Whenever a couple wants to take photos downtown, I almost ALWAYS recommend doing an Art Institute Engagement Session in the South Garden. It’s kept up for most of the year (very well, in fact). If you go at the right time during the week there are very few other people to in the park. Many public outdoor spaces have closed due to the pandemic, so we were lucky to find that this gorgeous location was open after all!

The Autumn Weather Was on Our Side

I met up with Taylor + Rudy later in the afternoon. The sun wasn’t too low but also not bearing down on us. It’s important to take skyscrapers into account when photographing downtown because the sun often hides behind buildings. The day couldn’t have been nicer and the weather was absolutely perfect. Plus, the leaves had started changing, creating a colorful backdrop for us.

We played around the Art Institute South Garden, taking advantage of the fact that we were it’s only occupants. Both Taylor + Rudy wore black, which contrasted against the stunning foliage and made our session look like something straight out of Vogue. We were all smiling the entire time and the session truly seemed like a dream!

Continuing Our Session in the Loop

After finishing in the Art Institute South Garden, we ventured over to the Chicago Board of Trade building to capture that *classic* dip-pic in in the street. Folks aren’t allowed to park on the streets closest to the building itself, allowing for cleaner shot (not easy to do in a city!). After that epic photo we had just enough time to stroll over to the Riverwalk, where the trees are an UNREAL shade of orange. Even Bentley the pup joined us for a couple of photos (if you have a dog and don’t bring them to your engagement session then I will be very sad). With a stunning Taylor + Rudy dressed to the nines on a spectacular fall day, this session truly blew me away. I love a good Art Institute Engagement session, especially in October!