I met Jill and Tim for the first time over cocktails at Soho House on a gorgeous summer night. We chatted and laughed easily, and thirty minutes in, when were having so much fun that we hadn’t even opened a wedding album yet, I knew these two were special. And I just had to work with them. Thankfully, we did eventually get down to business, and after a wonderful evening together, they felt the same way! I’m so grateful to Melissa Samek of Clementine Custom Events for introducing us.

We could thank eHarmony for making Jill and Tim another online success story. But as those of us know who’ve tried to navigate the murky waters of online dating, increasing one’s odds of meeting “the one” online or through an app also increases one’s odds of kissing a lot of frogs in the process. So, to me, the majority of the credit really goes to these two for their patience, perseverance, skill, and intuition.

They decided to meet at The Gage for their first date. Lucky for Tim, he was very tall. And chivalrous. Jill really appreciated him opening the doors for her and making sure her heels didn’t get stuck in the street grates. And it didn’t hurt that he asked her out for a second date before the first one came to a close. Smooth. See, a gal really likes someone who knows what he or she wants and makes it clear. Lucky for Jill, she had a beautiful smile and was incredibly witty. And she actually looked just like her eHarmony pictures. Major points. Tim also noticed and thought highly of her great taste in restaurants. And lucky for both of them, within two months of dating, they realized they might never have to go on a first date again. Soon it became obvious they had truly found someone with whom they were better together.

“I wish I could say there was a specific moment when I knew I loved Tim or wanted to be his wife, but it’s really just a mix of so many moments, in both good times and bad, when we have been there to support each other,” says Jill. “We actually think we are going to inscribe [Better Together] inside our wedding bands.”

They were engaged six months ago when Tim created a scavenger hunt with clues around their condo. The hunt ended with Jill returning to the condo to find Tim on bended knee, dressed up, with lit candles, and playing their favorite song!

Jill and Tim love to travel, spend time with their sweet dog, and try new restaurants. This year they’ve gone to the Dominican Republic, Ireland, Turks & Caicos, and all over the United States. When they get a rare quiet night at home, they enjoy cuddling on the couch with a good movie and of course their rescue, Laney the Beagle.

Laney joined us at Humboldt Park for the first part of their Chicago engagement session, and I’m so glad to have met her! Tim is an architect, so we wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous columns at Lyric Opera and the view of the skyline at North Avenue Beach. Tim and Jill, thank you for such a wonderful time with both of you and for letting me capture your love. I am so excited for your wedding next year at The Rookery!