West Loop and North Avenue | Chicago Wedding Photographer

The West Loop and North Avenue Beach in Chicago are two of my favorite spots. The city streets in West Loop and then the water and skyline at North Avenue Beach provides beautiful scenery for engagement portraits. Taylor and Jock’s engagement session started in the West Loop where they live. We walked around their neighborhood along with their sweet St. Bernese Mountain Dog, Hank, who happened to LOVE the fries I used as a bribe! Even without the fries, Hank was so well behaved and photogenic.

Chicago West Loop and North Avenue Engagement Session

engaged couple walk across street in Chicago's west loop

As we finished our tour around West Loop, Taylor and Jock did a quick outfit change and enjoyed a glass of wine at The Hoxton before we headed to North Avenue Beach. Her dress was perfection and looked stunning with the water and the Chicago skyline lighting the background. We stayed until the last bit of sun was present, making the most of the golden hour. It is always such a treat to see the beautiful glow of the city skyline.

West Loop and North Avenue Engagement Session

Taylor and Jock are a gorgeous couple with such chemistry. For their session, it was important to them to have authentic photos that were authentic to them with clean and classic editing. I made sure to deliver just that, which was easy as they flowed in and out of poses effortlessly with little direction from me. They lit up in each other’s presence – it was truly heartwarming to watch them together.

timeless engagement portraits at North Avenue Beach in Chicago

The couple met at a University of Illinois reunion. Taylor attended her reunion with some of her university friends. One of her friends lived with Jock at the time in Madison, Wisconsin and had him tag along to the event. Taylor and Jock started talking at the reunion and hit it off instantly. He ended up coming to Chicago a few weeks later to visit her, and they made plans for their future together – the rest is history! It wasn’t long before his proposal, which took place in their neighborhood before their big trip together to Austria.

candid engagement portraits at North Avenue Beach

classic engagement portraits by Chicago engagement photographer Alex Ferreri

If their trip to Austria wasn’t any indication, they, like many of my couples, enjoy traveling. They often travel together on long weekend trips and prioritize a big trip every year. They also love good food experiences and love to track their Michelin stars.

Taylor and Jock’s engagement session was a beautiful prelude to their upcoming summer wedding at Revel Motor Row. As one of my 2024 couples, I can’t wait to photograph their stunning wedding day later this year!