There’s something special about Chicago engagement photos…not just in the city itself, but in the charming North Shore suburbs where nature, history, and elegance meet. For Heather + Rob, their Chicago engagement session unfolded in two stunning Lake Forest locations: first at Elawa Gardens, surrounded by statues, tall Italian-style trees, and blooming flowers, and later at a quiet stretch of Lake Michigan for intimate Chicago beach engagement photos.

Heather & Rob’s Love Story

Every set of Chicago engagement pictures feels even more meaningful when paired with a love story years in the making. Heather and Rob first met back on May 11, 2014, at a hometown party, she was friends with the younger brother, and Rob was friends with the older brother. Over the years, their paths kept crossing through mutual friends until Rob reached out again after moving home from New York during the pandemic.

Their first date was the kind you don’t forget. They started at Kamehachi in Old Town, toasting with shots of Japanese whiskey, before heading to Topo Gigio, a cozy Italian favorite with an outdoor courtyard, where they shared plates of pasta and wine. The night ended with an unexpected twist: Rob had bought tickets to Zanies Comedy Club, but after missing the entry time, they wandered into an Irish pub instead, proof that the best dates don’t need to go as planned.

The proposal was just as magical. In fall of 2025, during a Columbus Day weekend trip to Québec City, Rob surprised Heather with a quiet moment in a park near the historic Citadelle. With a breathtaking view of the Château Frontenac in the background, he asked her to marry him. It was private, peaceful, and unforgettable, one of those moments that felt like it belonged only to them.

Lake Forest Engagement Photos in a Romantic Garden

The first half of Heather and Rob’s romantic garden engagement session took place at Elawa Gardens in Lake Forest, an estate setting perfect for Chicago suburb engagement photos. Rows of tall Italian-inspired trees created a dramatic backdrop, while statues and garden paths added a distinctly European feel. With blooming flowers in every direction, the space felt both timeless and whimsical.

It’s easy to see why Chicago garden engagement photos are so popular here, the setting mixes elegance with intimacy, offering a unique alternative to city skylines or urban backdrops. Heather and Rob laughed, explored, and embraced the quiet beauty of the gardens, creating images that felt both editorial and deeply personal.

Lake Michigan Engagement Photos on a Private Beach

After the gardens, Heather and Rob shifted their Chicago engagement session to a private Lake Forest beach. The location couldn’t have been more picturesque: soft sand, blue water stretching endlessly, and large rocks along the shoreline. It was the perfect place for playful, carefree photos, proof that Lake Michigan engagement photos can be both elegant and fun.

As the sun dipped lower, these Chicago beach engagement photos captured Heather and Rob’s joy in a natural, relaxed setting. The contrast between the garden estate and the lakeshore gave their gallery a variety of textures and moods, all tied together by their connection.

Why Chicago Engagement Photos in the Suburbs Shine

When people think of Chicago engagement photos, they often imagine the downtown skyline. But the truth is, the suburbs (especially Lake Forest and the North Shore) offer some of the most unique and breathtaking backdrops. From European-inspired estates like Elawa Gardens to hidden beaches along Lake Michigan, Chicago suburb engagement photos create a balance of elegance and authenticity.

Celebrating their engagement in Lake Forest was just the beginning. Heather and Rob will tie the knot next year at Armour House, a sister venue of Elawa Gardens, and it promises to be just as stunning!

If you’re dreaming of your own Lake Forest engagement photos or planning a Chicago wedding, I’d love to tell your story through timeless, playful, and heartfelt images. Whether it’s a romantic garden engagement session or Chicago beach engagement photos on the shores of Lake Michigan, the suburbs have endless beauty to offer. Get in touch here: https://hayleymoore.com/connect