She was a freshman in college at Indiana’s DePauw University. He was the cute math major at a fall fraternity party. Shelby and Brian met that night and fell into easy conversation. The next day, Brian called Shelby to ask her out. She was floored he had called and not texted, and she accepted. While there was an undeniable connection, they didn’t date seriously at that time. They kept in touch, and two years later Shelby and Brian felt a familiar attraction and ease. They started dating again, this time long distance as Brian had graduated. They talked for hours each night, made each other mix CD’s and counted down the days until they would see each other next. They were drawn to each other in a way that neither had felt before, and Shelby and Brian soon knew their love was a lasting one.

Shelby warmth and easy way of connecting with people is something Brian really admires about her. She is thoughtful, asks intuitive questions, listens well, and sets people at ease. He loves the look of sheer delight that crosses her face sometimes as they hold hands and talk, her shoulders lowered with a signature smile on her face. Shelby cherishes Brian’s quiet manner, his selflessness and dedication, and his determination and ability to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. He is witty and disarming, and often makes her laugh when he randomly breaks out in song. “No matter how cranky or stressed I am when I come home from work or school, he can always make me feel better instantly,” Shelby says.

I could hardly wipe the smile off my own face as I got to witness and capture their devotion. Shelby and Brian are so many things I adore about couples in love: affectionate, playful, warm, and full of so much life.

We started with a cocktail and then wandered over to the Wrigley Building, one of my favorite engagement session locations in Chicago! We finished as the sun was setting behind the always stunning skyline at Olive Park. I’m so glad Shelby was able to wear her flirty, feminine purple dress- this warm autumn weather has been such a gift!

Shelby and Brian, thank you for spending the evening with me, and many thanks to Lauren Housley of Ryan Alexander Events for connecting us.  I truly cannot wait for their beautiful wedding next year at the Chicago Athletic Association!