Engagement sessions offer a unique opportunity to capture the essence of a couple's love story before they embark on their journey as husband and wife. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the delightful engagement session of Giana and Ryne.
When reviewing Giana and Ryne's questionnaire, I discovered their shared love for baseball and that they have two adorable dogs! Although we were not able to incorporate those elements into the shoot it did help inspire the casual vibe of the session. I also noticed they have a love of breweries. Inspired by their vibrant personalities, we decided to incorporate a local tap house into their engagement session. Since their wedding venue was in Elgin, we planned to begin our session in South Elgin and then explore the picturesque town of Elgin after to capture additional moments.
I quickly searched for some local bars/breweries and sadly they all seemed to close too early or open too late. Then I found Raptor Tap House in South Elgin. I'm not sure how I didn't know about this place since it's 5 minutes from my home, but it was the exact vibe I was looking for! I reached out to Raptor Tap House. Their kind and enthusiastic response immediately confirmed that we had made the right choice. The staff at Raptor TapHouse graciously offered their space for our engagement session, creating a warm and welcoming environment for Giana and Ryne.
We kicked off the engagement session at Raptor TapHouse, immersing ourselves in the rustic yet modern ambiance of the tap house. Against the backdrop of gleaming taps, and wooden tables, I captured Giana and Ryne's radiant smiles and lighthearted interactions. Their genuine connection and infectious laughter made it evident that they were each other's best friends.
Following the delightful time spent at Raptor TapHouse, we embarked on an adventure to capture more memorable moments in Elgin. Our next destination was the scenic Walton Island Park, a lush green oasis nestled along the Fox River. The park provided a picturesque backdrop for Giana and Ryne's engagement photos, with its charming bridges and vibrant foliage.
Additionally, we took advantage of Elgin's rich history and explored some historic buildings. Giana and Ryne's playful interactions against the backdrop of these historical gems created a wonderful contrast that beautifully showcased their love and connection.
