He saw her as one of his little sister’s friends. She was still in high school. He was already out in the “real” world. Even though they were only a few years apart in age, they were at such different points in their lives despite growing up in the same hometown. Tara and Devin couldn’t really date … or could they? …. So, they gave it a try … unsure as to where they could go and years later, they share a relationship with so much love and happiness, they didn’t know how they ever thought it might not work.

In an effort to do more things around Chicago last year, Tara and Devin vowed to do one tourist activity per month. The first month was the Field Museum. When Tara suggested they check out the Skydeck at the Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower for my Chicagoans) for the following month, Devin was secretly relieved Tara had suggested it first. It was his plan all long to ask Tara to marry him while on the Skydeck …. but with the holidays around the corner, he was a little worried she might be suspicious. As they stood 110 stories above the city they both love so much (Tara fighting against her fear of heights), Devin got down on one knee and asked Tara to spend forever with him.

I met Tara and Devin at the Art Institute Gardens on the most perfect day last Sunday afternoon for their engagement photos around Chicago. I was so excited to see that things are finally starting to bloom and the gardens were almost totally green again!

Isn’t she just gorgeous? I love this photo …..

Devin was a natural for his individual photos ….

We strolled over to the Lurie Gardens at Millennium Park just in time for the PERFECT light of the afternoon.

Tara picked out this gem of a flower, and I must admit … it was simply perfect for showing off her GORGEOUS ring.

CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS : art institute gardens, lurie gardens in millennium park, and buckingham fountain, chicago // MAKEUP : shannon o’brien