Capturing Love and City Magic: Andrew and Kendall's Romantic Engagement Session on the Riverwalk and at the Art Institute of Chicago

Morgan Reed
May 2
2 min read

From the moment Andrew and Kendall reached out to me about photographing their engagement and wedding photos, I felt an immediate connection that would make us the perfect fit to work together. Their vision for the images was clear: they wanted a moody, classic, and romantic aesthetic that would capture the essence of timeless love. Kendall said it best, "we want our wedding/engagement and therefore our photos to feel a Hozier song brought to life." They were truly speaking my language. In this post you will be able to take a peek at their stunning engagement session that took place on the Chicago Riverwalk and at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Romantic Setting of the Riverwalk

You know, the Riverwalk in Chicago is seriously one of the prettiest spots around. It’s got this perfect mix of nature and city vibes. So, on this particular day, the weather was a bit on the chilly side and kind of gloomy, with the sky all gray and draped like a cozy blanket. But honestly, that just made everything feel more romantic, especially for Andrew and Kendall as they strolled along hand in hand. As we walked through the city, there was this gentle drizzle falling, which added a dreamy touch to the whole scene.

A couple leans on a lamppost by a river in a cityscape. Foggy skyscrapers and a red bridge are in the background, creating a calm mood.

A couple smiles by a lamppost near a river, with city buildings and a bridge in the foggy background. She playfully lifts one leg.

A smiling couple in coats walks on a foggy city riverside near tall buildings. A bridge and lampposts create an urban backdrop.

A smiling couple walks outdoors. The man wears a brown coat, the woman a dark coat. Urban background with a bridge and lamppost.

A smiling couple walks arm in arm by a river. They're wearing coats, with a cityscape and bridge in the background. A sign reads "Wendella Boat Tours."

A smiling couple sits on a concrete ledge in a city setting, both wearing coats. The mood is warm and relaxed. Sparse winter foliage visible.

A couple sits close, smiling warmly at each other. One wears a tan coat, the other a dark coat. Background includes bare branches.

Couple laughing by a river under a bridge in a cityscape, with "DuSable Bridge" sign and "Chicago Tribune" building visible. Overcast mood.

Two people in coats run hand in hand along a riverside path, creating a playful mood. A bridge and water are in the blurred background.

A couple holding hands and smiling while walking on a riverside path under a bridge. They wear brown and dark coats, with a blurred background.

A couple stands by a river, wearing coats in neutral tones. The background shows a city building and the mood appears calm and content.

Man lifts a smiling woman in a joyful embrace. Both wear dark coats. Urban background is blurred, creating a warm, happy mood.

A man in a tan coat and a woman in a dark coat smile at each other by a riverside with buildings in the background, creating a warm mood.

Two people walk up a stone staircase with large buildings in the background. The scene is overcast, highlighting beige and gray tones.

Two people walking down a stone staircase, smiling at each other. The black-and-white image has an architectural background with pillar details.

A couple holds hands, smiling at each other while standing on stone stairs. They're dressed in winter coats with a foggy cityscape in the background.

Two people in coats walk up stone steps. One wears light jeans and black boots, the other in gray pants and brown boots. Urban setting.

A couple kisses on stone steps under a "Chicago Riverwalk" sign. Overcast setting, neutral-toned clothing, and a vintage lamp create a romantic mood.

A couple in coats smiles and holds hands on Chicago Riverwalk steps, under a blue sign. Overcast sky and vintage lamp posts set a romantic mood.

Couple smiling on a foggy city bridge, wearing coats; buildings in the background. The mood is romantic and cozy.

A couple stands on a foggy city balcony, warmly dressed in coats, gazing at each other affectionately. Skyscrapers loom in the background.

A couple standing close, gazing at each other with smiles. They're wearing warm coats, one beige and one dark gray, in a foggy urban setting.

A man and woman hold hands, smiling, in front of an ornate building. He wears a brown coat, and she wears a black coat and jeans.

Two people stand smiling in front of a building entrance with gold doors, labeled "400." The mood is warm and friendly.

Couple in coats walking arm-in-arm across a crosswalk in front of a Walgreens. Smiling, they share a moment in an urban setting.

Couple walking arm-in-arm on city street, wearing coats. Overcast sky, tall stone buildings in the background, and a black SUV nearby.

A couple smiling and embracing in a cityscape. The man wears a brown coat; the woman, a dark coat. Background features blurred buildings.

Couple sitting on a bench, embracing in an urban setting with tall buildings and bare trees. They wear winter coats and jeans. Mood is intimate.

A couple smiles at each other closely in an urban setting. The man wears a brown coat and the woman a dark one. Background is blurred.

A smiling couple in coats hugs on a foggy city bridge. Background features tall buildings, warm streetlights, and a stone railing.

First Meeting at the Art Institute of Chicago

One of my favorite parts of Andrew and Kendall's engagement session was their visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. This spot holds a special place in their love story because it’s where their friends first nudged them to hang out one-on-one. We had a blast wandering around the beautiful museum and snapping photos of their love in a place that means so much to them! This engagement session was truly so fun and I am so excited to share it all with you!