* Rachel & Ricky * SIU & Lincoln Memorial Gardens Engagement Photographer *
Couples who share the same interests, passions, as well as support each other’s gifts are on the right path to have an incredible marriage! Rachel and Ricky most definitely understand what it takes for a successful relationship, which was pretty apparent when I met them for their fall engagement session in and around the Springfield, Illinois area. These two have been so pumped for their engagement session since I met and booked them at a bridal show in January! Their pure excitement got me even more excited about the fun we were about to have! We began our time in a spot where both Rachel and Ricky spent many hours as well as shed blood and sweat leading up to their e-session! The Gym! The pair loves to work out together and even told me they challenged themselves to a sit-up competition leading up to their session to keep each other accountable and in shape for their photo debut! Really…They are adorable! I captured them doing some of their favorite workouts together and showed off the hard work they have accomplished together as a couple! Before heading downtown we made a quick spot at Rachel’s mom, Karen’s house for an outfit change as well as a few photos with her beloved dog, Richardo! I don’t think Richardo was a big fan of mine, yet this 14-year-old can think whatever he wants…He earned it! Rachel and Ricky are also planning something sweet (and salty) for their wedding guests and asked mom to help them out with a fun way to incorporate popcorn into their photos! Let’s just say from the number of tries we had to do throwing the popcorn…Karen may not be asked to perform this task again! LOL! It was pretty hysterical and the birds will definitely enjoy the multiple attempts! Thanks for the help, Karen!
We then headed out to SIU Medical School, where Rachel has been working extremely tirelessly to complete medical school. She has a couple more years left then she will have to decide what type of medicine she wants to specialize in. Right now she was contemplating family or ER practice but hasn’t made any final decisions. SIU’s campus in Springfield has a lovely courtyard, which I had no idea existed! On a Friday evening, we had the place to ourselves and took advantage of the beautiful hidden gem! Rachel looked gorgeous in a white and yellow dress and jean jacket and Ricky was holding his own in a blue button-down shirt and jeans. I took all the opportunities I could to snuggle the pair up on a chilly evening. We even played around with Rachel’s essential accessories for getting through medical school. Her white doctor’s jacket, stethoscope, and her endless pile of textbooks. And before we finished our time in the courtyard we took a few memorable photos by request of Rachel and Ricky. Beauty and the Beast is one of their favorite movies and the movie even played a role in the way Ricky proposed! He created a miniature replica of the famous rose from the movie to use with her ring when he asked Rachel to marry him. How cute! So Rachel brought along some other characters from the movie for a few photos! Rachel said she just fell in love with her dress when she chose it, but I think it wasn’t a coincidence Rachel wore yellow and Ricky wore blue for this special part of their session!
I finished up my time with Rachel and Ricky at Lincoln Memorial Gardens as the leaves had started to change this fall. The colors were incredible and I’m thrilled the timing worked for these two! One of my favorite spots at the gardens is the tree-lined dirt road. I think it highlights couples and the fun they have with one another, which is exactly what happened as this pair walked hand in hand down the path. Ricky wanted to make sure he got to include one of his other loves…His truck! Rachel and Ricky did look pretty cute on the tailgate! We had been watching the sky the whole time and we were hoping the sun would come out on what had been a gloomy and dreary day. And lucky for Rachel and Ricky, the sun peeked out right at the end of the session at sunset and turned the sky pink! It was a perfect way to finish up down by the water! I absolutely cannot wait for Rachel and Ricky’s summer wedding next year!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
