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chicago engagement photographers | matt & katy.

Filed in: engagement

Before Katy and I ever even met in-person I already felt like we were two peas in a pod…

She’d ask, “Want to meet early morning?”… “Yes! I’m totally a morning person!”

I’d say, “I love coffee.. want to grab Caribou?” … “Me too!”

That’s pretty much how most of our conversation topics went, just short of finishing each other’s sentences lol  Aside from the fact that I was so excited to work with Katy, I was totally eager to shoot hers and Matt’s wedding because it was scheduled to be the perfect fall-day ceremony outside on the lawn of the Lake Forest Armour House  which is one of my favorite venues.   Instead of an engagement session we decided to have more of a ‘beloved session’ post-wedding which I think was way more fun anyway 😉  We went back to the place that they had just said their vows at not long and walked around the grounds, talked about their amazing honeymoon, and enjoyed the gorgeous fall foliage.  Per my last e-session post, I thought I’d have Katy tell you all about their proposal story for herself 🙂

THEIR PROPOSAL

“Matt’s grandparents had invited me to join their side of the family for Christmas, in Virginia Beach.  I was flattered and immediately said, “YES!”  Realizing what I had done, I doubled checked with my mom to make sure that was okay.  She smiled and said, ” Of course, but you will be very missed.”

Matt and I are very playful and like to tease each other, especially about who gives the most gifts at Christmas, or who is getting the most expensive gift/gifts. And in usual fashion we were teasing one another days before leaving for Virginia.  I had told him that I definitely win for most money spent this year.  He said that I could be getting a really really expensive gift this year and that he would win.  Then, I decided to blurt out, ” An engagement ring is not a Christmas gift.”  Matt said “Yes it is!  It’s a gift!”.  To which I replied, “Okay it’s a gift, but not a Christmas gift..it’s a I-love-you-so-much-will-you-spend-the-rest-of-your-life-with-me-gift!”.  So after that I thought don’t plan on getting engaged this year!

Getting to Virginia Beach was not the best travel experience that year…  Matt and I didn’t get to sit with each other on the plane… we sat on the runway for 45minutes waiting for the snow storm to calm down… we had a connection in Detroit that we had to run as fast as we could to make…  I think we had something like 7 minutes to get to the other end of the airport.  I felt like I was in the movie Home Alone, frantically running for our flight.  Thank God we made it!  And landed in Virginia Beach at 12;15 am on Christmas Eve.  We got to Matt’s grandparents house and slept.

That morning we got up and visited for a little bit.  Then, Matt asked me if I wanted to go see the Virginia Beach board walk.  We hopped in the car and drove down to the beach.  It looked like it was a beautiful day..clear sky, the sun was shining!  I wore a light jacket, pretty scarf..I was at the beach, right? Wrong!  We both dressed way too light.  It was 45 degrees and windy…bbuurrr.  I put my scarf over my head, tied it like a babushka and zipped my coat over it.  We wanted to walk down to Poseidon..king of the sea.  Sixteen blocks later we made it!  The two of us were standing there holding each other close saying sweet things.  I was thinking he loves me soooooo much because I came to Virginia for Christmas.  He had just finished saying how happy he was and how much he loved me.  And that he had brought me here for a reason.  I thought,”Holy crap! Is this, like, the moment?!”.  And it was!  He pulled away from me..got down on one knee..took my right hand and started saying more sweet things.  I, smoothly, took back my right hand, and gave him my left.  He continued with the sweetness..and then popped open that magic box and said,”Will you marry me?”  Of course I said YES!!!  I even think I was nodding yes during the proposal!  I’m so lucky to have found such an incredible man to share my life with!”

 

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  1. Katy Crawford says:

    Wow! Suzy you are such a talent! I LLLOOOOVVVVEE the photos! I’m so happy I’ve found you…you have me for life!

  2. Catherine Almanzo says:

    Hi Kate – thanks so much for sharing the pictures. I really like the B&W close up of you and Matt. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the story. : )

  3. Sheila says:

    I’m a friend of your Aunt Cat’s and she shared some of your pictures. Just wanted to say that your pictures look wonderful and hope you get your free pictures.

