There are some couples who make you feel like you’ve known them forever, and that’s exactly how I felt spending the evening with Luci and Joe at Cantigny!

From the moment we started their engagement session, these two giggled through our time together. It was just another reminder that the best photos happen when couples simply enjoy being together. We had so much fun wandering through Cantigny, and honestly, it felt like the perfect location for them. With beautiful gardens, scenic pathways, and plenty of room to explore, it reflected so much of what they love most: spending time outdoors and making memories together.

October has always been a meaningful month in their story. They first started dating in October, and ever since, they’ve celebrated their anniversary by taking a trip together somewhere new. Their most recent anniversary adventure took them to Sedona, Arizona, where Joe proposed during a sunset hike surrounded by the stunning red rock landscape. It truly sounds like something straight out of a movie! It couldn’t have been a more fitting proposal for a couple who loves being outside and experiencing new places together.

Now they’re counting down to their fall 2026 wedding at Bloomingdale Golf Club. Not only is the venue close to home, but it also holds personal significance for Luci, making it an easy choice for their celebration. I already know it’s going to be a beautiful time of year for their wedding, especially with the cozy atmosphere they’ve envisioned. Think candlelit spaces, rich autumn colors, lots of laughter, and a packed dance floor. They described themselves as “more fun than fancy,” and after spending time with them, I can absolutely confirm that.

One of my favorite parts of our session actually happened at the end of our time together. We spent time chatting about their wedding day and what photography means to them. They shared how overwhelming the search for a wedding photographer felt, which is something I hear from so many couples. Finding someone you trust to document one of the most important days of your life is a big decision.

Hearing them talk about wanting photos that capture not only the major moments but also the spontaneous in-between memories reminded me exactly why I love what I do. Wedding photography is personal. It requires trust. It allows me to step into some of the most meaningful moments in a couple’s life. I absolutely never take that responsibility lightly!

What makes their story even more special to me is that Luci and Joe were the very first client call I had after welcoming our son Hudson in December. I remember getting off that call and feeling so grateful the timing aligned just perfectly.

By the end of their engagement session, I felt like I knew them so much better! That’s one of the reasons I love engagement sessions so much. When the wedding day arrives, I’m not showing up as a stranger with a camera. Instead, it feels more like an old friend walking through the door, ready to celebrate alongside them.

Luci and Joe, thank you for trusting me with such an important season of your lives! I already know your October wedding is going to be beautiful, and I cannot wait to capture it!

Jillian Photography is a Chicagoland wedding & senior photographer serving Naperville, St. Charles, and beyond. Get in touch with Jill here & follow along on social for what’s happening behind the scenes!

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