Snow on the day they got engaged, and rain on the day they had their engagement session. We think that some type of inclement weather brings luck to Valerie and Cody. Seeing as how these Chicago Cubs fans are in great spirits in these lovely photos from Jennifer Lourie Photography, they’re just so laser-focused on their love that they don’t mind what the forecast brings!
How did you meet?
Cody and I attended the same junior high and high school and had mutual friends while growing up, although we did not actually meet and begin talking as friends until our college years in 2015. We actually connected with each other after he commented on a Facebook post which led to messaging! We share very similar interests in music, art, and just about everything which led to first a friendship and then dating 2016.
What is your proposal story?
For us, Chicago has played a significant role in our lives and throughout our relationship. Even from our start together, we would carouse the city streets to find new coffee shops, stumble into a new brunch spot, take photographs, or just wander and try anything that sparked our interest. Whether it was going to a Cubs game, losing ourselves in The Art Institute of Chicago, or sitting on the beach or at the park to relax, Chicago has always captured our hearts and has been the backdrop to many of our favorite memories together.
We love taking photographs whenever we venture out and often will wander around the city with our cameras in hands. Whether it is 90 degrees with full sunlight or 20 degrees and snowing, we have our cameras ready to go.
A cold, sleety Saturday at the end of December was no different! Cody had asked if I wanted to go to Oak Street Beach to take some photos. We knew the weather obviously wasn’t optimal, but hey—why not? After a quiet bus ride downtown, we found ourselves on a snow-covered beach and a halfway covered skyline as our backdrop. Regardless, we loved the view of our favorite city and began taking photos like usual. The beach was so peaceful with only a few stragglers braving the windy lakefront. Cody had asked me to turn around and face Lake Michigan for his next photo; naturally I did and began taking photos of the water. A few seconds later, he asked me to turn around and there he was with a sparkly ring in his hand, down on his knee in the snow, and asking me to marry him. It honestly couldn’t have been more perfect to us—snowy, gray day and all!
Tell us about the ring/band.
The engagement ring is a princess-cut diamond with a diamond pavé band in white gold. It gives the most brilliant, fiery shine in any kind of lighting!
Tell us about your engagement shoot outfits and accessories.
We decided to bring along two different outfits to change into – one a little more formal, one a little more casual. Cody ended up staying in his navy-colored suit the entire time, while I wanted to change into my more casual outfit that was more comfortable to move around in! The aqua BCBG dress I first wore was a little more restrictive, so in the middle of shooting at the first location I decided to change into my off-the-shoulder maxi floral dress and felt much more myself.
