Romance in Chicago: The Engagement Session of Carolyn & Elliot

Some love stories seem destined from the very beginning, and for Carolyn and Elliot, fate had a funny way of bringing them together. Although they grew up just 15 minutes apart in their hometown, the pair didn't meet until they both transferred to Michigan State University during their sophomore year. What started as a chance encounter at a party quickly turned into an unforgettable night. "We ended up talking for six hours straight that night until it was morning!" Carolyn recalls. The connection was instant, but neither was in a rush to make things official. "We both loved playing the hard-to-get game for a few months and had so much fun chasing each other." Eventually, Elliot made the first move, and the rest is history! After graduation, the couple spent nearly three years navigating a long-distance relationship before finally reuniting and building a life together in Chicago.

While marriage was always part of the conversation, Carolyn knew better than to expect any details from Elliot regarding the proposal. He was determined to make it a complete surprise—and he succeeded! During a family trip to Costa Rica over the holidays, the couple stayed in a stunning Airbnb overlooking the ocean. Unknown to Carolyn, Elliot had spent hours coordinating the perfect moment with his family. "He had told me we were going to dinner early, so we got all dressed up," Carolyn shares. "Little did I know his family was preparing to take pictures and videos in the back of the house while the moment happened." As the sun set over the water, Elliot led Carolyn to a glass railing overlooking the ocean and got down on one knee. "The moment was absolute bliss and such a special surprise," says Carolyn. "He got super emotional and started tearing up and could barely make it past my name when he got down on one knee."

While Carolyn shared a few ring ideas with Elliot's sister, she ultimately left the final design decisions up to her future fiancé. Elliot selected a stunning princess-cut diamond set on a cathedral band with delicate diamonds surrounding the center stone. More importantly, he spent countless hours researching every detail to ensure it was exactly right! "What I love most about it is how many hours he spent researching it and how much thought he put into the ring, wanting to make it the absolute best for me," Carolyn says.

When it came time to choose an engagement photographer, Carolyn found the perfect fit at a bridal expo in Grand Rapids. "I loved the romantic and dramatic vibe of her photos and thought it captured our love well," she says. The location for the session was left entirely in the photographer's capable hands—and the result couldn't have been more meaningful. Set against the iconic Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan stretching into the distance, the engagement photos beautifully reflected the couple's journey! "The photos really set the vision of us finally starting our next chapter again in the same city after years of being apart doing long distance," Carolyn shares. "I love how the photos capture our love looking fierce and strong and braving any kind of storm."

As they look ahead to their wedding day, Carolyn already has a clear vision for the celebration. "I knew I wanted a more traditional and romantic vibe for the ceremony," she says. "Sometimes our love story feels like a rom-com and I truly want it to feel like a movie." While the ceremony will embrace timeless romance, guests can expect a reception full of energy, laughter and plenty of dancing. Like many couples, Carolyn has discovered that wedding planning comes with a few surprises—including finding a wedding dress that was completely different from what she originally imagined! "My dress is the complete opposite of what I had initially envisioned, but I am absolutely obsessed with it," she says. Despite the occasional stress that comes with planning a wedding, the experience has been one the couple has truly enjoyed. "I love planning and romanticizing the experience," Carolyn shares. "While stressful at times, we love finding ways to make the day unique and special to our relationship."

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