I had the opportunity to shoot my first marriage proposal. Beau called and explained to me that he and his girlfriend, Amanda, were taking a trip to Chicago in a few days and he planned to propose to her while here. Beau flew in from Arkansas, and a few hours later, Amanda joined him from Washington, D.C. Beau wanted to propose that evening.

The plan was to follow them in stealth-mode from theWit Hotel to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (outdoor concert venue) at Millennium Park. The proposal was to occur in the open area between the seating and lawn. Beau would drop to his knee and I was to remain undercover until she said yes.

The challenge: it was dark, cold, drizzling, and we didn’t have the opportunity to rehearse.

Danialle (assistant) and I waited secretly in the lobby of theWit hotel for Beau and his soon-to-be fiancée to leave the hotel. Not having met either one beforehand, I had to rely on a photo of them and a brief description of what Beau would be wearing. We recognized Beau & Amanda – the chase was on. Fortunately, Amanda wore a bright red coat, which made tracking them amongst the downtown Chicago crowds A LOT easier.

We made our way to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Danialle and I tried to remain at a safe distance, convinced that our cover had been blown. The area was people-less and we had no way to blend-in. Danialle and I stood there for what seemed like forever and thought maybe Beau had changed his mind and wanted us to back off. So, we backed off. And about that time Beau dropped to his knee. I hauled ass to get closer.

She said YES!

Earlier this month I had the great pleasure of photographing my friends for their recent engagement.

I have known Anna since she was in elementary school, as her two brothers have been friends of mine for several years. Plus, Anna’s dad was the neighborhood mailman and officiant for my wedding – 11 years ago this month. I was introduced to Nick during one of Anna’s visits to Chicago a few years ago when she would come to visit her brothers.

Anna and Nick traveled to Chicago from Indianapolis, Indiana for the e-session. We began near Montrose Park next to Lake Michigan, walked to the beach, traversed to Wicker Park, and ended in another park on the the north side of Chicago, near Lincoln Square.

Enjoy!

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Chadd Foy | Contact Me | Twitter | Facebook

This is Gretchen and Justin, and they’re getting hitched this coming March, in New Orleans.

Gretchen and Justin both work with my wife, Danialle. Danialle’s wedding gift to them was an engagement photography session with her über-awesome photographer/husband (ahem!). We started the e-session (that’s what the cool kids call it these days) in downtown Chicago and ended-up in the West Loop – Chicago’s meat packing district.

Thanks to Gretchen & Justin for willfully allowing me to drag you two all over Chicago.

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Chadd Foy | Contact Me | Twitter | Facebook