A Chicago North Avenue Pier Queer Engagement with Rescue Dog

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A Chicago North Avenue Pier Queer Engagement with Rescue Dog

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About North Avenue Pier in Chicago, IL

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATION

One of the most classic Chicago photography locations, North Avenue Pier has a stunning view of the Chicago city skyline. It is just a little bit north of the loop area so it makes it really accessible via public transit. The pier connects to a great beach area and the Lakefront Trail. To avoid the crowds, come at sunrise otherwise the sunset is gorgeous as well. With the sun setting just behind all the buildings to the west of the pier, you get some fantastic filtered light passing through.

Recently engaged couple Emma & Maya brought their pup Kona to celebrate with some gorgeous Chicago sunset photos at the North Avenue Pier. The day was a perfect example of just how amazing Chicago is during the summer.

Meet the Couple

MEET EMMA (SHE/HER) & MAYA (SHE/HER)

College sweethearts Emma & Maya first met through their sorority of all places. They were paired up so Emma could advise Maya on what classes and professors were the best and their coffee chat quickly turned into a date. They kept talking, and talking, and talking, never wanting the date to end.

They’ve truly built their lives and have grown together over the years and are now excitedly beginning the wedding planning journey. Congratulations to Kona’s moms Emma & Maya!

The Proposal Story

AN AT-HOME INTIMATE PROPOSAL INCLUDING PRIVATE CHEF

Fast forward to now, they are proud (engaged) dog moms to their pandemic puppy Kona who was named after the first beer they ever shared. Maya proposed to Emma right at their home. She planned it all out including balloons spelling out “will you marry me?”, a laid out picnic complete with blanket and celebratory bottle of champagne. The best part was the private chef that Maya had hired to cook them an intimate four course dinner to immediately celebrate. Before excitedly sharing the news to their friends and family later that evening, the couple were able to enjoy the intimacy of being the only people to know they were married.

About Their Four-Legged Family

MEET KONA (HE/HIM) THE RESCUE DOG

Kona had the opposite problem than most other rescue dogs as he wasn’t shy by any means. With a lot of excited energy, we went at his pace and made sure he had time to really take in all of his surroundings including all the new smells, new visual stimulus, and new sounds all around him. With the time he needed, Kona did extraordinarily well. Since Emma & Maya were so prepared with everything he would need to feel more comfortable, he had a great time getting extra treats and playing with his favorite toys during his session. He felt reassured the whole time having his moms there with him, and he obviously did so well for his portraits.

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The Creative Team

Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Location | North Avenue Pier/Beach in Chicago, IL