Noelle and Chris are … well pretty awesome. Yes, I am starting this blog post with awesome. Besides the fact that I knew Noelle and I would be fast friends when we finally got to sit down and talk, I knew her and Chris were (and are) such an amazing duo. They are the type of couple, I do adore working with … and the type of couple I HAD to work with.

They met back in junior high school. Yes, they go back even further than high school sweethearts and that makes my heart flutter. Noelle and Chris went through all the challenges and bumps in the road that you do with a first love and best friend … only they began their relationship as “kids” …. and they conquered all the growing pains of young love together.

When Chris was ready to ask Noelle to spend forever at his side, he decided it should begin when it all started. They met at their childhood park, and Chris skated over on rollerblades, just as he had when they first met and got down on one knee. I mean, how sweet is that?!

I spent a perfect afternoon proving to them that they would not look awkward in their photos. We started the session near their apartment in Roscoe Village with their energetic puppy, and then headed to Lincoln Park just as the sun dipped behind the Chicago skyline. September cannot come soon enough for me to photograph them again.

This one is a total favorite … the ivy, the kiss … swoon.

Noelle’s ring was designed by Chris and includes her mom’s diamond. I love it when brides are able to work a family heirloom into their rings … especially when they are this gorgeous. 

I mean hello…. why they thought they would look awkward?! No one knows. Total naturals.  Another favorite …. right here.