  4. Nancy Paisley says:

    What beautiful photos! Of course the subject couple is pretty beautiful too! I’d definitely like one of B&W close up, with both Ms Kate & Mr Matt looking at the camera. Gorgeous! Kate, I love reading your proposal story all over again. It’s one for the ages!
    Love,
    Aunt Nancy

  5. Neal says:

    Katy’s a sweety, and Matt’s a good man. I smiled at the proposal story. He was probably hoping the “yes nod” wasn’t just shivering..

  6. Val Black says:

    Dear Katy and Matt –
    Loved the photos – thanks for sending. One of my favorites is the close-up black and white – it’s gorgeous. Sounds like you picked the very best photographer to work with prior to and during the wedding (Funny how her name is “Suzy”). We’re all anxious to see those as well.
    Love to you both,
    Val and Bobby

  7. Susie says:

    When the subjects are my beautiful daughter-in-law and handsome son, how could I not love these pictures. Anxious for more!

  8. Rita Buhnerkemper says:

    Wow, these are just gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the wedding pictures. Matt and Katy are such an adorable couple!

  9. Gini & Bob Wick says:

    Katy and Matt
    You are a dream couple. We are so happy that we were able to be present for your wonderful wedding. Like others, we enjoyed the black and white photos too. In fact, they are all great. Your expressions clearly show the love you have for each other.
    Thanks for letting us peek at your pictures.
    Love,
    Gma & Gpa

  10. Judy Kanka says:

    Beautiful pictures from a cute couple! So happy for both of you!

  11. Susan Senti says:

    Lovely venue, fabulous photography and, of course, beautiful couple 🙂

    Congratulations cousin!

  12. Tom Kasting says:

    Katy & Matt –
    I loved the Virginia Beach story. It gave me a minute to reflect upon my “popping the question”. Barb dumped over her wine glass while moving toward me to say “yes” and seal it with a hug. Fortunately the glass was empty with just a bit of ice. I, too, liked the b&w portriat but a close second is the walk in the trees under a golden canopy. I love the mood generated by being backlit from the sun flare off of the water. Nicely framed without any other distractions.
    I look forward to seeing the upcoming photos!

  13. Pete Kasting says:

    I really like the picture of you walking through the forest to gether with the leaves changing color. All the pictures are nice.

  14. Aunt Mary says:

    Katy & Matt,

    What a lovely first offering from your photographer. The beautiful couple, simply scenery and a love that tells a wonderful story. May the rest of the pictures be as lovely. My favorite is the B&W close-up. No picture tells a story more beautifully than B&W.

  15. Vicki Kozeny says:

    LOVE the pictures! What a beautiful couple and such a talented photographer!

  16. Becki Null says:

    LOVE these pics, kids. Seriously. Love.

  17. Gail says:

    All I can say is breathtaking. I’ve been antsy to see these, being on the road has delayed my response, I should have been first!

  18. Pat & Roger says:

    Moments in time together captured forever as each of you has captured each others heart! Absolutely stunning! Much Love from you and back to you both. You are blessed!!

  19. Shawna says:

    So amazing! You guys are the most beautiful couple. I can’t wait to see the wedding photos!

  20. Nancy Wick says:

    Hi
    Those are really gorgeous photos! You guys are such a cute couple and made for each other!

    Nancy

  21. Ann Bigger says:

    Beautiful shots of their life and love now entwined into one! I can’t wait to see the Wedding shots. Blessings with your business ventures! Ann

  22. Marianne Dubois says:

    These pictures capture the love you have created in your life together. What an amazing thing love is! Thanks for sharing these.

  23. Sharon White says:

    Really nice photos.

  24. Pat Cashmore says:

    Beautiful pictures and more beautiful story. Can’t wait to see more pictures. Thanks.

  25. Pam Jacobs says:

    Katy and Matt,

    Loved the pictures and story. Just had your Mom and Vic here in Naples for a short visit and thought the Wedding was just beautiful.

    Best wishes to you and Matt as you begin you life’s journey together.

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