When Jackie first contacted me about getting some photos taken, she prefaced that it would just be a couple’s session. Her and her boyfriend Marcin weren’t engaged, they were just moving to Seattle soon and wanted some photos of them in Chicago before they left. By the end of their Lincoln Park Chicago proposal, however, Jackie left with something quite beautiful and shiny on her left hand!

Their Story

“We met while doing Martial Arts,” Jackie told me. “It was a social gym with classes a couple times a week and we both kept staring at the other one. Eventually after a couple awkward training sessions, we ran into each other on the CTA and it was all downhill from there!”

The Proposal

We met up on an incredibly warm and sunny Sunday evening at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Since it was an 80 degree Spring weekend, almost all of Chicago was out enjoying the sunshine. Jackie and Marcin both looked ready for the summer weather! We played around for a bit while I snagged some cute portraits. At one point, I suggested that the couple stand in one place while I photographed them from across the pond. There were smiles, some giggles, all that good stuff. And then out of nowhere, Marcin GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND PROPOSED! Normally, during a proposal, I know it’s going to happen and the person being proposed-to is the only one who is surprised. I was practically SCREAMING I was so excited! It was at that point that our Lincoln Park couple’s session turned into a Lincoln Park Chicago proposal & engagement session!

Lakefront Photos

We then turned our sights toward the lake, which conveniently was only a block away. Golden hour was shining in all of its glory and we took advantage of the light as we walked. The lawn was scattered with like-minded folks who were soaking up the sun. After some cute waterfront shots, we picked a spot where we could do a fun champagne spray. Side note: I realized later that evening that when they initially brought the bubbly in the beginning of the session, I should have known that SOMEONE was up to SOMETHING. Not even Jackie made that connection!

There was a clink, a toast, then a chug. We couldn’t stop smiling! After taking a couple more lakeside shots, I walked them back to their apartment (which, again, was conveniently super close). The hour we spent together flew by and I could not WAIT to share these photos with Jackie + Marcin. I mean, LOOK HOW CUTE THEY ARE! Also I love proposals, and the fact that I didn’t even know it was going to happen made it so much fun. For the record I definitely prefer to know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly, but it’s nice to be on my toes every now and then. As far as this Lincoln Park Chicago proposal, I think it went amazingly well! :)

After I delivered the photos to the newly engaged couple, Jackie had some really kind words about the experience:

“I was really hoping for some photos for my boyfriend to remember Chicago by. We are moving in just one month and it all happened so fast, I wanted something special that would stay with us forever. Coming out of our Sunday shoot with Madi we have all the photos and more; memories of such an awesome experience and a surprise engagement caught on camera! Memories that will 100% last just as long as the photos themselves. I can’t stop staring at the beautiful images and can’t wait to find an occasion to work with Madi again.”

Girl, neither can I! MAZEL TOV JACKIE + MARCIN!