There are engagement sessions… and then there are engagement sessions that feel like the perfect date night with a camera tagging along. Leah & Chip’s winter session in Champaign was exactly that. From the second we started, these two were laughing, being silly with one another, and making the chilly February day way more fun than it had any business being. We kicked things off at one of their favorite date night spots, which also happened to be where they had their very first date, and it could not have fit their personalities more perfectly. Between cocktails, pizza, and a little pool playing, they settled into the session immediately. No awkwardness. No overthinking. Just Leah & Chip being Leah & Chip. Chip knows exactly how to get Leah giggling, and honestly half the session was the two of them cracking each other up.

And can we talk about these outfits for a second?! Leah absolutely stunned in a gorgeous burgundy satin dress with the prettiest matching choker necklace, while Chip looked so sharp in slacks, a button down, and a plaid sport coat. The whole vibe felt elevated and stylish without trying too hard, basically the perfect mix for these two. We wandered around, grabbed some fun candid moments around the pool tables, and leaned into all the playful energy that made this session feel so natural from the start.

After that, we headed downtown for the second half of their session, and despite the absolutely frigid temperatures, these two somehow made winter look fun. We did stop into a favorite watering hole for a drink for these two and a few photos. Then Leah changed into the most incredible white sequined dress with a dramatic flowy cape situation that moved beautifully every time she spun around. Chip switched into a slate blue suit and looked equally amazing. We mostly stayed tucked indoors at first because it was freezing outside and there was still snow everywhere from the week before, but eventually we decided to brave the cold for a few outdoor shots, and honestly, I’m so glad we did.

This is where the magic really happened. The overcast sun was setting, downtown lights were starting to glow, and Leah pulled on her iconic tan fur coat (which had earned the nickname “The Bear” from friends). The two of them completely leaned into the moment together. There was twirling, dipping, laughing in the middle of the street, and so many cozy little moments where they forgot I was even there with a camera. They have this effortless chemistry that makes everything feel easy and fun, and it made photographing them such a blast. We wrapped up the night popping champagne on a snowy street, which honestly felt like the perfect ending to such a fun winter engagement session.

If their wedding day is anything like this session, it is going to be one heck of a party this summer and I seriously cannot wait.

Warm Regards,