Nicole + Gabe always knew they wanted their engagement session at their home in Barrington. Although they had spent some time living in Chicago, their new house outside of the city had become a true paradise for the couple.

Their Story

They first met when Gabe was working at the Oakbrook Binny’s Beverage Depot and Nicole was coming on as a sales rep for Heritage Wine Cellars. Gabe was immediately taken by Nicole’s charm and intelligence but Nicole wanted no part in Gabe’s unmistakably Leo antics. Several years went by as they continued to follow each other’s lives on social media. One day, Gabe finally commented on a post Nicole shared related to Harry Potter. Banter ensued and they came together around their shared passion for wine and the nerdier things in life like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the whimsy of the outdoors.

They began dating right around the time Nicole moved into her first condo in Chicago where Gabe was already living. Nicole says it was proximity to Gabe’s work, but Gabe maintains that he wanted to spend all of his time with Nicole. He therefore rarely left her little 1-bedroom condo on Terra Cotta Street. They decided to move in together the last week of February 2020. Gabe left for a work trip to Argentina the following day and came back to his new home one week before the pandemic took full effect. And there they navigated the trials of lockdown, the new waters of living with a partner, and learning more about each other as they fell more and more in love.

Engagement Session in Barrington

We started their session at their favorite restaurant, Gigi Wine Bar & Bistro in downtown Barrington. Since they are regulars, the folks there were glad to have us spend time taking photos before they opened for dinner. Once we were done there we made our way over to the couple’s house. Complete with an impressive interior design aesthetic, Nicole + Gabe’s home was the perfect backdrop for photos. The couple created a fun itinerary for their engagement session, highlighting some of the things they enjoy doing together at home. These included reading, baking, eating at their breakfast table, spending time outside, and working on their garden. And of course, a wine glass was never too far away.

I’m SO looking forward to their wedding later this summer!