They went to college together.  Well, sort of. They went to the same college, at the same time.  They walked the same streets, maybe even sat in the same chairs.  They shared a parking lot at some point, and they may have even parked next to each other, or given a little casual hello while passing each other in the lot (they are both that kind of person, the kind that still does a little smile and hello as they pass even a stranger).  But they didn’t know each other. Not yet.

They left Michigan for college, and went to separate states and jobs and lives, not even knowing that each other existed.  But hoping- hoping to find their match for life.  And one day at a party of a mutual friend, it happened.  They finally met.  And after a little convincing on Alex’s part, Jennifer was his, and they would never pass each other without knowing again.

Jennifer contacted me saying she had been following me and my work for a while after I photographed a mutual friend in the Chicago suburbs.  She said she had known for a long time that I had to photograph their wedding, and I was so honored- and smitten with her!  And as we began planning, I knew this suburban wedding next summer was going to be so special to me. Jennifer and Alex drove down to Springfield on a little adventure for this session, and it was freezing and windy and cloudy, and I didn’t even notice for a second because Jennifer and Alex were such warm people!  Their love was absolutely beautiful to witness, and I loved my time with them. Meet Jennifer and Alex:

Loved her ring!!This smile on the right of Jennifer’s, the nose scrunched full face laugh, was my favorite. And you will see that joy often throughout the slideshow! It is beautiful!

We had to take a few pictures with some various Lincoln posts throughout our journey- one on the right, and more to come! They just have fun together!And then, one cue and 10 minutes before darkness, the sun came out and lit the sky in total beauty. It was perfect, and I was so glad it happened at this session!Favorite!!

Jennifer and Alex, thank you SO much for choosing me and coming down here for your session! I hope you love these favorites of mine, and I am so excited to share your beautiful love here!

If you loved this engagement session, you may also love this outdoor winter engagement session!