Between chemistry exams, study groups and rotations, Sara made a lot of really great friends during pharmacy school at Drake University. So the night before she left for a pharmacy rotation in Belize, her friends gathered to celebrate and wish her the best of luck in Central America. ft. Drinks were had. Laughter ensued. And just as the evening was about to end, a kissed was shared with David, a friend from her program. Neither of them knew what the kiss meant at that moment, but they both agreed it would forever change the trajectory of their relationship.

Once Sara was back in Iowa, David asked her out on a date. The two shared a meal, great conversation, and the start of something special. Their relationship began amidst rotations, and their schedules had them in completely different cities, however this didn’t dissuade Sara and David. Instead, a long distance relationship became the norm as they finished up the last of their pharmacy rotations and promised that they would be in the same city soon enough.

As they applied (and competed) for jobs after graduation, they had one goal :  to work in the same city so they could begin this new chapter together. They were delighted when they both received job offers in the same city – and even more thrilled when they were from the same hospital.

Sara and David made the LONG drive down from Green Bay to meet with me at Independence Grove in Libertyville for their engagement session.

The weather was just as beautiful as the surroundings.

It was the first time meeting Sara and David in person, as I had only chatted with Sara on the phone, however I felt like I was hanging out with friends as we wandered around the forest preserve.

They are planning their May wedding at Oak Hill Farm in  Galena, and I couldn’t be more excited to photograph their wedding day.

Sara and David work at the same hospital together, so they were excited to both have the day off together.

Just gorgeous, Sara.

Candid moments are my favorite.

Especially when they are as sweet as this.

The afternoon light was just dreamy …

I love it when my clients humor me and act super playful for my camera.

And I’ll leave you with this one … because it was one of the last shots of the session … and one of my favorites. :)