It has been so many emails back and forth before Dena and Chris and I finally got to really meet. You see, Dena, and I met for a hot moment at her sister, Marisa and future-brother-in-law’s engagement party last August. I photographed Marisa and Ryan’s proposal and engagement session, and Dena loved the photos so much she booked me without even meeting.

So when their engagement session finally happened, I was beyond excited. Dena and Chris are not super traditional, so I knew that they would be up for something different … something a little more edgy  … more rock and roll. So that is exactly what we did. We headed to this amazing location in Chicago to capture their love story and their family.

Dena met Chris while working as a cocktail waitress almost 8 years ago. They had mutual friends in common, and when they both saw each other in the bar … they were both intrigued. So they started talking which led to hanging out and then dating. Dena was smitten with Chris’ funny personality and his passion for music (he is a drummer who has toured the US with the band Treaty of Paris). And Chris was infatuated with Dena’s energy and her beautiful smile. They both thought the other was about 21 … when in reality they were 8 years apart. But age didn’t matter because what they found in each other was just what the other was looking for … and so began their relationship.

These two will marry next June (which cannot come soon enough!), and I am beyond excited to document their big day. I’ve already asked … a couple times … if Chris will play the drums at the reception … so this is another attempt to make this happen. :)

These two are so sweet towards one another. It is clear to anyone around them that they found their perfect match.

There was a LOT of kissing during our session. Dena joked that she hadn’t kissed Chris that much in years … but I know they both loved it. :)

This is one of my favorites from our shoot … I caught them in the moment when they were trying to give me their serious faces … but found it just too funny.

This graffiti wall in Chicago was so perfect for their session. I nearly died when I found it before the session. Thank you location lords!

Dena and Chris have the cutest, cutest (did I say cutest?!) daughter Kayden. Kayden wasn’t too sure about getting her picture taken at first, but by the end of the session she had the sassiest little poses and was giving me directions. So stinkin’ cute! I was so happy that I was able to document not only Chris and Dena but the most important lady in their lives.

This is one of my favorites … who wouldn’t want a photo like this?

This old train car was just around the corner from our location … and when we went to shoot on it there was the most beautiful light … oh my … how amazing is this afternoon sun. Swoon….

To see even more from Dena + Chris’ urban Chicago engagement session, click the link or watch the slideshow below.