Hayley + Mike booked me for their sunrise engagement pictures in Chicago, and I instantly fell in love with them! They moved to Chicago from St. Louis, Missouri three years ago, and were referred to me by a friend of a friend. Engagement photos were a priority for them, and they're having their wedding in St. Louis next summer. They’re both morning people, so when I suggested a sunrise session they were all for it! We met up for a North Avenue Beach sunrise engagement session - and it was AMAZING.
Chicago has so many amazing spots for photographs, and North Avenue Beach is definitely one of them! There are beautiful cityscapes, bright blue water, and a long, quiet beach (well, in the morning anyways).
After they had initially reached out, we started chatting back and forth and followed each other on Instagram. I noticed after a while that they posted a lot of photos and selfies wearing sunglasses, so I thought it would be cute to do some photos of them in their sunglasses during their session. I suggested they bring them, even though it would barely be bright enough to need them - LOL.
Hayley + Mike showed up at the crack of dawn for our shoot. They were wearing the perfect casual outfits that complimented the beautiful blue of the water and the pinky tones of the sunrise. Oh, and they also brought CHAMPAGNE to pop - at like, 6am. Love them! It was such a good idea, and made for some super fun photos!
Keep scrolling to see more fun, colorful photos of Hayley + Mike's North Avenue Beach Chicago sunrise engagement pictures!




Chicago Sunrise Engagement Pictures



Chicago Sunrise Engagement Photographer









They weren’t lying when they said they were morning people! Hayley + Mike were both so happy and cheerful the entire time. We walked along the water’s edge while the sun came up, and gulls were flying everywhere while wind kept whipping Hayley’s hair around. Mike kept making her laugh, which I loved! I always have a good time with my couples, but Hayley + Mike were so much fun and totally down for anything I suggested. They are SO sweet together!
I know not everyone is an early bird, but if you're down for sunrise engagement photos, it makes for the most epic + colorful photos! It's also a great way to avoid big crowds.





Chicago Sunrise Engagement Photographer


I had contacted Plein Air Flowers in Chicago ahead of time and got them to make Hayley a colorful, pink bouquet for the beach photos. It turned out SO well!
I just had to take a few photos of Hayley’s engagement ring on top of the bouquet, because it was INCREDIBLE. Mike picked out the perfect, most beautiful ring - *ahem - future fiancé of mine, take note!*



Mike + Hayley goofed around on the beach for a few minutes, playing and laughing. Before we got ready to pack in it for the day, I got them to walk hand in hand along the water. The sun was just doing her thing behind them, casting the most amazing pinks and blues on the sky.



Chicago Sunrise Engagement Photographer
