Allison + Charlie
Allison & Charlie met during their Freshman year of college, during a TV production class. Charlie stood out to Allison right away. She loved his name, which seemed to compliment him so well. He grew up in Chicago, which was a huge contrast to the small town she grew up in.
When Charlie’s video came in first place for a class project, and Allison came in second, she was impressed by his perspective. However, she still maintains her video was better.
When the two saw each other at a party outside of class, they really connected. Charlie asked for her number at the end of the night “in case he had any questions about Media Studies.”
They immediately started texting and never stopped. 8 1/2 years later, they are doing life and a videography business together. Charlie said, “We are almost always together 24/7.”
“I knew he was an amazing guy, and lucky for me, we were perfect for each other!” – Allison
Allison & Charlie’s Chicago Engagement Session
I had so much fun exploring Chicago with Allison & Charlie and taking engagement photos that were representative of their life and relationship. We started at their apartment with their cat, then biked to Peterson Park, and ended the evening with photos at North Avenue Beach, with Chicago’s iconic skyline.
3 words to describe Charlie, by Allison | thoughtful, funny, caring.
Their Downtown Chicago Proposal: as told by Allison
“It was a stormy day in Chicago. It was raining, there was thunder and lightning, and it even hailed at one point! Charlie had asked me if I wanted to meet a couple of friends at Spiteful Brewing, and I said sure!
Then, when the storms stopped and it started to clear, he said he wanted to drive downtown quickly to get some video of the storms leaving the city, with the skyline as the backdrop. I didn’t think this was weird – we do that all the time!
But then he started to act weird, asking what I was going to wear, giving me detailed opinions when I asked about my hair and makeup…I knew something was up.
I immediately texted my sisters to see what they were up to (I suspected if he was about to propose, they would be in the city). They responded, and they fooled me. I was second-guessing myself that it was happening!
When we got to the location downtown, he was getting his camera gear out, and I noticed he clicked record on the camera right away – that pretty much confirmed it for me!
He asked me to step in front of the camera so he could “frame up the shot,” and then he also tried to distract me by telling me to look at the waves. I knew he was grabbing the ring box!
I didn’t look back until he grabbed my hand and I saw the ring box. I was so happy!
He got the whole thing on camera, and then we went to that brewery where our friends and family were waiting to congratulate us. It was such a special night!”
3 words to describe Allison, by Charlie | smart, pretty, determined
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
Allison: “I always say I knew from the moment I saw him that he would be the best boyfriend, life partner, etc. I just knew he was an amazing guy, and lucky for me, we were perfect for each other! I think he’s shown me from the very beginning that I wanted to spend forever with him.”
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
Charlie: “I realized that we spend a ton of time together and don’t really get tired of each other. I feel like that was the most telltale sign.”
What is something you both have in common?
Allison: “Our love of music (especially Fall Out Boy) and our passion for video.”
Charlie: “We’re both creative, but maybe not people who wear it on their sleeves.”
What is something totally different about the two of you?
Allison: “I’m a planner, super organized, and don’t like a lot of clutter. Charlie is more laid back and likes to hold on to items.”
What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?
Allison: “She has come up with at least 50 nicknames for our cat.”
Charlie: “He plays the guitar, and he’s VERY good. But it’s a talent he only lets a few people experience.”
Congratulations, Charlie & Allison! I can’t wait for your wedding tomorrow at The Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium!
If these photos resonated with you, & you’re getting married in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin, click over to my contact form & drop me a line.
