Chicago in the summer is an incredible place to be. Each neighborhood offers it’s own unique charm and special feeling. Lincoln Park is no exception, containing the infamous Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. The surrounding area contains a gorgeous Lakefront, the country’s largest free zoo, and plenty of large parks. Many folks come from all over the city and all over the state to experience Lincoln Park’s exceptional beauty.

A Stunning Scene

The lush oasis sits right at the corner of Fullerton and North Cannon Drive. The garden entrance is so unassuming you might miss it if you walk by too quickly! But once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave. The lily pool itself is, of course, magical. In this photographer’s personal opinion, most of the allure comes from the dense forestry the encompasses the gated area. You’re truly able to be transported out of the urban life and into a small jungle. The winding, inviting pathways urge you to explore as your imagination runs as wild as the winding vines.

Our Fun Session

I met James + Christine at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in the middle of the day. Normally, the high-noon summer sun can be really intense. With the tree coverage, however, everything was perfectly cool. We also were blessed with a partly-cloudy day which ensured we wouldn’t have too many crazy shadows. The rain we received the day before made the gardens *extra* green for us that afternoon, so we were all excited to take some photos.

We followed the path around the pond as I snagged some cute shots. They were both constantly smiling, which definitely made my job easier! At one point they wanted to mimic James’ proposal, so we took a staged shot of him getting down on one knee. Immediately after Christine said, “I want to do it too!” So then SHE got down on one knee as well. Remember folks, ANYONE can propose! I also loved that James insisted on wearing an engagement ring as well. “Well it makes sense, right?” He said. “Women wear one, and I want to show my commitment as well.”

These two really have a beautiful partnership together and I just know James + Christine are going to have an incredible life together. They are so in love it’s stupid, and I had the best time capturing it all at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool on that beautiful June afternoon. Plus, James gave me some baked goods as a thank you! I was able to eat most of them when I got home before one of my cats got into the bag of goodies. :)