I was so lucky to get to meet Patrick & Olivia on a beautiful spring day in Chicago at Lincoln Park. I was nervous when the day started out so grey, windy and cold. I did not want the weather to ruin the high hopes I had for this session! Luckily as I arrived the sun was peeking out of the clouds and the wind seemed to die down.
We decided on the Lincoln Park area because there are endless opportunities for gorgeous city views, beautiful garden vibes, and even interesting architecture. These two dealt with all my geeking out as we were shooting because I was just SO DANG EXCITED!
These two are naturally beautiful and know how to just fall into a pose, they really needed NO guidance because they just knew what was perfect. As easy as that made my job, the real joy I got out of the time spent together was watching the love they share. They are genuine and caring, and just really love hard. Which is such an amazing thing to watch. They could rock the “gaze into each others eyes and think about the future” just as easily as they just laughed at each other. I truly had the best time hanging out with them.
Olivia and Patrick met their senior year at Northern Illinois University, and just knew they were meant to be. And after hanging out with them for a few hours, I absolutely agree. They are both go with the flow and so kind. Poor Patrick, I called him Josh approximately 30 times and he just didn’t care at all! I was MORTIFIED!!! They gave me grace and just laughed it off. To be fair, we had just been talking about his proposal story at the Joshua Tree. And for the rest of the session, I went back and forth on what his name was. Gosh, how embarrassing.
They both love national parks, traveling, live music and riding their bikes. Also, they think pasta is the best way to end a great day- and they are ABSOLUTELY right. Also, they have plans to end up in Colorado some day- I hope I get to work with them again someday!
Here is a little bit more about each of them and their love story!
What are your occupations?
Olivia is in sales/customer service and Patrick is in Finance
How did you two meet?
We met out at College (Northern Illinois University ) our senior year at a mutual friends apartment.
How would you describe yourself?
Patrick is very extrovert who loves to make others laugh till their sides hurt, Olivia has a very caring nature and loves helping others and being the ‘problem solver’
Tell me one fun fact about you and your partner.
We LOVE national parks, it was our first vacation together(road trip to Grand Canyon from Chicago), where he proposed (Joshua Tree) and where we want to get married (Zion National Park. We want to visit every National Park in the US.
What is one of your favorite memories together?
The first “I love you” was in Patricks college apartment. We had been dating a month and I had just finished eating dinner I made us so he could finish homework before we went out for the evening and after the meal just resting on the couch he blurts it out and without a second of hesitation I said it back as well and we felt so sure and right it was magic.
Tell me your love story
We met at Northern Illinois University before the semester started, and spent the first semester getting to know each other and spending time together.
How did the proposal happen?
Patrick proposed on our 3 year anniversary in Joshua Tree, he set up his phone to take photos of us and turned around and got down on one knee, a photographer popped out and captured the whole thing!! It was also snowing that day and just magical.
What are some activities that you both enjoy doing?
We LOVE National Parks and love riding our bikes. Live music is a huge passion of ours as well, we hit usually 15 live shows a summer and 20+ in a calendar year.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and names?
No pets yet, but we plan to get a Corgi once we have our first house!
Where are your hometowns?
Olivia’s is Wheaton, IL and Patrick’s is Caramel, IN
What is your idea of your perfect day together?
Sleeping in, making a big breakfast at home, spending the day outside in the sunshine, and ending the day with pasta and meatballs with a movie.
Without further ado, here are just some of their photos from their session! Enjoy!
Thanks again guys for hanging out with me! I can’t wait to hear all about your wedding next April! Congratulations again!
xoxoxoxoxoxo- Brenda
