. Jenise and her team were able to make his wish come true! Claire was not expecting this moment. After all, how many people propose on stage after a show? Is that even a thing? The indoor location helped remove the winter elements out of the equation. It also helped that they were formally dressed for the winter holiday performance.

We also help couples find their perfect location when working preparing for their Chicago proposals.

Symphony Center Chicago winter proposal ideas on bended knee surprise Chicago winter proposal ideas on stage with holiday decor

2. Bring a friend or two (or four!) to Your Surprise Chicago Proposal

Even after she was shocked on stage at the Chicago Symphony Center…she was totally caught off guard seeing her friends in the auditorium ready to congratulate her! Bringing friends and/or family is one of our favorite Chicago winter proposal ideas-

Here Erik is pointing to the audience where Claire is shocked to see her friends in attendance!

indoor Chicago winter proposal ideas Chicago symphony center

Flawless execution by Erik and Claire’s friends – they were at the right spot at the right moment!

surprise Chicago winter proposal ideas with your best friends chicago winter proposal ideas: on stage at Symphony Center

What a special moment to be able to share together!

Symphony Center Chicago winter proposal ideas: have your friends there!

3. Incorporate Seasonal Decor

Erik made sure to stand next to the Christmas tree and gift boxes to help bring the holiday season into their photos! This is one of our favorite Chicago winter proposal ideas. In the fall we incorporate fall colors. In the spring and summer, we try to incorporate seasonal flowers. We also love how their attire matches the holiday vibes!

indoor Chicago winter proposal ideas Chicago symphony center

4. Definitely get a close up ring photo!

Sometimes the emotions are big and we are so excited we can’t remember anything, but it’s always a good idea to get a close up of the engagement ring! Bonus if you can be creative with the composition – here we have a close up of the engagement ring and the couple kissing in the background!

chicago winter proposal ideas: on stage at Symphony Center couple on stage holiday chicago winter proposal idea at Symphony Center

5. Be Real – Enjoy The Moment

The number one request from couples: “we want to look natural.” Nothing says natural than having fun! Don’t forget to just enjoy the moment and laugh together~

Chicago Symphony proposal ideas on stage during holidays

6. A Photogenic Location

The most important of our Chicago winter proposal ideas: having a photogenic location! The Chicago Symphony Center certainly fits the bill! If you peruse our Chicago proposal shoots, you will see that we are always looking to match the best locations with each client’s wishes/desire.

Symphony Center Chicago winter proposal ideas: kiss on stage

Step back and see the grandeur of the space!

Chicago Symphony proposal ideas on stage during holidays

indoor Chicago winter proposal ideas Chicago symphony center Chicago Symphony proposal ideas standing in the seats

6. Have Your Photos Tell a Story

The last of our Chicago winter proposal ideas: Have your photos tell a story! Here we have Erik and Claire having their proposal on stage, then meeting with her friends, photos throughout the auditorium, and finishing up with a photo of them walking out. This last photo bookends their Chicago winter proposal photos!

Chicago Symphony Center proposal ideas walking down the aisle

Congrats again Erik and Claire! Hope these photos helped capture your story and all the emotions from your special moment! Erik: You crushed it with all your planning…you made sure to incorporate so many great Chicago winter proposal ideas into your special night at the Chicago Symphony Center!

Tags: chicago engagement photographer, chicago proposal, chicago proposal photographer, chicago symphony center engagement, chicago symphony center proposal, chicago winter engagement, chicago winter proposal ideas, indoor chicago winter proposal

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