Hannah + Zak - Chicago Loop Engagement

In the first week of 2018 I met with Hannah and Zak downtown for their engagement shoot. It was freezing outside, to say the least. It was one of those bone-chilling mornings where it felt like the sun was protesting winter and the wind was out to get us.

A few days before their shoot the temperatures were below zero and Hannah said, “I think 20-25 degrees [for our engagement shoot] sounds like a heat-wave right about now!" She didn't seem worried and then added, "We've been to two less than 10-degree Packer games this year, so we are pros in the cold!”

I can tell you, yes, they absolutely are pros in the cold! I honestly don’t think either of them complained once. (I can’t say the same for myself.) And as you’ll see below they even took their jackets off! I was seriously impressed.

Cold weather aside, I had a lot of fun taking Hannah and Zak’s engagement pictures and getting to know them a little bit. We took pictures in front of the Chicago Board of Trade building, at a coffee shop nearby, and finished up on the Kinzie Street Bridge. In addition to sharing their photos, Hannah and Zak agreed to share some of their story. 

What has been the best part about being engaged?

Hannah: Knowing that I am officially going to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend! AND being able to put my Pinterest wedding dreams to reality.

Zak: Not getting bugged anymore by Hannah, friends, or family about when we are going to get engaged. ;)

You spent 2 years living in different states. What is your best advice for couples in a long distance relationship?

Make each other a priority. No matter how busy your day is, talk on the phone, Skype, or FaceTime each night, even if it is only for 5 minutes. Not seeing each other every few days is hard! But knowing you get to talk to one another at the end of each day, is something I looked forward to every single night. It truly made the world of difference in our relationship!

What would you say is most important to you both about your wedding day?

Having all of our family and friends their to celebrate with us as we become Mr. and Mrs! And knowing that no matter what happens at the end of the day, we will be husband and wife.