Tonya & Matt | Chicago River North | Engagement Session
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
There are two types of people when it comes to a certain haunted October holiday: those that pour their creative energies into coming up with the funniest, sexiest, or most innovative costumes…and those that just don’t care. Matt and Tonya are definitely the costume type. All the way. Which makes their meeting even more ironic. Tonya’s friends invited her out to a party a few days before Halloween. And so she came straight from work and showed up sans costume to the midweek party. Turns out she was the only one who wasn’t decked out that night. Well…except for Matt and the handful of friends he arrived with. So when he spotted the beautiful blonde across the room, he had the perfect opening. Soon they were laughing over drinks at their humorous faux pas, and the flames of a new relationship were sparked. The thing I love most about Matt and Tonya is that, while incredibly polished and completely gorgeous (Tonya actually models part-time), they truly know how to have fun….and above all, laugh at themselves. It’s this spunk and light-heartedness that will undoubtedly continue to keep their love fresh and alive for many years to come. We spent the afternoon a couple of weeks ago in River North and downtown photographing the joy of their engagement.
I kind of have this thing for bridges. I’m borderline obsessed with them. I get this euphoric kid-in-a-candy-store type of excitement, whether a structure as humble as my beloved Rochester bridge or as majestic as the Golden Gate bridge. And photographing such rugged aged beauty…..mmmm. Throw in a gorgeous, fun couple, and I am in photo heaven. Chicago certainly has no shortage of unique bridges. So when we made out way towards Wacker Drive after shooting various places on Chicago Avenue, I could hardly contain myself. Tonya and Matt were fabulous! As a model, Tonya has a bit of flair for the dramatic…and she knew how to work it. Always the perfect balance, Matt played along, and we were also able to catch some more candid moments between them.
Along the riverwalk, we caught one of the boat tours passing by in front of Merchandise Mart.
Another thing I just LOVE about Chicago is that in the midst of magnificent architecture, one can always find a pretty park and some greenery!
I feel so fortunate to have spent the afternoon in River North with Matt and Tonya, walking around the streets of Chicago, reveling in how wrapped up they were in one another. Thank you for allowing me a small glimpse into your lives for the day. Here’s to many more years of love, playfulness, and Halloween costumes!