Chicago Art Institute Engagement | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Are art museum engagements & elopements becoming a trend, or am I just lucky enough to meet all the couples who want to do them? Because I had the opportunity to set up a little couples shoot with Emi + Nolan when I was in Chicago this past summer, and a while back I also met up with Alex + Alexis at the Seattle Art Museum for their own elopement! Art museum shoots have easily become one of my favorite things to do with couples who are looking for a totally unique location to serve as the backdrop to their photos, brimming with magnificent pieces of art, fabulous architecture, and stunning design. I hope you adore all of the Chicago Art Institute engagement inspiration that Emi + Nolan’s shoot has to offer, because trust me – the beauty of this institute is something to behold!
Dreamy Chicago Art Institute Engagement Inspiration
A leisurely afternoon in Chicago with Emi + Nolan
I like to say that when your love is easy and effortless, it should be captured as so🤍Emi and Nolan joined me for a laid-back afternoon making our way around the Chicago Art Institute, and it was every bit as effortless as it looks in the photos. They spent their time looking around at each art piece, from the gold-framed paintings on the wall, to the pastel & floral-covered vases, to the standing sculptures and marble busts. A lot of my inspiration as a photographer comes from fashion and other forms of art, so getting to combine my love for both photographing couples AND my love for witnessing art was so special! The art-covered walls provided the perfect backdrop as Emi and Nolan snuggled up close on benches, walked through each room hand-in-hand, and whispered their thoughts about each piece.
Why the Chicago Art Institute?
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Chicago Art Institute provided the perfect setting for Emi and Nolan’s photoshoot. Oftentimes when we think of engagement sessions or couples photoshoots these days, the first thing to pop into our minds is an outdoor location; somewhere in an open field, a forest, a wildflower meadow, or in the mountains. And I adore shooting out in nature with my couples, getting lost in the woods & being able to breathe in all the beauty that this planet has to offer – but how incredible is it that we can also think outside of the box a little and get creative with our locations if we want to?
Here are a few of my favorite couples shoots, weddings, & elopements that have taken place somewhere a bit more unconventional, and that turned out just beautifully:
- Romantic Coffee Shop Engagement Photos in Pioneer Square – Sipping on a mug of steaming hot coffee & picking apart a croissant as you snuggle up close in your coziest fall clothes? Yes, please!
- Colorful & Retro Botanical Conservatory Wedding – Gone are the days where your only color palette option in the PNW is filled with neutrals. Say hello to a vibrant color palette surrounded by lush tropical greenery, instead!
- Styled Editorial Wedding Portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library – Because when you have a stunning, architecturally mind-blowing library nearby, you HAVE to take advantage.
I hope these, as well as Emi and Nolan’s shoot, encourage you to consider out-of-the-box locations for your photos if the traditional outdoor setting doesn’t quite fit what you’re looking for! Hitting up less-traditional spots such as local restaurants, cafes, diners, libraries, museums, and gardens will never fail to add a unique charm to your gallery🥂
A romantic date straight off of Pinterest
As soon as we started shooting inside of the museum, I knew this gallery would be one that belongs on a million Pinterest boards for all the art lovers out there ✨ Emi and Nolan were naturals in front of the camera and truly made this shoot feel like it was just a weekend date between the two of them that I was peeking in on! Not only was the location absolute perfection, with brightly-colored glass ceilings and gorg architecture galore – Emi and Nolan also wore such great outfits that went with absolutely every backdrop and piece of art we came across. Emi rocked a simple & elegant black dress, which, paired with her brown belt & gold accessories, matched the gold and black frames of the majority of the paintings flawlessly! Nolan opted for a cream-colored collared shirt, featuring a unique checkered pattern of small cutouts, and a classic pair of black pants. These two truly knew how to keep things classy and how to absolutely shine amidst the elegant museum atmosphere!
There’s something so magical about making your engagement or couples photoshoot feel like a regular date you’d go on, whether that be a picnic in the park with your favorite books in hand or a walk through an art museum, admiring the beauty surrounding you with every step. It takes off a lot of the pressure & nerves that can come with being in front of the camera, and instead helps you focus on being present with each other like you normally would without anybody watching💕
Chicago Engagement & Wedding Photographer
As much as I love the glorious landscapes & natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the windy city certainly holds a special place in my heart. Being a Chicago engagement & wedding photographer is the biggest privilege, especially when it means working with amazing couples like this, and I’ll never take it for granted!
If you’re planning on having your engagement session, elopement, or wedding in Chi-town and are looking for a Chicago wedding & engagement photographer to document your story for you, I’d be honored to tag along. Let’s head down to the Chicago Riverwalk, browse the art museum, take a few touristy photos in front of the Bean, and take advantage of those city skylines across the water, my darlings! Get in touch here and we’ll start planning your grand Chicago adventure + bringing all of your city dreams to life.
For more wedding & elopement inspiration in the city, take a look at the blog, or browse through some of my favorites below!
