Some engagement sessions are extra special because of the couple. Others are extra special because of the history you share with them. Ashlee and Jacob’s engagement session was both.
I’ve known Ashlee for so many years, so getting to photograph this season of her life and be a small part of such an exciting chapter is incredibly meaningful to me. There’s something pretty amazing about watching someone you’ve known for years step into a completely new season, and I was so excited when I got to be the one behind the camera for their engagement photos.
And then there was Jacob, who fit right in with Ashlee’s fun personality. These two are just genuinely fun to be around, and that made their session so easy and enjoyable to photograph.
A morning engagement session at Lakeview Country Club
Our session took place at Lakeview Country Club, and we had so much variety to work with. Between the lake, tall grasses, beautiful trees, and the gorgeous tree-covered drive leading into the property, we were able to create a gallery that felt like a little bit of everything.
I'll admit, I was a little nervous going into this session because we scheduled it in the morning, which is something I don't do very often. I'm usually a big fan of that dreamy evening golden hour, so I was crossing my fingers that the morning sun wouldn't be too harsh.
Thankfully, Lakeview Country Club had other plans for us—in the best possible way.
The tree coverage throughout the property filtered the sunlight beautifully, creating the most magical little pockets of light. Instead of harsh morning sun, we had soft, glowy light peeking through the trees, and I was absolutely obsessed.
It was one of those sessions that reminds me that sometimes you just have to trust the location and see what happens.
Casual outfits that felt completely like them
Ashlee and Jacob started their session in casual white tops and jeans, and I loved this choice for them. There is something so timeless about a simple outfit like this, especially for engagement photos. It kept the focus on the two of them and allowed the scenery and gorgeous light to become part of the story.
We wandered around the property, spending time near the lake and tall grasses before making our way through the tree-covered drive. Each area gave us a slightly different backdrop while keeping the session feeling natural and relaxed.
Later, Ashlee changed into a beautiful dress for some more formal engagement portraits. I always love when couples bring two different looks because it allows their gallery to have a little more variety. One look can feel casual and everyday, while the second gives you those romantic, elevated images that feel a little more like a celebration.
The kind of couple I love photographing
But honestly, the outfits and location weren't even my favorite part of this session.
It was them.
Ashlee and Jacob were completely willing to be themselves in front of my camera. They laughed, they were silly, they played around, and they didn't take themselves too seriously.
And those are the moments I live for.
Of course, we created plenty of beautiful, romantic portraits, but some of my favorite images are the ones where they were simply being goofy together. The little moments between the poses. The laughs that weren't planned. The expressions that happened because they forgot for a second that I was even photographing them.
Those are the images that feel like them.
And I think that's what makes an engagement gallery so special. It's not just about showing what a couple looks like together. It's about capturing how they feel together.
Planning engagement photos before your Central Illinois wedding
Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of the wedding photography experience because they give couples a chance to celebrate this season before the wedding day arrives.
They're also a great opportunity to create photographs that feel different from your wedding portraits. You can choose a location that means something to you, incorporate outfits that reflect your everyday style, and simply spend time together without the timeline and excitement of the wedding day surrounding you.
For couples planning a Central Illinois wedding, there are so many beautiful options for engagement photos—from lakes and parks to fields, downtown areas, and private locations that hold special meaning.
Your engagement session doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
It should look like you.
A session I won't soon forget
Getting to photograph Ashlee and Jacob was such a special experience for me. Between the beautiful Lakeview Country Club setting, the unexpected morning light, and two people who were completely comfortable being themselves, this session gave me so many images I'm completely obsessed with.
Most of all, I'm grateful that I get to be part of this chapter for Ashlee. After knowing her for so many years, getting to watch her step into this next season and celebrate it alongside her and Jacob is something I won't take for granted.
I can't wait to see where this next chapter takes these two—and I feel pretty lucky that I get to document a little piece of it. 🤍