They both knew of each other, but they didn’t know each other…yet. David and Karen hung out in the same circle of friends, but it wasn’t until Karen was persuaded into celebrating a friend’s birthday in Chicago over four years ago that she really talked to David. However, Karen still had a month left of school to finish at Northern Illinois, so the distance did not allow the two to get into a relationship right away. It wasn’t until the week before Karen’s college graduation, when David visited her at school with two of their mutual friends that the sparks went off between them. It was official. Karen and David started dating.

Karen is bubbly, care-free and at times, a complete goofball. David is patient, loyal and somewhat of a romantic. They compliment each other perfectly. The yin to the other’s yang. Over the years, the two traveled have to Riviera Maya, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and Breckenridge together. Snowboarding. Hiking. Biking. Exploring. Always by the other’s side.

They still act like teenagers in love for the first time. Catching glances of each other across the room. Sneaking little kisses when no one is looking. Holding hands down the street. Their love is contagious.

Karen and David will marry at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in River Forest in October. We met in downtown St. Charles for their engagement sessions, and I couldn’t have had more fun with this adorable, fun-loving couple. Here are a few of my favorites……