Bar Engagement Photos in Chicago | Molly & Zach

Editorial engagement photos at their favorite bar in the city

We had the best time working with Molly and Zach to achieve the editorial look they were going for with a personal touch for their bar engagement photos in Chicago. When we were creating a plan for their photos, Molly loved the idea of an intimate, editorial look at a local bar or restaurant for engagement photos paired with a spot that screams Chicago for a few outdoor photos. As they thought about a few local spots that were personal to them, we landed on Centennial Crafted Beer and Eatery in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. When Molly told me that Centennial is their go to place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions, I knew it would be the perfect spot for their bar engagement photos. I’m always a fan of couples choosing something personal to incorporate into engagement photos. Yes, I love shooting at gorgeous locations, but photographs mean so much more when they contain a glimpse of everyday life in them. I love that these photos of Molly and Zach remind them of all the things they’ve celebrated at their favorite bar in the city together. 

Planning your bar engagement photos

For Molly and Zach’s bar engagement photos, we wanted a more editorial feel and chose to incorporate some old school film cameras into our gear for the night. I love the way the film shots give a nostalgic feel to the images, like the perspective of a friend snapping a quick photo during a celebration. 

Planning bar engagement photos can take some time. Lucky for us, Molly and Zach frequent Centennial often enough that they knew someone there, which helped us secure the location for the shoot. We planned ahead, ordered some drinks, and made the most of our time at the bar together. 

Film engagement photos in the city

After we finished up at the bar, we closed out Molly and Zach’s engagement session at a Chicago favorite, North Avenue Beach. The weather was a little wild, with cooler temperatures for a summer night, high winds, and a chance of rain. Because we got some amazing photos at the bar first, we decided to go for it and brave the weather for some skyline photos at dusk. 

Some of my favorite photos from this engagement session are film photographs of Molly and Zach. As a photographer, I know I have to move quickly when the weather conditions aren’t ideal, but I squeezed in some stunning film photographs along the lakeshore and I’m so glad I did! One of my favorite photos from Molly and Zach’s session is a double exposure with the Chicago skyline and the couple. It’s the perfect mix of intimate and iconic. 

When Molly saw these engagement photos, here's what she said: 

"OBSESSED with all the pics! So much life and love captured!"

Molly and Zach, thank you so much for trusting us to take these significant photographs for you. We loved checking out your favorite bar for photos, and braving a blustery Chicago night with you! These engagement photos are some of our favorites, and we can’t wait to make more stunning photographs for you on your wedding day! Hugs, Becky & Kaleb. 

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Photographer in Chicago

I’m Becky, a wedding and engagement photographer. After living in Chicago for the most of my life, I made a cross country move to Boise, where I live with my husband and son. With family in Chicago, I return often to photograph weddings and engagement sessions in my favorite city! As a photographer, there’s nothing like the moment you snap the shutter and know you’ve just created an image that will move people. The work I do as an artist, the photographs I create to document stories and milestones for couples is so personal and rewarding. If you’re looking for a photographer in Chicago, I’d love to connect! Get to know a little more about me or reach out via my website to chat about a wedding or engagement session in Chicago with me.

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Becky Dean
I'm a Co-founder and Lead Photographer at Studio Ostendo.

Wedding photography is my heartbeat. For me, it holds the perfect tension between creativity and authenticity, observation and connection. In front of my camera clients transform to friends, and behind it you'll usually find me tearing up, cheering you on, or holding my breath because of the raw goodness of the moment at hand.

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Becky Dean, Boise Wedding Photographer at Pen and Lens Photography
Becky Dean
Co-Founder, Studio Ostendo

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