This Rend Lake engagement session was one for the books! Between a beautiful sunset and a location that was….less than ideal, Maleah, Chris, and I had so many laughs! These two were seriously the sweetest. When I told them we were going to the spillway side of the Lake dam, they were game. Little did I know, the amount of dead fish was UNBELIEVABLE! We pushed through quickly and created some of my favorite engagement images to date! I 10/10 recommend finding couples willing to power through for the shot!

Want a fun little fact? Chris and Maleah actually dated in  8th grade. Life took them separate ways but Fast forward to the summer of 2017, Maleah saw him at Lowes picking out roses for his garden at his house. Her words exactly were “then basically I stalked him till October and we finally went on our first date after I had the guts to ask him out. 🙈” How cute is that!? I love how life has a way of working itself out and bring people and things together in perfect timing!

Chris and Maleah were on a family vacation in Florida, almost a year ago, and Chris had big plans for their time there. Jessi, Maleah’s best friend, was taking photos of them, down by the ocean. After a bit, Jessi was suggesting one more photo but they were out of poses so Maleah said, okay, just kiss me. She recalls Chris acting kind of off so she backed up to ask what was going on with him.  Little did Maleah know, Chris was about to pop the questions. He dropped to a knee and asked her hand. I can imagine it was the easiest “YES”!

I am so honored to get to capture this season of life, including their November 2021 wedding day!

Scroll through and enjoy some favorites from this Rend Lake engagement session

How adorable is this denim jacket? Loving this trend!

dead.fish.everywhere.

These next sets of images were ALL Chris’ idea and I am kind of obsessed!