Lighting was striking, the thunder was heavy.  Rain was falling like a million angry droplets.  A feeling of disappointment flooded over me (no pun intended) as I realized that my session with Antonia & Roosevelt very well may be postponed.  The ground was soaking wet, the sky was a thick layer of fog, the sun struggling to show itself. 

And then, a miracle happened.  The rain stops, the clouds begin to seperate, and not only does the sun peer out, but it floods with thick golden rays. Something photographers refer to as warm light. It pours through the trees just begging to be photographed, and leaves me feeling so inspired. 

Antonia & Roosevelt arrive at the location, and not only do the two of them look flawless, but they show up with some of the most charming props I’ve seen in my career.  Personalized so perfectly, and custom made for two people who were clearly, made for each other..

She knew he was the one, and he knew she was forever.  His pockets were always empty, no ring in sight. Antonia made sure to give him a non-chalant pat down before every outing ;)  After six years of dating and exchanges of their hopes and dreams of one day becoming a family, Roosevelt knew it was going to take more than an extravagent night out to throw off his soon to be wife. 

While venturing back from a night out with friends, hair blowing feircly from the windows being rolled down in the cab and pajamas in their very near future, Antonia & Roosevelt settled on ice-cream to go on their balcony that so perfectly overlooked Soldier Field.  This being the place that they first became official, the place where they had many moments together as a couple, the place that represents their past, present and future as a unit, and the place where within moments.. they would become engaged, Roosevelt knew that this moment was his to seize.  Down on one knee, he asked her to be his. Forever.

Meet: Antonia & Roosevelt…

Some fun shots to highlight this gorgeous ring which was custom designed…

She saw him from across the room. His beaming smile that reached from ear to ear stopped her in her tracks almost immediately; making her question, “who is that?“  

A couple of years passing, both students at University of Southern Florida, and only now does she see this face at their mutual Business Fraternity meeting.  She’s determined, she has a plan, and while it’s not recommended to date within the business fraternity, she can’t help it. She’s drawn to him.

There isn’t much else to say. There are no fill the blanks. No “girl chases boy, and then boy chases girl.”  Because from the moment that Kelly and Jon met, they knew.  A relationship progressed and quickly turned into something real. Something permanent and unbreakable. Comfortable and forgiving.  Their relationship turned into a partnership, built on love and reliability.

Distance became a factor, considering Kelly took a job back in Chicago while Jon stood steady in his home state of Florida.  Visits were a mandatory monthly occasion, each taking turns until the two could no longer tolerate the space between miles.  Their love was strong, but they wanted the privilege of building a life together, side by side. Who can fault them for that?  After years apart, Jon knew that it was time for a change. To break free from all that he knew and try on those brutal Chicago winters for size, all in the name of love.  He packed his bags and boarded a one-way flight, knowing that the prize at the end of the terminal gate would reassure him that he’s never been more right. This one way ticket was about to change his life. 

Kelly and Jon began settling into their new life together as city love-birds. Unpacking and meshing their lives. No doubt going through duplicates of their DVDs and kitchen utensils. “But baby, we already have pots and pans..” After a productive day, Jon asked Kelly to take a walk.  Un-alarmed and more than willing to walk arm and arm with the man she loves, she agreed.  Within moments, Jon was overflowing with words – doing his best to describe the kind of love that Kelly had filled his life with. Assuming this was all coming from a place of excitement for his recent move less than 24 hours ago, you can imagine her surprise when she turned around to find him on one knee. Eyes locked right on hers. A ring unlike any other.

He wanted her. Only her. For the rest of his life.

Meet, Kelly & Jon.

We ventured over to 12th Street beach for a little wine picnic…

 

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